MDM technology can sound complicated, but it’s a way to control phones, computers and other devices remotely to maximize convenience and security. If you’re considering deploying MDM technology, determine the data control and access features your business needs and whether a cloud-based system or on-premises solution is best. Evaluate various vendors, comparing their features, controls and prices, and ensure their solutions are compatible with your company’s devices.
\n\n\n\nA robust MDM solution will help you install apps, configure VPNs and track lost or stolen devices. To get your team’s buy-in, share the software’s capabilities and benefits, such as ensuring they have the latest configuration settings and security updates.
\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nWe recommend Shopify as the best overall e-commerce software for small businesses. We chose Shopify from dozens of e-commerce software solutions because it has everything you need to launch, run and manage a successful e-commerce business.
\nWhy Shopify?
\nShopify is packed with tons of features to help you launch and manage your online store. It doesn’t require any coding or tech skills to get started, and the software can grow as your business grows. This includes offline sales with the Shopify POS system. Shopify also offers 24/7 customer support by phone, email and live chat.
\nShopify plans start at $29 per month and include everything you need to launch an online store. A cheaper Shopify Lite plan is also available for $9 per month, which lets you sell on Facebook, accept credit cards and use buy buttons on any website.
\nBest price
\nOf the e-commerce software we reviewed, Shopify offers the best and most affordable packages for small businesses. We really liked that it offers several subscription packages for any stage of your e-commerce business. Shopify plans start at $29 per month. This includes unlimited products, a custom domain, Shopify Payment (so you can easily accept credit cards without setting up a third-party payment gateway), two users, customer support and more. Additional plans are also available if you need more users and advanced features for growing businesses.
\nIf you’re just starting out, a Shopify Lite plan is also available for $9 per month. This is a great choice if you don’t need a full-fledged online store. Shopify Lite lets you sell on Facebook and use Shopify buy buttons on your blog or other websites, as well as easily accept credit cards using Shopify’s built-in payment processor.
\nWe also liked that there are no hidden fees. When we called Shopify, the customer service representative confirmed that there are no transaction fees, adding that there are no transaction fees if you use Shopify’s payment gateway either. Note that this is separate from credit card processing fees, which range from 2.25 percent plus 30 cents per transaction to 2.9 percent plus 30 cents per transaction, depending on your plan. [See Related Story: Best Credit Card Processors for Small Business]
\nLearn more about Shopify’s pricing here.
\nEase of use
\nTo test e-commerce software, we signed up for our own business accounts on several platforms. We found Shopify to be super easy to use, and we set up our account in seconds.
\nWhen you sign in to Shopify, you’re greeted with a simple dashboard with a side navigation menu, which makes it easy to get around and quickly get to a specific task. The dashboard homepage also has shortcuts to commonly used features, so you don’t have to waste time going through each section — for instance, to add products or edit your website.
\nUsing Shopify, you can launch your online store in three steps: add products, customize the look of your website, and set up your domain. Adding products is as simple as entering details such as product descriptions, pricing and options (size, color, model, etc.), and then uploading product images.
\nYou don’t need any tech skills to build, design or edit your website. You can choose from more than 100 ready-made themes, and then just add your logo and pick colors that match your branding using a color picker. You can also customize its look and feel using menu options in the Themes section, or with HTML/CSS if you’re a more advanced user.
\nE-commerce features
\nIn addition to letting you create a professional storefront, Shopify offers all the tools you need to manage and grow your e-commerce business. These include an online shopping cart, the ability to sell on social media, reports and analytics, marketing tools, and mobile access.
\nShopify’s online shopping cart lets you easily accept credit card and PayPal payments, as well as automate sales to save you time. The service has its own payment gateway, so you don’t need to set up any third-party processors. The sales rep we spoke to said this means you can start making sales as soon as your online store launches and get paid fast into your merchant account.
\nShopify also automates sales while giving customers fast, painless checkout. Taxes are automatically calculated for your region. Products are saved into shopping carts, and when customers are ready to check out, all they have to do is choose their shipping method – preset by you or by using automatic carrier shipping rates – and enter their payment information. Everything works in the background, and orders are automatically added to the Orders section of your dashboard, so all you have to take care of is shipping your products to the right customers.
\nIn addition, Shopify offers all types of merchant tools to help you run and grow your online business. For instance, you can use its reports and analytics tools to measure the performance of your store and website. There’s also a search engine optimization (SEO) wizard that helps potential customers easily find your store and individual products on Google and other search engines.
\nShopify also features several marketing tools to help you find and retain customers, including the following:
\n\n- Discount code and coupon generators
\n- Custom gift cards
\n- Social network integration
\n- Facebook selling
\n- Targeted email marketing
\n- Product reviews
\n- Google ads
\n- Facebook ads
\n
\nNeed to access your store from a mobile device? Shopify Mobile for iOS and Android lets you run your e-commerce business wherever you are. You can get order notifications by text or email whenever new orders come in, fulfill orders straight from the app, and even manage inventory and product or pricing information from your iPhone.
\nOther benefits
\nOne of the biggest benefits of using e-commerce software is that you can easily run your entire business without having to purchase additional solutions or worry about the back end or IT aspects of running an online store.
\nFirst, Shopify is all-inclusive e-commerce software that provides much more than an online store and shopping cart. It also offers the following:
\n\n- Customer relationship management (CRM) tools to help you manage customers
\n- A content management system (CMS) so you can enrich your website with multimedia, additional pages and even a full-featured blog
\n- Third-party integration so you can connect apps you already use
\n
\nSecond, the company takes care of the infrastructure and security side of your online store and website. The representative told us that not only are its servers fast, but it also guarantees a 99.94 percent uptime, so your store is always live and accessible. In addition, upgrades are installed automatically, so you don’t have to worry about manually installing the latest features and updates.
\nWhen we asked about data accessibility and security, Shopify confirmed that the company automatically performs daily backups of all data – which includes product information and inventory, orders, and customer information – in its secure servers. Shopify also keeps your business’s and customers’ information safe with 24/7 monitoring, Level 1 Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance for secure credit card processing, and a 256-bit SSL certificate for data protection.
\nCustomer service
\nIn case you need help using Shopify, the company provides a variety of resources to solve any issue. For those who want to get in touch with a live person, Shopify’s dedicated support team is available 24/7 via email, live chat and phone, so there’s always someone there when you need assistance. The small business owners we spoke with said Shopify’s customer service is always fast, accessible and friendly. Sometimes representatives are busy, and you are put in a queue with an estimated wait time, but we waited no longer than 10 minutes to reach someone.
\nFor those who prefer to resolve problems themselves, Shopify’s library of self-help resources includes the following:
\n\n- A knowledge base of frequently asked questions, and a collection of user guides and tutorials from the Shopify Manual
\n- Discussion forums to connect with the Shopify community, ask questions and get answers from fellow Shopify users
\n- An “E-Commerce University” filled with e-books, videos, webinars and more to teach you the ins and outs of selling online
\n
\nYou can also find one-on-one help with growing your online business. Known as Shopify Experts, these partner designers, developers and marketers have been approved by Shopify to hold your hand as you build your online store, boost engagement and grow your customer base.
\nLimitations
\nAlthough Shopify is our top pick for the best e-commerce software for small businesses, it does have some drawbacks. It can be difficult to customize your online store. Although you have several options to change the look and feel of your website, there is no drag-and-drop website builder that lets you fully tweak templates and design your online store by simply moving things around with your mouse.
\nAnother issue we came across relates to Shopify’s coding. Many of the small business owners we spoke with said they found it difficult to get the more advanced customizations they wanted without touching its code. Not only is that a problem for less tech-savvy users, but the difficulty is within the language itself.
\nThis is because Shopify uses “.liquid” programming, a templating language most users don’t know. To get around this, one option is to hire a website programmer who knows the coding to tweak your website for you. Another option is to use the simpler HTML/CSS feature to override any template coding.
\nKeep in mind that these issues apply primarily to those who require advanced customizations for their stores. Shopify offers more than 100 templates, many of which will already fulfill your online store’s needs.
\nAdditional reporting by Sara Angeles.
"}},{"_index":"wp-index-bnd-prod-content","_type":"content","_id":"2792","_score":2,"_source":{"canonical":"https://vaylees.com/10974-device-security-tips-travel.html","displayModified":"2024-08-16T18:00:20Z","docType":"article","editorsPick":false,"href":"10974-device-security-tips-travel.html","id":"2792","ID":2792,"isSponsored":false,"published":"2018-08-05T22:01:00Z","site":"bnd","stream":"When it comes to your business's data, travel can be risky. These cybersecurity tips for travelers can help.","subtitle":"When it comes to your business's data, travel can be risky. These cybersecurity tips for travelers can help.","title":"Cybersecurity While Traveling: Tips and Tricks","author":{"displayName":"Andreas Rivera","email":"arivera@business.com","thumbnail":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04071954/AndreasHeadshot-scaled.jpg","type":"Senior Writer"},"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Grow Your Business","slug":"grow-your-business"},"sub":{"name":"Security","slug":"security"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"Before traveling, make sure that your network and its data are protected from eavesdroppers, cybercriminals and snoopy government entities."},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04072613/business_travel_shironosov_getty.jpg","caption":"shironosov / Getty Images","alt":""},"content":"\nIn the office or at home, you may be protected from online threats thanks to a robust cybersecurity solution for your internal network. But what about when you’re on a trip? You won’t be protected by your office’s network security, and must depend on hotel and conference center Wi-Fi, which aren’t always safe. Using your mobile devices on the go increases your risk of being exposed to online threats — hackers are always looking for opportunities to infect mobile devices and use them to gain access to the greater network.
\n\n\n\nWhen on a business trip and constantly using your mobile device for work, you need to be wary that you’re more at risk of attack. There are certain best practices all employees should follow when traveling with your work devices.
\n\n\n\nEditor’s note: Looking for the right mobile device management solution for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.
\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nHow to keep your computer and other devices secure while traveling
\n\n\n\nThese are some cybersecurity musts when traveling with your connected devices.
\n\n\n\n1. Password-lock your devices.
\n\n\n\nAlways make sure your devices are locked and password-protected. Should your device be lost or stolen, your first line of defense is a strong password. Even simple storage devices like your USB thumb drive should have a password.
\n\n\n\n2. Enable 2FA or MFA.
\n\n\n\nIf possible, enable two-factor (2FA) or multifactor (MFA) authentication on your devices. On top of a password, use a credential system that requires you to insert an unlocking USB device or a biometric lock, assuming that’s a feature on the device.
\n\n\n\n3. Encrypt your data.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re traveling with sensitive data on your laptop, it’s best to fully encrypt your device with disk encryption software. This locks your data behind more authentication factors and encrypts it. This way, if it falls into the wrong hands, they can’t strong-arm their way through to the disk. The data is scrambled and impossible to decipher without the password. [Read next: How to Buy a Secure Business Laptop.]
\n\n\n\nIdeally, you shouldn’t store sensitive data on your device. Instead, access it through the cloud over an encrypted connection, such as a cloud access security broker (CASB).
\n\n\n\n“Don’t store sensitive work data on a mobile device, period,” said Mendy Newman, Senior Sales Engineer for the Ericom Cybersecurity Business Unit of Cradlepoint. “Mobile devices can easily fall into the wrong hands, where they are subject to tampering by sophisticated cybercriminals who are only too happy to sell that data to the highest bidder. Instead, data should remain securely within the corporate data center and accessed remotely over an encrypted connection that protects the session from prying eyes, even when using public Wi-Fi.”
\n\n\n\n4. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth auto-connect.
\n\n\n\nA feature on many laptops and mobile phones is an auto-connect option for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Make sure this is off, as you don’t want to auto-connect to just any Wi-Fi connection you pass. Most public Wi-Fi connections are unsecured, and some can be set up for malicious purposes to gain access or download malware to your device.
\n\n\n\nTip: Before traveling, back up your sensitive or critical information on an external device or to the cloud. Then ensure you have the latest version of all of your software applications.
\n\n\n\nHow mobile device management helps with cybersecurity
\n\n\n\nIf you have multiple employees who frequently travel with devices, a mobile device management solution (MDM) can help you keep track of those devices and make sure they remain secure. Most solutions include features to keep onboarded devices safe from unauthorized usage, access to work-related data and networks.
\n\n\n\nThese solutions can give you remote control and monitoring of your devices, allowing you to enforce certain policies on devices. You can even impose certain controls for employees’ personal devices used for work by segregating company data and personal data.
\n\n\n\nThese remote features allow you to keep a log of where the device has been used and every time it’s accessed. If the device becomes lost or stolen, you’ll know where the device has last been used and if there was a failed login attempt. You can also remotely lock the device or even wipe the data from the device if it’s especially sensitive.
\n\n\n\nHow to use VPNs for added security protection
\n\n\n\nUsing public, unsecured Wi-Fi is risky and not recommended. While traveling, you may depend on free Wi-Fi offered at restaurants and other places, but it is generally a bad idea to connect with your work device to any open, unlocked Wi-Fi.
\n\n\n\nFor one thing, other users on that network may be eavesdropping on your activity. In some cases, the entire Wi-Fi network is set up by would-be identity thieves and cybercriminals looking to skim data from unsuspecting travelers. In other situations, it would be prudent to conceal your activity from oppressive or meddling government organizations that may be looking to gain an unfair advantage for local competitors.
\n\n\n\nHow does a VPN work?
\n\n\n\nWhen traveling, make an investment in setting up a virtual private network (VPN) service on your computer. A VPN is a service through an app or browser that acts like a proxy server, creating an encrypted connection between your device and your work’s network.
\n\n\n\nA VPN works in two ways. First, it encrypts your data into gibberish while it is in transit online and then translates it back on the other side. Second, the VPN funnels your data through a server somewhere else, masking your location. Using a VPN makes connecting to the hotel Wi-Fi so much safer.
\n\n\n\nThe encryption of a VPN prevents your sensitive data from being snatched by bad actors. The location masking protects you from local cyberthieves and eavesdroppers, and allows you to access websites that may be blocked by the local government. This becomes important when traveling to countries with repressive governments, many of which block social media and other sites they feel dissidents can use for organizing or exchanging information.
\n\n\n\n“VPNs are the ideal cybersecurity tool for remote and traveling workforces,” said Keri Lindenmuth, marketing director for tech consulting company KDG. “They encrypt data in transit, meaning any files or data transferred between a remote employee and team members at the main office can’t be seen or stolen by third parties.”
\n\n\n\nEven if your connection to your company network or cloud service is intercepted by hackers, it will be scrambled and unusable.
\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nHow much does a VPN cost?
\n\n\n\nVPNs are services, and they charge a monthly fee usually ranging from $4.95 to $12.95 per month — depending on how many devices are simultaneously connected. Some VPN providers have free versions with limitations, such as the amount of data that can be sent per month, while other providers offer free trials of their paid VPNs. Still others require you to pay upfront but offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are dissatisfied.
\n\n\n\nTop VPN providers
\n\n\n\nAt Business News Daily, we have done the work of checking out VPN providers. Here are some of our reviews of the best VPNs.
\n\n\n\n\n- ExpressVPN: With servers in 105 countries, this company is sure to have a server near you. It uses a protocol that provides plenty of speed, especially on downloads, promising 80% of its global bandwidth already runs on 10Gbps servers.
\n\n\n\n- NordVPN: NordVPN uses a double VPN along with obfuscated servers to give you extra privacy, even in countries that restrict the use of private networks. They have a huge network of over 6,000 servers in 111 countries and have been certified by Price Waterhouse Cooper twice as not keeping logs.
\n\n\n\n- IPVanish VPN: IPVanish has affordable rates with an annual plan starting at $2.19 per month. It is also one of the only VPN services to give you coverage for unlimited devices with a subscription.
\n\n\n\n- PureVPN: This VPN service works with multiple protocols such as PPTP, IPsec, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN (TCP and UDP) and SSTP. It also has an option to specify an IP address in the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, France or Germany.
\n
\n\n\n\nRethinking cybersecurity while traveling
\n\n\n\nCybersecurity is complex. It is easy to get overwhelmed by threats, defenses, and potential software leading to paralysis analysis. However, even small improvements in security can yield substantial results.
\n\n\n\nCybersecurity while traveling does not need to be overly difficult. Instead, by focusing on a few key methods of protection — data encryption, mobile device management, and VPNs — travelers can protect themselves from the majority of cyberthreats they may encounter. No security strategy is guaranteed to be 100% effective; however, these steps will go a long way towards protecting against the most common cyberattacks.
\n\n\n\nJennifer Dublino contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.
\n"}},{"_index":"wp-index-bnd-prod-content","_type":"content","_id":"2743","_score":2,"_source":{"canonical":"https://vaylees.com/11023-brand-ambassador-program.html","displayModified":"2023-10-26T18:01:57Z","docType":"article","editorsPick":false,"href":"11023-brand-ambassador-program.html","id":"2743","ID":2743,"isSponsored":false,"published":"2018-08-31T00:30:00Z","site":"bnd","stream":"Brand ambassadors can drive sales, boost brand awareness, and help your business create a community.","subtitle":"Brand ambassadors can drive sales, boost brand awareness, and help your business create a community.","title":"6 Reasons Your Company Could Benefit From a Brand Ambassador Program","author":{"displayName":"Andreas Rivera","email":"arivera@business.com","thumbnail":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04071954/AndreasHeadshot-scaled.jpg","type":"Senior Writer"},"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Grow Your Business","slug":"grow-your-business"},"sub":{"name":"Sales & Marketing","slug":"sales-marketing"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"Having a brand ambassador as part of your marketing campaign can boost brand awareness and drive sales. Learn how to find and utilize brand ambassadors. "},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04075914/green_Stock-Rocket_ss.jpg","caption":"Stock Rocket / Shutterstock","alt":""},"content":"A vital part of a modern business marketing department’s arsenal is using regular people with significant social media followings to raise brand awareness. Brand ambassadors can organically spread the word about a business and its products or services. [Related: Small Business Marketing Guide]
\nBrand ambassadors act as cheerleaders for your business, representing your company culture to the public. Here’s a look at what creating a brand ambassador program entails, how it can benefit your company and how to find effective brand ambassadors.
\nWhat is a brand ambassador program?
\nA brand ambassador program is a marketing campaign that puts your company’s message in the hands of ambassadors with specific goals in mind, such as improving sales, cultivating a reputation, and building brand recognition.
\nBrand ambassador programs can be temporary partnerships that last for a set time or ongoing relationships that last indefinitely. Either way, a brand ambassador partnership should involve a contract with negotiated compensation for the ambassador’s work and effort.
\nThe benefits of a brand ambassador program
\nBesides driving sales and increasing awareness, brand ambassadors can provide additional benefits you can’t achieve with traditional marketing models.
\nIncreasing your social media presence
\nWith social media changing business in unique ways, brand ambassadors are a way to naturally tap into social channels.
\n“We believe one of the main benefits of having a brand ambassador program is to reap the benefits of social media and increase your social media presence,” said Matt Schmidt, CEO of Burial Insurance Pro. “Most ambassadors come with ‘online’ credibility and a large social media following.”
\nA brand ambassador’s principal medium is social media, particularly platforms that can acquire a sizable following – such as Instagram and YouTube.
\n\n\n \n\n\nAcquiring additional content sources
\nYour brand ambassadors create content that features your business or product. Depending on your ultimate goal, ambassadors can drive interest in your industry using your business, or utilize your product or service in their regular content.
\nAs part of the partnership with your brand ambassador, the content they create with your brand will be yours to keep and use again as you see fit. For example, you can repost this content on your own social media pages and business website.
\nA creative brand ambassador will make content that features your brand in a positive, fun way. This type of content has a long shelf life; you can post or share video reviews, demonstrations or funny promo videos multiple times.
\n\n\n \n\n\nCreating a community around your brand
\nIn the social media marketing world, there are clear superstars guaranteed to get your products or services in front of thousands – or perhaps millions of eyes – akin to a celebrity endorsement.
\nThe number of eyes potentially exposed to your brand is quantifiable by the ambassador’s follower count, and those numbers will reflect your ambassador’s prices. But you don’t have to go after the biggest Instagram celebrities or YouTube stars.
\nInstead, consider ambassadors with smaller audiences they regularly engage with. Ambassadors can influence their audiences and bring attention to your company, changing how people view your brand.
\nEven if ambassadors are just reaching family and friends, you’re jump-starting a word-of-mouth campaign and hopefully building a community of enthusiasts.
\n“The results won’t happen overnight, but if you have a well-thought-out long-term strategy and a vision to implement the strategy, there aren’t any reasons why you shouldn’t see results in a matter of a month or two,” Schmidt said.
\n\n\n \n\n\nBuilding brand trust and credibility
\nBrand ambassadors with devoted followings can instantly bring trust and credibility to your brand.
\n“A well-structured brand ambassador program can increase brand awareness and build brand trust and credibility, especially for young or emerging brands,” said Lia van Eyk, vice president of marketing at Steadily. “Ambassadors can quickly raise brand awareness among their qualified audience and consistently lend their voice and authority to the brand.”
\nSince brand ambassadors don’t usually get paid monetarily, their thoughts on your products or services are already more credible with potential customers because they have no financial motivation to say positive things.
\nSaving money on marketing efforts
\nUtilizing brand ambassadors can be a cost-effective effort that stretches your marketing budget.
\n“A brand ambassador program is a great way to reach a wider audience without having to spend a ton of money on marketing,” said Brian Donovan, CEO of Timeshatter. “Brand ambassadors already use your products and love them, and will also usually work for free products, which will ultimately save you money on marketing.”
\n\n\n \n\n\nGaining direct access to targeted customers
\nUsing a brand ambassador can be a powerful marketing tool that acts as a shortcut to your target audience – with the ambassador serving as a credible and reliable spokesperson.
\n“You not only have direct access to more customers when you advertise through brand ambassador programs, but you also get to connect with the correct consumers,” said David Skates, founder of Skates.co.uk. “Because brand ambassadors are enthusiastic about your brand, it’s very probable that their acquaintances will be as well.”
\nWhat’s the difference between brand ambassadors and influencers?
\nWhile people may use the terms interchangeably, brand ambassadors and influencers aren’t really the same things. There are a few main differences.
\n\n- Following: According to Lynda Le, founder of Polish Perfect, an influencer has a substantial social media reputation and a significant following. However, a brand ambassador doesn’t necessarily need an enormous following to be an excellent tool for your brand.
\n- Compensation: Influencers usually have a contract with a particular brand or company laying out how much the company will pay the influencer and precisely what the influencer will do. A brand ambassador is usually compensated with free products – or isn’t paid at all.
\n- Commitment: Influencers’ contracts will specify how many posts, stories and videos are expected from the influencer. It’s usually a short-term commitment with a firm end date, or it will expire after the influencer has posted all the required content, whereas a brand ambassador program is ongoing.
\n- Experience: According to Le, if an influencer promotes a product or brand, they don’t necessarily use the product actively. Influencers don’t promote products by word-of-mouth advertising; instead, they show or demonstrate the product using their voice on their social media accounts. Though brand ambassadors use word of mouth, they use your products actively and talk about them passionately.
\n
\nHow to find brand ambassadors
\nHere are some ways to find excellent brand ambassadors:
\n\n- Look for active followers with potential.
\n- Check with your employees.
\n- Search for local micro-influencers.
\n
\n1. Look for active followers with potential.
\nAn easy way to find good brand ambassadors is to examine your company’s social media following and find active followers enthusiastic about your business. Reach out to them and let them know you’re interested in working with them as a brand ambassador.
\nIt’s essential to find people who will represent your company how you’d like it to be represented. Take care to look at potential ambassadors’ audiences and social media content to decide if they’re a good fit.
\nGood brand ambassador qualities include being outgoing and personable, creative, trustworthy and genuine. Find individuals who really like your business and would be excited to work with you. Working with someone unfamiliar with your organization or uninterested in your product won’t come off well and would be akin to a typical paid advertisement. Their audience will easily be able to sense disingenuity.
\nWhen recruiting brand ambassadors, it’s crucial to set well-defined agreements beforehand that outline how they present your brand. Otherwise, you risk being represented improperly and unprofessionally. You don’t want your company to be part of inappropriate social media postings that hurt – rather than help – your cause.
\n2. Check with your employees.
\nAnother excellent brand ambassador source is your staff. Employees can be great brand ambassadors; they can share the most accurate information about your company and have better insight into what kinds of messages will benefit the brand.
\n“There is much research to support the fact that employees are highly trusted when it comes to sharing information about the companies they work for and the products/services those companies create and sell,” said communication strategist Linda Pophal. “I would say the greatest potential downfall for companies is that, in order for employees to be willing to serve as brand ambassadors and to share positive messages, they have to be loyal, committed, and engaged with the organization.”
\n\n\n \n\n\n3. Search for local micro-influencers.
\nAs part of a local marketing strategy, finding local individuals to act as brand ambassadors can be a great asset to your business – even if they don’t know about you yet.
\n“These local individuals should have consistent, engaging activity on their social media platforms,” said Mario Cacciottolo, PR and brand manager at SBO.net. “Even with just 1,000-plus followers, a brand ambassador can be quite impactful if the ambassador is from the town where your brick-and-mortar [store] is located. A strong candidate will have a clear aura or style on social media, so find one who has a personality that will mesh with your brand.”
\nJennifer Post contributed to the writing and reporting in this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.
"}},{"_index":"wp-index-bnd-prod-content","_type":"content","_id":"2961","_score":2,"_source":{"canonical":"https://vaylees.com/9391-computer-encryption-guide.html","displayModified":"2024-04-11T20:27:19Z","docType":"article","editorsPick":false,"href":"9391-computer-encryption-guide.html","id":"2961","ID":2961,"isSponsored":false,"published":"2018-04-27T20:15:00Z","site":"bnd","stream":"Learn exactly what computer encryption is, how to use it and why it could save your company","subtitle":"Learn exactly what computer encryption is, how to use it and why it could save your company","title":"A Small Business Guide to Computer Encryption","author":{"displayName":"Andreas Rivera","email":"arivera@business.com","thumbnail":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04071954/AndreasHeadshot-scaled.jpg","type":"Senior Writer"},"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Grow Your Business","slug":"grow-your-business"},"sub":{"name":"Security","slug":"security"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"Encryption protects the data on your computer and networks. Here's why it's necessary – and how to easily achieve it."},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04075606/stocks_ipopba_getty.jpg","caption":"ipopba / Getty Images","alt":"Businessman using a laptop"},"content":"It’s easy to take data security for granted. We’ve all left desktop computers logged in while unattended, momentarily misplaced mobile devices or sent sensitive files via email.
\nHowever, the internet is alive with bad actors ready to steal our devices and plunder their data for nefarious purposes. If a business can’t prove it’s taken all practical steps to protect that data, it may be subject to punitive fines and punishments if it falls into the wrong hands.
\nOne of the best ways to keep sensitive data safe (especially while in transit) is to encrypt it. However, many small business owners don’t understand how straightforward encryption can be and how critical it is to operations.
\nWhat is encryption?
\nEncryption can be a challenging concept to grasp, but it’s a critical aspect of protecting your business’s sensitive data. At a basic level, encryption is the process of scrambling text (called ciphertext) to render it unreadable to unauthorized users. This underlying principle has been in use for around 4,000 years. However, in recent decades, data security software has elevated encryption into an art form capable of defying even concerted attempts at unauthorized viewing.
\nYou can encrypt individual files, folders, volumes or entire disks within a computer, as well as USB flash drives and files stored using cloud computing technology.
\nTypes of computer encryption
\nThere are several types of computer encryption:
\n\n- Individual file and folder encryption: This method encrypts only the specific items you designate. It’s an acceptable encryption method if relatively few business documents are stored on a computer. It’s certainly better than no encryption at all.
\n- Volume encryption: This encryption method creates a “container” that’s fully encrypted. All files and folders created in or saved to that container are encrypted.
\n- Full-disk or whole-disk encryption: This method is the most complete form of computer encryption. It’s transparent to users and doesn’t require them to save files to a special place on the disk. All files, folders and volumes are encrypted. When powering on your computer, you must provide an encryption passcode or have the computer read an encryption key (a random string of letters and numbers) from a USB device. This action unlocks the files so you can use them normally.
\n
\n\n\n \n\n\nEncryption 101: How does it work?
\nEncryption is a digital form of cryptography that uses mathematical algorithms to scramble messages, leaving only individuals who possess the sender’s cipher or key able to decode the message.
\nThere are two main methods of encryption: symmetric encryption, which involves securing data with a single private key and asymmetric encryption, which uses a combination of multiple public and private keys. Here’s how these methods work.
\n1. Symmetric encryption
\nThe most common form of symmetric encryption is the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), the U.S. government standard for encryption. Data in hexadecimal form is scrambled multiple times and utilizes 128-bit, 192-bit or 256-bit keys (the strongest) to unlock. Keys can be substituted with strong passwords, which become the only direct way to decrypt the data.
\nThis method is best for encrypting files and drives. The only weak spot is the password, which hackers can break if it’s weak. However, they’re unlikely to strong-arm their way into encrypted data. Although 128-bit AES is a strong encryption key, most government regulations require the more robust 256-bit AES to meet certain standards.
\n2. Asymmetric encryption
\nAsymmetric encryption is used to send secure messages and other data between two individuals. On messaging platforms, such as most email services, all users have public and private keys.
\nThe public key acts as a type of address and method for the sender to encrypt their message. That message is further encrypted with the sender’s private key. The receiver can then use the sender’s public key to verify the message sender and decrypt the message with their private key. A hacker who intercepts the message will be unable to view its contents without the receiver’s private key.
\n\n\n \n\n\nWhy is encryption important?
\nRobust encryption practices are crucial for businesses of all sizes for the following reasons:
\n\n- Encryption can protect your business from data breaches: As high-profile cyberattacks have demonstrated, every business is at risk of a security breach. File and disk encryption protects the data stored on computers and networks and can save your business from a high-level attack that could shut it down permanently.
\n- Encryption protects your customers: Businesses collect data from their customers for myriad purposes, including refining marketing strategies and personalizing sales outreach. The personally identifiable information (PII) businesses collect, such as names, birthdates, Social Security numbers and financial information, must be secured to protect your customers’ interests ― and your reputation.
\n- Encryption builds customer trust: With massive amounts of PII collected, consumers must place enormous trust in the businesses they deal with. However, cyberattack news is almost a daily occurrence and consumer confidence is understandably shaky. Businesses must demonstrate PII-handling best practices, including robust encryption measures, to earn and keep consumer confidence.
\n- Encryption protects mobile devices: In an age of remote work and frequent business travel, laptops and mobile devices often contain valuable company and consumer data. If a laptop is stolen, vast amounts of proprietary, sensitive information can be stolen along with it. Passwords aren’t enough ― thieves can boot the computer from a USB thumb drive and access all disks. Encrypting a laptop’s sensitive information ― if not the entire drive ― is critical.
\n- Encryption protects your business from fines and lawsuits: An organization can be sued if a computer containing PII is stolen and the information is leaked or shared. Encryption helps ensure the safety of critical, sensitive information and helps businesses avoid devastating financial and reputational consequences.
\n
\nEncryption isn’t a fail-safe
\nWhile encryption is crucial for all the above reasons and more, it’s important to note that it isn’t a fail-safe solution. Hackers can still access devices over an insecure network connection. There’s also the risk of users clicking a malicious link in an email and infecting their computer with malware that steals usernames and passwords. These attacks require additional security controls, including antivirus software, firewalls, user access controls and awareness training.
\n\n\n \n\n\nHow small businesses can encrypt data easily
\nFortunately, straightforward business encryption solutions can help organizations secure their data. Consider the following encryption tools.
\nBuilt-in encryption programs
\nRobust encryption is built into modern Windows and macOS operating systems and Linux encryption solutions also exist.
\nWindows
\nMicrosoft BitLocker is a disk encryption tool available on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2016. It’s designed to work with a Trusted Platform Module chip in your computer, which stores your disk encryption key. You can enable BitLocker without the chip, but a few settings must be configured within the operating system (OS), requiring administrative privileges.
\nTo enable BitLocker, open Windows Explorer or File Explorer and right-click on Drive C. If your version of Windows supports BitLocker, the menu will display a “Turn on BitLocker” option. Click it to enable the program.
\nWhen you enable BitLocker, Microsoft prompts you to save a copy of your recovery key. This is a crucial step because you need the recovery key to unlock your disk. Without the key, neither you nor anyone else can access the data. You can print the key or save it to your Microsoft account or a file. BitLocker also lets you require a personal identification number at startup.
\nmacOS
\nApple FileVault provides encryption for computers running macOS versions from High Sierra and up. When enabling encryption, FileVault prompts you to store the disk encryption recovery key in your iCloud account, but you can write it down instead.
\nLinux
\nFor Linux, you typically encrypt the disk during installation of the OS using a tool, such as dm-crypt. However, third-party tools are also available for post-installation encryption.
\nThird-party encryption programs
\nThe following open-source products are well-regarded:
\n\n- VeraCrypt: VeraCrypt is free software that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. It frequently gets high ratings from users and third-party testers.
\n- AxCrypt: AxCrypt is an easy-to-use encryption program with free and premium versions. It has a password manager and collaboration feature for sharing encrypted data.
\n- Gpg4win: Gpg4win uses military-grade security to encrypt and sign files and emails digitally.
\n
\nOther encryption considerations include the following:
\n\n- USB drive encryption: USB drives should also be encrypted because when you copy files from an encrypted disk to a USB drive, the files can be decrypted automatically. To ensure files on a USB device are encrypted, use software like Microsoft BitLocker To Go or open-source software or purchase USB drives with built-in encryption, such as those from IronKey, SanDisk and Kanguru.
\n
\n\n\n \n\n\nHow much does encrypting data cost?
\nAccording to the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of full-disk computer data encryption is $235. This is quite affordable, given that data breach costs can be devastating. Of course, encryption will prove more costly if you lose your key and thus your access, so always keep track of your key.
\nBest practices for computer encryption
\nThe benefits of encrypting data far outweigh any incurred financial or time costs. Here are some encryption-related cybersecurity tips to help you ensure robust encryption protection.
\n1. Create and maintain backups.
\nBefore enabling encryption on your computer, back up your data files and create an image backup, which is a replica of all your disk contents. You should also ensure you have the OS’s installation media and create an emergency boot disk on removable media.
\nGoing forward, back up your computer regularly. An encrypted disk that crashes or becomes corrupt can result in files being lost forever. If you have a current backup, you can be up and running fairly quickly.
\n2. Use complex passwords.
\nStrong passwords are crucial. Consider the following tips when creating a passcode or PIN:
\n\n- Use random numbers and letters and memorize them. The longer and more complex your password, the better. However, you must be able to remember it.
\n- Consider putting two phrases together, like short verses from two songs you like.
\n- Use only the first letter of each word and substitute some characters, such as a zero for an O and a 3 or a pound sign for an E.
\n- Use mixed capitalization.
\n
\nKeep a written copy of your PIN or passcode and your encryption key (if separate) in a safe place in case you forget them. If you enable full-disk encryption and forget your passcode, you won’t be able to access your computer ― and neither can anyone else, including data recovery services.
\n3. Boost Wi-Fi protection.
\nIf you use Wi-Fi, use Wi-Fi Protected Access 3, which is a form of encryption for protecting wireless connections. Don’t use Wired Equivalent Privacy, which isn’t safe under any circumstances.
\n4. Install a virtual private network (VPN)
\nFinally, install a VPN to access the office network from a laptop or another mobile device when working remotely. A VPN creates a secure tunnel over the internet, encrypting all data you send and receive during that session.
\n\n\n \n\n\nEncryption protects your business and customers
\nComputer encryption is a crucial element of small business cybersecurity best practices for protecting computers and confidential data. It’s a necessary security control for organizations that handle confidential data and should be enabled on any device that could fall into the wrong hands. With potentially massive cyberattack costs at stake if confidential information is stolen or mislaid, your business’s future could depend on effective encryption.
\nNeil Cumins contributed to this article.
"}},{"_index":"wp-index-bnd-prod-content","_type":"content","_id":"2836","_score":2,"_source":{"canonical":"https://vaylees.com/5791-virtualization-vs-cloud-computing.html","displayModified":"2023-10-23T18:58:06Z","docType":"article","editorsPick":false,"href":"5791-virtualization-vs-cloud-computing.html","id":"2836","ID":2836,"isSponsored":false,"published":"2018-07-25T21:37:00Z","site":"bnd","stream":"Learn the core differences and the unique relationship these technologies share.","subtitle":"Learn the core differences and the unique relationship these technologies share.","title":"Virtualization vs. Cloud Computing: What’s the Difference?","author":{"displayName":"Andreas Rivera","email":"arivera@business.com","thumbnail":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04071954/AndreasHeadshot-scaled.jpg","type":"Senior Writer"},"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Grow Your Business","slug":"grow-your-business"},"sub":{"name":"Technology","slug":"technology"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"The terms \"virtualization\" and \"cloud computing\" are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences. Learn how these technologies work together."},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04081013/1554241873.png","caption":"Stokkete/Shutterstock","alt":""},"content":"Virtualization and cloud computing are often discussed interchangeably, but while they’re closely associated, these tech terms have crucial differences. Virtualization and cloud computing are similar technologies, but their differences are significant enough to affect your business decisions. This guide will help demystify the tech behind the jargon and help businesses determine which technology is right for them.
\n\n\nWhat is cloud computing?
\n\n\nCloud computing comprises software, hardware and high-level network resources that individuals and companies can access via the internet. A cloud computing service provider will make available several types of services that support a business’s needs.
\nFor example, a cloud service provider may use a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model to deliver software applications to client businesses. While the software isn’t installed on users’ desktops, they can access these applications in a web browser.
\nSome corporate business clients may need more advanced services delivered over cloud computing. These platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offerings may include databases and virtual servers. Even more high-level cloud services are called infrastructure as a service (IaaS); these solutions support the components that make platforms and services function, such as physical servers, device storage and other networking components.
\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWhat is virtualization?
\n\n\nVirtualization software separates computer environments from physical infrastructures so that you can run multiple operating systems and applications simultaneously on the same machine. For example, in a workspace virtualization model, if you do most of your work on a Mac but use select applications exclusive to PCs, you can run Windows on a virtual machine to access those applications without switching computers.
\n“Virtualization software … enables businesses to reduce IT costs while increasing the efficiency, utilization and flexibility of their existing computer hardware,” said Mike Adams, vice president of product and technical marketing at Ivanti.
\nVirtualization has many practical applications, with two main ones.
\n\n- Application testing: Virtualization allows software developers to test their applications in various environments without setting up several different computers. If the application crashes on the virtual machine, they can close and restart the virtual machine to a previous state without damaging the computer.
\n- Server consolidation: One of the most significant benefits of virtualization is server consolidation. Instead of maintaining multiple servers with unique functions, server virtualization allows you to split a single server’s resources for multiple purposes. Often, server resources are underutilized, resulting in businesses spending too much on server upkeep for a little output.
\n
\nHow is virtualization different from cloud computing?
\nVirtualization is the fundamental technology that powers cloud computing. Virtualization is software that manipulates hardware, while cloud computing refers to a service that results from that manipulation. You can’t have cloud computing without virtualization.
\n“Virtualization is a foundational element of cloud computing and helps deliver on the value of cloud computing,” Adams said. “Cloud computing is the delivery of shared computing resources, software or data – as a service and on demand through the internet.”
\nMost of the confusion about these terms occurs because virtualization and cloud computing work together to provide various services. The cloud can – and most often does – include virtualization products to deliver the computer service, said Rick Phillips, a consultant at the IT firm Weidenhammer.
\nAccording to Phillips, the difference is that a true cloud provides self-service capability, elasticity, automated management, scalability and pay-as-you-go service, which are not inherent in virtualization.
\nWhat are the advantages of a virtualized environment over the cloud?
\nTo best understand the advantages of virtualization, consider the difference between a private cloud in a virtualized environment and a public cloud.
\nA private cloud, in its own virtualized environment, gives users the best of both worlds. It can give users more control and the flexibility of managing their systems while providing the consumption benefits of cloud computing, said John Livesay, vice president and chief sales officer of InfraNet Technologies Group.
\n“Private cloud computing means the client owns or leases the hardware and software that provide the consumption model,” Livesay said. “You pay for resources as you go, as you consume them, from a [vendor] that is providing such resources to multiple clients, often in a co-tenant scenario.”
\nOn the other hand, a public cloud is an environment open to many users, built to serve multi-tenanted requirements, Phillips said. “There are some risks associated here,” he added, such as having bad neighbors and potential latency in performance.
\nWith virtualization, companies can maintain and secure their own “castle,” Phillips said. This provides several benefits.
\n\n- Maximized resources: With virtualization, you can maximize your resources by reducing the number of physical systems you need to acquire.
\n- Enhanced value: Virtualization allows you to get the most value from your servers since you can use multiple systems and applications on the same hardware.
\n- Integrated costs: When you use virtualization, you can integrate costs associated with management, administration and all the attendant requirements of managing your own infrastructure into your IT budget.
\n
\n\n\n \n\n\nHow do you know if your business needs a virtualization solution?
\nDetermining if virtualization is the best solution for a business requires an in-depth analysis of the organization’s specific needs and requirements. Livesay said you should also consider the following:
\n\n- Costs
\n- How much management the business can and wants to do
\n- Scalability requirements
\n- Security needs
\n- How much feature development can be expected
\n
\nIf you run a smaller operation and are looking to reduce costs on computing resources and upkeep, conduct an audit of your physical, on-location hardware. Are your server’s resources being utilized to their full potential? Could they take on the workload of another server that’s equally being underutilized? This could cut down on power consumption and upkeep costs.
\n“Businesses that work more on an OPEX [operational expenditures] model that have less IT staff and fewer security concerns are more cloud-oriented,” Livesay said. “Businesses that need greater control for integration and security or who work more on a CAPEX [capital expenditures] model would lean towards virtualization.”
\nHow do you know if your business should use a cloud solution?
\nWhile virtualization is the best solution for some organizations, a cloud solution offers several benefits more suitable for other businesses. Phillips said cloud solutions are best for businesses with the following needs.
\n\n- Outsourced IT: With cloud solutions, the day-to-day administration, care and feeding of supporting systems moves from you to the IT managed service provider. This could free up internal IT resources for higher-value business support and allow you to put IT budget dollars toward efforts that advance your business.
\n- Quick setup: Getting started with cloud solutions is relatively straightforward. Plus, servers, appliances and software perpetual licenses go away when you use such a service.
\n- Pay-as-you-go model: SaaS applications let you offload basic IT requirements to cloud service providers. You pay for what you need and use. You don’t have to continue to invest in many of the products used to support the network and systems, such as antivirus, data archiving, encryption, email and offsite storage solutions.
\n- Scalability: With the cloud, you can temporarily scale your IT capacity by offloading high-demand compute requirements to an outside provider. As a result, you pay for only what you need and use, only when you need it.
\n
\nWhat should businesses look for in a virtualization provider?
\nAccording to Adams, business owners considering virtualization should consider the following questions:
\n\n- Is the virtualization provider offering a tried and tested solution? Research the vendor’s track record of product innovation, success and customer adoption.
\n- Is there a vision and public road map for the virtualization solution? You should understand how the solution will advance and how it will help your business in the long run.
\n- What type of ecosystem support exists for the virtualization solution? It’s imperative that the vendor works with key business and industry-specific independent software vendors, as well as a wide range of resellers, service providers and system integrators.
\n- Does the virtualization solution support openness and choice? As your business grows, you want the flexibility to evolve your products and processes and the ability to incorporate other technologies over time.
\n
\n\n\n \n\n\nWhat’s next for virtualization and cloud computing?
\nVirtualization and cloud services are not end-all, be-all solutions. Like any other technology or service a business adopts, things can always change.
\n“While cloud computing and virtualization each have their own benefits, they are not competing approaches,” Adams said. “We view cloud computing as an evolution of virtualization. Customers who virtualize their hardware servers may adopt cloud computing over time for increased self-service, scale, service delivery levels and agility.”
\nThe conversation over virtualization and cloud computing nowadays often leads to talk of “serverless computing,” which aims to eliminate user-end concerns about server upkeep, constraints and scalability. This is a full-managed service that often bills you for the resources you consume and the amount of time your code runs.
\nThis “pay for what you use” model may be expensive for smaller businesses right now, but it is becoming more affordable as the technology is developed.
\nSandra Mardenfeld and Sara Angeles contributed to the writing and reporting in this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.
"}},{"_index":"wp-index-bnd-prod-content","_type":"content","_id":"3189","_score":2,"_source":{"canonical":"https://vaylees.com/6014-pros-cons-virtualization.html","displayModified":"2023-11-20T19:13:32Z","docType":"article","editorsPick":false,"href":"6014-pros-cons-virtualization.html","id":"3189","ID":3189,"isSponsored":false,"published":"2017-10-02T07:00:00Z","site":"bnd","stream":"Virtualization sounds like the holy grail of IT infrastructure. But is this truly the case for small businesses?","subtitle":"Virtualization sounds like the holy grail of IT infrastructure. But is this truly the case for small businesses?","title":"The Pros and Cons of Virtualization","author":{"displayName":"Andreas Rivera","email":"arivera@business.com","thumbnail":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04071954/AndreasHeadshot-scaled.jpg","type":"Senior Writer"},"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Grow Your Business","slug":"grow-your-business"},"sub":{"name":"Technology","slug":"technology"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"Find out what virtualization is, its advantages and disadvantages, and the solutions and certifications on the market."},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04080347/Monkey-Business-Images.jpg","caption":"Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock","alt":"Call center"},"content":"Virtualization has several benefits. It keeps businesses on budget by reducing hardware costs, and it helps businesses with limited IT staff automate and outsource routine tasks and centralize resource management. Plus, employees can access their data anytime, anywhere, from any device.
\nHowever, virtual environments have drawbacks, too. Keep reading for everything you need to know to determine if virtualization is right for your business.
\nWhat is virtualization?
\nVirtualization is the use of software to create a virtual version of a physical device, such as a computer, a storage device or even a network. By using virtualization software, anyone can create simulated representations of hardware to run multiple processes from one machine.
\nFor example, if a software developer needs to work with Windows, macOS and Linux environments for coding and compatibility testing, they could install all three on a single laptop using virtualization software. It’s also fairly common to find a MacBook that’s also running a Windows-based virtual machine.
\nA computer running multiple virtual machines will divide its computing power, storage space and bandwidth among the installed virtual environments. [Learn about the difference between virtualization and cloud computing.]
\nPros of virtualization
\nBefore implementing any kind of new technology in your business, you need to understand its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the upsides to virtualization:
\nReduced IT costs
\nVirtualization helps businesses reduce costs in several ways, according to Mike Adams, former vice president of product and technical marketing at Ivanti:
\n\n- Capital expenditure savings: Virtualization reduces your IT costs by requiring fewer hardware servers and related resources to achieve the same level of computing performance, availability and scalability. [Read related article: Simple Ways to Cut Business Expenses]
\n- Operational expenditure savings: Once servers are virtualized, your IT staff can greatly reduce the ongoing administration and management of manual, time-consuming processes by automating operations, thus resulting in lower operational expenses.
\n- Data center and energy savings: As you shrink your company’s hardware and server footprint, you lower your energy consumption by reducing power and data center square footage, which results in lower costs. [Find out how to make sustainability part of your business model.]
\n
\n\n\n \n\n\nEfficient resource utilization
\nVirtualization enables your business to get the most out of your investments in hardware and resources.
\n“As customer data center environments grow in size and complexity, managing it becomes a burden,” Adams said. “Virtualization can greatly help reduce this complexity by offering resource management capabilities to help increase efficiencies in these virtual environments.”
\nIn contrast, traditional infrastructures that use multiple servers don’t make the most of their setups.
\n“Many of those servers would typically not utilize more than 2 percent to 10 percent of the server hardware resources,” said John Livesay, vice president of Infranet Technologies, a network infrastructure services provider. “With virtualization, we can now run multiple virtual servers on a single virtual host [and make] better use of the resources available.”
\nScalability
\nVirtualization is highly scalable. It lets you easily create additional resources as required by many applications, such as by adding extra servers — all on an as-needed basis and without any significant investments in time or money.
\nIT administrators can create new servers quickly because they don’t have to purchase new hardware each time they need a new server. “If the resources are available, we can create a new server in a few clicks of a mouse,” Livesay said.
\nThe ease of creating additional resources also helps businesses scale. “This scenario might be good for small businesses that are growing quickly or businesses using their data center for testing and software development,” Livesay said.
\nMoreover, Adams said, “Workloads such as Hadoop, SQL databases, Spark and containers often start off on bare-metal hardware but present new opportunities to be virtualized later on. Virtualization can now support many new applications and workloads within the first 60 to 90 days on the market.”
\n\n\n \n\n\nCons of virtualization
\nWhile companies stand to gain a lot by embracing virtualization, business owners need to keep these downsides in mind:
\nThe upfront costs are hefty.
\nIf you’re transitioning from a legacy system to a virtualized one, upfront costs are likely to be high. Be prepared to spend upward of $10,000 for the servers and software licenses. However, as virtualization technology improves and becomes more commonplace, costs will go down.
\nNot all hardware or software can be virtualized.
\nNot all servers and applications are virtualization-friendly, Livesay pointed out. “Typically, the main reason you may not virtualize a server or application is only because the application vendor may not support it yet or recommend it,” he said.
\nAlthough more software applications are adapting to virtualization situations, there may be licensing complications due to multiple hosts and migrations. To avoid performance and licensing issues, you should check if your business’s essential applications will work well in a virtualized environment before moving too far ahead in the process.
\nIt’s easy to get carried away with adding servers.
\nKeep in mind that one of the main goals and advantages of virtualization is the efficient use of resources. You should be careful not to let the effortlessness of creating servers result in the carelessness of allocating resources.
\n“Server sprawl is one of the unintended consequences of virtualization,” Livesay said. “Once administrators realize how easy it is to add new servers, they start adding a new server for everything. Soon you find that, instead of six to 10 servers, you are now managing 20 to 30 servers.”
\nThat quantity may prove too much for your team to manage, thereby negating the streamlining benefits of virtualization.
\n\n\n \n\n\nVirtualization solutions for small businesses
\nIf you’ve carefully weighed the pros and cons and are ready to use virtualization in your business, we recommend the following products and vendors.
\nVMware
\nVMware offers a wide range of virtualization products and services that make IT less costly and easier to manage for all types of companies, including small businesses. Its end-to-end solutions include vSphere, a virtualization platform that is known for its high reliability and is used by businesses around the world. It delivers powerful computing that can handle multiple workloads with maximum uptime and optimal performance.’
\nYou may want to check out our review of Splashtop, high-quality remote access software that works well with VMware.
\nCitrix
\nCitrix boasts several virtualization solutions suitable for small businesses. One is Citrix desktop as a service (DaaS). Previously called Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service, Citrix DaaS delivers a scalable desktop virtualization service that is easy to deploy and manage. Anyone with Windows expertise can centrally manage the service and grant user access, thereby reducing desktop management costs, like hiring IT specialists and purchasing extra equipment and software services, such as virtual desktop integration (VDI). Another option is Citrix Hypervisor, which provides instant and secure access to virtualized applications for the entire organization.
\nNotably, Citrix is compatible with some employee monitoring software, as noted in our review of Teramind.
\nIBM
\nIBM sells many types of server virtualization solutions that lower costs and maximize agility for small businesses. Using VMware’s virtualization platform, IBM’s virtualization services (available through IBM Cloud) provide an enterprise-class IT infrastructure on a small business budget. You can choose from three plans based on your needs: IBM Cloud Virtual Servers, which are scalable cloud-managed solutions; IBM Cloud Virtual Servers for Classic Infrastructure, which is tailored to small teams; and IBM Cloud Hyper Protect Virtual Servers, which are VDI solutions that cater to growing teams and feature additional security layers.
\nVirtualization certifications
\nTo get the most out of virtualization, it’s wise for your IT team to obtain certifications in the technology. You may also wish to hire administrators who already have these credentials.
\nVMware certification
\nBecause VMware certifications are based on the company’s proprietary technology — most notably, vSphere — the vendor’s data center and network certifications change as the technology advances. Those interested in a VMware Associate certification must pass a single exam, while Professional and Advanced Professional certifications require training courses or a prerequisite certification and an exam. Design Expert certifications are even more extensive.
\nCitrix certification
\nFor professionals interested in Citrix certification, the company offers credentials for virtualization at the Associate, Professional and Expert levels. Associate credentials are earned by passing a single exam, and training is not required. From there, you can work your way up to Professional and Expert certifications, which require more involved testing.
\nCisco certification
\nThe Cisco certification program offers a wide range of certifications, from Entry to Expert level. Depending on the certification you’re looking to earn, there are various exams and prerequisites. Most certifications are valid for three years. After that, you’ll need to recertify by either passing a recertification exam or advancing upward in Cisco’s certification program.
\nAzure certification
\nLike many other certifications, Microsoft Azure credentials are earned by passing an exam. Azure certification requires a strong understanding of virtual machines, Azure subscriptions and identity management, as well as six months of experience administering Azure. You can earn various certification levels, from Associate to Expert. For those looking to earn the Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate credential, Microsoft offers various self-study materials to help prepare for the exam.
\nA swift, scalable solution
\nVirtualization gives any business a way to make the most out of modern technology. More importantly, it helps an organization become a bit more agile when handling multiple tasks with limited IT resources. By adding virtualization capabilities, you multiply your operational abilities while investing minimal time and resources. Scaling according to changing demands becomes quick and easy with tools that give you options to grow.
\nEduardo Vasconcellos and Sean Peek contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.
"}},{"_index":"wp-index-bnd-prod-content","_type":"content","_id":"2958","_score":2,"_source":{"canonical":"https://vaylees.com/10723-pros-cons-high-deductible-health-plan.html","displayModified":"2024-04-01T19:19:54Z","docType":"article","editorsPick":false,"href":"10723-pros-cons-high-deductible-health-plan.html","id":"2958","ID":2958,"isSponsored":false,"published":"2018-04-30T21:20:00Z","site":"bnd","stream":"Rising healthcare costs are prompting small businesses to consider high-deductible health plans. Before offering them, find out if HDHPs are right for your employees.","subtitle":"Rising healthcare costs are prompting small businesses to consider high-deductible health plans. Before offering them, find out if HDHPs are right for your employees.","title":"The Pros and Cons of High-Deductible Health Plans","author":{"displayName":"Andreas Rivera","email":"arivera@business.com","thumbnail":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04071954/AndreasHeadshot-scaled.jpg","type":"Senior Writer"},"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Find A Solution","slug":"find-a-solution"},"sub":{"name":"HR Solutions","slug":"hr-solutions"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"High-deductible health plans can save your company money, but are they the right fit for your employees?"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04081222/1554238501.jpeg","caption":"Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock","alt":""},"content":"Small businesses everywhere in the U.S. have been feeling the pinch from rising health insurance costs for several years now. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) report, premiums for family coverage have risen 22 percent since 2018 and 47 percent since 2013.
\nIncreased health insurance costs may explain why high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) have been gaining steam as an alternative to traditional health plans among both employers and employees. Below is everything you should know about HDHPs as you consider them for your business.
\n\n\n \n\n\nWhat is a high-deductible health plan?
\nA high-deductible health plan, or HDHP, is a tax-advantaged combination of traditional health insurance and an HRA or HSA (health reimbursement account or health savings account). As its name suggests, its deductible (the amount one must pay out of pocket before the insurer starts paying) is higher than average. However – and this is why HDHPs have become so popular – the monthly premium is lower.
\nThe federal government determines the deductibles required for health plans to qualify as HDHPs. For 2024, the IRS announced that HDHP annual deductibles would fall between $1,600 and $8,050 for individuals and between $3,200 and $16,100 for families. In addition to paying the monthly premium, employees with these plans have to pay for their healthcare out of pocket up to the amount of the deductible before insurance will assist. Alternatively, they may be able to negotiate with their healthcare provider to reduce the cost or structure a payment plan.
\nHDHPs with HSAs
\nA key component of many HDHPs is a health savings account (HSA). These pretax savings accounts that employees contribute to can help offset the costs associated with high deductibles and copays, and are usable for a wide spectrum of healthcare expenses.
\nOffering an HSA along with an HDHP helps ease the employee’s financial burden, especially if the business also contributes a monthly or annual amount to the account. Employers should supply employees with resources on how to best use their HSAs to offset their healthcare costs.
\n\n\n \n\n\nThe pros of HDHPs
\nBoth employers and employees can benefit from HDHPs. Below are some of the advantages of these plans.
\nLower premiums
\nHigher deductibles usually mean lower premiums for small businesses trying to find ways to cut costs and save. In 2023, the average annual premium for an employer-sponsored family coverage plan was $23,968. Premiums for HDHPs are typically on the lower end, with the average annual cost for family coverage of HDHPs about $22,344.
\n\n\n \n\n\nIdeal for infrequent medical visits
\nHDHPs are generally good options for young and single employees who are more likely to be healthy and don’t need coverage for spouses and dependents. Because they utilize fewer medical services, these employees can avoid the downsides of higher deductibles (see below) and enjoy the benefits of cost savings.
\nAffordable basic services
\nWhile the deductible for an HDHP is generally high, many HDHPs offer basic preventive services, such as annual checkups, vaccines and generic prescriptions, at little to no cost. This can encourage employees to be proactive about their health and schedule routine wellness visits.
\nThe cons of HDHPs
\nHDHPs are a boon to small businesses everywhere due to their lower premiums, resulting in immediate savings for both employers and employees. However, it’s important to also consider the drawbacks to these plans.
\nHigh deductibles
\nProblems can arise when employees are faced with inevitable, costly healthcare expenses and need to pay much more out of pocket due to their high deductible before insurance kicks in. This can lead to financial strain and potential barriers to accessing necessary medical care.
\nCostly for ongoing visits
\nHDHPs are generally not recommended for those who suffer from chronic health conditions, as well as families with children who require frequent doctor visits. Unexpected medical emergencies can also be costly for employees on HDHPs.
\nPotential to discourage frequent care
\nA high deductible can make it difficult for employees to immediately pay their medical expenses, resulting in stress and frustration. Worse, employees may avoid recommended medical care and delay essential procedures because they can’t or don’t want to pay the high deductible. This can result in bad health outcomes, which can lead to lost time at work.
\n\n\n \n\n\nThe difference between HDHP and PPO plans
\nPreferred provider organizations (PPOs) are another common type of health plan, but they differ in many ways from HDHPs. High-deductible health plans typically have lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles. On the other hand, PPOs generally have higher premiums but lower deductibles, providing more immediate insurance coverage but higher monthly costs.
\nPPOs typically allow individuals to see specialists and receive care without needing referrals from a primary care provider, giving employees greater autonomy in making healthcare decisions. In contrast, HDHPs often require referrals for specialist visits, although they encourage visits for preventive care. Ultimately, both types of plans provide coverage for medical expenses. Choosing what’s best for your staff hinges on their healthcare needs, financial considerations, and the level of flexibility you want to provide employees in selecting their providers.
\nEducate your employees so they can make the best decisions when utilizing the insurance options you provide. If you have a larger organization with a lot of employees, then it’s best to offer an HDHP alongside a PPO and then help your employees make the best choice on the type of health insurance program that’s right for them.
\nWhat you need to know when offering HDHPs
\nWhile offering an HDHP to employees will likely result in savings for your business, it essentially pushes the costs onto the employee, especially if they’re faced with a serious medical situation. However, many proponents of HDHPs argue that they’re generally beneficial to both businesses and their team members. They just place more responsibility on the employee to make smarter healthcare decisions.
\n“High-deductible health plans do shift some of the increasing cost of health insurance onto employees,” said Matthew Struck, a small business owner and the founder of Struck & Co. Woodcraft. “The business owner saves on their premium because the employee pays the first few thousand dollars in expenses. The hope is that the employee has skin in the game and uses their insurance wiser. Price shopping for services is an example of this.”
\nIt’s recommended that businesses that offer HDHPs also offer education to employees on how to be better healthcare consumers. Many employees typically select medical practices without much research, going to whoever’s near them or to the same provider repeatedly without checking to see if there are better options.
\n“Unfortunately, the lack of pricing transparency in the market makes this dynamic almost unachievable with most plans,” Struck said. “If employers want to help their employees with resources to choose medical providers with cost-effective, high-value care, they should place their coverage with an insurer or administrator that can provide these types of services.”
\n\n\n \n\n\nHow to find the right HDHP (or other health insurance plan)
\nHealth insurance options are often complex to navigate and understand. That can be worrisome. What if you sign up for a plan that causes more problems than it solves? To avoid this issue, you can work with an HR outsourcing company.
\nHR outsourcing firms specialize in, among other things, employee benefits administration, including health insurance. These vendors can lead you to the right plans for your workforce. You can read our list of the best HR outsourcing companies to find the right fit.
\nOf course, outsourcing this HR task is another cost to factor into your payroll budget. If you can’t afford to work with a third-party advisor but are required to offer employee health insurance, just search for plans yourself while keeping all the above information in mind. With the right amount of patience and knowledge, you can offer health insurance to your employees without too much hassle.
\nChoosing healthy options for everyone
\nHDHPs are an appealing health insurance option if you’re looking to balance costs with comprehensive healthcare coverage for your employees. If you decide HDHPs work well for your company’s and employees’ needs, be sure to explain the details of these plans to your team. By prioritizing everyone’s well-being and providing them with the necessary information and support, you can help ensure HDHPs are a positive addition to your company’s benefits package.
\nShayna Waltower and Max Freedman contributed to this article. Source interview was conducted for a previous version of this article.
"}},{"_index":"wp-index-bnd-prod-content","_type":"content","_id":"2846","_score":2,"_source":{"canonical":"https://vaylees.com/5084-what-is-c2c.html","displayModified":"2024-01-09T23:45:15Z","docType":"article","editorsPick":false,"href":"5084-what-is-c2c.html","id":"2846","ID":2846,"isSponsored":false,"published":"2018-07-20T19:00:00Z","site":"bnd","stream":"C2C – customer to customer or consumer to consumer – is a business model that facilitates the transaction of products or services between customers. Here's how it works. ","subtitle":"C2C – customer to customer or consumer to consumer – is a business model that facilitates the transaction of products or services between customers. Here's how it works. ","title":"What is C2C?","author":{"displayName":"Andreas Rivera","email":"arivera@business.com","thumbnail":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04071954/AndreasHeadshot-scaled.jpg","type":"Senior Writer"},"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Start Your Business","slug":"start-your-business"},"sub":{"name":"Startup Basics","slug":"startup-basics"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"Facilitating purchases between consumers can be a lucrative business strategy. Learn how C2C – customer to customer or consumer to consumer – works."},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04074128/credit_card_Poike_gety.jpg","caption":"Poike / Getty Images","alt":""},"content":"C2C stands for “consumer to consumer” or “customer to customer”; it’s a business model that fosters commerce between private individuals, usually in an online environment. C2C companies act as intermediaries to foster engagement and help consumers reach bigger audiences.
\nWhether a C2C platform focuses on goods or services, this e-commerce category facilitates transactions between people. We’ll look at C2C commerce and explain how this business model operates.
\nDid you know? Other typical business models include business-to-business (B2B), consumer-to-business (C2B), and business-to-consumer (B2C).
\n\n\nWhat is C2C commerce?
\n\n\nIn the C2C model, a consumer – not a business – sells goods or services to another consumer.
\nToday, the C2C business model is typically associated with e-commerce and online selling platforms like Craigslist or Etsy. Some C2C platforms, including OfferUp, prioritize mobile commerce via apps. However, C2C can refer to any business that creates a market between consumers. A newspaper’s classified ads section or an in-person auction house are also examples of C2C businesses.
\nC2C companies facilitate consumer relationships, helping buyers and sellers locate and engage with each other. They’re especially useful for niche markets. For example, if you’re selling a used car, you may not know anyone interested in its specific make and model. However, a C2C marketplace can help you connect with your target customer and make the sale.
\nThe C2C model allows customers to access hard-to-locate products and find the best price among competing sellers.
\nDid you know? Some sellers use C2C platforms as an arbitrage opportunity, buying goods, such as high-quality used clothes, for their online resale business.
\nHow is C2C different from B2C?
\nWhile C2C platforms help consumers sell to other consumers, business-to-consumer companies sell directly to consumers. Today, B2C typically refers to online retailers, but traditional retailers like mall stores also follow a business-to-consumer model.
\nHere are some characteristics of the B2B business model:
\n\n- B2B organizations typically offer various products or services they develop or purchase from a manufacturer or originator.
\n- B2B companies make money by selling directly to their customers.
\n- To succeed, B2B companies must understand what customers want and how to motivate them to purchase.
\n- B2B companies usually have control over their products’ quality.
\n- B2B companies must offer excellent customer service to stand out and build customer loyalty and repeat business.
\n
\nIn contrast, a C2C business’s primary service is helping sellers reach larger audiences. They make money from fees or commissions they charge sellers in return for listing items for sale.
\nAdditionally, since C2C websites are intermediaries that match buyers to sellers, they have little control over product quality.
\n\n\n \n\n\nWhat are the advantages of the C2C model?
\nC2C companies and participants enjoy several benefits from the business model.
\n\n- C2C has minimal costs. Since C2C platforms don’t have to provide products, minimal costs are involved. This keeps margins higher for sellers and prices lower for buyers.
\n- C2C is convenient for sellers. Sellers enjoy the convenience that C2C marketplaces provide. For example, if someone wants to sell a collection of old books, they don’t have to deal with the hassle of locating potential buyers. Instead, they can join a C2C marketplace and access many potential buyers.
\n- C2C is convenient for buyers. Buyers also find the C2C model convenient. They don’t have to research offline and drive around to visit stores searching for an item they want. They can access a C2C site and easily search for even hard-to-find items.
\n
\nWhat are the disadvantages of the C2C model?
\nC2C businesses also create challenges for participants.
\n\n- Credit card payments can be challenging. Credit card transactions can be difficult on some C2C platforms. Some platforms may not support or be able to process credit cards. However, options like PayPal and Venmo are mitigating these challenges.
\n- Lack of quality control. C2C transactions may lack quality control. Since the sellers are consumers, there is often little recourse for poorly made or misrepresented products. Additionally, because the buyers are also consumers, payment guarantees can be hard to enforce.
\n- C2C platforms can be vulnerable to scams. C2C platforms can be rife with scams as opportunists find ways to take advantage of others. Buyers must be wary of sellers who can’t answer detailed questions about items for sale. They should also avoid any seller that pressures them to buy immediately. C2C platforms must enforce rigorous policies to ensure buyers and sellers feel safe using their C2C marketplace. Many platforms implement comprehensive selling policies that, if violated, result in the users being banned.
\n
\nWhat are examples of C2C companies?
\nThanks to the internet, bigger and more powerful companies are fostering C2C interactions. Here are some examples:
\n\n- eBay. eBay is a prominent example of a C2C intermediary. It includes fixed-price and auction items and appeals to customers seeking good deals and hard-to-find products.
\n- Amazon. Amazon is both a B2C and C2C platform. Its Amazon Marketplace focuses on third-party sellers offering new and used items. Selling on Amazon requires creating a seller account, listing products, and shipping directly to the consumer or Amazon.
\n- Craigslist. Craigslist is another well-known C2C marketplace where people can buy and sell goods and trade services. Craigslist’s localized sites for cities worldwide create a community feel. Craigslist focuses on facilitating relationships. For example, property owners can reach potential renters, and experts can reach people who need their services.
\n- Etsy. Etsy began as an online community for artists, crafters, and vintage fans. It’s now an established marketplace for unique, handmade, original items.
\n- Facebook Marketplace. Facebook Marketplace connects buyers and sellers in specific locations. All transactions are free, unlike eBay, which takes a transaction fee on sales.
\n- Airbnb. Airbnb allows users to post their residence for short-term lodging to other users for a nightly rate.
\n- Fiverr. Fiverr enables users to post a personal for-hire service for as low as $5. These services range from giving financial advice to graphic design.
\n
\n\n\n \n\n\nC2C commerce has a bright future
\nThe internet has enabled companies to create C2C marketplaces on an unprecedented scale. In Europe, the pandemic accelerated the C2C trend, consultancy McKinsey found, since so many people took the time to get rid of unwanted possessions. Additionally, since customers prefer sustainable products, sustainability concerns could drive further C2C growth.
\nOne thing to note: creating a C2C platform is often unrealistic for SMBs since the business model often requires having or building a huge audience.
\nAlex Halperin contributed to the reporting and writing in this article.
"}},{"_index":"wp-index-bnd-prod-content","_type":"content","_id":"2826","_score":2,"_source":{"canonical":"https://vaylees.com/6176-communication-tools.html","displayModified":"2024-08-01T21:18:29Z","docType":"article","editorsPick":false,"href":"6176-communication-tools.html","id":"2826","ID":2826,"isSponsored":false,"published":"2018-07-30T23:00:00Z","site":"bnd","stream":"As the workplace goes digital and teams become remote, collaboration tools are more important than ever.","subtitle":"As the workplace goes digital and teams become remote, collaboration tools are more important than ever.","title":"12 Collaboration Tools for Small Businesses","author":{"displayName":"Andreas Rivera","email":"arivera@business.com","thumbnail":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04071954/AndreasHeadshot-scaled.jpg","type":"Senior Writer"},"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Grow Your Business","slug":"grow-your-business"},"sub":{"name":"Technology","slug":"technology"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"This article includes some of the best collaboration tools for remote teams to use to stay productive no matter where they work."},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04080958/1554241628.jpeg","caption":"LDprod/Shutterstock","alt":""},"content":"From in-person meetings to online video conferencing, technology has made communicating with employees and clients easier and more affordable than ever. Whether you connect through software, a mobile app or social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, there are various collaboration tools to consider for your small business. This guide offers a look at 12 useful tools you can use to keep your teams connected.
\n\n- Bitrix24
\n- Windstream Enterprise OfficeSuite UC
\n- Cisco Webex
\n- ClickMeeting
\n- Fuze
\n- Google Meet
\n- GoToMeeting
\n- Microsoft Teams
\n- Slack
\n- TeamViewer
\n- Zoho Meeting
\n- Zoom
\n
\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom text-only chat
\n1. Bitrix24
\nBitrix24 is a platform that combines a range of collaboration tools, including customer relationship management (CRM) software, project management software, online workspaces, shared calendars, and HR and automation tools. This wide ranging software is especially useful for hybrid and remote teams who need to collaborate across disparate geographies and time zones. It serves as a central hub for meetings, collaborative workspaces, and employee productivity and performance management. Housing all these tools in one place makes it easy for supervisors to coordinate teams, monitor progress on active tasks and projects, and access all the reporting data they need to keep their team on track.
\nBitrix24 offers a free version with 5 GB of storage and unlimited seats, allowing you to test drive the software indefinitely before paying for the more feature-rich pricing plans. To upgrade to more collaboration tools, the Basic plan costs $49 per user per month and includes five seats. As your business grows, you can select the Standard plan, which costs $99 per user per month and accommodates up to 50 users or the Professional plan, which costs $199 per user per month and accommodates up to 100 users. For the most collaboration features and support for up to 250 users, Bitrix24 offers an Enterprise plan with 3 TB of storage and support for 250 users at a price of $399 per user per month.
\n2. Windstream Enterprise OfficeSuite UC
\nAre your employees always on the go? OfficeSuite UC is a 100% cloud-based UCaaS (unified communications as a service) system that’s fully accessible anytime, anywhere. In addition to audio, web and video conferencing, OfficeSuite offers unlimited nationwide calling, toll-free phone service and digital faxing. It also has useful mobility features: mobile twinning, which makes all incoming calls ring your desk and mobile phone simultaneously; hot-desking to enable incoming and outgoing calls from any phone; and virtual voicemail, allowing you to receive notifications and messages from any phone, online or by email.
\nBuilt into OfficeSuite UC are integrations with third-party applications like Salesforce, Skype, Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Slack and Microsoft Teams. UC also features contact center services to help users create queues for calls and chats, as well as live and historical agent activity and the ability to record calls. Contact Windstream Enterprise for pricing information.
\n3. Cisco Webex
\nBusinesses that rely heavily on meetings need full-featured communications software. Cisco’s Webex offers high-definition (HD) video conferences with collaboration and file-sharing capabilities for all types of meetings, including presentations, sales demos, online training sessions, web-based events, staff meetings and remote tech support.
\nWebex is fully accessible on mobile devices with the Webex mobile app for iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry. The basic version of Webex is free and supports up to 100 meeting participants, but it’s limited to a single user and meetings can only last up to 50 minutes. Premium versions start at $25 per month and include phone call-ins, file transfers, 5GB of cloud recording storage and live 24/7 support.
\n4. ClickMeeting
\nFor businesses that host lots of webinars, ClickMeeting has dozens of tools to help you set up and run a smooth presentation. You can plan out your webinar beforehand with your branding, slideshows and screen sharing. You can make custom invitations and registration pages to get everyone you need into your webinar room.
\nDuring the presentation, you can add polls, use a Q&A chat tool and create calls to action. The webinar can be saved for later viewing as well. ClickMeeting starts at $25 per month if billed annually, with support for up to 25 participants in meetings and up to six hours of recording storage. There is also a $40 per month plan that includes useful webinar automations and a custom plan for companies in need of a bespoke solution.
\n5. Fuze
\nDo you need more flexibility in your meetings? Fuze (now an 8×8 company) is packed with capabilities to take online and live meetings to the next level. In addition to offering HD audio and video conferencing for up to 1,000 participants, Fuze lets users present documents, multimedia, animations and other types of rich content.
\nParticipants can access Fuze on any device, whether they are in the same room as the meeting, down the hall or across the country. You can easily schedule meetings directly from Microsoft Outlook or Google Calendar. Fuze starts at $15 per user, per month, with the option to upgrade to tiers with more features and support for more users.
\n\n\n \n\n\n6. Google Meet
\nWhether you need to make voice calls or video calls or chat and send multimedia messages, Google Meet is the kind of group collaboration tool that makes all types of communication among employees super-easy, regardless of your team members’ locations and devices.
\nLike other components of the Google Workspace, Meet features improvements from Google’s previous flagship team communication tool, Hangouts. Through Meet, you can make voice calls straight from your computer (calls to the United States and Canada are free), hold video conferences and livestream meetings and events. Users who don’t have access to a computer or an internet connection can dial in with a unique meeting phone number.
\nThe Business Starter tier starts at $6 per user, per month, and includes a custom business email address, 100-participant video meetings, 30GB of cloud storage per user and standard support. Higher service tiers are also available, including plans at $12 per user, per month, $18 per user, per month and custom plans with upgraded features to support the larger price tags.
\n7. GoToMeeting
\nIf you need a basic, easy-to-use web conferencing solution, LogMeIn’s GoToMeeting can get you started immediately. You can use its one-click meeting feature to schedule meetings through integrations with Microsoft Office 365, Slack, Google Calendar and Microsoft Teams.
\nIn addition to HD video conferencing, GoToMeeting offers dozens of useful tools to make your meetings more productive and interactive. These include screen sharing, web audio, a dial-in conference line, drawing tools and the ability to record meetings.
\nGoToMeeting starts at $12 per month, per user, if billed annually and supports up to 150 participants. If you need more participants and features, check out the Business plan ($16 per user, per month, if billed annually) for 250 attendees. There’s also the Enterprise plan for up to 3,000 participants, although that will require a custom quote from LogMeIn’s sales department. A free 14-day trial is available. [Want to learn more? Check out our full review of GoTo Connect.]
\n8. Microsoft Teams
\nBusinesses with Office 365 subscriptions have access to Microsoft’s robust video conferencing and chat tools. Having effectively replaced Skype for Business as the company’s main business communication platform, Microsoft Teams is a quintessential video chat platform full of powerful features like screen and file sharing, shared apps and workflows and a visual style called Together Mode that makes it look like everyone participating in the meeting is in the same room.
\nThe free version has plenty of features, including collaboration tools and screen sharing, custom backgrounds, unlimited chat messages, real-time collaboration in Microsoft Office and scheduling tools through Outlook. Microsoft Teams is also included in existing Microsoft 365 subscription plans. Paid plans include Essentials, Basic and Standard, which cost $4, $6 and $12.50 per user, per month, respectively.
\n9. Slack
\nSlack is a multipurpose platform for project management, instant messaging and video conferencing. It allows you to create several channels for different teams and makes it easy to add new members to multiple channels. From here, team members can instant-message each other, share and store files with up to 1TB of storage per member in the Enterprise service tier and start video calls.
\nSlack has a free version for an unlimited number of users. The paid versions Pro and Business Plus, which cost $8.75 and $15 per user, per month, keep an unlimited searchable history of your messages and let you host video meetings with up to 15 participants. Screen sharing, custom user groups, two-factor authentication settings and unlimited apps and integrations are all available in the paid versions. Slack also offers a custom Enterprise plan for companies that need tailor-made solutions.
\n10. TeamViewer
\nRemote support has come a long way from users relaying their issues over the phone. TeamViewer gives anyone complete access to desktops, applications and data so users can skip explaining problems and reduce miscommunication. Available 24/7, this program does not require any installation on your business’s part. In addition to remote support, it provides an online collaboration platform for holding meetings, presentations and training sessions.
\nTeamViewer starts at $6.95 per month for one licensed user, while a multiuser option is available for $38.90 per month and a team-oriented option is available for $112.90 per month.
\n\n\n \n\n\n11. Zoho Meeting
\nThere’s more to web conferencing than staff meetings. Zoho Meeting is a comprehensive online meeting solution that lets businesses hold live meetings to share product demonstrations with prospects, provide remote client support and more. Users sign in with their Google, Facebook, or Yahoo accounts; via Google Apps; or by entering a meeting session ID from any Windows, Mac, or Linux device. You can also embed meetings on webpages, blogs and wikis for easy access.
\nZoho Meetings offers a free version that enables 60-minute meetings. Paid versions include $1 per host per month and $3 per host per month Meetings plans, which offer extended meeting time limits, custom backgrounds, remote screen control and recording. Zoho Meetings also offers two Webinar tiers at $8 per host per month and $16 per host per month. These plans include multiple organizers and tools like email invitations and screen sharing for hosting large conferences, panels and webinars.
\n12. Zoom
\nZoom is an enterprise-level, all-in-one collaboration tool with a small business price tag. Zoom came into its own following the COVID-19 shutdowns that swept the U.S. As a tool, it was primed to meet the occasion with video and web conferencing solutions as well as cross-platform instant messaging and file-sharing features.
\nZoom lets users hold all types of online meetings, such as one-on-one video conferences, town-hall meetings, training, webinars and marketing events. The service can be used on desktops, mobile devices and your company’s video and conference room systems. A developer platform is available to integrate Zoom features, such as video, voice and screen sharing, with apps your business already uses.
\nZoom offers a free, basic plan that allows time-limited one-on-one meetings and group meetings for up to 100 participants. Paid plans include the Pro plan at $149.90 per year, the Business plan at $199.90 per year and the Business Plus plan at $250 per year. Zoom’s paid tiers include features like meetings ranging in length from 30 hours to unlimited, cloud storage, whiteboard and collaboration tools and more.
\n\n\n \n\n\n\nUsing these collaboration tools (or any other that suit your team’s needs) can provide key benefits for any business. Hybrid and remote teams will find these tools invaluable, but even in-person teams can enjoy some of the following benefits when they implement these solutions.
\nContact with remote teams
\nFor companies with remote workers that aren’t always on-site, communication and collaboration tools are essential. They help connect remote workers during meetings and provide managers with an easy way to ensure these employees are staying on task. It also means that team members that need to work closely together don’t need to be physically close to one another. Whether it’s a quick Slack message or Zoom call, they can share all the information and files they need to do their jobs effectively.
\nSeamless connection between multiple locations
\nEven if your employees all work on-site, you may have multiple locations that need to communicate with one another. The more connectivity between your locations, the better, as you can optimize each location’s workflow and help crowdsource solutions to problems. Rather than leaving your locations in isolated silos, communications and collaboration tools help you bridge the gap to become more efficient and build a stronger company-wide culture.
\nAround-the-clock communication
\nEven if some team members have clocked out, those that are still working can leave useful messages or clue them in on updates that they’ll see when they return to work. This means fewer things will be forgotten that would have had to wait until a morning meeting. If the employee that’s sending these updates is off the clock when the recipient returns, they won’t have to wait for them to get started on the next task.
\n\n\n \n\n\nIntegrations with other business software
\nMost of the collaboration tools above integrate with other software, which can enhance their capabilities to improve the way businesses manage their work. For example, integrating Slack with project management platforms like monday.com or Asana enables teams to track tasks as they’re completed and receive notifications when something new needs their attention. Using communication and collaboration tools as an additional channel for notifications and alerts ensures nothing will get missed just because an employee didn’t check the project management app. Similarly, these solutions can integrate with cloud storage tools like Google Drive, providing direct access to the files your team needs most.
\nCollaboration tools and software keep your team connected
\nBy incorporating the right blend of communication and collaboration tools for your team, you can keep them connected and productive, no matter where they’re located. Whether you have multiple workplaces situated around the country or the world or you have a sizable remote workforce, these software solutions can help you ensure you get the job done as if everyone were on-site together.
\nTejas Vemparala contributed to the writing and research of this article.
"}},{"_index":"wp-index-bnd-prod-content","_type":"content","_id":"11365","_score":2,"_source":{"canonical":"https://vaylees.com/7710-best-ecommerce-software-wordpress.html","displayModified":"2023-09-18T23:59:42Z","docType":"review","editorsPick":null,"href":"7710-best-ecommerce-software-wordpress.html","id":"11365","ID":11365,"isSponsored":false,"published":"2018-01-03T01:45:00Z","site":"bnd","stream":null,"subtitle":null,"title":"WooCommerce Review","author":{"displayName":"Andreas Rivera","email":"arivera@business.com","thumbnail":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04071954/AndreasHeadshot-scaled.jpg","type":"Senior Writer"},"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Find A Solution","slug":"find-a-solution"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"WooCommerce is the best shopping cart plugin for adding e-commerce to self-hosted WordPress sites and blogs. Read our full review here."},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/08/01034043/WooCommerce.png","caption":"","alt":"Woo Commerce company logo"},"content":"\n \n\n\nWe recommend WooCommerce as the best shopping cart plugin for WordPress websites and blogs. We chose WooCommerce from dozens of shopping cart plugins, shopping cart software and e-commerce software because it lets you build a free online store quickly and easily.
\nWhy WooCommerce?
\nWooCommerce has everything you need to get your WordPress-based e-commerce business up and running. It lets you set up an online storefront on an existing website without all the fuss and costs of e-commerce software. WooCommerce is also a completely customizable, well-supported solution, so you can create an online store that looks, feels and works exactly the way you want it to.
\nEditor’s Note: Looking for an e-commerce website builder for your business? If you’re looking for information to help you choose the one that’s right for you, use the questionnaire below to have our sister site, BuyerZone, provide you with information from a variety of vendors for free:
\n\n\n \n\n\nBest price
\nThe best part about WooCommerce is that it offers vast capabilities — without breaking the bank. Of the WordPress shopping cart plugins we reviewed, WooCommerce offers the most features at the best price.
\nFirst, WooCommerce is completely free to download and install, and there are no monthly fees as on other shopping cart solutions.
\nWooCommerce-powered online stores are also highly customizable in look, feel and function, at no additional cost. This is because it’s already packed with features to help you launch and run your online store, and you can add a ton more using website themes and extensions from the WooCommerce website. And because WooCommerce is completely compatible with WordPress, you have even more customization options using themes and extensions from WordPress and third-party developers.
\nMost WooCommerce website themes and extensions are free, but there are also paid versions that offer more advanced capabilities. Website themes can run anywhere from $79 to $139, depending on the features you want to purchase. Pricing for paid extensions vary, but the small business owners we talked to said that with the massive collection of extensions available, you’ll likely be able to find what you need for free.
\nAnother contributing factor to WooCommerce’s affordability is that you don’t need a merchant account, saving you money from your bank’s fees. It directly integrates with PayPal, so you can just use your PayPal account to process and receive payments, and then transfer the funds for free to your bank account.
\nE-commerce features
\nWooCommerce has everything small businesses need to turn their WordPress website or blog into a successful online store. Used by millions of brands of all sizes, it offers both basic and advanced features to help you launch, manage and grow your e-commerce business.
\n\n- Storefront. Build a storefront as part of your existing website or blog, or launch a stand-alone online store. WooCommerce also integrates easily with the free WordPress Storefront theme, so you can create an entire online store in minutes.
\n- Payment processing. Use PayPal to process payments and avoid the hassle and fees of setting up a merchant account with your bank. Or, choose from WooCommerce’s wide range of payment gateways to accept credit cards, cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin and Litecoin), and even Cash on Delivery (COD). If you offer subscription services, WooCommerce can also handle recurring and auto payments so you don’t have to waste time manually processing them yourself. You also don’t need to worry about calculating taxes — WooCommerce lets you set tax classes and local tax rates to automatically populate for each customer.
\n- Back-end operations. Perform back-office tasks straight from the WooCommerce dashboard. For example, get a handle on order fulfillment using a wide range of shipping carriers, services and add-ons to make logistics work for your business. WooCommerce also offers inventory management tools and the ability to assign specific team members to certain tasks.
\n- Marketing. Boost sales and grow your business. WooCommerce lets you run several types of promotions, such as discount options, coupon campaigns and free shipping offers. Advanced options include the ability to limit the number of products that customers can purchase at discounted prices, and restrict promotions to select customers.
\n- Reporting. Measure your online store’s success. Generate all types of reports, such as incoming sales, stock levels, product reviews, overall store performance and more.
\n
\nOther benefits
\nThe best shopping cart software lets you build an online store that works for your business and best represents your brand — and this is where WooCommerce shines. The biggest benefit of using WooCommerce is that it offers nearly endless customization options to make your WordPress-powered online store look, feel and function exactly the way you want it to.
\nJust like the entire premise of the WordPress platform, WooCommerce lets you build a tailor-made online store in two ways: using themes and extensions.
\nThemes. Choose from WooCommerce’s vast collection of e-commerce themes and hundreds more offered by WordPress and third-party developers. Personalize them by adding your own logo, headers and other branding.
\nYou can further customize these themes via built-in options. For instance, use drop-down menus and color pickers to change colors, and one-click buttons to change layouts and navigation. You can also add widgets and, if you’re a little more tech-savvy, shortcodes and HTML/CSS.
\nExtensions. From payment processing to order fulfillment, accounting, analytics and many others, WooCommerce’s massive library of free and paid extensions lets you integrate different business apps and functions that work best with your business.
\nCompared to other shopping cart plugins that force you to use their own services or limit your back-end choices, WooCommerce lets you better streamline your operations in a way that works for you, while giving you more control over how you run your online store and business. Popular extensions include UPS and FedEx for shipping; PayPal, Amazon and 2Checkout payment processing; Xero and FreshBooks accounting software; and Zapier automation.
\nTo give you even more options, WooCommerce works seamlessly with extensions and widgets offered by WordPress and third-party developers. These extensions give you a wide range of customization options, such as personalized deliveries, PDF invoices and packing slips, custom product and order numbers, Google Analytics integration, the ability to incorporate affiliate programs into the platform and more.
\nCustomer support
\nNeed help using WooCommerce? From installation to setup, Web design, extensions, plugins and more, WooCommerce offers a plethora of resources to help you resolve any issue.
\nTo start, if you need one-on-one help, WooCommerce’s help desk can connect you with customer or tech support. Simply submit a help ticket with your issue and contact information, and a representative will get back to you. When you submit a ticket, the system will require you to choose a category to ensure your ticket reaches the right place.
\nIf you prefer to troubleshoot issues yourself, there are many ways to find the help you need:
\n\n- FAQs. The FAQ section has answers to the most common questions users have about WooCommerce and the WordPress platform. It covers general questions, presale and account questions, licensing, extensions, plugins and more. For more in-depth answers, check out the Knowledgebase.
\n- Knowledgebase. Visit the Knowledgebase and find hundreds of articles and tutorials on how to install and manage WooCommerce, troubleshoot issues, customize extensions, use the iOS app and more.
\n- Community. Ask fellow WooCommerce users in the Community section for help, or search through existing posts for similar issues.
\n- Documentation. Search WooThemes Documentation to find reference materials, tutorials and other documentation for everything about WooCommerce. This includes WooCommerce extensions, WooCommerce themes, storefront extensions, WordPress plugins and coding references. It also features a Getting Started guide (which covers installation; settings and options; adding and selling products; shipping; order management; and sales reports); API documents for developers; presales questions; and a troubleshooting section for common issues.
\n- Videos. Don’t feel like reading? Check out the videos section for video tutorials on all things WordPress, such as how to install plugins like WooCommerce, settings and configurations, and how to design your online store, add widgets, use the dashboard and more.
\n
\nTo further help you troubleshoot problems, WooCommerce has published this help guide, which features step-by-step instructions on how you can efficiently find solutions before contacting the company’s help desk. You can also use this page to ask questions and quickly solve problems.
\nLimitations
\nThe biggest limitation to using WooCommerce as a shopping cart solution for your WordPress-powered website is that it is simply a plugin. This means it only powers the e-commerce part of your website, so you’ll still need to set up everything else.
\nUnlike full-featured e-commerce software, WooCommerce doesn’t provide the infrastructure for your online store. You’ll still need to find your own web host, purchase a domain name, and set up your WordPress account and website. The upside to this is that you have complete control over where you host your website and from which registrar you purchase your domain name. The downside is that this requires you to consider additional costs and time it will take before you get your online store up and running.
\nAnother limitation of WooCommerce is that there may be a learning curve for some merchants. For instance, the platform doesn’t have a drag-and-drop website builder, so you’ll have to learn and rely on whatever options your theme and extensions offer to change your store’s look and feel. If you’re already familiar with the WordPress platform, however, WooCommerce will be very easy for you to use.
\nIt’s a great option for those who are just starting out or already have a WordPress site. But if you find that you no longer want to use WordPress for your store, or that your operation is outgrowing WordPress’ capabilities, you’ll have to deal with the hassle of switching to a different platform. This will require a bigger investment of time and money than if you had started with full-featured e-commerce software on a non-WordPress website instead.
\nAdditional reporting by Sara Angeles.
"}},{"_index":"wp-index-bnd-prod-content","_type":"content","_id":"2944","_score":2,"_source":{"canonical":"https://vaylees.com/9494-small-business-benefits-package.html","displayModified":"2024-01-05T15:24:10Z","docType":"article","editorsPick":false,"href":"9494-small-business-benefits-package.html","id":"2944","ID":2944,"isSponsored":false,"published":"2018-05-13T22:35:00Z","site":"bnd","stream":"A solid employee benefits package can help retain your best employees and attract top talent. Here’s how to build one.","subtitle":"A solid employee benefits package can help retain your best employees and attract top talent. Here’s how to build one.","title":"How to Build a Great Employee Benefits Package","author":{"displayName":"Andreas Rivera","email":"arivera@business.com","thumbnail":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04071954/AndreasHeadshot-scaled.jpg","type":"Senior Writer"},"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Start Your Business","slug":"start-your-business"},"sub":{"name":"Startup Basics","slug":"startup-basics"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"This guide explains how to build a great employee benefits plan that will retain your best employees and help you recruit top talent."},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://images.vaylees.com/app/uploads/2022/04/04073417/hr_soft_fizkes.jpg","caption":"fizkes / Getty Images","alt":""},"content":"When employers talk about their “compensation packages,” they don’t mean just salary. In addition to employees’ pay, these packages typically include a number of other perks, like health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off (PTO). If you want to build a truly desirable benefits package to keep your employees happy and attract top talent, this guide is for you.
\nWhat is an employee benefits package?
\nAn employee benefits package is a set of perks given to employees in addition to their salary or wages. Often called “nonwage benefits,” they encompass many tools employees can use to take care of themselves and their families, establish a healthy work-life balance, save money and more.
\nSome benefits are mandated by law in certain instances, such as health insurance, while others, such as PTO, are offered to attract top-level employees to work for a particular company.
\nEditor’s note: Looking to outsource your human resources department for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.
\n\n\n \n\n\nA truly impactful employee benefits program goes well beyond medical coverage, said Alex Shubat, CEO and co-founder of work-life-balance platform Espresa.
\n“I believe that benefits are all about employee recruitment and retention, which comes from people feeling valued,” Shubat said. “They want to know that their employers care about their well-being and respect their time.” [See related article: Quitting Your Day Job? The Basics on Benefits Coverage for Entrepreneurs]
\n\n\n \n\n\nWhat to include in your employee benefits package
\nHere are some employee benefits that PEOs and insurance brokers can help you offer, as well as a few perks that many employers add as they expand their benefits packages.
\n\n- Health insurance, including the following:
\n\n- Medical: Health benefits are among the leading reasons an employee chooses to work at a company. Offer plans or options that help employees and their families access the ongoing and preventive care they need to lead healthy lives.
\n- Dental: Annual cleanings, cavity fillings and emergency dental work can be expensive. A good plan helps employees and their families access preventive and vital care at an affordable price.
\n- Vision: Vision insurance helps people who wear glasses access discounted or free corrective eyewear. This can lift a significant financial burden off your employees’ shoulders.
\n
\n \n
\n\n- Flexible spending accounts: This benefit helps employees save pretax dollars for medical expenses.
\n- College (529) savings plans: Help your employees set aside funds for their children’s education with a 529 savings option.
\n- Retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k): Offer employees an easy way to save for retirement by automatically depositing money into a retirement account each pay period. Your company also may elect to match contributions up to a certain amount or after a certain number of years of service to the company.
\n- Additional insurance (e.g., life and disability): Life and disability insurance can help your employees and their families during difficult times.
\n- Time off for vacation, sick days and personal days: Offering ample time off for employees to take care of themselves and loved ones is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to their well-being and work-life balance.
\n- A pretax commuter benefits program: This is especially helpful if your company is in a major city. For example, New York City requires all employers with 20 or more full-time, nonunion employees to offer this type of program. Even if you’re not required to offer it, employees will appreciate knowing you’re dedicated to making the daily grind a little easier.
\n- Flexible and/or remote work options: Today, many businesses offer a work-from-home model at least part of the time, and some have fully remote positions. This option helps employees save on commuting costs and achieve a better work-life balance.
\n- Stock options: Common in startups, stock options are equity compensation given to employees in exchange for their years of service or for getting in with a company on the ground level. This benefit allows employees to purchase stock at a preferred price for a predefined period if the company were to go public.
\n
\nOf course, these are just the basics. To stand out and make your company more attractive to employees, you’ll need to go above and beyond, within your small business budget.
\n“All companies wish they could spend more on benefits, but it is a balancing act,” said Jeff Yaniga, former chief channel officer of Maestro Health. “It’s been hard for smaller employers to offer choice. Voluntary benefits continue to improve and evolve. Employers must budget benefits with the same rigor by which they budget payroll, innovation, and building great products and services.”
\nBenefits don’t have to eat up your whole budget, though. Small perks, like free food or discounted services, can go a long way in keeping employees happy.
\n“Something as simple as free drinks in the kitchen may only cost a few hundred dollars a year, but it’s amazing how much the ‘little things’ affect morale and performance,” Shubat said. For example, a soda machine or on-site dry cleaning “isn’t going to break the bank, and the value they generate in terms of retention is unbelievable,” he said.
\nSome wellness-related perks might include gym memberships or discounts, smoking cessation programs, subsidized health food markets and child care benefits. Other low-cost perks include employee-recognition programs (with small rewards or prizes); points-based programs that let employees earn discounts, cash and gift cards; and drawings or raffles.
\n\n\n \n\n\nWhy offering competitive benefits is good for employers
\nYou know that attractive benefits packages help employees, but you should also understand the advantages for employers. Here are a few reasons you should offer a competitive benefits package:
\n\n- It attracts top talent. The best employees in your field know that they are in demand, and they have choices for where to work. An appealing employee benefits package can help attract and retain these employees.
\n- It keeps employees healthy. Without health insurance, the flexibility to work from home or ample time off, employees may experience burnout. That hurts your bottom line in the long run, as employees are less productive when they’re overworked than when they are well rested.
\n- It’s good for public relations. More customers want to conduct business with companies that have strong values, including good treatment of employees.
\n
\nTips for creating an employee benefits package
\nOur sources offered the following advice for building an employee benefits package that works for your company.
\nOffer choices.
\nEmployees may seek different offerings in their benefits packages. For example, younger employees may want help saving money to buy a house, while older workers may be more focused on saving money for their retirement. Allowing employees to personalize their package to meet their own goals is a big part of increasing satisfaction with your benefits plan.
\nHigh-deductible health plans can be supplemented with voluntary benefits, such as low-cost loans, Yaniga said. “Empowering employers with the best benefits options will put them on a path toward higher retention rates, greater employee engagement and a more thriving workplace,” he said.
\nOther popular voluntary benefits include wellness plans, telemedicine, pet insurance and financial advisory tools.
\nUse technology to your advantage.
\nFinding an intuitive online portal that’s easy for your employees to access and navigate is important to help them understand what they can do with their benefits package. If it’s easy to enroll and make changes down the line, employees will feel in control of their benefits.
\n“Most traditional benefits, like medical and retirement plans, can be viewed and managed through online portals,” Shubat said. “The next wave is making all benefits and services available through digital platforms. Most companies don’t have those tools in place right now, but it’s becoming more and more common every day.”
\nTechnology can help employers, too. By using the analytics provided by these tools, you can gain a better understanding of your employees’ needs and what’s working.
\nAsk employees what they want.
\nYaniga emphasized the importance of knowing your employees and finding out what benefits they really want.
\n“The more we understand about the benefit priorities of our employees, the more we can meet them at their priorities,” Yaniga said. “Best-in-class companies build a great culture by applying all they know about their employees’ priorities to their benefit structures.”
\n\n\n \n\n\nBest HR software for employee benefits
\nIf you’re looking for HR software that can help you devise and manage a great employee benefits package, consider these platforms:
\n\n- Rippling: Rippling is well-rounded HR software that offers all of the most important features we looked for. It also includes highly effective onboarding tools, so you’ll be able to get new hires acquainted with their benefits package quickly and easily. Check out our Rippling review to learn more.
\n- Paycor: Paycor is especially useful for analyzing your data, which can help you choose employee benefits that your team actually wants.
\n- Gusto: Gusto is a leading name in HR, and for good reason. We especially like its tools for managing payroll and ensuring your team is compensated accurately and on time. This can also play into how you structure your employee benefits plan. To learn more about this platform, check out our Gusto review.
\n
\nThese are just a few great options. See our picks for the best HR software to learn more about our favorite solutions.
\nBuild the benefits package your employees want
\nWhile a good wage or salary is important for any employee who’s considering whether to accept a job or stay with a company, the strength of the employer’s benefits package can often play a large role in their decision as well. By bundling the retirement, healthcare, time-off and other benefits your employees really want, you can help improve employee retention and enhance your recruitment efforts. Follow the advice above to start building a benefits plan that truly makes a difference for your employees and your business.
\nNicole Fallon-Peek and Tejas Vemparala contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.
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