Ransomware Attacks Are Spiking. Is Your Company Prepared?

These are unprecedented times in the world of cybersecurity, with ransomware attacks up 150% in 2020 and growing even faster in 2021. Most audit committees and senior management who have to make decisions around cyberattack say they never imagined they’d be in a discussion on whether and how much ransom to pay to hackers who are holding the company hostage. With good preparation and cybersecurity hygiene, and a plan in place, your company will reduce risk and be better prepared to deal with the unthinkable.

Harvard Business ReviewConcierge Notary ServicesSeptember 30, 2021concierge notary, technology, ransomware, attacks, small businessComment

74% of Consumers Prefer Texting with Businesses if a Real Person is Texting Back

The findings of the report provide some important insight for small businesses. They show that consumers value text messaging as a form of communication with small, local businesses. Furthermore, the findings confirm the value of SMS communication and SMS marketing campaigns being handled by real people opposed to automated or robotic responses.

Small Biz TrendsConcierge Notary ServicesSeptember 27, 2021small business, clients, notary business, communication, textingComment

Go Beyond the Basics with These 10 Unique Online Marketing Tips

Nearly every business today uses some form of online marketing. So if you want your company to stand out, you need to think a bit differently. New platforms like Clubhouse and TikTok may help. Or you could find new strategies within your tried and true methods like SEO and email marketing. These tips from members of the online small business community can help you go beyond the basics to improve your online marketing.

Small Biz TrendsConcierge Notary ServicesSeptember 24, 2021concierge notary, small business, business growth, business basicsComment

Where Companies Go Wrong with Learning and Development

Not only is the majority of training in today’s companies ineffective, but the purpose, timing, and content of training is flawed. Want to see eyes glaze over quicker than you can finish this sentence? Mandate that busy employees attend a training session on “business writing skills”, or “conflict resolution”, or some other such course with little alignment to their needs. Like lean manufacturing and the lean startup before it, lean learning supports the adaptability that gives organizations a competitive advantage in today’s market. It’s about learning the core of what you need to learn, applying it to real-world situations immediately, receiving immediate feedback and refining your understanding, and then repeating the cycle. In order to begin practicing lean learning, organizations need to move from measuring credits earned to measuring business outcomes created. Lean learning ensures that employees not only learn the right thing, at the right time, and for the right reasons, but also that they retain what they learn.

Need a Business Vehicle? Tax Considerations to Factor into Your Choices

Are you thinking about getting a car, truck, or van now? Hybrid or electric-powered vehicle? Buy or lease a vehicle? And in who’s name (the owner or the business)? Your choice is usually based on business needs, fuel efficiency, your budget, financing options, and insurance costs. But whatever choice you make affects your taxes, which ultimately impacts your bottom line.

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