Jan 30, 2020

Why Cybersecurity Is About More Than Just Software

Many new business owners understand the importance of cybersecurity. They know that it’s vital to protect their business and they’re more than willing to spend time, effort and money on protecting their business. However, it’s vital to spend your resources wisely in order to protect your company’s data.

One of the most common things to do is install software solutions to protect your business. This could mean antivirus software or even firewalls to stop suspicious incoming traffic. You might also have security features attached to any cloud services you use. Unfortunately, having software to protect your business isn’t the end of your responsibilities–you also need to educate your employees.

One of the biggest sources of cybersecurity breaches comes from social engineering. By abusing a lack of knowledge from your employees and tricking them into giving up their passwords or security details, hackers can easily waltz into your business’s network and wreak havoc. Whether they decide to steal information, delete records or install even more dangerous software, a breach can be incredibly damaging to your business.

Not only does it expose your data, but it can subject you to heavy fines due to regulations such as the GDPR. Any breaches of data must be reported as well, meaning the general public will lose faith in your business. This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of penalties, but it’s safe to say that any kind of data breach will hurt your business.

Below, we’ve included an infographic on how you can combat cybersecurity threats, but we also recommend educating your employees on safe computer practices.



Infographic: University of Alabama Birmingham

Jan 24, 2020

How the Digital Age Is Changing Skills Demand

The digital age is changing many things, both in industry and elsewhere. One of the things that is changing is the general demand for skills. As can be expected, these big changes in technology and the flow of information mean that many skills are in higher demand, while others are no longer as relevant. If you want to keep up with how skills demand is changing, take a look at the following skills.

Higher Demand for Technical Skills

As you might imagine, the rise of digital technology means that technical skills are in much higher demand. All types of skills are required to do practical jobs ranging from office work to fieldwork. Most people need to have some basic level of technical skills, such as the ability to use basic computer skills.

Differentiating with Creative Skills

The digital age has made it easy for anyone to start a business and try to compete. It has also increased the flow of information and changed consumer demands. Due to this, creative thinkers are in demand. People who can create memorable marketing campaigns, for example, could find that their skills and experience are in demand.

Changes in Leadership Skills

Leadership skills are also changing. With the fast flow of information, organizations that manage information need to find leaders with the right skills. People who have skills in both business and information management can discover that they are perfectly placed to fill the roles that are required. As well as being good leaders, they are able to manage information smartly.

Infographic Design By https://librarysciencedegree.usc.edu/blog/leadership-skills-in-the-information-culture/

Jan 10, 2020

Dealing With Tough Times: How To Move Forward In Your Relationship


Life can be a bed of roses, but it can also be challenging. When you’re in a relationship, there are bound to be highs and lows. It’s normal to experience tough times, but that doesn’t offer much comfort if you’re struggling to see a way through. If you are going through a bad patch with your partner, here are some steps that may help you move forward. 




Talk to each other
When you know someone extremely well and you have a really close bond, it can be easy to assume that they somehow know exactly how you’re feeling, and to presume that you know what is going through their mind. The truth is that none of us are mind-readers. Your partner may have no idea how you’re feeling and vice-versa. The key to tackling problems and moving on after a difficult period often lies in talking to each other and filling in the blanks. It’s not always easy to have frank conversations, but you’ll feel better if you open up and you’re both honest. You don’t have to make a big deal about communicating and set a time and date to discuss how you feel. Instead, get into the habit of communicating freely on a regular basis. Even the simplest things like asking your other half how their day was or listening if they’re feeling down can make all the difference. 


Don’t be afraid to seek help or advice
Some of us find it very easy to talk about our feelings, while others struggle to express emotions. Often, we are reluctant to open up to the people we love because we don’t want to burden or upset them. We also want to protect ourselves, and being honest can make us feel vulnerable. If you don’t want to speak to somebody you know, you might find seeing a therapist or a counselor beneficial. You can do this alone or with your partner. Choose a therapist that has experience in the kinds of problems you’re experiencing, for example, a relationship counselor or a sexologist. Talking to somebody that doesn’t have any preconceptions about your relationship and having someone to listen to you can be refreshing and reassuring. 

Concentrate on the present while building a future

Many of us find it difficult to move on after a rocky patch because we keep looking backwards or we obsess about the future. It can be positive to look forwards, but don’t let this approach apply extra pressure. We live in a society where milestones are laid out for us, and this can create added strain. Focus on the present, have fun now and start building your future together. If you get carried away with wanting to be married by the time you’re 30 or have children and a house and a dog by 35, this can hamper your enjoyment of the present and increase stress. 

Highs and lows are par for the course in any relationship, but sometimes, tough times can floor us. If you’re struggling to move on, hopefully, you’ll find this guide helpful. 

Jan 3, 2020

Getting Your Branding Basics Down

Branding is a powerful tool when it comes to your blog or your business. It becomes how people will recognize you and your work. Branding will give people the impression they can trust you, and people who have worked with you already are likely to return. 






Sounds too good to be true? 

Well, actually, this is precisely why branding works and why it is so good. And, more importantly, why you need to get your branding beautiful. 

So what is branding? Branding is your name, design, or symbol, the colors you choose, the tone of voice, the email signature you use. It is a representation of your company and becomes recognizable as such. Branding is vital for business success, it is how you will become known to consumers, and from that build loyalty. 



Vision
Your vision is going to be the driving force behind your branding. This goes for a business, a blog, or even you as a person - whatever it is. Your brand vision will be a melting pot of all of the ideas, goals, strengths, and appeal to your customers. 


Style
You probably have a few ideas in mind for style already. And luckily, we all have access to tools to help us create something that works in our budget and our skill level. Of course, what you want to do is work with a professional to help you create the initial logos and the color pallet. However, we don’t all have the budget initially. You can use tools like Canva and PicMonkey to help you create the basis for all of your branding. And make sure you make a few different color combinations before settling. Use the psychology of color to help you get it right. 

Clear
While you might be in love with the swirly, delicate font - can everyone read it? Is the yellow geometric owl coming across well? Try to make sure everything is as clear as possible before you dive into getting everything made. And, you should make sure that every font you are using is mobile compatible, it should translate online and printed materials. 

Consistency
Sure your logo and your tagline will be on your social media - but it actually needs to on every single document that you produce. Templafy.com can make sure that possible, and easy too. And your photos need to be on-brand too. If you are presenting as a slick monochrome brand, but your Instagram is bold colors and doesn’t feel on brand, the discrepancy will hurt your brand - people won’t instantly make those connections. 

Story
The real meat of branding can be boiled down to the ‘story.’ What is it about your business that makes you stand out? How is your personal journey something everyone can relate to? Why these products? What is it about this content that is so important to you? The story of your brand is what makes you different from everyone else - and the exact reason a customer will buy your products or services in the first place. 

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