Time-Saving Ways IT Support Can Help Your Small Business
Many small businesses try to save money in every aspect of their business. While this makes sense and can be a good business practice, it can also backfire. Trying to save money by DIYing something can mean hours of wasted time, plus the expense of hiring a professional to clean up the mess once the frustration gets to be too much to continue. There are many aspects of running a small business where hiring someone to do the job for you can make you more money, and IT support is one of the biggest of those. If you are starting a small business, or already own one, hire IT support Orange County to help your business thrive.
Reduce Downtime
When you have problems with your IT system, website, or network, it can cause long delays and downtime during which no one can work, and nothing is getting done. If you have an IT team that can handle the problem quickly and efficiently and get you back to work right away, you will save a lot of time and money over trying to fix it yourself.
If your company relies on a website or online store which goes down, it can be hours before a problem is spotted. Once you know it’s not working well, it can be hours more in repair time. Not only are you missing out on sales during this time, but your business also looks unprofessional, and you might lose customers to other companies. If you use an IT company for tech support, your problem is more likely to be spotted quickly and is also likely to be repaired quickly.
Free Up Employees for Other Work
When you hire an IT company to handle all of the information issues at your company, you will save time and money by freeing up your own employees to do what you hired them for. IT companies are good at what they do, and that’s all they do, so they are focused on that one job. This makes them faster and more efficient, and it means your business’s IT system will work better. You will experience tech problems less often, and for less time.
Keeping up with current security issues and training is a big part of what IT professionals do, and by hiring an IT company you can receive the benefits of their education and ongoing training without sacrificing your employees’ time and your money.
Fix Things Right the First Time
When you are relying on your employees, who you probably didn’t hire solely as IT workers, and who probably aren’t trained in that role, to maintain your IT system, you are likely to encounter problems. Because many amateur IT workers have to rely on the trial-and-error system when diagnosing and fixing problems, many issues can be ongoing and need to be fixed more than once.
When you rely on an IT support company to maintain and fix your system, you can expect to get an effective solution the first time. IT professionals are more likely to set up systems that work without glitches and are more likely to find viable long-term solutions to problems.
Prevent the Development of More Expensive Problems
If your IT system is set up correctly from the beginning, you can save thousands of dollars in repair costs, missed productivity and sales, and hours of frustration. If you are just starting a small business and need an IT system created or a website set up, start with an IT company from the very beginning. Your system will be up and running faster and with less expense and frustration, and it will work well from the beginning. This will save you many hours of time troubleshooting, and you will be able to get right to work.
Fix Security Issues Before They Arise
Security issues are a huge threat to small businesses. These companies are often targeted by hackers because they don’t usually have effective preventions in place and they are easy targets. Small business owners as a whole aren’t likely to recognize the danger of a cyberattack, even though 60% of them end up closing permanently after being hacked. All of this means that most small businesses and their owners are especially vulnerable and need the support and focus that an IT team can bring. This leaves owners free to do what they do best while resting in the knowledge that their security is in competent hands.
Ensure Compliance is Intact
IT compliance is the process of making sure that your security, data handling, and privacy standards are compliant with a third party of some kind. This is often a governmental regulation concerning privacy or data security, but it can also be an industry standard, an oversight committee, or the contract your clients or customers have agreed to. It can be as simple as making sure that your privacy policy is being honored and is up to date with your company’s methods and standards. If your company is not compliant, it can have disastrous results, including the failure of your business and liability problems. The best way to make sure you are compliant with everything you need to be is by hiring a professional IT team that understands your business and the compliance needs you have.
On-Call Remote Support
When you are contracted with an IT support company, you can rely on having fast, efficient, remote support available to you whenever you need it. This can save hundreds or thousands of dollars in lost productivity and sales. Statistics show that most employees lose around 30 minutes a day dealing with IT and computer problems, which can add up to a lot of missed opportunities and productivity time. Having a remote team available on-call when problems arise, as well as having IT systems that work better in the first place, can pay back every dime you spent paying that professional IT company.
Increase Online Profit Through Website Optimization
Websites need to work well in order to get and keep customers. They need to load quickly, have great graphics, use fast and efficient links, and have a streamlined checkout process or clients will simply go somewhere else. In today’s fast-paced and competitive market, it’s not enough to have a great product or service. You also have to have a great and efficient website. An IT team can make adjustments to your site that can have it running at its best and fastest, ensuring that you get and keep loyal customers.
Save Time with Complete Services from One Firm
If you hire an IT support company that can handle all your IT needs, from website creation and optimization to security, compliance, and provide remote support when needed, you can save a lot of time. You won’t need to deal with multiple service providers, and you won’t waste any time searching for and reviewing that perfect IT person for each separate need your business has. You will be able to make one phone call and have any need handled quickly and efficiently. In addition, the IT team will be able to provide better and faster service because they will be intimately knowledgeable about your system and setup.
Want an Eclectic New Hobby?
A new hobby can add spice to your life and help you bond with a romantic partner, child, parent, or friend. It need be nothing expensive or fancy, although plenty of these types of hobbies exist. Let’s look at a few cool hobbies that might strike your fancy.
Homebrewing
If you think learning to homebrew is tedious and expensive, think again. The process is pretty affordable, especially with starter kits. Plus, if you drink beer, homebrewing can save you money (unless you drink only the absolute cheapest stuff).
Homebrewing offers a lot of opportunities. For instance, if you adore a certain beer from a company, you can probably find a copycat recipe online and homebrew it for cheaper. Similarly, you can add herbs to beers and experiment to your heart’s content. You can take pride in the fact that you’re no longer limited to the beer at bars and on store shelves.
The tradition of homebrewing stretches back 9,000 years. Understanding the process opens up your world and helps you gain a new appreciation for excellent beer. You’ll be able to identify what causes that off-taste in inferior beer and the ingredients that lead to the best flavors and aromas for you.
Homebrewed beer can make for a thoughtful, personal gift for weddings, anniversaries, holidays, birthdays, and many other occasions. You can even start a homebrewing club with friends to make the hobby more social.
No one who homebrews needs to be a rocket scientist or even understand the math involved. The bottling process does get a little boring, but spending more money on kegging equipment takes care of the issue.
Geocaching
This hobby offers a little of everything: for example, treasure hunting, hiding your own stuff, adventuring, and exploring, along with a healthy dose of flexibility. You use geocaching apps and GPS devices (your smartphone should be fine) to track down caches using their longitude and latitude.
Caches typically have three elements: a waterproof container, a logbook for visitors to mark that they have been there, and trinkets or medallions. The latter may not be possible with extremely small caches, though.
You can focus on caches that are easy to find or go for those that require a fair bit of walking or exploration. If you’ve been trying to motivate yourself to hike or get outside more, the sense of adventure associated with geocaching could be exactly what you need.
Ghost Hunting
If you’re hankering for adventure that is a step up from geocaching, consider ghost hunting. This hobby can be extremely inexpensive or very expensive depending on your preferences and budget. Many folks ghost-hunt with a camera and nothing else. You can also enlist the assistance of tours or professional ghost-hunting companies.
A few notes of caution apply, of course. For one thing, while there are a huge number of places you can go to, you should always receive permission. Otherwise, you open yourself up to trespassing charges and potential risks you did not know about (a dangerous hole in a house, for example). Abandoned and historic buildings are promising avenues to explore, as are cemeteries, woods, forests, and the locations of recently reported ghost sightings.
What if you do not believe in ghosts, though? You should still attempt this hobby if any part of it intrigues you. Worst case, you indulge your innate desire to explore and visit places you ordinarily would not. Ghost hunting can even be a reason to travel all over the country or world.
Before you go ghost hunting at night, visit the location in the daytime. This enables you to check the property for safety issues and identify emergency exits should they become necessary.
Go with at least one other person, and bring a safety kit with a flashlight and backup batteries.
Other gear to bring for ghost hunting could include paper and pen for recording your observations and experiences, a camera (preferably high end but a phone camera will do), a Polaroid or film camera (to collect evidence in different ways), a thermometer, EMF device, and an audio recorder.
Advocating for a Cause
This type of hobby you can shape to meet your needs, desires, and abilities. There are so many ways to advocate for causes online and in person. You could make videos, sell calendars or T-shirts related to the cause, start a social media account devoted to the cause, volunteer for an organization, volunteer for a political campaign, attend conferences, blog, and/or host meetings. You could also meet with people connected to the cause such as policymakers and organization heads.
There is no shortage of causes, either. Chances are, you already have a few things you are passionate about. Children, chronic pain, teacher support, reading, the environment, animals, and senior citizens are a few broad causes that resonate with many people.
If you are looking for a new hobby, then homebrewing, geocaching, ghost hunting, or advocating for a cause may fit the bill. You have many options to tailor each hobby to meet various wants and goals — and to have a lot of fun while challenging yourself.
15 Reasons People Move to Las Vegas
More than just casinos and bright lights, Las Vegas is a city that is constantly growing and changing. People move to Las Vegas for many reasons – some come for the weather, others come for the job opportunities, and others still come for the lifestyle. Here are 15 reasons why people choose to move to Las Vegas, including some of the benefits of living in this vibrant city!
Moving home – especially to another part of the United States – is a big deal. But people do it every day, because everyone is searching for a way of life that is right for them. Life is too short not to! So what are some of the main reasons why people move to Las Vegas?
1. Weather
Las Vegas has an average of 310 sunny days each year, making it an ideal destination for those who love the sun. Temperatures in Las Vegas range from the high 70s to low 90s in the summer, and from the mid-40s to upper 60s in the winter. The city also receives less rain than other parts of the country, making it a great place to live year-round.
2. Job Opportunities
Las Vegas is a hub for economic activity. With the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and many other tourist attractions, there are plenty of job opportunities in the service and hospitality industry. Additionally, the city is home to a growing number of tech companies and startups, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to find a job that fits your skills and interests.
3. House Prices
Las Vegas is a great place to buy a home. The median home price in Las Vegas is around $312,000, making it one of the most affordable cities in the U.S. Additionally, many people move to Las Vegas to take advantage of its low taxes and more relaxed housing regulations. Simply look at Las Vegas homes for sale to see what’s in your price range – you might be surprised!
4. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Las Vegas is much lower than other parts of the country. Groceries, utilities, and other essentials all cost less in Vegas than in many other cities. Not to mention, wages tend to be higher in Las Vegas as well, putting more cash in your pocket at the end of every month!
5. Quality of Life
Las Vegas offers a high quality of life with its many amenities, including ample outdoor recreation, an active nightlife, and a wide variety of cultural events. The city also boasts some of the best restaurants in the U.S., making it an ideal destination for foodies.
6. Entertainment
Las Vegas is known for its world-famous nightlife and endless entertainment options. From casinos to music venues and shows, there is something for everyone in the city. Whether you’re looking for a wild night out or a quiet evening in, you’ll find it in Vegas.
7. Education
Las Vegas is home to a number of excellent educational institutions, including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the College of Southern Nevada. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene and is home to prestigious museums, galleries, and theatres.
8. Location
Las Vegas is situated in the heart of the southwest United States, making it a great spot for people who like to spend time in other famous places. The city is close to other popular destinations, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Grand Canyon.
9. No State Income Tax
Las Vegas is one of the few states that does not impose a state income tax. This is a great advantage for those who are looking to maximize their income, as the money they earn will not be taken out in taxes.
10. Diversity
Las Vegas is a city that celebrates diversity and embraces people from all walks of life. With its large immigrant population, the city has a rich and vibrant culture that makes it an exciting place to live.
11. Quality Healthcare
Las Vegas is home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the country, meaning that you can easily access quality care when needed. This is important to many people who want to ensure a certain quality of life for years to come. Additionally, Nevada has recently expanded its Medicaid program, meaning that more people are able to access the care they need.
12. Outdoor Adventures
Las Vegas is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, or exploring the desert, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in and around the city. Additionally, Las Vegas is home to a number of stunning golf courses, where you can practice your swing in the warm sun.
13. Affordable Vacations
Nevada is a great place to plan a vacation if you’re living in Las Vegas. With a wide variety of casinos, resorts, and attractions, you can plan an unforgettable vacation without breaking the bank or traveling too far from home. Visit the Hoover Dam, kick back at Lake Tahoe, or even experience wildlife up close at the Lion Habitat Ranch.
14. Sports and Recreation
Las Vegas is home to a number of professional sports teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders and the Las Vegas Aces. Additionally, there are plenty of options for recreational activities, such as golf courses and parks. The city also hosts a wide variety of sporting events throughout the year, from boxing and mixed martial arts to soccer and baseball.
15. Good for Retirement
Whether you’re retiring now or in the future, Las Vegas is a great place to spend your golden years. With its mild climate, low cost of living, and high quality of life, Las Vegas is an ideal spot to settle down and enjoy life. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by a variety of interesting entertainment options, great restaurants, and plenty of outdoor activities.
How to Be an Innovator: 10 Tips for Tapping Into Your Creative Side
Are you looking to become an innovator or an entrepreneur? Do you want to find new and better ways of doing things? If so, you’re in the right place! Here are 10 tips for tapping into your creative side. Innovation is key to success in any field, and it’s important to learn how to access your inner creativity. Here’s how.
Innovation is the key to making the world a better place. Challenging the status quo, recognizing current design flaws, and thinking outside the box to come up with solutions – these are key elements of being an innovator. If you think you have what it takes to innovate, but don’t know how to harness it, here are 10 need-to-know tips.
1. Gather Inspiration
When you’re looking around you for inspiration, looks towards all areas of your life. Pay attention to the little things and look for signs in everyday experiences that could lead to new ideas. Look at the world around you and observe how people interact with technology, products, and each other. If you do this, new invention ideas will be just around the corner.
2. Exercise Your Brain
Innovation requires a mental exercise. Doing activities like crosswords, puzzles, and other brain games will help you stay sharp and think outside the box. Brain training apps on your cell phone can also be a great way to fit in some brain exercise when you have a spare 10 minutes.
3. Take Notes
Make sure to take notes of your ideas and observations. This will help you keep track of them and build upon them when you have time to think. Be sure to carry a pen and paper with you everywhere you go, so that when inspiration strikes, you’re ready to capture it. Some people prefer to leave themselves voice notes – so do whatever works for you.
4. Experiment
Sometimes the best way to come up with a new idea is to experiment and play around with things. If you have a great idea, try it out and see what happens. Don’t be afraid to fail, as failure can often lead to success.
5. Look Towards People You Admire
Whether it’s other innovators or people simply doing great things in their field, looking to people you admire can help inspire you to innovate. Seeing what others have done and accomplished can give you some invention tips, and can help motivate you to take action on your own ideas. Read widely to find amazing innovators you might not know about yet.
6. Ask Questions
Start asking questions about the world around you, and why things work the way they do. This will help you gain a better understanding of the things you observe, and lead to new ideas on how to make them better. Expose yourself to new experiences in order to ask more questions about the world too. Visit a museum you’ve never been to before, go to a public lecture at a university, or join a Meet-Up group about a subject you’re not very familiar with.
7. Take Breaks
Taking regular breaks is essential to the creative process. Get away from your desk, enjoy nature, and have fun. Taking a break from work can help you come back to it with a fresh perspective and new ideas. Sometimes the best ideas are born from long hikes, train journeys with inspiring scenery, or weekends away from home.
8. Out of the Box Thinking
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and come up with crazy ideas. These are often the ones that will make a real difference. By pushing yourself to think outside of your comfort zone, you’ll be able to come up with some truly unique and revolutionary ideas. You can test your abilities for out of the box thinking by setting yourself a challenge (look up a challenge on the internet if you can’t think of one) and then writing post-it notes for each possible solution. Force yourself to write down even the most crazy sounding ideas. When you analyze the pros and cons of each idea after the challenge, you may realize there are some useful nuggets that sit within crazy ideas.
9. Openness to Criticism
Be open to constructive criticism. If you are able to accept criticism, and even welcome it, you can use it to help refine your ideas and make them better. If you have an idea for an innovation or invention, you could pitch it at an event at a coworking space or innovation hub. There are plenty of these around, and the very idea is that other innovators interrogate your ideas to make it better in the end.
10. Take Action
Once you have an idea, don’t be afraid to take action. You may not know all the answers or how exactly it will turn out, but don’t let that stop you. It’s important to take risks and be willing to fail in order to succeed. Innovation is a process of trial and error, so don’t be afraid to take action on your ideas.
These 10 tips should help you get started when it comes to tapping into your creative side and succeeding as an innovator. Take the time to experiment, ask questions, take breaks, and seek feedback from others. When you are ready, take action on your ideas and use them to make a difference in the world. Good luck!