Category: Daily Inspiration

Why We Have SABR Meeting with Clients

As a Managed Service Provider (MSP), one of our main objectives is to provide our clients with top-notch IT solutions. In order to achieve this, it is essential to have a clear understanding of your client’s needs, goals, and challenges. This is where Semi-Annual Business Review (SABR) meetings come in.

A SABR is a meeting between the Farmhouse Networking and the client, typically held in the Spring and Fall, to review the client’s IT infrastructure, identify areas of improvement, and develop a roadmap for the future. The SABR provides a structured framework for discussing IT needs and aligning them with business goals.

Why does Farmhouse Networking use SABR meetings with their clients? 

Improve communication: SABR meetings are an opportunity for Farmhouse Networking to strengthen their relationships with clients. Through regular SABR meetings, Farmhouse Networking can improve communication with the clients, identify pain points, and develop a better understanding of the client’s business operations.

Identify areas for improvement: Regular network inventories and standards compliance reviews provide Farmhouse Networking with a comprehensive view of the client’s IT infrastructure, allowing us to identify areas for improvement, non-alignment with industry standards, and to develop a roadmap for addressing those areas.

Align IT with business goals: The SABR meeting helps align IT objectives with business goals by allowing the client to disclose their vision for the companies future. This ensures that the client’s IT infrastructure is working towards achieving those objectives that are important to the business. 

Proactive approach: SABR meetings allow Farmhouse Networking to take a proactive approach to IT management. By identifying potential problems before they occur, Farmhouse Networking can prevent downtime, system crashes, and other issues that can negatively impact the client’s business operations.

By regularly conducting SABR meetings, Farmhouse Networking can ensure that their clients are receiving the best possible IT solutions, positioning them as trusted advisors in their field.

Merger Gone Bad = No Access to Email

We had a client referred to us last week who were in dire straits. They had been in the process of being bought by another similar company. The buyers had worked with the sellers to merge email hosting into their Office 365 account. Part way into the one year transition process the buyers became hostile and decided to cancel the deal. The buyers then stopped access to some of the key email accounts for the sellers. Then the buyers began contacting vendors that the sellers had worked with for years requesting that they cancel their accounts. They even went on social media and tried to blanket the sellers in bad reviews or derogatory posts.

Farmhouse Networking was brought in to help the sellers regain access to their email. We were able to regain access to the sellers former G-Suite account and get email flowing into those accounts again. We were also able to unblock the seller’s other email accounts in Office 365 and archive the data from those accounts for future reference. The seller is back in busines and continues the struggle to clean up the damage done by the buyer.

In light of the unfortunate situation faced by the sellers in the recent merger, it’s crucial for businesses to take proactive measures to safeguard their operations during such transitions. Here are some actionable steps to protect your business from similar scenarios:

  • Ensure Security During Mergers:
    • Never give access to your company email system to the buyers until the deal is finalized.
    • Create a backup admin account to allow administrator access in case someone gets control of the main administrator account.
  • Involve IT Experts:
    • Have an IT company manage your company’s email accounts and involve them in the merger process. Their expertise can be invaluable in ensuring the security and integrity of your email systems during transitions.

Don’t let a merger gone bad jeopardize your business. Contact Farmhouse Networking today to fortify your email systems and protect your operations from unforeseen disruptions.

2024 Business Tech Trends

Photo by jarmoluk on Pixabay

As we enter 2024, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that 64% of business owners believe their businesses are in good health, showing confidence in navigating the future. Technology has emerged as a key driver of success, enabling businesses to thrive in uncertain times. Farmhouse Networking has identified four essential technology trends that will empower businesses in 2024, propelling them towards growth and success.

1. Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved beyond the realm of technology discussions and is now at the forefront of business success. Businesses utilizing AI credit it for increased success, as it offers game changing assistance in various areas of operations. AI tools can automate tasks, saving time and resources for businesses.

AI for Operational Efficiency

Businesses can leverage AI to automate expense management, correlate data from multiple sources to create meaningful reports, create sales presentations that address customer needs, and tackle tasks that were previously time-consuming. By harnessing AI, manufactures can optimize inventory, align staffing with peak hours, and identify opportunities for targeted promotions. Although implementing AI may require an initial investment, the positive impact it can have on businesses in 2024 is promising.

AI for Enhanced Customer Experiences

Customer experience plays a pivotal role in business success, with 34% of business leaders recognizing the pivotal role of technology in delivering exceptional experiences. Upgrading systems to ditch outdated tech and manual methods is a priority for many businesses in 2024. Chatbots, for instance, are invaluable for front-line customer service agents, providing round-the-clock support.  Automated assistants and Unified Communications tools enhance customer interactions and employee productivity. These digital processes not only enhance retention and satisfaction but also create opportunities for cross-selling and upselling efforts.

2. Delivering Exceptional Digital Customer Experiences

Businesses understand the importance of delivering exceptional digital customer experiences in 2024. Upgrading systems and embracing efficient digital processes will be key to achieving this goal.

Upgrading Systems for Efficiency

Outdated technology and manual methods hinder efficiency. Businesses are expected to upgrade their systems by adopting AI, automating repetitive tasks, and migrating to the cloud. These solutions make information easily accessible, guide customers interactions, and improve employee productivity.

Embracing Cloud-based Solutions

A robust technology infrastructure is crucial for businesses to keep up with competition and exceed customer expectations. Automation software can save time and cut down on expenses by managing data and completing routine tasks. Mobile technology ensures network connectivity anywhere, anytime, allowing for collaboration on the go. Cloud based systems enables efficient management of IT costs plus offer flexibility and scalability, especially for businesses, as the workforce continues to move away from traditional office setups.

3. The Backbone of Business Operations: Fast and Reliable Connectivity

Fast and reliable connectivity is the backbone of efficient operations, seamless communication, and scalable expansion. Businesses across different sectors can benefit from investing in connectivity solutions.

Optimizing Inventory and Collaboration

Manufactures can leverage fast and reliable a to optimize inventory management. By having real-time visibility into inventory levels, manufactures can prevent stockouts and ensure they have the right products available when customers need them. Accountants can collaborate effectively without being limited by physical office spaces. Cloud connectivity allows them to access customer files, share updates, and communicate with team members regardless of their location.

Enhancing Healthcare Services

Connectivity plays a vital role in enhancing healthcare services. From telemedicine to remote patient monitoring, healthcare providers can offer more accessible and efficient care. Fast and reliable connectivity enables seamless communication between healthcare professionals and patients, facilitates the sharing of medical records, and supports the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Safeguarding Customer and Company Devices

Investments in network connectivity not only benefit customers but also help safeguard customer and company devices. By adopting a complete network connectivity solution that includes reliable internet, network security measures, and disaster recovery solutions, businesses can protect sensitive data and ensure the smooth operation of their technology infrastructure.

4. Embracing the Future: Expanding Technology Spending

In 2024, CEOs are planning to expand their technology spending to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations. However, to fully leverage the benefits of technological investments, businesses need to partner with reputable companies that can provide robust network infrastructure.

Strengthening Technological Investments with Robust Networks

Businesses should partner with companies like Farmhouse Networking to reinforce their critical technological investments. Robust networks ensure reliable network connectivity, data security, and seamless integration of technology solutions. By partnering with trusted providers, businesses can enhance their technology infrastructure and drive growth.

Weathering Uncertainties with Tech Transformation

By staying ahead of technology trends, business owners can not only weather uncertainties but also emerge stronger and more resilient. Embracing the power of artificial intelligence, delivering exceptional digital customer experiences, building a strong technology infrastructure, and investing in fast and reliable network connectivity will position businesses for success in 2024 and beyond.

Embracing these tech trends and partnering with trusted providers will enable businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

When was the last time your IT provider talked to you about budgets?

Technology plays a crucial role in the success of businesses across all industries. From small startups to large corporations, having a well-planned and properly allocated IT budget is essential. In this article, we will explore the significance of IT budgeting and how it can drive success in your business.

Why IT Budgeting Matters

IT budgeting is more than just crunching numbers and allocating funds. It is a strategic process that helps you align your IT goals with your overall business objectives. By creating a well-defined IT budget, you can effectively plan and allocate resources to support your business operations and drive growth. Here are some key reasons why IT budgeting matters:Financial Planning and Control: Creating an IT budget allows you to have a clear understanding of your financial resources and how they will be utilized. It helps you identify the costs associated with your IT infrastructure, software licenses, hardware upgrades, and maintenance. With a well-planned budget, you can effectively manage your IT expenses, monitor costs, and make informed financial decisions.

Goal Setting and Performance Evaluation: An IT budget provides a roadmap for your business by setting realistic goals and targets. It allows you to define measurable objectives and track your progress towards achieving them. By regularly evaluating your actual expenses against the budgeted amounts, you can identify areas for improvement, make necessary adjustments, and ensure that your IT initiatives align with your business goals.

Resource Allocation and Prioritization: With a well-defined IT budget, you can allocate resources effectively and prioritize projects based on their strategic importance. It helps you identify areas where you need to invest more resources and areas where you can optimize costs. By aligning your IT budget with your business priorities, you can ensure that your resources are utilized efficiently and that your IT initiatives deliver maximum value.

Risk Management and Contingency Planning: IT budgeting allows you to anticipate potential risks and plan for contingencies. By conducting thorough risk assessments and scenario planning, you can identify potential threats to your IT infrastructure and develop strategies to mitigate them. This proactive approach helps you minimize downtime, ensure business continuity, and safeguard your critical data and systems.

Key Elements of an Effective IT Budget

Creating an effective IT budget requires careful consideration of various factors. Here are some key elements to consider when developing your IT budget:Understand Your Business Objectives: Before diving into the budgeting process, it is essential to have a clear understanding of your business objectives. Identify the key IT initiatives that will support your business goals and prioritize them accordingly. This will help you allocate resources effectively and ensure that your IT budget is aligned with your overall business strategy.

Assess Your Current IT Infrastructure: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your existing IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and network infrastructure. Identify any outdated or underutilized assets that may need to be replaced or retired. This will help you optimize your IT spending and ensure that your budget reflects the actual needs of your business.

Consider Future Growth and Scalability: When creating an IT budget, it is important to consider future growth and scalability. Anticipate the technology needs of your business in the coming years and allocate resources accordingly. This will help you avoid costly upgrades or replacements down the line and ensure that your IT infrastructure can support your business expansion.

Factor in Maintenance and Support Costs: In addition to the initial investment in hardware and software, it is crucial to factor in ongoing maintenance and support costs. Consider the costs associated with software licenses, equipment maintenance, and technical support. By including these expenses in your budget, you can ensure that you have the necessary resources to keep your IT infrastructure running smoothly.

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends: The technology landscape is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Consider emerging technologies that may impact your business operations and evaluate their potential benefits and costs. By incorporating innovative solutions into your IT budget, you can future-proof your business and stay ahead of the competition.

Involve Key Stakeholders: When developing your IT budget, it is crucial to involve key stakeholders from across your organization. Engage with department heads, IT managers, and finance professionals to gather insights and perspectives. This collaborative approach will help you gain buy-in for your budget, ensure that it meets the needs of different departments, and foster a sense of ownership and accountability.

The Impact of IT Budgeting on Business Operations

A well-planned and properly executed IT budget can have a significant impact on your business operations. Let’s explore some key areas where IT budgeting can drive success:Improved Cost Management: By creating an IT budget, you can effectively manage your IT expenses and optimize costs. It helps you identify areas where you can reduce spending, negotiate better contracts with vendors, and eliminate unnecessary expenses. This improved cost management allows you to free up resources for strategic investments and drive business growth.

Enhanced Decision-Making: An IT budget provides you with the necessary data and insights to make informed decisions. By tracking your actual expenses against the budgeted amounts, you can identify areas of overspending or underutilization. This information enables you to make timely adjustments, reallocate resources, and prioritize projects based on their impact on your business objectives.

Increased Operational Efficiency: By aligning your IT budget with your business objectives, you can streamline your operations and improve efficiency. It enables you to identify areas where you can automate processes, implement new technologies, and eliminate bottlenecks. This increased operational efficiency not only reduces costs but also enhances productivity and customer satisfaction.

Mitigated Risks and Improved Security: IT budgeting plays a crucial role in mitigating risks and ensuring the security of your IT infrastructure. By allocating resources for cybersecurity measures, backup and recovery systems, and disaster preparedness, you can minimize the impact of potential threats. This proactive approach helps you safeguard your critical data, protect your systems from cyber-attacks, and ensure business continuity.

Enhanced Employee Productivity: A well-planned IT budget can also enhance employee productivity and satisfaction. By investing in modern tools and technologies, you can provide your employees with the necessary resources to perform their jobs efficiently. This improved productivity not only drives business results but also fosters a positive work environment and helps attract and retain top talent.

Contact Farmhouse Networking to develop a complimentary, comprehensive IT budget and reap the benefits it can bring to your business.

Benefits of Project Management Software

Business owners need to ensure that company projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet both the company’s and clients’ expectations. Managing projects can be a complex task, but we now have project management software to help streamline the process. Here are some of the key benefits that project management software can provide to business owners:

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity

The most significant benefits of project management software is the enhanced efficiency and productivity it brings to businesses. With all project-related tasks, timelines, and resources centralized in one platform, team members can easily collaborate, track progress, and stay updated on the project’s status. This eliminates the need for lengthy email chains, spreadsheets, and physical documents, ultimately saving time and promoting productivity.

Improved Communication and Collaboration

Communication is the key to successful project management, and project management software facilitates effective communication and collaboration among team members. It enables real-time communication, file sharing, and discussion forums, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and can collaborate seamlessly. Additionally, centralized project information reduces miscommunication and the risk of important details being overlooked. Imagine any employee being able to answer the phone and let a client know what the latest status on the project is.

Effective Resource Allocation

Project management software provides a bird’s eye view of available resources and their allocation, enabling business owners to make informed decisions regarding resource utilization. Through this tool, business owners can ensure that resources are optimally distributed, preventing bottlenecks and maximizing productivity. Some even utilize AI to help optimize distribution of tasks based on rules. 

Accurate Budgeting and Cost Control

Project management software allows you to set budget limits, track expenses, and monitor costs in real-time. This helps business owners identify any budget overruns or cost variances early on, allowing for timely adjustments and effective cost control. By having accurate budgeting and comprehensive financial insights, business owners can make informed decisions to keep projects financially on track.

Transparent Project Monitoring and Reporting

Project management software provides business owners with clear visibility into project progress, milestones, and potential roadblocks. It enables real-time monitoring of tasks, timelines, and deadlines, ensuring that projects stay on schedule. Moreover, these platforms generate automated reports that provide comprehensive insights on project performance and allow business owners to identify areas for improvement. This transparency and reporting capability are invaluable for making data-driven decisions and ensuring projects are delivered successfully.

Scalability and Flexibility

As businesses grow, so do their project requirements. Project management software offers scalability and flexibility to adapt to evolving business needs. Whether you’re handling small projects or large-scale initiatives, these tools can accommodate different project sizes and complexities. Additionally, customization options allow business owners to tailor the software’s features and functionalities to meet specific requirements, providing a personalized project management experience.

Don’t let inefficiencies hinder your business growth. Embrace project management software and experience the difference it can make. Get started now and see the positive impact it has on your projects and your bottom line!

Maximizing Business Growth with CRM Software

Every business should be constantly seeking ways to manage and grow their customer base. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is a powerful solution. With its extensive capabilities, CRM software enables business owners to streamline operations, enhance customer interactions, and ultimately drive business growth.

Streamline Customer Data Management

A primary advantages of CRM software is its ability to centralize customer data. Gone are the days of spreadsheets and scattered information across different departments. CRM software consolidates customer data into a single, easily accessible platform. This comprehensive view of customer information allows business owners to gain valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and buying patterns. With this data at their fingertips, business owners can align their strategies to focus on customer needs more effectively, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and increased sales.

Enhanced Customer Interactions

CRM software empowers businesses to forge stronger relationships with their customers. By tracking customers’ interactions and preferences, businesses can personalize their approach and provide tailored experiences. CRM also enables businesses to automate routine tasks such as email marketing, follow-ups, and appointment setting / reminders. This automation not only saves time and effort for business owners and employees but also ensures consistent and timely communication with customers. A personal touch, combined with timely responses, fosters trust and loyalty, and ultimately contributes to business growth.

Improved Sales and Marketing Strategies

CRM software provides invaluable assistance when it comes to sales and marketing strategies. By tracking the entire sales process, from lead generation to closing deals, CRM enables businesses to identify areas of improvement and refine their sales strategies. Additionally, CRM software enables targeted marketing campaigns by segmenting customers based on various factors such as demographics, purchase history, and preferences. By reaching out to the right customers with personalized offerings, businesses can significantly boost their marketing ROI and achieve higher conversion rates.

Efficient Task and Team Management

Efficient task and team management play a pivotal role in business success. CRM software offers features such as task tracking, workflow automation, and team collaboration tools that streamline operations. With tasks assigned and tracked within the CRM system, businesses can ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. Moreover, CRM software facilitates collaboration among team members, improving communication and coordination. By eliminating redundancies and enhancing productivity, CRM empowers businesses to work smarter and achieve their growth objectives.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Data is king. CRM software equips business owners with real-time analytics and reporting capabilities. By accessing key metrics such as sales forecasting, customer acquisition costs, and customer lifetime value, businesses can make informed decisions and strategic plans. With the ability to measure and analyze their performance, businesses can identify trends, pinpoint areas of weakness, and devise actionable solutions. This data-driven approach mitigates risks and provides a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Investing in a robust CRM solution today will reap immeasurable benefits tomorrow, enabling businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Contact us to embrace the power of CRM software and unlock the full potential of your business.

Adobe Acrobat Tips

Businesses are increasingly reliant on digital documents. From contracts to invoices, these important files need to be easily shared and accessible across different platforms and devices. This is where Adobe Acrobat comes in. Adobe Acrobat is a powerful tool that allows you to create, edit, and secure PDFs effectively. To help you make the most of this software, we have compiled a list of useful tips:

Create Interactive Forms

One of the key features of Adobe Acrobat is its ability to create interactive forms. Rather than wasting paper on printing out forms and having people fill them out manually, you can create digital forms that can be filled out electronically. This not only saves time and the planet but also reduces errors and allows you to collect data more efficiently.

Edit PDFs on the Go

With the Adobe Acrobat app, you can edit PDFs directly on your mobile device. This is incredibly useful for business owners who are constantly on the go and need to make quick edits to their documents. Whether it’s adding text, resizing images, or rearranging pages, you can do it all from the convenience of your phone or tablet.

Combine Multiple Files into a Single PDF

If you have multiple files that you want to combine into a single PDF, Adobe Acrobat makes it easy. You can simply drag and drop the files into Acrobat, rearrange them, and save them as a single PDF. This feature is ideal for business owners who often need to merge multiple documents into one proposal, contract, or report.

Protect your PDFs with Encryption

Security needs to be a top priority for businesses, especially when it comes to sensitive documents. Adobe Acrobat allows you to protect your PDFs by adding encryption. You can set passwords and permissions to ensure that only authorized individuals can access, print, or modify your files. This level of security is crucial for protecting confidential business and customer information.

Optimize PDFs for Web Viewing

PDFs can easily become large files, which can slow down loading times when viewing them online. Adobe Acrobat offers a feature called “Optimize for Web” that reduces the file size while preserving the document’s quality. This is particularly useful when sharing PDFs on your website or via email. When customers have to wait for things to load they are more likely to go somewhere else for what they are looking for.

Collaborate and Review Documents

Adobe Acrobat has collaboration features that allow multiple users to work on the same PDF simultaneously. You can easily share documents with colleagues, clients, or partners and track changes made by each. This streamlines the review and approval process, reducing the need for endless email threads and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Automate Workflows with Adobe Sign

Adobe Sign, a component of Adobe Acrobat, enables you to send, sign, and track important documents online. It eliminates the need for paper-based signatures and accelerates the approval process. With Adobe Sign, you can automate workflows, whether it’s obtaining client signatures, approving contracts, or completing employee onboarding documents. This tool can streamline your business processes and save you a significant amount of time.

By familiarizing yourself with Adobe Acrobat, you can harness the full potential of this software and enhance your business’s productivity and efficiency. As an Adobe partner, Farmhouse Networking can help your company get the most out of its PDFs.

Quickbooks Tips for Business Owners

QuickBooks Tips for Business Owners

For business owners, managing finances and keeping track of transactions can be a time-consuming and challenging task. Thankfully, QuickBooks comes to the rescue by simplifying the process and providing valuable insights into the financial health of your business. To help you effectively leverage QuickBooks, here are some essential tips:

Tailor QuickBooks to Your Business

Customize QuickBooks to fit the specific needs of your business. Set up your chart of accounts (might get a professional bookkeeper involved in this one), design invoice templates, and format reports to reflect your company brand, industry, and business structure. This will ensure accurate tracking and reporting of your financial data.

Automate Routine Tasks

Save time and reduce errors by automating routine tasks in QuickBooks. Utilize features like recurring invoices, bill payments, and bank feeds to streamline your financial processes. By automating these tasks, you can focus on more strategic activities and have more accurate data.

Regularly Reconcile Bank Accounts

Reconciling your bank accounts with QuickBooks is crucial for accuracy. Perform bank reconciliations at least monthly if not weekly to ensure that all transactions are recorded correctly, and any discrepancies are resolved promptly (another one you might want the help of a bookkeeper with). This process helps identify errors, fraud, and improves the accuracy of financial reporting.

Utilize Financial Reports

QuickBooks provides a range of financial reports that give you valuable insights into your business’s financial performance. Regularly review reports such as Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement, and Accounts Receivable/Payable Aging. These reports help in making informed decisions, keep finances on track, and identify areas for improvement.

Take Advantage of Integrations

QuickBooks integrates with a variety of other business tools such as CRM/ERP systems, payment processors, and inventory management software. Explore and leverage these integrations to automatically sync data and improve efficiency. This helps eliminate manual data entry and ensures seamless information flow between different systems.

Backup Your Data

Regularly backup your QuickBooks data to prevent any potential loss due to system failure or data corruption. Utilize both local and cloud-based backup options to keep your information secure. Additionally, test the restore process periodically to ensure that your backup is functional.

Stay Updated and Seek Expert Help

QuickBooks frequently releases updates and new features to enhance user experience and address any issues. Make sure to keep your software version up to date to access the latest improvements. Additionally, if you encounter any complex accounting or technical questions, don’t hesitate to seek help from QuickBooks experts or certified professionals.

Farmhouse Networking has been supporting Quickbooks for our client for many years. We are experts at installing and maintaining Quickbooks in companies that have multiple users.

End-of-Year Technology Checklist

As the year comes to a close, we at Farmhouse Networking want to ensure that your business technology is in optimal shape for a successful transition into the new year. We’ve put together a checklist to help you wrap up the year on a technologically high note.  Some of these items we will work on together, and others will be the responsibility of your team. 

Items we will work on together:

  • Asset Inventory: We have recently conducted a thorough review of your technology assets, including hardware, software, and networking equipment. We updated your inventory list to account for any additions or retirements of assets throughout the year. You should be receiving an invite to our new system called Narmada which gives you constant access to our replacement recommendations.
  • Password Security: Prompt your team to implement multi-factor authentication for critical systems and applications. This will help to enhance password security. This is not something that should be put off till later. Get it setup on every site possible. It can be made easier with a password manager. 
  • Software Updates: We ensure that standard software applications, operating systems, and antivirus programs are up to date with the latest patches and updates. If you have industry specific software it would be a good time to check with them on the status of your support contract and if there are needed updates. 
  • Data Backups: Verify that your data backup systems are functioning correctly. Test the restoration process to confirm that your business can recover essential data in the event of a disaster. If you don’t have backups in place now is the time to get this critical technology in place. 
  • Security Assessment: Conduct a Security Risk Assessment to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Ensure that your cybersecurity measures are up to date to protect against evolving threats. Many companies don’t realize that current compliance standards require this. 
  • Employee Training: Provide cybersecurity training to employees to reinforce best practices and raise awareness about potential threats. This should be mandated by your team’s management.

Items you should work on with your team:

  • Subscription Reviews: Review and audit all software and service subscriptions to ensure they align with your business needs. Cancel any unnecessary subscriptions to optimize costs.
  • Budget Review: Evaluate your technology budget for the year and identify any areas where adjustments may be needed for the upcoming year.
  • Technology Roadmap: Develop or update your technology roadmap for the coming year, aligning it with your business goals and objectives.
  • Compliance Check: Ensure that your technology practices comply with industry regulations and standards applicable to your business.
  • Communication Plan: Communicate any upcoming changes or upgrades to your team to ensure a smooth transition without disruptions.
  • Policies & Procedures: Review current documentation to make sure that it includes all needed items like disaster recovery, incident response, computer use, BYOD, and AI usage. 

Once you have determined some of your goals and budget, we should meet to discuss the implementation plan for any changes. We will be contacting you in February to setup our next Semi-Annual Business Review (SABR) meetings to discuss this years plan. 

If you have any questions or need assistance with any of these items, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help you navigate the year-end process and ensure a seamless start to the new year.

Pro Tips for Outlook Users

Are you a business owner who heavily relies on Microsoft Outlook? Here are some pro tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Outlook experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Outlook pro or just getting started, these tips are guaranteed to improve your productivity and streamline your daily workflow.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Outlook offers a plethora of keyboard shortcuts that can save you valuable time. Instead of navigating through multiple menus and options, simply memorize a few key strokes:

  • Ctrl + N: Compose a new email.
  • Delete: Deletes the currently selected message.
  • Ctrl + Enter: Sends the current message.
  • Ctrl + Shift + M: Create a new meeting request.
  • Ctrl + Shift + A: Create a new appointment.
  • Ctrl + R: Reply to an email.
  • Ctrl + Shift + R: Reply All to an email.
  • Ctrl + F: Forwards the currently selected message.
  • Ctrl + Shift + V: Move a message to a different folder.

By using keyboard shortcuts you can perform common tasks with lightning speed, getting more done each day. Check out a more complete list here.

Advanced Search Features

With the vast amount of emails and information being managed in Outlook, finding specific messages or attachments can be a frustrating. However, Outlook’s advanced search features can be a lifesaver. By utilizing the “Search” bar at the top of your Outlook window, you can search by sender, recipient, subject, date, and even specific keywords within attachments. By harnessing these powerful search capabilities, you can save time and quickly locate important information.

Email Rules and Filters

Tired of spending precious minutes organizing your inbox manually? Outlook’s email rules and filters to the rescue. By setting up rules, you can automatically sort incoming emails into their respective folders, mark them as read, forward them to specific recipients, or even delete them. This way, your inbox stays clutter-free, and you can easily prioritize or categorize emails based on your needs.

Outlook’s Calendar Features

Managing your schedule and appointments effectively is crucial for any business owner. Outlook’s calendar features can simplify this process. Here are a couple of tips to optimize your calendar usage:

  • Color-code your appointments: Assign specific colors to different types of appointments (e.g., meetings, conferences, personal events). This visual distinction makes it easier to differentiate between various engagements at a glance.
  • Share your calendar: Collaborate and stay connected with your team by sharing your calendar. This feature enables everyone to view your availability and schedule meetings accordingly, eliminating unnecessary back-and-forth communication.

Customize Your Outlook

Outlook can be customized to fit your specific work preferences. Take advantage of the following customization options:

  • Quick Steps: Create customized shortcuts for common tasks and actions.
  • Quick Access Toolbar: Add frequently-used features to the toolbar at the top for quick access.
  • Themes and Fonts: Personalize the visual appearance of Outlook to match your style and make it more visually appealing and user-friendly.

By customizing Outlook to align with your work habits, you’ll find yourself navigating the application more efficiently and enhancing your overall productivity.

Want to learn more about Outlook’s advanced features? Reach out to our team of experts today and discover how we can further enhance your business operations with Microsoft Outlook.

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And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. - 2 Corinthians 9:8-10