Category: Hardware & Software Support

Business Communication Increases Net Profit

Posted on by Gretchen Thomas and Fred Bauerfeld

Most businesses want to build a solid organization that provides quality products and services for their customers. They hope to increase net profit over time. One major player in achieving this goal is efficient and consistent business communication. Here’s how that works:

Business Communication affects Healthy Business Relationships, which affect Productivity & Quality, which affect Net Profit - mobile version

Efficient and consistent communication builds healthy business relationships. With healthy business relationships productivity and quality increase. As productivity and quality improve, net profit increases.

Efficient Business Communication

First, in business, we are exchanging information, ideas, news, and feelings with our coworkers, customers, partners, and vendors. Efficiency is communicating as quickly as possible without compromising meaning, quality, or value.

Consistent Business Communication

It is also important to keep communication consistent. Consistent communication is about fulfilling the expected frequency of interactions and exchanges. It is also about maintaining frequency over time. The longer we can hold isometric in this one skill, the healthier our business relationships will be. Even when conflicts arise, we strive to maintain our communication to let others know that things need to change for a time.

What Disrupts Business Communication?

Disasters, illness, changes, growth, and life in general disrupt business communication. Even so, most businesses can establish patterns in their communication processes and stick with them. Well established processes increase our communication speed. When our teams learn a company-wide process, workflow is improved.

But when technology advances, so do the tools we use to communicate. If we don’t update our older communication methods with the rest of the business world, we lose our competitive edge. Other companies who choose to update their methods will increase their communication speed while ours remain the same.

Updating our processes slows workflow down because everyone has to take time to learn a new way of doing things. This is similar to Steven Covey’s seventh habit: Sharpening the Saw. It seems counterproductive at the moment because of the time it takes to develop the higher-level processes. But over time it increases efficiency. Yet it is also true that too much change is counterproductive. Finding the progressive balance is the key to success.

An explosion of Business Communication Tools

In today’s world, technology is changing, updating, and advancing at a faster rate than we have ever known before. With this growth has come an explosion of choices. Trying to maintain that progressive balance is harder than ever.

We now have a number of options to choose how we will communicate and store communication data:

  • Mail
  • Email
  • Social Media, Instant Message
  • Web Page Chat
  • Company Phone System & Voicemail
  • Cell Phone, Text, Chat
  • Video Chat & Conferencing
  • CRM (Customer Relationship Management) – Contacts/Calendars/Appointments/Billing
  • File & Data Storage

When we want to communicate, we have a plethora of choices: Should we email or call? Use basic chat or a video chat? Invest in a CRM or manage our contacts, calendars, appointments, and billing in spreadsheets or individual applications? Should we bill through the mail or go paperless? Where should we store our files — In a file cabinet, on our computer, server, or the cloud?

Business Communication Plan

If we do not slow down long enough to make these choices, the result is slower communication. If we do not consciously make a communication plan of how we will use the technology at our fingertips, we will waste time trying to make those decisions anew over and over again. This scatters our minds, files, and data, which leaves us less productive in our workflow.

If you haven’t yet designed a communication plan for you and your team, take the time to do it. Go through each of the tools and determine how and when you will use them. Of course, there can be flexibility when it comes down to your personal workflow, but for the work that involves other team members, it’s best to stick with a communication plan in order to establish good habits, tried and true procedures, and best practices. When you establish these, communication quality, speed, and agility increase. Business relationships improve. And with that improvement, productivity and quality of products and services increase. More people purchase from you, opt in, follow you, subscribe, and sign up. Subsequently, your net profit increases.

But Which Brand Is Best?

To complicate things even more, we also have to choose from several different brands of hardware and software applications that offer the same tools. Which brand should we use? Which one is best?

Computers

  • Dell
  • Apple – Mac
  • Microsoft
  • IBM
  • Toshiba
  • Lenovo

Email Clients

  • G-Suite
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Apple Mail
  • Mozilla
  • Thunderbird

Internet & Phone

  • Landlines
  • AT&T
  • CenturyLink
  • Comcast

VoIP

  • Carrier SI
  • Zoom
  • RingCentral
  • Nextiva
  • Vonage

Wireless Carriers

  • AT&T
  • Sprint
  • T-Mobile
  • Verizon

Chat

  • Microsoft Teams
  • iMessage
  • Facebook Messenger
  • WhatsApp

Video Chat & Conferencing

  • Microsoft Teams
  • Slack
  • Zoom
  • Skype
  • RingCentral
  • Google Duo
  • Apple FaceTime

Calendar

  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Calendly
  • Apple Calendar
  • Google Calendar
  • Fantastical
  • Lightning

CRM – Contacts, Appointments, Billing

  • Salesforce
  • Zoho
  • Monday.com
  • Hubspot
  • Microsoft Dynamics CRM
  • QuickBooks
  • FreshBooks
  • Many Industry Specific Options

Cloud Storage

  • OneDrive
  • Google Drive/Cloud
  • DropBox
  • iCloud
  • Creative Cloud
  • Amazon AWS
  • Microsoft Azure

Should we test each of these choices out to assess the best choice? Even if they offer a free trial, every time we make company-wide changes, it costs time and money.

Learning from Other Businesses

Most businesses make these choices by communicating with other businesses similar to their own. They read reviews and go to conferences or online workshops. Many join peer groups and talk to other mentors to find out what has worked for them. They research these sources to identify the best practices for their industry. This step saves time and money. Yet, we still need to decide who to listen to out of all the advice we receive from our trusted sources.

Many of the choices businesses have in regard to technology and communication tools depend on their specific industry and business. Making the right choices is crucial to a company’s success. There are entire fields of study on this topic, i.e., Systems development life cycle (SDLC).

Involving stakeholders in the planning phase is very important, especially if it is a transformational change like adding Microsoft Teams verses changing your Internet Circuit. At minimum, each department head should be interviewed so their point of view and needs are heard, and nothing is missed. When all are involved in making decisions, stakeholder buy-in increases and there is greater motivation to incorporate the strategies into their workflow.

Individual Preference Vs. Best Practices

Additionally, there is plenty of room for individual preference. This means that some choices are similar in quality. The differences between them are negligible. Once the choice has been made and everyone is in agreement, efficient communication is predominantly achieved by sticking with the same brand and communication procedures.

But there are also many choices that are more universal – there are best practices for all businesses. For example, using a notepad, rolodex, ledger, file cabinet, and snail mail is usually not the most efficient way to communicate in today’s business world. Storing files and data on your desktop or laptop that you need to share and collaborate on with other members of your team is less efficient (and usually less safe) than storing them on the cloud and providing your co-workers with a link.

Managed IT Services – Experienced Mentors

Because Managed IT Service companies work with hundreds of small to medium-sized businesses, they know how to get your business set up with the most up to date communication tools. Many trusted IT service companies have worked with businesses in healthcare, logistics, construction, engineering, financial services, hospitality, community organizations, and more. As a result, they have the mentor experience to guide your business to quality tools that are most relevant to your organization. They can help you navigate the profusion of choices you have to make, which saves you money and time. It also gives you peace of mind

To recap, we know you want to build a solid business that provides quality products and services for your customers. We know the way to do that is to:

  1. Increase the efficiency and consistency of your communication
  2. Which helps build healthy business relationships
  3. Which in turn positively influences productivity and quality.

When all of these pieces are aligned, you will achieve real satisfaction in your business, have happy customers, and increased net profit.

Finally, if you need help in navigating the plethora of choices you have to make for your business, give us a call. Schedule a free consultation with either Joe (Utah) or Fred (Idaho) – (844) 400-0616.

Interoffice Communication: Working Remotely a Challenge?

Posted on by Fred Bauerfeld and Gretchen Thomas

Since COVID-19 hit, interoffice communication has been a challenge for many companies. Because it happened so quickly, most were not prepared to make the change from working in the office to working from home.

But there were some companies that had a business model with the flexibility to work remotely. They had already been working under at least a hybrid version of that model for years. These were more able to weather the shutdowns and restrictions. Others had business models in which they had to work from the office. They had not yet previously explored the remote possibilities.

As an IT Service company, we have technicians moving throughout the southern parts of Idaho and the northern parts of Utah on a regular basis. Our business requires us to be consistently remotely connected. So, we were one of the companies that had already incorporated the remote interoffice communication and collaboration tools.

Cloud SolutionsInteroffice Communication
& The Cloud

The number one tool that all businesses need to start with to maintain communication in a remote working environment is the Cloud. But what exactly is the Cloud? The Cloud is a large group of Internet Servers that store your data and services – software and applications. In the stone ages, everything had to be stored locally on your personal computer’s hard drive or on your company’s server. That made it so you could only access them from a specific location. But now, through Cloud Computing, data and services are stored on a network of computers that give you access from any location, even from your mobile phone.

The recent pandemic has made it very clear why using the Cloud is vital in maintaining business communication. Being a technology company, we have been using cloud tools like Autotask PSA and Microsoft Teams for a while.

Autotask PSA

A PSA is a Professional Services Automation system. It is a technology platform that provides a large array of communication tools like the following:

  • expense management
  • service desk
  • project management
  • CRM
  • Ticketing system
  • time tracking
  • invoicing
  • resource planning
  • business intelligence
  • notes and messaging

This system is crucial for our external communication with clients and our internal communication with service engineers. Other businesses use a similar type of software that is specifically created for their type of business. Medical offices use EHR (electronic health records) and EMR (electronic medical records). Accounting offices use accounting software packages. And fulfillment centers use logistics software.

interoffice communication

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is an interoffice communication tool that also provides a large array of tools under one roof. There’s no shortage of communication tools on the market, but we have found Teams to be the one bond holding it all together during this pandemic. In our experience, using multiple devices or programs to do our jobs is not as efficient as using one stream-lined tool. With Teams, we can track our processes and workflows, host conversations around certain projects or tasks, and share files. Additionally, you can access Teams on your desktop or mobile device.

The most useful features of Microsoft Teams for us have been:

Microsoft Teams Chat

Chat

Microsoft Teams Video Conferencing

Video Conferencing

Microsoft Teams Channels

Channels

Microsoft Teams File Sharing

File Sharing

Microsoft Teams Chat

Interoffice Communication through Chat

No matter where we are or what time of day, we can receive a chat message. It comes in exactly like a text message on our mobile phones, desktop computers, and laptops. If we’re working from home or in the field, we can still stay connected with the rest of our team members. If we can’t respond to the message immediately, we receive the traditional notification, and the message is saved in a secure location until we can. We can review the history of any conversation in the chat string.

Microsoft Teams Video Conferencing

Video Conferencing Is a Touch Away

We can start a video chat with the touch of one button. Microsoft Teams tracks Co-worker availability – free, busy, or offline. This way we know when someone can take our video call. And one really nice advantage is the video quality is high whether we’re using our desktop or mobile phone.

Video conferencing is also great for company meetings. It has a capacity of 250 people. It’s easy to invite someone from outside of our organization to a video meeting by sending them a link. They can access the meeting via their browser.

Microsoft Teams Channels

Channels Organize Interoffice Communication

A channel is a private group that only invited team members can see. We have set up channels for departments like service engineers, sales, and marketing. Additionally, segregating individual projects has increased our organization and productivity. Channels house all of our discussions and documents. It’s a lot easier to catch up on a project when it is all in one place.

Microsoft Teams File Sharing

File Sharing through Chat Facilitates Project Management

Because some team members are in Idaho and others are in Utah, we have to remotely collaborate on all projects. Through the chat we share out links, co-authored articles, agendas, pdfs, presentations, videos, images, screen shots, and spreadsheets. The files are stored in Teams by channel. We access them by clicking on the “Files” button in the top menu. During video conference meetings, we share the agenda and other files that we’re working on together. Teams makes communication and collaboration even better than face to face meetings.

Working remotely doesn’t have to be an overwhelming challenge. If your company is still struggling with it, please Contact Us Here or give us a call at (844) 400-0616. We can help you get set up with the Cloud services you need like Microsoft Teams to regain efficient interoffice communication and productivity.

Learn more about Microsoft Teams features and capabilities

Network Protection Best Practices – Maximize Your Value

Posted on by Fred Bauerfeld

Many small businesses don’t need an expensive complex data center to run their operations. But even with a small system, it is important to know about network protection best practices to maximize the value of your equipment.

Your network is composed of the interconnected computers, machines, and operations you use in your business processes to provide your clients with products and services. It includes hardware like your: 

  • Workstations 
  • Servers 
  • Switches 
  • Phones 
  • Access points 
  • Printers 
  • Firewall 
  • Routers 

There are some best practices you need to keep in mind to protect your company’s network and stored data. 

1. Create secure and clean spaces for network protection

Keep your server(s), switches, phone system, firewall, router in either a locked room or in a locked cabinet. Keeping them away from accidental bumps, knock-overs, or spills is just as important as protecting them from a breach. I have seen people knock over server racks that were not secure. I have seen people store cleaning products over servers that eventually spilled on them. No one needs these kinds of expenses when they can easily be avoided.  

2. Make sure these network spaces are well ventilated  

Choose spaces for your workstations, servers, and other network devices that are well ventilated. Heat is very hard on electronics, especially IT hardware. If you use enclosures, make sure they are well ventilated. Use containers with security screens, not those with sheer metal or wooden sides.  

3. Protect your network: connect it to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) 

Have a good business-type battery backup/Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A basic home PC-type battery backup is not what you should be using on your server. Look for a Pure Sine Wave Device. Choose one that levels out the power as well as protects from surges. Dirty power that fluctuates constantly can be as hard on your equipment as power surges.  

4. Use Image-based backups for network protection 

Use an image-based backup, not just a data backup. An image-based backup will not only backup your data but also backup the operating system and its settings. If you have an image of the server, you can restore it much faster than if you only had a data backup. We are talking hours to restore, instead of days or weeks. If you are hit with ransomware which encrypts your data, you can wipe the server and restore the image quickly.  

5. Backup your network locally and offsite to reduce rebuild time 

Store backups locally and then offsite. If you only stream data to an online storage service, you can only retrieve it at the speed of the combined internet connections between their side and yours. I was working with a technician on a project once and he only backed up the data online and no image locally. They had a slow internet connection and only a data backup. It took about 2 days to rebuild the server internally with all the settings but then took over three weeks to stream the data from the storage service.  

6. Properly install firewalls to keep bad actors out without slowing business processes 

Use a firewall. They are not overly expensive to own. They keep bad actors out of your network. Have a professional install it so it doesn’t end up slowing down your business processes. You don’t want your firewall to get in the way of where you need to go. Most have content filters to keep your employees from going where they shouldn’t, which optimizes your productivity. 

These are some basic and best practices you should strive to engage in as a small business owner for network protection. None of them will break the bank. But neglecting them can eventually wreck you financially.  

Think ahead. Protect your network. The business you save will be your own. Schedule a free consultation with Joe if you’re in Utah or Fred if you’re in Idaho.

VoIP Phone Systems – To Move or Not to Move

Posted on by Fred Bauerfeld and Gretchen Thomas

Deciding which phone system is best for your business takes time to plan, research, and shop. To make an informed decision, you need to know what your choices are and the pros and cons of each. The phone system you want is one that meets your business’ needs. Because your business is unique, what works for another business may not work for yours. But if you want to replace or upgrade your phone system, you will need to choose between a PBX and a VoIP system.

What is a PBX System?

A PBX phone system is the on-premise phone system that has been in use for decades. It only came with direct copper wire line-to-line connections but in recent years has more options for the circuit that connects to it. If connected to the phone network with analog or digital lines, you are physically connected through the exchange network.

What is a VoIP System?

With a VoIP system, voice signals are converted into packets of data that are transmitted over the Internet. That means when you call a client, these signals travel through your network and out to the Internet.

Don’t get confused with the different types of VoIP systems that are out there. There are the following three options to choose from:

  1. On-premise VoIP System, Self-managed (you manage this system yourself)
  2. On-premise VoIP System, Partner-managed (a provider manages this system for you, but its brains are located at your place of business)
  3. Hosted VoIP System, Partner-managed (a provider manages this system for you, but its brains are located in the cloud)

Another confusing point is that there are a variety of names people are using for VoIP. They are all referring to the same type of internet phone system. Here are a few of them:

  • Hosted VoIP
  • Hosted Voice
  • Cloud Voice
  • IP telephony
  • Internet telephony
  • Broadband telephony
  • Broadband phone service

Read more about what a VoIP System is.

The Plan: Questions you need to answer for your business

  • How many users do you have?
  • Is everyone centrally located or geographically dispersed?
  • How will they use your phone system?
  • What features are you looking for in a phone system?
  • What is your growth trajectory?
  • How much are you spending on your current phone plan?
  • What is your budget for your new phone system?

Comparing Costs

VoIP is the less expensive system compared to PBX. It requires less hardware, which ends up costing you less to install. You will need VoIP-enabled phones and a connection to the Internet. Your monthly bills are also lower with the VoIP system and your billing is less complicated because your Internet and phone bill are often combined.

Comparing Reliability

Direct copper wire line-to-line connections are always more reliable than Internet connections, which sometimes experience downtime or bandwidth limits. The quality of your VoIP connection will vary based on the quality of your Internet connection. If your Internet or power goes down, so will your phone system. PBX systems are set up independent of your internet.

Because of this, some businesses who choose VoIP will keep a few backup analog lines for emergency alarms that send signals to the fire or police department or for their fax machines that don’t work well with VoIP.

Comparing Flexibility

If you want more flexibility in terms of adding or removing users, choose the VoIP system. You can add as many users as your network’s bandwidth allows and increasing your bandwidth is usually an easier task than increasing PBX capacity.

PBX systems are not known for their flexibility. They are installed with the number of phone lines you initially choose. If your company grows and you need more phone lines or capacity, you will have to have a provider come out and install them.

A quality phone system that is compatible with your company’s needs is key to clear communication and productivity. We hope this guide helps you in your decision process of whether to go with a VoIP phone system or a PBX. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please give Fred (Idaho) or Joe (Utah) a call at (844) 400-0616.

Read a story about how our service engineers repaired a client’s VoIP phone system when they were experiencing Dropped VoIP Calls and Intermittent Internet Connection.

iOS 14 Tips & Tricks

Posted on by Gretchen Thomas

iOS 14 is out! For those of you with an iPhone, have you updated? Released on September 16, 2020, it has more exciting changes than Apple has made in a long time. Here are some of the new features:

Spatially arrange and group your apps however you want. You are now given the choice to delete or just remove an app from your Home screen because there Apple has added an App Library. Press and hold the screen until the icons jiggle, then select the “x” to remove.

In the App Library, the apps are automatically organized by categories into folders. Tap the largest icon to open the app directly. Tap the smaller icons to open the folder.

You can put widgets on your Home screen now next to your apps. You can see Maps and Photos without having to open these applications. If you have a fitness ring, you can see info from your fitness ring. Choose between small, medium, and large widget sizes.

Apple introduces a widget called Smart Stack with on-device intelligence that provides you with Siri app suggestions based on your habits.

Some fun and handy changes are:

  • New look to the icons.
  • Call screen is smaller.
  • Gifs are now on the keyboard for texting.
  • Split screen enables opening two apps at a time.
  • Multiple accounts if you have more than one Apple ID
  • Default app setup for maps, messaging, music, and browser (instead of always having to use Safari).

In FaceTime, there is a new eye contact feature that adjusts the position of your eyes and face even when you’re looking at the screen instead of the camera.

Voice Memos now has folders enabling you to organize your recordings. Enhanced recording reduces background noise and room reverberation.

As your IT company, we are here to help your small business with hardware devices like your phones and your software updates like iOS 14.

Check out the following videos for a quick look: