We are nearing the end of Q3 and hopefully you have managed to fit in some R&R on holiday this summer. For this month’s update, following on from our focus on productivity we take a look at how automation might be able to help you as well as some practical tips to safeguard your devices.
Task automation
Running a small business means juggling a host of tasks with minimal resources that could be leaching time away from more strategic opportunities. Technology can automate repetitive, manual tasks freeing up time to focus on key initiatives. Whether scheduling social media posts, automating email campaigns, generating sales quotes, tracking performance via automated reports or streamlining your finance needs, task automation can bring significant benefits to your time management, helping your business to grow. Getting started will need you to:
- Identify repetitive tasks within your daily workflows – asking your team what manual tasks are most time-consuming builds buy-in for the new solutions
- Choose the right tools – there are plenty of tools out there to help you but make sure they will seamlessly integrate with your existing software
- Start small – automate a few key tasks first and gradually expand as you get comfortable
- Invest in training – to get the most out of these solutions you need your team to feel comfortable so provide them with appropriate training
Protect your devices
Technology is now so integrated with our lives that whether for work, communication or entertainment we rely on our devices both at home and away. However, that means they become vulnerable to theft, damage or loss. What can we do to help mitigate these risks?
- Use protective cases
- Make the most of tracking apps such as Apple’s “Find My”
- Keep your device close
- Use strong passwords
- Use your phone hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi – if you have to use public Wi-Fi then always use a VPN
- Make sure your data is always backed up
- Keep an eye on your surroundings
- Make use of anti-theft accessories