Enterprises TV Relays How Smart Phones Can Be Hacked

Smart phones can be hacked and most of us don’t know it even happened. Here’s how to stay on top of smart phone and mobile device security, both with personal and business devices.

Security and Safety Tips

Cloud-based programs are generally good, secure virtual “filing cabinets” for documents, maps, blueprints, photos, and much more. They can also be easy access storage sites for hackers. Be sure your Cloud service has strong security steps in place for you and for them. Also, never save sensitive data where others can open it, view it, and share it without your permission.

Email, contact names and phone numbers, places visited, and location identifying services are all prime for cyber thieves. These are the items that are the most valuable. Unless you really need to use GPS services, turn off location identification and places visited apps on social networks. Also, don’t use unsecure Wi-Fi. Shop for personal Wi-Fi devices which most digital and smart phones come with these days.

Risk Reduction

Even corporate smart phones and digital devices are not 100 percent secure. When assigned these devices, ask what processes are in place to keep all communication secure. Only use these devices for business, and not personal matters. Any function, contact, email or website visited is subject for Information Technology departments, supervisors, managers and CEOs to view. Enterprises TV urges consumers to be careful using smart phones and devices at all times.

Enterprises TV Reveals the Top Tech Features for Smart Homes

Smart homes are more common right now, and will be in the foreseeable future. But what makes a smart home smart? What tech or digital features are the most common?

A study from Coldwell Banker found that 45 percent of Americans own some kind of smart home technology, and 33 percent of the real estate agents report “smart” homes sell faster than homes without the technology.

One of the most requested tech services homeowners look for is temperature control. Smart thermostats regular room and home temperatures from the time the residents go to bed, wake up, and leave for work. Smart thermostats are energy and money savers.

Home security is another digital tool that homeowners want. Everyone wants to feel and be safe in their homes. Security alarms and cameras certainly add to the feeling of security. Some systems can unlock doors remotely from a short distance away by smart phone app.

Automatic lighting is another feature consumers look for when thinking of a smart home purchase. The ability to be able to turn inside and outside lights on at set times is great feature to personal safety and security.

Enterprises TV notes that in-home safety is another tech feature worth investing in. When smoke detectors, carbon monoxide and other noxious fumes alerting systems work, families are saved from illness and even death. Alerts can be programmed to connect with smart phones, thus giving the homeowner more control and options for notifying emergency responders.

Smart home technology is a hot feature in the real estate industry. It regulates energy costs and makes homes and the people in them feel more safe and secure. 

Enterprises TV Reports on Cloud Computing for Small Businesses

Small businesses are not immune to data breaches.  Every company, no matter the size, is bound to experience a network break at any time. This is where cloud computing comes in.

Network services hosted on cloud systems are secure, and give small businesses easier accessibility to files and data. Data that is stored off-premise frees up valuable on-site space on company servers.  Certified data centers have tighter security than those in buildings where the business is based. Enterprises TV also reminds that it is even better to use an out of the state data center for data storage if the business is located in a region where catastrophic weather can wreak havoc.

Good rules to follow for any business, but especially small ones, are strong password policies. Task Information Technology staff to institute randomly assigned passwords for all sites. Allow only those who should and need access to the sites log in credentials.  Apply 2 factor authentication for all sites.  This sends a code to the user trying to gain access a text message with a code in which to log in and enter the site.  Annoying as it can be when in a rush, safety and security are more important than time. It takes considerably longer to regain control of a site that has been hacked.

Enterprises TV also notes that it is imperative to have a backup administrator for all network services whether on-site of off. If one person leaves the company, or is out of the office for an extended amount of time, the backup admin can step in and keep things running smoothly. Cloud service providers give small business owners a better sense of security, the convenience of accessing files on the go, and save companies money by not having to buy additional servers, or hire more staff to maintain networks. 

Enterprises TV Covers Tips for Digital Marketing Success

Almost every business in America is online and proactively marketing products or services. Enterprises TV covers tips for digital marketing success.

Digital marketing success encompasses more than just promoting a brand, product or service on Facebook and having a website. It means utilizing the tools and resources available to learn where the customers are, what they like, and how they shop.

Email marketing is one of the must useful tools used for online marketing success. Consumers who have email use it to register on favorite brand sites in hope of getting discounts and coupons sent to them. Personalized email notes are not hard to set up using resources such as MailChimp and SalesForce. Everyone wants to be remembered. Consumers want brands to know who they are and what they like. Email marketing is great for this.

Content sharing is another great way to get the word out on a brand.

Many brands have a blog page on their website where press releases and related brand content is posted. Related article about the product type is also online. Find and share this content on the different social sites, such as Pinterest and Google Plus. Share good and related content at least once a week.

The Enterprises TV show also notes that following up with email requests and questions, and also on social sites, can be beneficial. Bring back consumers who may have abandoned the brand with a special offer. Email a personal note addressing the consumer’s questions. Write naturally because there is nothing more off-putting than a note or reply to a comment than “corporate-speak”.

Digital marketing success is attainable with perseverance and a positive, consumer-first mindset. 

share blog content across social platforms

The Enterprises TV Show Relays the Benefits of Simple Online Ads

Nothing can drive a prospective customer away from a product or service than an ad that tries too hard. Long, wordy ads are boring, contrite and take too long to read. The Enterprises TV show relays the benefits of simple online ads.

The web is filled with online entertainment, ads, videos, images and social media posts and ads. Consumers will spend a scant few milliseconds viewing any ad online. There is simply too much to read, view and engage in on the Internet, and no one really wants to spend it viewing an ad that is too wordy or two long in length. Also, consumers actively try to avoid ads online, as eye tracking software has found, even with brands they know and have used.

Simple ads, ads with an image and little wording and are clickable, are most effective. These can also be called upfront ads which utilize an image of the product, instead an object that represents it (false front ads). Online video ads, which are trending strongly in marketing news, should be short and to the point. They need to be visually engaging, stimulating and explanatory. Online banner ads should be short and to the point: what is the product and what is the brand? Online users will give an online ad one tenth of a second to view before moving on. One tenth of a second is not a long time at all. The Enterprises TV show reminds readers: Keep It Simple. 

Enterprises TV Looks at the Future of Digital Marketing

Marketing is a business activity that will never fade away. Every business, every product and service needs to be marketed. While the traditional methods of marketing will utilized, digital marketing is coming into its own, and with it comes new, exciting ways of getting noticed.

Enterprises TV is noticing cool, new digital marketing trends. One, which many business owners are already moving toward, is mobile marketing. Consumers are buying more online than ever before. According to Goldman Sachs, mobile commerce will take over nearly half of e-commerce by 2018. That’s in 2 years.  In fact, digital marketers are now aiming at mobile platforms.  Companies which have something they want consumers to see and buy should be tailoring websites, e-commerce pages and social accounts to work with mobile devices of all sizes.

Video marketing is exciting for almost everyone. It gives the consumer an opportunity to see how a product or service works using real people in real situations.  Global consumers are watching millions of videos every day on YouTube. Facebook is deep into using video ads, and Bing is also giving users video options. Ignore video marketing and sales will fall.

The Enterprises Television Show also notes that location and relationship marketing are beginning to grow. Businesses and entrepreneurs should dig deeper into marketing on a local level and creating marketing strategies that are focused on engagement and interaction with consumers, and in their locations. Most everyone wants to feel their favorite brands are listening and hearing them.

Digital marketing will continue to be a force every business of any size needs to delve into and utilize. Why wait?

(image:flickr)

The Enterprises TV Show Reveals Where the Gig Economy is Going

Many people recognize the term “gig” as it relates to artists, actors and musicians. In fact, gig jobs are much more than that. Gigging also entails work that is done on the side for extra income. It is also a major part of the sharing economy, such as those who drive for Uber or Lyft. The Enterprises TV show reveals more about where the gig economy is going in the future.

As the US economy becomes healthier, more workers are choosing to take side jobs or to start their own solo-run business. Highly skilled workers will be needed in the future. These are the people who have expertise in specific fields. Gig workers are solo workers. America is seeing many people who once worked for companies and corporations leaving their steady jobs for gig work. The freedom it gives is a big bonus to those who relish getting work done on their own schedule, and not a set one.

The gig economy today is strong. In the future, it will grow and become filled with more specialized workers. Contract workers and those who take gig jobs utilize modern technology, like the Internet, to find, apply or bid on jobs. These people are usually more satisfied in their work, can negotiate their pay rate by their own skills, experience and knowledge, and personal brand. They can enjoy and appreciate a more flexible way of work and life, which in turn, makes them happier people. The Enterprises TV show sees the gig economy gaining strength, respect, and growing into a stable contributor to localities.

Where do you want to be in five to ten years? Working for a company or working on your own?

(image:spigglelaw)

Enterprises TV Relays the Latest Tax Hoaxes

Many people have already filed their taxes but this does not mean that the bad guys are not on the hunt to try and steal personal identification and financial information. Enterprises TV relays some of the hoaxes making the rounds.

Email phishing is a major activity. Be wary of any sort of “official” looking communication from banks, the human resource department of where you work, and be especially wary of email from what seems to be from the IRS. None of them are authentic. The IRS does not email taxpayers and ask for personal information at all – ever. Call or email the bank if an email note arrives asking for confirmation about anything. If a note seems to come from the company HR department, go to their office and ask if they send out any communication to you. Never clink on any link from something that seems phishy. Those links can release malware which can steal any personal and financial information stored on computers.

“Spear phishing” is more targeted and personalized. Other warning signs of “official” emails:

The note gives a time deadline to reply, most likely being within 24 hours or be locked out of their account. 

The link to click in the email looks too long or the bank’s name is slightly misspelled in it. It also pays to keep in mind that most banks do not ask customers to click a link.

Enterprises TV also reminds readers to utilize good cyber hygiene. Use different passwords for each account. Change passwords often and engage two-step authentication. Businesses of any size should upgrade network security protocols regularly. Finally, if in doubt about an unusual request sent via email, delete the note and contact the real institution immediately. Be alert, be safe. 

image:patch.com

Enterprises TV Reviews the Facets of the On-Demand Economy

Consumers are used to hearing about on-demand entertainment such as that from streaming video providers. Not many know about the on-demand economy though. Enterprises TV reviews the facets of this growing, steady way of working.

The number of self-employed contractors has grown to more than 14 percent of the labor market. In addition, there are now more than 10 million workers registered with on-demand work sites. This creates an incredibly competitive field of workers who are ready and able to work at the drop of a hat to engage in hundreds of fields of work with decades of collective experience.

Other on-demand facets of the economy are those that give entrepreneurs, business owners and consumers immediate access to whatever they need or want. This applies to Cloud services, and the immediate access to products and services. Digital marketplaces and consumer demand work hand in hand. Consumers want products and services immediately and for the most part, can get them. Enterprises TV sees a steadily growing market for consumer instant gratification. Services that provide apps like those to ride sharing, grocery ordering and delivery, hotel reservation, handyman work, etc. will continue to pop up and give employers, workers, and consumers what they want when they need it. And that’s not bad, at all. 

Enterprises TV Provides a BYOD Update

BYOD stands for Bring-Your-Own-Device to use for work. Many employees use their own tablets and smart phones for business already. While this is a convenient way for workers to get work done, stay up to date and connected to work related activities, there are some concerns that come with it. Enterprises TV provides a BYOD update for employees and employers.

One of the most important issues with a corporate BYOD policy is security. How secure does is the device? Is the screen password protected? Does it use anti-virus and malware protection? What happens if the device is lost or stolen?

Good workplace policies require workers who use their own digital devices to access company-related networks to register the device with the in-house IT departments or contracted IT companies. If the device is lost, stolen or hacked, the IT support worker has better knowledge of the device, and may be able to access it, track it and remedy any service issues.

A good mobile management plan is one which provides a memo to employees about digital devices – personal and company owned. It explains the rules for the BYOD policy, requires information about the specific device, and provides a space where the employee needs to sign indicating they read and understand the policy.

The Enterprises TV show encourages readers who use their own devices for work to limit what work is conducted on the device. Checking email is fine, as is opening files through Cloud type drives. Always ensure that virus and malware protection is up to date. And always be sure there that if using a personal device for work to be careful what is viewed, read or accessed on it. Company BYOD policies should clearly define what their position is on accessing data on the employee’s personal device. Double check before first. 

Enterprises TV Reviews How Privacy Policies Affect a Business

Consumers generally trust businesses with their personal and financial data. If they do not, they tend to avoid doing business with them.

A survey just released notes that almost 75 percent of the people questioned worry about online privacy and limit their Web activity due to concerns about their personal data and where it ends up. Most people don’t seem to know that location tracking can be turned off on smart phones, Internet browsers and social media accounts. The Settings menu provides the option to turn off tracking on most digital devices. Enterprises TV notes that consumers are very much aware of the privacy policies located on e-commerce websites, but few people take the time to read them. When they do, it can hard to decipher to legal speak.

Businesses have a great opportunity to gain the respect and trust of their customers by making their privacy and security policies known on the site’s landing page. It should be easy to find and easy for the lay person to understand. Consumers want to know what will happen with their personal and financial data, if it will be re-sold to another company for marketing purposes.

The Enterprises TV show also notes that target ads, while effective for driving up revenue, can be a bone of contention for some shoppers. There are consumers that love the ads which can give them better choices for saving, and there are consumers who would rather not be “found”.   Give consumers the choice of opting in or out of targeted ads. Today’s consumer is more concerned about privacy and security than about losing their main source of income, as reported by the TRUSTe/National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) Consumer Privacy Index. This concern might possibly stem from knowing someone who had their identity stolen, and the hearing of the struggle to get their financial and personal back.

Privacy and security of personal data is a top concern for many Americans. This is a good time for any size business to secure data sources, and inform customers.

The Enterprises TV Show Examines IT Strategies for 2016

There is no better time than at the beginning of a new year to review and implement changes to corporate Information Technology strategies. The Enterprises TV show examines a few that can make a difference.

Corporate IT heads have a good opportunity to advance security in 2016. Last year’s DDoS, (distributed denial of service) attacks on many major name brand servers left millions of consumers wondering is their financial and personal data was compromised. Many found out that it was. Affected consumers were left regularly checking credit reports for suspicious use afterwards. This was a wake up call to companies in all sizes to strengthen their IT networks and close loopholes in server security software.

A DDoS attack can cost up to one million dollars to fix. However, it can take years to repair a tarnished brand reputation. According to Neustar, and information services company, more than 80 percent of the companies that were hit around the world in 2014 or early 2015 were hit more than once and more than half were hit six times or more. The Enterprises TV show notes that one attack is all a company needs to lose the trust of their customer base. American businesses should re-examine IT strategies before the year progresses to add more network security. Other IT matters concern data management, user policies, Internet blocking software, and e-commerce tools. A comprehensive Information Technology strategy is a necessary aspect of any company – large or small. 

Enterprises TV Examines Tax Tip for Entrepreneurs

Tax season is upon us in the U.S. and entrepreneurs might be stressing out about it. Fortunately, there are some steps small business owners can take to make it less stressful.

If getting organized is a bit of a challenge, Enterprises TV shares some tips for getting everything in order before visiting a tax professional. 

Collect the necessary documentation needed for the tax preparer. This includes bank statements, receipts, loan paperwork, and last year’s tax documents.  If using an accounting software package, download and print what’s needed.

Always ask the tax preparer for a copy of the return. Entrepreneurs will need this for the next year’s tax return. It is also a good resource to gauge how businesses are doing.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs who employ regular, full-time workers, freelancers and contractors must have the appropriate tax documentation  completed for each type of employee. Full-time staff should receive a W-2, freelancers and contractors are expected to get a 1099 form to file. Without these 2015 forms, they cannot file their own taxes, and the business’ tax return may not be accurate.

Enterprises TV recommends that entrepreneurs find and file all mileage logs for personal cars used for business. The IRS will expect to see it and expects people who run their own business to keep one. If claiming a tax break for a home office, the room where the office is must be used only for business. 

Organization and preparation are paramount to a less stressful tax prep season. Get it all together now and spend less time searching for needed documentation, tax forms and other needed tax return items. 

Enterprises TV Looks at the Year Ahead for Entrepreneurs

What lies ahead for entrepreneurs? 2016 is a brand new year and a year which can bring success to new projects and new businesses. Enterprises TV shares information about how to get the new year off to a great start.

The American consumer now appreciates and responds to ad targeting. This means they like when the ads they see are geared toward their interests and needs. It is quite prevalent on sites such as Google and Facebook.  Targeted ads make it easy for the consumer to click on the ad and go right to the product or service they want, rather than search around for it.

Mobile advertising is also a must-do for any entrepreneur or new business owner. Google gives search priority to mobile sites.  A new buzzword any digital marketer should know and be able to implement is m-commerce (mobile commerce).  M-commerce employs click-to-call ads, short ad copy, apps, and click-to-pay or schedule buttons. Does your marketing focus on this concept?

Social advertising is very important also for the small business owner and entrepreneur. The Enterprises TV show sees ads regularly on Google+, Blogger, Facebook and Instagram.  Social media is where many consumers find and read reviews about businesses, products and services.  They are more likely to heed the advice of another consumer than the testimonials on a business-related website.  It will be even more important to the business owner to reply to comments on social sites, and not with a canned reply. Transparency and honesty are valid concepts which most consumers rely on.

What lies ahead in 2016 for entrepreneurs? A year of exciting, revenue building opportunities.  Why not jump in and reap the benefits?

Enterprises TV Shares Insight on Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is one of the top items in the US agenda for the next four years. The Obama administration is aiming for all federal agencies to draw 20 percent of their energy from renewables in that time frame. Enterprises TV shares insights to

Oil and gas exploration in the United States is controversial due to the methods in which these resources are found. Seismic survey tests are conducted on land and in the oceans to determine if there is oil and gas depositories beneath the surface. If so, then drilling operations are set up. Fracking, as it is called, is not earning a good reputation due to the possibility of its harm for wildlife, wildlife habitat loss, and possible polluting of natural water sources and air. Yet, US oil production produced over 9 million barrels last year.

Other sources of renewable energy come from the wind, sun and biomass fuel. These accounted for 11 percent of energy produced in the United States in 2014. More businesses and homes use solar power to heat spaces than before. It is efficient and affordable. Heating oil is also a by-product from the shale fracking industry. Prices for heating oil are expected to be lower this year than last year and continue to decline in the future.

The Enterprises TV show encourages consumers to research renewable energy options for both business and home. There are affordable and efficient choices. Fuel for vehicles is expected to be low and stay low, which means savings for the average consumer. The price of fuel alternative vehicles is slowly inching downward which means that daily commute to work and home will cost less. For those who prefer the traditional fuel, today’s new vehicles are more fuel-efficient than before. All of this is good for the future of the nation, the world and the Earth.

Enterprises TV Reviews Small Business Trends in the New Year

Small businesses are the backbone of the US economy. They face challenges that larger companies brush off, and still thrive. The New Year promises to bring obstacles to the smaller business owner and entrepreneurs, which Enterprises TV reviews below.

Customer service will always be one of the main concerns for businesses of any size. For the smaller enterprise, it becomes imperative to be on top of any and every consumer comment. The American consumer is more informed and aware of good versus bad business operations. They are more likely to avoid the businesses they find lacking in ethics. Consumers are not easily persuaded to spend with coupons or discounts. Small businesses must be transparent in their relationship with the American consumer if they want to keep their relationship strong.

Data hacks and cyber attacks will still be issues that affect every company. Small businesses and entrepreneurs must remain vigilant every day, and take every step to protect customer data. Vendors are also responsible for maintaining secure databases, as business operations are networked.

Enterprises TV relays that mobile-friendly websites are a necessity in the New Year. The number of times we click a link for a business that does not roll out on a tablet or smartphone quickly is business lost. Consumers will abandon the website that is not mobile-friendly.  Google required websites to be more mobile friendly earlier in the year. A mobile-friendly website that loads fast is given priority over one that is not when searched for on the world’s number one search engine.

Finally, small businesses that employ a strong sense of ethics and participate in socially responsible activities are more likely to be patronized than those that are not. To note, one popular US rock band and one major US hotel chain abandoned activities relating to African trophy hunting in recent months. Actions such as these score high with socially conscious consumers, and the band and the hotel chain gain more fans and business than those that do not.

Consumers can be fickle. The small business that keeps the consumer in mind every day will likely gain their loyalty and their hard-earned dollar.

Enterprises TV Shares Creative Alternatives when Business Travel is Cut

It was not that long ago when American business people traveled for training, sales calls or other corporate-type meetings. But when the Recession hit, travel budgets were reduced. This left many mid to upper level management personnel to find other ways to meet with valued customers, clients and vendors.  If business travel is still out of the question, Enterprises TV has some suggestions.

Online training gives employees the opportunity to advance skills or learn new ones from anywhere at any time on any device. There are a plethora of options available in nearly every possible topic relating to business. Encourage collaboration among students/employees with quizzes, discussion boards, video chats, and surveys. This gives people a chance to get to know the other students. 

Internet-based meetings are also a good way to connect with valuable business partners. Consider using resources such as Skype, GoToMeeting or a smart phone app like What’sApp to connect and hash out contract points, sales prices or marketing objectives. All of these allow face-to-face meetings without the added expense of flights, car rentals and hotels. The Enterprises television show suggests finding and utilizing as many training and meeting applications as needed, and take advantage of all of them. Explore their functions in totality. Test them in-house before a training class or meeting is scheduled to get used to how they work. Even though many companies cut travel expenses, you can still connect with those who are valuable and necessary to the operation of your business. 

The Enterprises TV Explains Businesses Can Go Global

Going global is a good way for small to medium-sized businesses to bring in more revenue. Many business owners think the simplest way to do this is to state that overseas shipping is available. The Enterprises TV show explains how businesses can go global successfully.

Research the countries where you want the business to expand overseas. Is there a customer base there? Or one to grow?  

Will the product that sells well here sell well internationally? In which countries will the product sell best?

Are there enough staff members to do the work needed when international orders come in? Do you have employees who can speak and write in the language of the country where business may be expanded?

Enterprises TV also asks business owners to consider the taxes and other compliance issues in other countries. These can be quite different from country to country. Due diligence is more than just reviewing paperwork, permits and licenses. It is taking time to think through the entire process, every scenario, evaluating your business’ strengths and weaknesses and knowing that an international expansion is not only doable, but will be profitable.

 *********************************

Connect with Enterprises TV on Google+
View more Enterprises TV Press Releases
Watch Enterprises TV videos on Vimeo

The Enterprises TV Show Highlights the Benefits of Virtual Workers

Today’s business world is global, digital and well-connected. Virtual offices and workers are found on every continent performing a myriad of services. The Enterprises TV show highlights the benefits if virtual workers for both employee and employer.

Virtual employees or tele-commuters are people who work from home offices around the world. They get all of their work done and completed on time. They are engaged with other staff and their supervisors. They utilize apps which organize projects, chart tasks, and communicate with other people. People who work remotely tend to be more loyal and work harder than those in a traditional brick-and-mortar environment. Without the commute to work, the work day starts sooner. It is more pleasant. People who prefer to work offsite can find  many good options on websites such as FlexJobs and on recruiter websites for creatives.

Employers who hire remote employees gain hard workers. Other benefits for the employer are less physical office space is needed therefore reducing that overhead cost. Employers can hire someone who is a best fit for the job who may live hundreds of miles away from any physical site. The Enterprises TV show encourages employers to consider the benefits of hiring a virtual worker.

***************************

Connect with Enterprises TV on Google+
View more Enterprises TV Press Releases
Watch Enterprises TV videos on Vimeo

Enterprises TV and How to Protect Your Identity on Vacation

School is out for most area in the U.S. Families are heading out the theme parks, national parks, seashores and other relaxing family destination spots. Enterprises TV offer tips on how to protect your identity on vacation.

There were 2.5 million complaints of ID theft with the Federal Trade Commission in 2014. But with some common sense, the annual vacation can be a good time and not one filled with the stress of knowing someone stole your financial data.

Only take a few credit cards with you before you leave. Leave the others at home stored in a safe place. Use the cards for everything from getting local currency to renting a car. And since we’re on the topic, call the credit card companies of the card you will bring to let them know where you are traveling to. This will prevent them from putting a hold on the card if they suspect fraud.

No matter where the vacation is – in the United States or out – don’t leave passports, driver licenses, birth certificates or other material like that in hotel or resort rooms. Don’t leave mobile digital devices in the room either.

The Enterprises TV show strongly suggests adding a verification code to the device. Set it to activate quickly when not in use.  Also, if you log into financial accounts via digital device, be sure to log out each and every time. It may be a nuisance to constantly log on and off each time, but it safer than staying logged in. Some Wi-Fi spots are wide open.

Always be alert and aware of your personal well-being when traveling.

Connect with Enterprises TV on Google+
View more Enterprises TV Press Releases
Watch Enterprises TV videos on Vimeo