by Estela Saldana | Nov 17, 2021 | Communications
Music is part of your businesses’ culture. From the light, the colours, to the furniture… everything is part of your identity. That is why it is so important that the music you choose also fits with how you want to be perceived.
Can music help you increase your sales? Does music help improve worker productivity? Will your team be happier at work? Many studies have shown that the answer to these questions is always “yes.” Choose the right music, create a great work culture, and move the bottom line.
How to incorporate music into my business?
There are many ways you can incorporate music into your business. On the one hand, there is the office environment, and on the other, there is music as part of your brand and marketing. Let’s start with the music in your office environment.
4 keys to improving your work environment with music
Play it loud
Invest in good speakers. Having good sound equipment will help you improve the musical experience in your office. Place these speakers in areas of your office that allow the music to fill the room. Maybe you won’t be able to play music all day. So, choose some key timeframes to set the pace of your office. Maybe during lunchtime or when customer calls die off, after meetings, etc.
Get everyone involved
Get your employees to participate in curating the office vibe. Create a suggestion email or an open Spotify account where they can add their favourites. You can use music as a tool to create synergies between your employees. Create different playlists with different moods such as “It’s Friday Already” or ” It’s Mondays Again” … Be creative.
Custom lists
What better way to meet someone than through their musical tastes? You can incentivize your workers to create their own custom lists with songs that are important to them or best define them. You can use this list on your website as a fun and original way to introduce your workers. We’re working on that just now, so keep an eye on our Team page.
Music that increases sales
Music is everything in a business environment. In fact, it has been shown that 40% of clients spend more time in a business if they like the music selection. Music has an incredible impact on perception and mood.
How can you use music to increase your sales? We go back to the beginning of everything: define your customers. At KeyTech we have a post completely dedicated to finding the voice of your business. After this practical exercise, you will have a much clearer vision of who your clients are and what music they might like.
Music in your public-facing spaces
The big brands work a lot on their musical threads. In fact, fashion and beauty brands like H&M, Hollister, or Sephora even organize special live music or DJs. Your music will say something about your market. Sometimes it’s obvious. For example, if you have a Mexican restaurant, you can accompany your playlist with popular Mexican music. And if, for example, you have a surfboard shop, you can immerse your customers in the best songs from The Beach Boys. But if you’re an ITC-managed services business like us, you’ll have to put a bit more thought into it. We suspect many of our customers are partial to 80s and 90s rock.
Studies affirm that having good background music makes 30% of customers want to return. By the same token, 97% of retail managers agree on music increases sales. So, it’s up to you to hit the nail on the head with the right songs for your customers.
What music can I use to avoid copyright problems?
Using streaming programs like Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, radio or TV will mean that you will have to pay an expensive monthly fee to the PRO’s (Performance Rights Organization). Luckily, there are much cheaper alternatives. Here we give you some of the options:
- Soundtrack your brand: music streaming service, licensed for commercial and public spaces. You can try it for one month for free and cancel at any time.
- Soundsuit: easy to use and with clients like Audi or IQOS. It includes a great variety of songs and does not require any permanence either.
- Heartbeats International: designed for big brands. It is a bit more expensive than its competitors. What is interesting about this Platform is that they offer you a musical strategy. With questions of who you are, how, where, and how to communicate through music.
- Sound Machine: they offer you a very useful musical selection. They also offer you a free trial month.
As we saw at the beginning of this post, music plays an important -if not essential- role in your business or store and it’s worth choosing the best option for it. We have already done our homework, so here is our selection. Enjoy the songs that we have all chosen as the funniest to cheer you up on a hard day at work.
by KeyTech | Nov 11, 2021 | Communications
Our security partner Sophos has released some startling news regarding an increase in phishing.
Pop quiz: What’s phishing? Here’s what other people think it is:
Not too many people guessed this one right! Sophos reports that the correct answer was the most popular response, but the term is still widely misunderstood.
What is phishing?
Phishing It’s when internet scammers send you an email pretending to be eBay, Amazon, or some other service you might not use. It usually asks you to check or verify something and takes you to a website that looks just like the real one and asks you to log in.
In a survey by Sohpos, phishing attacks in all sectors have increased since the start of the pandemic. Scarily, governmental organizations reported the largest increases, followed by business and professional services and then healthcare.
If you fall for a phishing attack, taking the bait as it were, you can expect a follow-up ransomware attack. Spyware can be installed on your system, and your information could be ransomed for millions. That’s the worst-case scenario that a large organization might face. Ordinary folk can expect to have some accounts hijacked, money stolen, and a whole lot of inconvenience along the way.
If you’re protected by KeyCloud Threat Protection, which is powered by Sophos’ ever-evolving AI, you can stop reading here. If not, there are some things you should know.
PhaaS
Phishing is an ever-evolving threat, and like all forms of cybercrime, the techniques used are increasingly elaborate. You can tell people fall for them all the time just by taking a look at the effort that goes into setting up these attacks. And like all profitable enterprises, it’s getting easier.
I’m sure you use SaaS, or Software as a Service, products such as Teams, or your CMS, but Microsoft has recently caught out something new: a Phishing as a Service. This makes it very easy for anyone to set up a phishing campaign including all the related hosting and email services that would otherwise be time-consuming and expensive.
What can you do?
Be protected from phishing
Sophos offers a trial of their class-leading, enterprise-level Endpoint Protection software, which you can start here.
Train your organisation
50% of employees will unsuspectingly click on a dangerous link in their email. Talk to us about training them not to!
Grab a free trial to Sophos Endpoint today!
by Estela Saldana | Nov 4, 2021 | Communications
It has been 17 years since Facebook was created. Since then, the company has been evolving and completely changing the way we interact in the virtual world. A week ago, that evolution jumped a step further with the introduction of Meta.
What is Meta?
Meta is the new name of the Facebook group. It’s Mark Zuckerberg’s vision of the future, something of a tech-utopia. In this vision, people connect, play, and get things done in a virtual universe. Zuckerberg is convinced that Meta will be the next Internet revolution.
What’s changing at Facebook?
The change is not only in the name. Zuckerberg has also restructured his company. Half will be focused on business relationships with social networks and the other half will be organised through Reality Labs and will be totally dedicated to improving the virtual reality experience. This second unit had an injection of 10 billion dollars in 2022 and a doubling of its workforce to 20,000 engineers.
The idea is that this new universe keeps us connected most of the time. Meta is already working on all types of virtual realities that involve entertainment, gaming, fitness, work, education, and commerce.
How does Meta affect your safety?
The evolution from Facebook to Meta is undoubtedly a huge landmark in their journey to build an enriched online world. But can we be safe in this virtual world? How will it make money? Facebook has a bad reputation regarding the abusive use of private data and the sale of personal information.
In fact, the rumours state that the name change to Meta is mostly a PR strategy. The new Meta has assured us that data protection and virtual security will always be present in this new world. However, it has not specified what these rules will be and how identities will be protected and cyberbullying controlled.
What benefits could Meta offer your business?
The “all-encompassing platform” was designed to be a place where users could “spend their entire digital lives.” Meta is much more than advancement in virtual reality, it will be a new world. And if people exist there, businesses will want to as well. Something to think about down the line – but maybe not just yet. How soon though, we can’t tell, and as they say, early birds win the worm.
While other companies like Apple focus their forces on creating virtual reality devices, Meta goes further and focuses on emotions and experiences. If Zuckerberg’s ambitious plan is successful, his profits will not only increase, but a new opportunity will open for the sale of virtual purchases.
Meta proposes supporting an alternative digital economy. Users will be able to buy digital items such as clothing, art, etc., and be able to take them with them to that virtual world. Cryptocurrencies and NFTs would inevitably play a role in this shared world, Zuckerberg confirmed.
Expect virtual goods to be a big part of Meta’s metaverse.
The great challenge of the company will be to convince the “non-gamer” user of the value of their social experiences in Meta, outside of gaming. The key to its success will also base on persuading marketers to invest in virtual advertising.
by Estela Saldana | Oct 28, 2021 | Communications
Is your social media strategy working? Is your audience interested in the content you share? Social networks are constantly changing, that’s why it is necessary to adapt your strategy. At KeyTech we want to help you get the most out of your networks.
2021 has been the year of adaptation. Many businesses have seen how it was necessary to have a social media strategy that would direct traffic to their online stores or to increase takeaways orders. 2022’s nearly here, and these are the tactics we believe are worth your time as a busy small business owner.
Shopping platforms
ECommerce is becoming more a necessity than a possibility. Especially since the pandemic. In this scenario, many businesses relied on social media as the primary touchpoint with their customers and keep their business rolling.
In 2022, shopping will be increasingly part of almost all social platforms. Instagram is an option to make all your posts shoppable.
How can I make my social media shoppable?
Each social network has its way of making your content shoppable. Most are based on linking your images or videos to your e-commerce. Instagram high converting social platform, especially in industries such as fashion or beauty. The goal for 2022 is to ensure that these purchases are made internally, without the need for a third party.
One of the ways to do this is to work on your content strategy. We recommend having a calendar that is easy to follow. But above all, work on the quality of the photos and videos that you upload. A good image is everything.
Video content
Video is clearly something most businesses should be thinking about if they’re not already doing it. It probably feels way out of reach for the average small business, but still, this is where the world is heading.
By 2025, Google expects video content to increase up to 80% in all internet traffic. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram with Reels have made video content essential in the marketing strategy of many businesses. Studies show that 80% of consumers prefer to watch a video than read content when they are making a purchase. Video reviews are also a decisive factor before making a purchase.
Why are short videos so effective?
It’s a fact, consumers engage more with video. Some social media experts even claim videos can increase conversions by up to 30%. Use this as an advantage when you are planning your campaigns. Create an amazing video that shows why your consumers need your products/services.
If you have a fashion eCommerce store, use short videos to give tips on trends. Follow trending topics on TikTok and Instagram Reels. For ideas use content videos to reach your youngest consumers. Anyone with a smartphone can create a great video. The key is to know your target and offer them what they want to see.
Lush Australia uses videos to show their new products or how spectacular your bath will be with their bath bombs.
Social media AR
What is social media AR? Augmented reality is an emerging technology, especially strong in social media.
In 2022 we will see more AR on different social networks, applied as filters or in games. Facebook is investing a lot of money and time in creating high-tech projects that improve augmented reality. Among its plans are AR glasses integrated with Instagram. Probably this type of online activity is completely beyond the reach of a small business. But it’s an interesting trend, nonetheless.
Micro-influencer marketing
You might be wondering why a micro-influencer is better than a macro-influencer? Well, for a small business, it’s not about reaching large audiences; but about reaching the right ones. Micro-influencers have a much smaller market niche than macro-influencers but are much more defined. They are perfect to reach a loyal audience and above all focused on specialized topics. By not having as many sponsorships, micro-influencers have the most honest image of collaborative marketing. In addition, they are much easier to book and a great way for small businesses to test whether influencer marketing works for them or not.
Voice visual search
Voice and visual searches of engines like Google and Bing will keep increasing in 2022. It is expected that in the near future users will be able to search for a product just by uploading an image. Voice search will also be present in the ads. This means that you will soon be able to create your ad’s campaigns simply using your voice, and even process payment hands-free. In 2022 you will also be able to directly access your social networks, simply using your voice.
How can I adapt to voice search?
To be relevant to a voice search, your social content needs to be optimized. First, you must have identified what your keywords are and know how your customers search for you generally. Working on a content plan will help with that. Then, your audio-visual posts need to perfectly describe what you sell or offer to your customers. It is also important to optimize the description of all your social profiles so that they can help people find you.
Explore the privacy modes offered by the different social networks. Protect your reputation. Think twice before posting anything. Keep the passwords of the social networks of your business safe and only accessible to the personnel in charge. You can use scrambled codes. It is also super important that you keep up to date with the latest news in data protection and that you make sure that your marketing plans are aligned with them.
Live Streams and Stories
Live Streams are here to stay. In our article on Marketing trends 2022, we already talked about their importance. But as with any trend, you need to adapt it to your social media strategy. For example, you can use a behind-the-scene style to show the friendly face of your business without too much pressure.
TikTok’s leadership
Have you included TikTok in your Social Media strategy? 2022 will continue to be a year of growth for TikTok, as it expands beyond its younger demographics. Despite its supposed connection to the Chinese government, this short video social network addicts new people every day. If your business is consumer-oriented (B2C as opposed to B2B), you should consider it, especially if your market skews to a younger demographic. In 2022 TikTok will continue to monetize with direct purchasing, as well as paid ads. The video platform is aiming to facilitate opportunities for facilitators and brands, with more in-stream shopping options and revenue sharing.
How do I create a good sales strategy on TikTok?
TikTok is not a conventional social network. Defined as a short video platform, it seeks spontaneity and creative explosions. Entering as a brand isn’t as easy as for the rest of the platforms, but it is not impossible either. You must know the trends that move on the Platform and not be afraid to experiment. So we’re talking about a pretty large initiative. Being correct is prohibited on TikTok, so show the funniest and freshest side of your business. If you find it difficult to create content for TikTok, then you can think of collaboration with TikTok’ers, who can promote your business on their channels, in videos they create.
by KeyTech | Oct 21, 2021 | Communications
Microsoft Teams is fast becoming the perfect tool for the hybrid workforce. Modes of work are changing, and Microsoft knows it. Updates are constant, and these are just the latest. How will they help your business? Let’s find out.
Search experience
Search is essential to Teams. Conversations and group chats can get repurposed for new topics and become quite long. Years-long. Thankfully Teams has redesigned its search to be more intuitive. This allows you to find your messages, people, and your responses faster. This change is driven by artificial intelligence that is based on the content services you interact with the most.
Workgroups management
Organizing workgroups will be much easier with the new “Manage Users”. This tool will allow you to manage all the users you need in one place. It also includes settings for guests and external users.
Font: Microsoft teams website
Teams’ rooms for Surface Hub
Microsoft is quickly adapting to the new workplaces of the world. Functions from desktop Teams and Teams rooms (MTR) are being added to Meeting Space. The meeting controls have been improved, such as scenes in “Together mode”, large gallery, live reactions, PowerPoint Live, Whiteboard, and chat bubbles. The Whiteboard tool has also been improved. Now it is much cleaner and, more spacious and with a more modern look.
Photo: Microsoft teams website
Teams Admin Centre
Teams Admin Centre is a self-managed platform that Microsoft will launch at the end of the year. The platform will oversee remote monitoring and managing the Teams Rooms experience.
Big news for Teams Phone
To allow much more mobility, Teams has made several improvements to its mobile app. You can now transfer calls seamlessly between your devices, such as moving it from your desktop to your mobile and vice versa. The great thing about this is that the call will not suffer any interruption.
Teams have also incorporated a spam prevention feature. This uses some advanced techniques to identify spam calls.
Can you answer Teams calls in the car?
One piece of great news is that you can now answer your business calls while on the road. Apple CarPlay is compatible with Teams so you can join calls and meetings using vehicle controls or hands-free with Siri. You can also transcribe and record calls with Teams Phone. Handy!
Smart cameras
Soon you will be able to enjoy some more futuristic features from Teams. It’s being updated to support smart cameras. These cameras will be supplied by partners like Jabra, Neat, Poly, and Yealink. These cameras will monitor for active speakers, along with support for multiple video transmissions with facial recognition. This last feature includes tracking facial movements and gestures to detect who is speaking.
This under-the-hood advancement will make it that much easier to level up your business’s hybrid work model. The big goal is to have no difference between regular and online meetings.
It is proposed that in 2022 Teams will manage to control issues such as lighting. Using artificial intelligence, the goal is for the Platform to be able to make lighting corrections in real-time, while the meeting is taking place.
PowerPoint in Microsoft Teams
This great collaboration means you can present without opening PowerPoint. You only need to open PowerPoint Live, simplifying the experience of presenting remotely. It also you to progress through the slides while viewers share their reactions to a presentation, such as an applause and hearts.
How do I show a PowerPoint in Microsoft Teams?
To use this new option, connect PowerPoint Live with Teams. It is as simple as pressing the “Present in Teams” button (in the top right). You’ll automatically have access to your meeting from within Teams.
With all these updates, Microsoft Teams is looking to become the best tool to support your transition into hybrid work. What kind of needs do you think Teams should cover to improve your daily work? Do you think the future of work will be hybrid?
by KeyTech | Oct 7, 2021 | Communications
Windows 11 again. There’s been quite a bit of talk about it, and you’re probably wondering if you should upgrade. We’re here to fill in the gaps you need to know about what it means for your IT Security and what you should be doing about it.
In a 2020 survey, the ACSC reported that 62% of small businesses were the victim of cybercrime, racking up costs of 300 million. It found business owners understood the risks but were confused as to how to protect their operations and data, and that they preferred a DIY approach and were generally underinvested.
Click the image to read the full report
Last month we wrote about some of the interesting features of Windows 11. Many of the new features are available to some PCs with Windows 10, but the entire security system in Windows 11 is much easier to manage, with everything on by default on supported PCs.
We’ve talked about the huge risk of cyber threats to small businesses before. And while Windows 10 took some big steps in the right direction with its own built-in real-time malware and virus protection, Windows Defender, small businesses have still been suffering the inordinate costs of lax threat protection.
VBS
VBS, or virtualization-based security, powers a number of security features relating to a processor’s ability to create a buffer between the system and the world. This virtualization is not only supported on newer chips but would also create a large performance impact on older chips. This is one of the reasons Windows 11 has such high system requirements.
Should I Upgrade to Windows 11?
When we talk about new technology, we’re always thinking about our customers and how they’ll benefit from it. We understand that investments into solving future problems are difficult to make when budgets are tight.
In the case of Windows 11, if your PC supports it, you’re safe to upgrade without thinking too much about it. To see if you’re supported, check your system compatibility with the PC Health Check tool provided by Microsoft. Don’t be disappointed if your computer doesn’t pass; the likelihood is that you’ll fail this test. All but the most recent PCs meet Microsoft’s stringent requirements, and many of our own trusted workhorses don’t make the cut.
If your PCs fail to make the grade, you may want to consider upgrading, especially if they are essential to operations, as Microsoft’s security resources will be gradually shifted to Windows 11. Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 into 2025, however, it stands to reason that feature and security updates will be reduced as Microsoft continues to shift its attention towards its latest operating system.
Take a look at your upgrade schedule and see how far you are from an upgrade. If you’re more than halfway through your current devices’ lifespans, you may want to consider whether the additional security provided by Windows 11 is worth bringing the schedule forward. Give us a yell if you’re not yet sure.
What if you’re not upgrading?
It may be that your computers aren’t that old and you’re unable to justify upgrading them. We get it. But as per the ASCS recommendations, get some help!
We have extensive experience in protecting businesses like yours, partnering with Sophos for both on-site and on-device security. Sophos is an intelligent and evolving system that is constantly updated—and updates itself—to respond to new threats.
Grab a free trial to Sophos Endpoint today!
