Renowned for his engaging content and insightful discussions on technology and gaming, Chillrogg has established himself as a player in the industry. His genuine approach to content creation has fostered an enduring relationship with his audience, setting him apart in an environment where performance often overshadows authenticity. He currently boasts over 1.9 million followers on TikTok, 1.3 million on Instagram, and 256,000 subscribers on YouTube, his three platforms for sharing content.

Joseph’s mission is to elevate brand visibility and introduce the world to his cutting-edge content. He seeks to captivate his audience and set trends within the tech industry. His message is straightforward yet impactful: “I’m here to celebrate my passion for technology with everyone.”

With a loyal fan base worldwide, his announcements always garner eager anticipation. So it’s no wonder his latest endeavor, the $10,000 TECH GIVEAWAY, made some serious waves.

But what really sets the Chillrogg giveaway apart is, apart from the scale of prizes (ranging from some seriously high-performance gaming PCs to all kinds of cutting-edge peripherals, by the way), the way it skillfully fuses capitalism and philanthropy. This way, Chillrogg can have more means and clout to help his community and grow the number of people watching and interacting with his streams.

With the news of the giveaway, excitement and activity started on social media. Fans enthusiastically spread the word in hopes of winning these cool prizes. This further spread the word of Chillrogg and reflected one more symbiotic relationship between the content generators and the audience. As the entries poured in from all over the world, Chillrogg’s influence continued to grow, and he became well on his way to making an impact in the who’s who of the tech and gaming community.

The giveaway serves as a prime example of how content creators can harness their platforms for positive impact while also furthering their own interests in a mutually beneficial manner.

With the contest now closed and the lucky winners drawn, the impact of Chillrogg in the community could not have been left more apparent. On the other hand, the winners have taken to social media with words of gratitude and fueled the cycle of engagement and visibility that propels the digital economy.

But beyond that, what makes Chillrogg’s giveaway go is the potential to show how a content creator could make the desired impact while also reaping the rewards of increased visibility and engagement.

By blending capitalism with philanthropy, influencers—like Chillrogg—can find ways of leveraging their platform to do social good while finding ways for themselves to be empowered in return: increased visibility and greater engagement. In an age where digital connections reign supreme, his example proves content creators’ importance in changing the world, giveaway by giveaway. One thing is undoubtedly going to happen in the future of content creation: the lines between capitalism and philanthropy blur, tapping the potentials of both to drive positive change.

Joseph “Chillrogg” Urbinati’s narrative is of passion, perseverance, and pioneering spirit. It highlights the journey of a tech visionary who fearlessly shares his love for technology with the world. As Joseph continues to chart his path in the tech realm, his audience awaits with bated breath, eager to see where his unmatched zeal and creativity will take them next. Join him on this exhilarating journey across all his platforms to be a part of the unfolding story of a remarkable figure in tech content creation

Follow him on his socials; Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube, Facebook

Featured image provided by Roberto Nickson; Pexels; Thanks!

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Thanks to these new innovations, you can now not only get prompt treatment for any existing illness, but you can also help prevent them through the aid of at-home lab tests. However, just because telemedicine and at-home diagnostics are becoming more available, does it still mean that it’s an ideal option?

Do-It-Yourself Healthcare: A Smart Idea?

Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we approach medical treatment. With more and more providers offering telehealth options to their patients and medical testing labs moving online, it’s reasonable to conclude that at-home healthcare is here to stay.

Nevertheless, there have been some concerns about both the safety and the efficacy of these new treatments and diagnostic tests. In turn, many people are uncertain as to if the DIY approach is right for them. Is the home health approach a viable one?

Fortunately, not only are these diagnostic and treatment options entirely safe and approved for their designated applications, but they’re also highly recommended, as well. By utilizing them, you can help ensure your best health, all without even needing to leave your home.

Current Lineup of At-Home Healthcare Diagnostics and Treatments

While choosing telehealth for the common cold can seem like common sense, what about the plethora of other at-home test options from which you can choose? With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. 

Rather than trying to wade through the many different options, here are four at-home treatment options from which you can choose, depending on your unique needs.

Please note, however, that these are not a replacement for medical care, but rather, a supplement. If you do have any questions about your results, it’s always prudent to follow up with a trained physician or healthcare provider.

HIV Testing

Trying to determine if you may or may not have HIV after accidental exposure can be incredibly stressful and scary. Furthermore, that doesn’t even begin to touch on the necessity for discretion when trying to determine if you may have HIV.

There are several popular HIV tests available on the market right now, allowing you to find out quickly if you have been exposed to HIV. Depending on your sense of urgency and needs, you may choose from one that requires a gum swab versus one that requires a blood test.

Most tests are incredibly accurate (between 92-99%) and can have your results back to you relatively quickly, typically less than a week. It’s important to remember that if you do get a negative test, you may want to retest again in three months to confirm your results.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Having an elevated blood glucose level can indicate the presence of diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar levels regulated, therefore, is of the utmost importance to those who may be either diabetic (Type 1 or Type 2) or pre-diabetic.

At-home blood glucose monitoring can help make sure that you maintain normal blood glucose levels without frequent doctor’s appointments. Many online and brick-and-mortar stores offer these blood glucose monitors at a reasonable price, making this task fairly straightforward.

To check your blood glucose levels, you will need to take a small blood sample and apply it to the included test strip. The results are almost instantaneous, allowing you to take the guesswork out of your diabetes management.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer can strike at any age (though it typically affects older adults) and typically begins as small, benign polyps in the colon. Symptoms can include a change in your bowel habits, blood in your stool, pain and discomfort in your stomach, and sudden weight loss.

Early detection of colon cancer is essential to help ensure a better prognosis for you. If caught early, the 5-year survival rate for colon cancer can be as high as 91%. Once it spreads, though, that can drop as low as 14%.

An at-home FIT Test (Fecal Immunochemical Test) can help identify the presence of blood in your stool, an early sign of colon cancer. These tests are generally quite affordable and fast, allowing you to know quickly if you may be at an elevated risk of colon cancer.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are quite common, affecting both men and women. Over 8 million people annually will see a doctor for a UTI, but at-home testing can help reduce that wait and allow you to be on your path to recovery much faster.

There are a number of over-the-counter test strips you can use to determine if you may have a UTI. You can purchase them at most online or local retailers, and they can give you your test results in as little as two minutes.

It’s important to note that there is a 10% chance that the test may not detect your UTI. If your symptoms persist, you may need an appointment with your healthcare provider. In addition, an appointment may also be necessary for an antibiotic prescription.

Staying Educated About Your At-Home Healthcare Options

Staying on top of your health does not have to mean long waits at your local walk-in clinic or urgent care. By educating yourself about your at-home treatment options, you can help empower yourself to get prompt, accurate diagnoses to help you reclaim both your good health and your peace of mind.

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These answers are provided by Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. YEC has also launched BusinessCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. 

1. My Mobile Device

My mobile device is more than just a phone. Thanks to cloud-based services, much of your business can be conducted online. Important negotiations and transactions can be done through my mobile device. There are many business opportunities waiting, and my mobile device allows me the ease and convenience to make things happen!- Patrick Barnhill, Specialist ID, Inc. 

2. Self-Encrypting Drive

My self-encrypting drive is very important. Laptop thefts account for almost 70 percent of worldwide data breaches. Having a self-encrypting drive helps me feel confident that my business and personal information is being kept safe and secure.- Nicole Munoz, Start Ranking Now

3. Phone Charging Case

It may be a bit more cumbersome than the phone itself, but the wireless charging vehicle dock has saved me on multiple occasions.With my phone battery not lasting through the day, I now don’t have to worry about carrying an external charger around with me.- Abhilash Patel, Abhilash.co

4. External Hard Drive

This device is not only great for making a smaller laptop suddenly bigger, it’s wonderful for backing up crucial information. As an entrepreneur, you‘re going to have a lot of important (and sensitive) documents on your computer. Why would you not make sure those are safe, even if your laptop is ruined?- Ginger Jones, Jones Therapy Services

5. Apple AirPods

I can‘t live without my Apple AirPods. I’m on the phone frequently and the AirPods are incredibly user-friendly. They’re small, can recharge in your pocket and operate seamlessly. For those worried about them falling out of your ear, it’s best to get comfortable with them in a contained environment, like your apartment, first before going out with them.- Douglas Baldasare, ChargeItSpot

6. Apple Watch

I just purchased an Apple Watch and it’s the best gadget for both business and life. For professional use, I like to use the watch for Slack and email, as well as to set reminders for calls, meetings, and work deadlines. For personal use, I use it to track my runs, monitor my heartbeat, and log all of my workouts.- Kristin Marquet, Creative Development Agency, LLC

7. Google Home Mini

Like all new technological advancements, not everyone is going to embrace it, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence. The fact of the matter is, the Google Home Mini is convenient, provided that you have a Google account — which most people do. This nifty little device cuts my everyday tasks down to a minimum, saving me time that I can spend elsewhere. – Codie Sanchez, CodieSanchez.com

8. Skybell Wi-Fi Doorbell

Since I work from home often or am traveling a lot, I’ve become dependent on my Skybell Wi-Fi doorbell to feel safer about my home. I can see who is at the door even when I’m not at home and I can interact with them. It gives me more peace of mind since I am so often away.- Angela Ruth, Calendar 

9. Nespresso Machine

Maybe a Nespresso Machine is a weird gadget but they are life-changing. When you need a pick-me-up or a good cup of espresso, it is so nice to have a mini espresso bar in your office.- Brandon Stapper, Crown Growth

10. Any Smart Home Device

I love having appliances that talk to each other and are linked together to help cover things like items I need to buy or take care of the home security and use of utilities. It saves me time and has taught me so much about living more environmentally responsible.- Cynthia Johnson, Bell + Ivy

11. Bluesmart Luggage

I travel often, so this has been a huge upgrade. This suitcase has GPS, so I won’t lose my luggage, and it has a built-in battery, so I can charge my devices while I go. For a traveler, this is a must. – Ben Landis, Fanbase

12. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Because of a lot of air travel and working in a variety of different contexts, from the office to airports to co-working spaces, noise-canceling headphones have become something that I love and can‘t imagine living without. In fact, I wish I got them sooner. I put off buying them and really wish I hadn’t now. – Eric Mathews, Start Co.

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The additive manufacturing hype has died down a bit recently, but I think it’s one of the most exciting new technologies. Tools like the Voltera, which can print rigid flex printed circuit boards and the MakerGear M2 are great additions to the consumer market. The industrial applications are even more exciting, promising advancements in fields from manufacturing to smart medicines.

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Accelerate Your Business Recap

Accelerate Your Business was a symposium aimed at sharing information that will help small business owners take their businesses to the next level. It featured sessions that shared best practices in cloud-based technology, and new devices & apps that can make your business more productive and efficient. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with business leaders, industry experts, and digital innovators. It was a high-energy, high-impact event for all who attended.

The event started out with a keynote from Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit and an investor in tech startups. He spoke about “Building a Community of Hundreds of Thousands of Communities,” which is exactly what he was able to do with the creation of Reddit in 2005.

The morning continued with three sessions that touched on different aspects of business growth and technology:

• Staying Safe in the Current Cyber Environment – Moderated by Gene Marks, this session focused on data security for the modern cloud-based workforce, with an emphasis on keeping both customer and business data safe.
• Managing the Modern Customer – Moderated by Carol Roth, this session focused on using technology to create a holistic approach to customer service.
• Q&A: What’s Hot, What’s Happening and What’s to Come – This Q&A session with Amy Cosper (Entrepreneur), Jordan Chrysafidis (Microsoft) and Eric Day (Dell) tackled questions about the future of business and what businesses today can do to prepare.

The Accelerate Your Business symposium then ended with a keynote and workshop on “Influencing Influencers” with Jon Levy, who shared his experience working with brands and companies as well as strategies for businesses to improve their product development, customer acquisition, and customer engagement.

Accelerate Your Business with Safer Technology

I participated in the session on staying safe in the current cyber environment. Today’s technology and cloud-based solutions have made it easier to run your business, but there are also data security concerns that every growing business should be aware of.

One way to keep your business safe is to upgrade your devices, because older devices are slower, heavier, bulkier, and pose security risks. This infographic explains the huge differences between old and new devices.

If it’s time to modernize your business technology, consider updating to devices based on the 6th generation Intel® Core vPro processor family  and Windows 10 pro.

• Fast boot and wake up times.
• Easy multi-tasking between apps, files, and websites.
• True Key technology to safely reduce the number of passwords you use.
• Facial recognition technology for simple and safe log in.
• BitLocker encryption that keeps your data safe even if your computer is lost or stolen.

You can get 6^th generation Intel Core processors and Windows 10 pro in a range of devices, such as desktop towers, touch screen All-in-ones, mini PCs, laptops, tablets, and 2-in-1s. Check out the Accelerate Your Business site for more offers, information and the latest devices.

The Accelerate Your Business symposium emphasized the fact that to grow your business you have to be constantly moving forward with the latest technology and strategies for developing products and reaching customers. One way to get started right away is by upgrading your devices today.

This post was written in partnership with Intel; however, all opinions and experiences expressed are my own.

The post Accelerate Your Business Recap: It’s Time to Upgrade Your Aging Devices! appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Printing technology is sometimes overlooked, but choosing the right printer for your business can greatly improve your operations. Since printers are used so frequently, small differences in costs and speeds add up to big differences over time.

The HP OfficeJet Pro Series

This series of printers is for small business owners who want professional color in a compact, affordable package.

• Professional-quality color documents will cost you up to 50 percent less per page than laser printers.
• Employees can also boost productivity with the ability to print from their smartphones and tablets.

There are a number of models in this series. Prices start at $199.99, and they are sold both in-store and online at staple

HP PageWide Printers

This series of printers is for small business owners who need professional-quality color documents from a printer that delivers exceptional efficiency:

• In a single pass, you can print professional-quality color documents across any width you need.
• With just 0.5 second prints, you’ll get record-breaking speed.
• Other benefits include energy efficiency and exceptional security.

Models in this series start at $499.99, which makes them the lowest total cost of ownership in their class. They are sold online only. Companies nowadays switch business energy suppliers to be able to be energy efficient and lower their costs.

Find the Printing Technology that Fits Your Business Needs

Each of the new offerings is a “series” of printers. This means that you can choose the exact model that will work best for your small business, based on what other specific functions you’ll use and your daily printing needs. Like any other business purchase you make, it’s important that the printing technology you select fits with the needs of your business.

Shopping at Staples has perks as well. Staples Rewards members get up to 5% back on their purchases and free shipping on any HP purchase of $14.99. They also have auto restock programs for your ink and paper so you’ll never run out of these essential office supplies.

By partnering on this latest innovative printing technology, Staples and HP are reaffirming their commitment to the small business community. Your office technology can either hold you back or push your business forward. When you purchase your next printer, don’t underestimate the importance of low costs, fast speeds, and professional quality.

This article was written in partnership with Staples; however, all views expressed are my own.

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SXSW 2016 Coverage

SXSW 2016 took place from March 11-15 in Austin, TX, and Ramon Ray visited to learn about the latest technology relevant to small businesses in order to report back to readers. Some of the SXSW 2016 coverage featured recently includes:

• Fluidstance – An innovative product helping to incorporate more natural movement while you are using a standing desk.
• Knokal – A new B2B website that uses a “Match.com” approach to connect small businesses.
• United Airlines – New developments in first-class seating that make your travel more comfortable and productive.

Mark Cuban Loves Hustle

At SXSW 2016, Ramon also ran into Mark Cuban, billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks and investor on ABC’s Shark Tank. In a short video interview, Ramon asks Mark why he loves hustle so much and Mark delivers another quotable answer. In this article you can listen to the interview and hear his new quote – and we also explore a range of other quotes that demonstrate how much Mark Cuban loves hustle.

Click to read 8 Reasons Why Mark Cuban Loves Hustle.

The Importance of Clarity & Consistency

Finally, in a recent audio interview, Ramon spoke with Dr. Will Moreland, a speaker, author and coach who focuses on leadership and personal development. When asked about the problems he sees small business owners make, he mentions that many business owners come to him lacking clarity and consistency regarding the values and goals of the business. Knowing these things is important because they will help guide all the other smaller actions in your business. This article will help you focus in so you can solidify and execute your business identity.

Click to read Clarity and Consistency: 2 Keys to Finding Small Business Success.

Once again, the weekly Smart Hustle roundup provides both information and inspiration to help propel your own small business forward. For more knowledge – and more SXSW 2016 coverage – visit SmartHustle.com.

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The Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launched BusinessCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses.

1. Donate Your Old Equipment to Charity

What better way to put your still functioning computer or IT equipment to good use than to donate them to a local charity! At AquaMobile, we donate our old computers to our local Goodwill store, which has a great partnership with Dell to ensure that any brand of computer gets refurbished or recycled responsibly. All participating locations are listed here.

– Diana Goodwin, AquaMobile Swim School

2. Give Both Talent and Treasure

Donating seems like the logical solution, but consider stretching your influence by donating your treasure and your time. Pair up with a local job training program focused on IT (my favorite is Per Scholas) and give the equipment as a charitable donation. But also offer to do one-on-one coaching/mentoring or conduct skills-based training seminars. Nonprofits need your talent more than anything else.

– Suzanne Smith, Social Impact Architects

3. Donate Them to Your Employees

The popular recommendation is to donate your old equipment to charity; while we do encourage this method, we’re also big fans of donating to our own team. Do you employ a mom whose child needs a computer for school, or a fresh college grad living on a budget? Incentivize your team and show them that you care about their needs. It’s a small but important gesture, and one that pays dividends.

– Blair Thomas, EMerchantBroker

4. Give Them to a Local School

I donated my old system to my local school where it is used by low-income children. Also, in some cases they give equipment to kids so they can open and understand the assembly of computers and printers. It works as a donation and also a creative tool for kids to learn about machines. I learned about computers when I played with my brother’s old system. Look at Computersforlearning.gov or Computers for pcrr.com.

– Piyush Jain, SIMpalm

5. Donate Old Equiptment to Younger Startups

Donating old equipment to younger startups is a huge help for the startup ecosystem. At my first company, we were hiring new employees but couldn’t afford enough laptops. Luckily, a friend of mine had a startup that was a few clicks ahead of ours and already hitting break-even revenues. He had some old laptops collecting dust in the corner of his office, and he happily donated them to us.

– Ryan McGann, InLoop Inc

6. Offer Them to Hackerspaces

I recommend finding a local hackerspace and seeing if they will accept the old equipment.  We have Pumping Station One in Chicago, but they are very selective about what they take so it can’t be too old.

– Lane Campbell, June

7. Reach Out to Local Nonprofits

Ask your team which local nonprofits they support and have them reach out to see if the organizations are in need of any of the equipment. Have the employee offer time to deliver the equipment and train the organization’s staff on how to use the equipment if necessary (and if the employee has the time and desire). Let that start a relationship between a worthy nonprofit and your company.

– G. Krista Morgan, P2Binvestor

8. Have an Upcycled Computer Art Day

Artists have been making really cool objects out of old computer parts — lamps, benches, desk clocks, you name it. I’ve seen mailboxes and coffee machines made out of old computer towers. Invite artists to use your old parts and even have a company computer art day. You’ll create some cools stuff for the office, but more importantly, you’ll also inspire your team to upcycle more.

– Dave Nevogt, Hubstaff.com

9. Repurpose It

Even if your equipment is getting too old for its intended use, there are still plenty of ways to squeeze functionality out of old hardware. One way is to use old machines to power the dashboards and dummy terminals your team uses to monitor its key metrics. You can also give old computers to your team’s QA department and let them use them for browser testing.

– Manick Bhan, Rukkus

10. Put Them on eBay or Craigslist

New computers and IT equipment are not cheap, and cash is tight, especially if you’re a startup. That’s why I highly recommend that you post your old stuff on eBay or Craigslist. That way, you’ll be able to subsidize a portion of your new purchases. In fact, you might also be able to justify an upgrade to your monitor size or memory — two things that we often avoid because of the added cost.

– Obinna Ekezie, Wakanow.com

11. Find a Charity or Recycle Them Properly

Let one of your team members contact a charity and facilitate the donation. Then communicate this donation internally to encourage other team members to do the same. We have cases in which equipment has been donated to a school that a child of one of the employees attends. If we can’t find a charity to donate it to, we make sure that we send it to a place that recycles electronic parts.

– Dan Adika, WalkMe

The post 11 Cool Things to Do With Old IT Equipment appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

The Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. In partnership with Citi, YEC recently launched BusinessCollective, a free virtual mentorship program that helps millions of entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. If you need a quicker way to manage your payments, then try out this payroll software.

1. ADP

We currently use ADP for our payroll. It’s not the cheapest on the market, but it sure is the easiest. We don’t deal with deductions, taxes, filing, etc. Everything is taken care of. We just click one button every two weeks.

– Torrey Tayenaka, Sparkhouse

2. Local Services

We use Horizon Payroll Solutions out of Dayton, OH. I highly recommend them. They have been fantastic to work with. We have a dedicated representative who is top notch and is a phone call or email away at any time. With local and state taxes/laws constantly changing, I always suggest considering a company that is local and understands your business environment. Not to mention, they’re usually inexpensive.

– Travis Smith, V.I.P. Waste Services, LLC

3. Zenefits

We use Zenefits as our health insurance broker, vacation time tracker, employee onboarding and for payroll and independent contractors. It’s an incredibly useful platform that dramatically reduces my daily tasks as a founder. I’d highly recommend Zenefits. The above said, they’re a startup as well and I’ve noticed they’re going through some growing pains at times. Still, I highly recommend them.

– Mitch Gordon, Go Overseas

4. TriNet

I couldn’t be more impressed with TriNet. Payroll is seamless, and inputting changes such as vacation days, bonuses and overtime is quick and easy. They also have an app for employees to view where they stand whether it is personal days left to use or their insurance co-pay for the month. We’ve explored other benefit companies, but, for a founder, this is the easiest by far!

– Kim Kaupe, ZinePak

5. Intuit Payroll

We have used Intuit Payroll for the last five years. It integrates with our bank and accounting software as well. It can do both W2 and 1099 payments along with reimbursement. We can also file quarterly and monthly payroll reports. It is very inexpensive and charges only $2/month for additional employees. It also has the online paystub option. It’s designed for small businesses, so we can easily scale up or down.

– Piyush Jain, SIMpalm

6. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is simple to use, especially for those who aren’t experts in accounting. Also, our virtual workers can easily submit their invoices for payment. It helps us save time and stay organized, allowing us to focus more time on other important parts of our business.

– Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance

7. Gusto

Gusto (formerly ZenPayroll) makes everything simple and streamlined. Payroll takes a matter of minutes and their customer support is amazing. They offer all the bells and whistles of more expensive services but at very cost-effective rates. Gusto takes all the stress out of payroll so we can focus on serving our customers and building the business.

– Rachel Rodgers, Rachel Rodgers Law Office

8. Namely

When looking for a brand new platform for any facet of our company, we always tend to look for those that bundle multiple assets into one system. With Namely, we can not only utilize a full-service payroll system that is easy to use and integrate with our existing systems, but we can also upgrade our talent management and benefits strategies. Namely offers all of these services in one!

– Miles Jennings, Recruiter.com

9. Paychex

Paychex is a cost-effective, easy-to-use payroll platform. Our time clock automatically sends information to Paychex, which also administers our health insurance and worker’s compensation, making it extremely convenient to input employee data. Paychex is also tech savvy, with direct deposit options and records accessible online. We’ve never had a single problem with this reliable platform.

– Vladimir Gendelman, Company Folders, Inc

10. Employers Resource

We use Employers Resource because I have a personal account representative there that responds to my calls/emails in minutes. ER does more than just payroll; they handle all of our HR, including coming on-site if we have a big hire or termination to make sure everything goes smoothly. All of this coverage is $15 dollars per employee, per paycheck.

– Brandon Stapper, 858 Graphics

The post 10 Solutions for Payroll That Will Make Your Life Easier appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Intel Small Business Advantage Features

To learn more about Intel Small Business Advantage, I recently interviewed Chad Constant, Director of Business Client Marketing at Intel Corporation. With over 17 years’ experience working at Intel, Chad is particularly excited about this latest offering for small business owners.

According to Chad, Intel Small Business Advantage has been developed to help small businesses better connect with their employees while better understanding the security and health of their computers and devices. It includes:

• A built-in chat feature for inter-office communications.
• File sharing and screen sharing to assist with employee collaboration.
• An array of security features including data backup, a PC health center and a software monitor.

As you can see, some of these features will help you boost the productivity of your business by simplifying collaboration and communication through a single platform. Other features will boost your business security. For example, there is a feature that allows you to turn off the USB access ports throughout the business, and a central backup system that will protect your files if something happens to an employee’s computer or device.

An added benefit is that Intel Small Business Advantage is designed to work on any device that you are carrying. It is mobile compatible, so you can download the companion apps for Android, Apple and Google devices to access the system.

Want to learn more about Intel Small Business Advantage? Grab a cup of coffee and sit back while listening to my short 8-minute interview where Chad Constant explains more about the new software.

Many small business owners love the technological solutions that are available today, but they are sick of having to go to different applications for all their main business functions, like chatting, file sharing, and data security. If you are looking for a simple solution that just sits on your desktop and helps you run your business more productively, Intel Small Business Advantage may be the solution for you.

The post Intel Small Business Advantage: A One-Stop Solution to Boost Productivity and Security (Interview with Intel’s Chad Constant) appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

What is KPI?

As we mentioned above, KPI stands for key performance indicators. These are quantitative statistics that help you gauge how your business is performing and whether you are meeting your goals.

There are a variety of KPIs depending on what you want to measure and analyze. This includes:

• Sales KPIs – Numbers that measure how well your sales are doing, including revenue growth, how specific products are performing, average purchase amount, and the performance of each of your sales reps.
• Marketing KPIs – Numbers that measure the effectiveness of your marketing, including website visitors, how many people are clicking through on your emails, and the cost per lead & ROI on your paid marketing campaigns.
• Financial KPIs – Numbers that measure the overall profitability and fiscal health of your business including income, expenses, profit & loss, and debt to equity ratio.
• Social Media KPIs – Numbers that show how well your social pages are doing, including followers, engagement and interactions.

The list could go on, because there are KPIs for any important aspect of your business that you want to analyze – KPIs that measure employees, customers, finances, sales, business processes, and more.

Why Are KPIs Important?

KPI metrics are important because they help you objectively view how your business is doing and whether you are reaching your business goals.

• Is my business profitable?
• Are my products and services doing well?
• Are customers satisfied?
• Are my marketing efforts paying off?
• Are my employees productive?
• Is my business on the right track?

KPIs can answer all of these questions, including identifying areas where you need to make improvements or can seize new opportunities. KPI metrics can help you define what success looks like, hold everyone accountable in achieving success, and take pleasure in small victories on the way to reaching larger goals.

Tracking and Analyzing KPI Metrics

If you look at the listing of KPIs in the “What is a KPI?” section, you may have recognized the various ways that you can track and analyze your KPIs. For example, you can look at QuickBooks spreadsheets to analyze finances, turn to Google Analytics to learn about your website visitors, and view your business’s Facebook page to learn how you’re doing on social media.

But that is exactly the problem. KPIs are tracked in so many different places that it can be hard to get an overall idea of how your business is performing. The Staples survey we mentioned above also found that 62 percent of small business owners would find it helpful to have a single dashboard for all their core business metrics.

Staples Quick Wins KPI App

Like many Staples surveys in the past, if small business owners are all asking for a solution to a problem, Staples will follow up and find a way to deliver that solution.

This time, the answer comes in a new Staples business dashboard KPI app called Staples Quick Wins. The app is completely free and has downloads for Apple and Android. With the Quick Wins KPI app you can gather together some of your most important KPI metrics into one place – with the ability to access the information anywhere via your smartphone.

Staples Quick Wins KPI app can help you track business metrics on:

• QuickBooks
• Google Analytics
• Shopify
• Facebook
• Twitter

They’re also expanding to Instagram and MailChimp at a later date.

The KPI app allows you to link up each of your accounts, then the business metrics from each account are compiled together in the app dashboard. This allows you to manage and track your metrics easily every day. The app also gives you access to a small business community, where small business owners can ask questions, share ideas and get feedback.

Keeping track of KPI metrics is important for meeting your business goals and pushing your company forward. The new Staples Quick Wins KPI app puts the power of KPIs literally right into the hands of small business owners.

The post Are You Tracking Your KPI Metrics? New Staples Quick Wins KPI App Can Help appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Protective Cases

From the day you purchase a new smartphone or tablet, a protective case should be in place. The best cases offer shock absorption while also protecting the screen by extending over it slightly. A glass screen protector will help keep your screen scratch free, while also protecting it from shattering during drops.

If you take care of your devices, you’ll get many years of use out of them. In addition to protecting them with cases and screen protectors, you’ll also need to protect them against malware, which can damage your entire network if it makes its way into your systems through one of your devices.

Line Up Emergency Tech Support

Your team relies on your equipment to be functional at all times. To avoid costly downtime, you’ll need an affordable repair company that can provide rapid turnaround when you need it. A recent Staples survey found that guaranteed next-day service would be highly valued by a large majority of small businesses (76%). With Staples’ new Next Day Guarantee, PCs that are brought into a Staples before noon are serviced by 5pm the next day, or the repairs are free.

In addition to troubleshooting issues with PCs and mobile devices, repair services can also handle issues such as malware removal and PC tune-ups. The service can therefore keep your technology running at top performance, and also get you out of a jam if something fails.

Keep Software Updated

A recent Staples small business survey found that software and hardware installation is considered a challenge for many small businesses (16%) and two-thirds (65%) would find next day software or hardware upgrades valuable. And rightfully so! Software problems can actually render your devices unusable even quicker than hardware damage. To protect against malware and security breaches, your software should be updated regularly. This includes the definition updates for your antivirus software as well as your operating system, which has built-in protections against malware. Businesses with multiple pieces of equipment should make sure they update automatically rather than requiring administrators to manually update each device. And when in a bind, Staples Tech Services can help.

Educate Your Staff

Some of the biggest dangers faced by your organization relate to the behaviors of its employees. Poor password management policies can lead to outsiders guessing your system passwords and finding a way into your databases. Employees can also let malicious traffic in by clicking on links in email or on social media sites. Bring in a technology expert to train your staff on responsible technology use and make sure you sit in on the class, as well. Also, to avoid malware and possible cyber attacks you should add cybersecurity as one of your priorities. 

Keep It Clean

It can be easy to discount the importance of keeping your PCs and servers clean. Over the course of multiple months, dust can build up inside desktop units and servers and over time, that dust can cause components to work inefficiently. With a can of compressed air, cotton swabs, and a cleaning cloth, you can keep the internal workings of your computer clean over the years it’s in use.

Pay Extra for Quality

If you’re operating on a budget, as every business is, it can be tempting to opt for less expensive equipment, especially if you’re buying multiple items at once. However, less expensive devices can fail more quickly than some of the more expensive ones. You’ll be better off long term investing in high-quality equipment that will be reliable for many years.

Replace Aging Devices

No piece of equipment will last forever. If you wait until devices fail, you’ll be left scrambling to replace them during a busy workday. Instead of being reactive, set up a proactive plan to replace your equipment on a cycle. Some businesses find that replacing computers every four years is best, although mobile devices may need to be switched out more often. Upgrading technology is a smart investment. Make sure you find an e waste disposal company to dispose of your old equipment.

A recent Staples survey found technology issues are among the most problematic management concerns faced by small firms. A third of small businesses surveyed (33%) would spend an unexpected large cash infusion on technology and equipment. Look for incentives when it’s time to upgrade. Staples offers a technology trade-in, giving you a Staples eCash Card for your old devices. If your device no longer has value, Staples will recycle your old electronics for free. 

The post How Can You Keep Your Tech Working Better? A Tech Evangelist’s 7 Useful Tips To Help appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.