Marc Umstead is the president of Plus One Technology, a firm that works to improve workflow productivity and cyber security for both small and mid-size businesses. Marc grew up with technology growing and changing alongside him and became interested in IT as he saw the mass benefits it can bring to improve processes in business. Today he is sharing a few tips that keep his business successful as well as his advice for clients who are looking for cyber security options.
Improving workflow is often a goal of small businesses that is sometimes met by adding more employees to the roster. Marc urges companies to consider what processes and tasks are needing to be fulfilled by these employees. Before hiring, ask yourself if you have 40 hours of meaningful work for that employee, if not how can you improve the processes you have in place to allow current staff to handle the workload. There are a variety of tools and software available to suit unique problems for businesses, Marc's tip is to research them well and find the tool that works with most of your existing tools as well as handles the most amount of data, and information seamlessly.
When you have your workflow managed, you have more time in the business to focus on what you're really there for, your clients. Marc shares something he's passionate about for his business, the VAC method: providing Value, Appreciation, and Communication for your clients. He goes heavy on appreciation because he believes showing your older, existing customers the most love gets you more business than offering incentives to new customers. It doesn't have to be monetary or a grand gesture but Marc has seen exponential growth just by sending out a yearly, personal, handwritten thank you note to his clients.
If you're a small business handling sensitive information, your clients' data as well as business data are of the utmost importance to you. Marc shares how he communicates to his clients about the security Plus One Technology provides, specifically when cybersecurity news hits the headlines. Communication is important, and it's important to be proactive in letting your clients know you're on top of it. Additionally, it's important to be on top of your security. This means always using Two-Factor Authorization for email, using only secure paid email platforms, having complex, varied passwords or using a paid password service, and if necessary having Cyber Insurance.
A major hack or big leak can mean the end of the business, especially for businesses in the health field or any company storing highly sensitive information. Marc encourages companies like this to seek insurance from companies specializing in cyber security, so that you can understand the risks you're covered for and what that coverage means.
These are some great tips for small businesses from Marc Umstead. You can find out more about Plus One Technology on their website. If you find this podcast helpful, be sure to like and subscribe on social media.
What’s Inside:
Mentioned In This Episode:
Plus One Technology
Modern CPA (@moderncpa.online) on Instagram
Marc Umstead is the president of Plus One Technology, a firm that works to improve workflow productivity and cyber security for both small and mid-size businesses. Marc grew up with technology growing and changing alongside him and became interested in IT as he saw the mass benefits it can bring to improve processes in business. Today he is sharing a few tips that keep his business successful as well as his advice for clients who are looking for cyber security options.
Improving workflow is often a goal of small businesses that is sometimes met by adding more employees to the roster. Marc urges companies to consider what processes and tasks are needing to be fulfilled by these employees. Before hiring, ask yourself if you have 40 hours of meaningful work for that employee, if not how can you improve the processes you have in place to allow current staff to handle the workload. There are a variety of tools and software available to suit unique problems for businesses, Marc's tip is to research them well and find the tool that works with most of your existing tools as well as handles the most amount of data, and information seamlessly.
When you have your workflow managed, you have more time in the business to focus on what you're really there for, your clients. Marc shares something he's passionate about for his business, the VAC method: providing Value, Appreciation, and Communication for your clients. He goes heavy on appreciation because he believes showing your older, existing customers the most love gets you more business than offering incentives to new customers. It doesn't have to be monetary or a grand gesture but Marc has seen exponential growth just by sending out a yearly, personal, handwritten thank you note to his clients.
If you're a small business handling sensitive information, your clients' data as well as business data are of the utmost importance to you. Marc shares how he communicates to his clients about the security Plus One Technology provides, specifically when cybersecurity news hits the headlines. Communication is important, and it's important to be proactive in letting your clients know you're on top of it. Additionally, it's important to be on top of your security. This means always using Two-Factor Authorization for email, using only secure paid email platforms, having complex, varied passwords or using a paid password service, and if necessary having Cyber Insurance.
A major hack or big leak can mean the end of the business, especially for businesses in the health field or any company storing highly sensitive information. Marc encourages companies like this to seek insurance from companies specializing in cyber security, so that you can understand the risks you're covered for and what that coverage means.
These are some great tips for small businesses from Marc Umstead. You can find out more about Plus One Technology on their website. If you find this podcast helpful, be sure to like and subscribe on social media.
What’s Inside:
Mentioned In This Episode:
Plus One Technology
Modern CPA (@moderncpa.online) on Instagram