(BPT) – As a small business owner, you do it all: the books, marketing, customer service, product, inventory and — oh yes — tech support. In fact, small and microbusiness owners are more likely to shoulder all tech tasks for their firms, according to a study by the National Small Business Association. Yet unless your business is IT, chances are you struggle to speak the language of business technology solutions.

“Small business owners need to be masters of virtually every aspect of their business, but they shouldn’t have to be translators, too,” says Nate Spilker, vice president of cloud services for Citrix. “Technology can help small businesses grow and stay ahead of the competition. Organizations of all sizes need the technology they use to be easy to adopt, improve efficiency, reduce costs and boost productivity, no matter what their industry.”

Microbusiness tech challenges

The 3.7 million microbusinesses (which the Small Business Administration defines as having fewer than nine employees) make up more than 75 percent of all private-sector employers, and provide nearly 11 percent of private sector jobs, according to the SBA. Their tech needs are significant, yet 40 percent of microbusiness owners handle all their company’s IT support, according to the National Small Business Association.

Additionally, 60 percent allow employees to telecommute, which can make sharing files and data problematic. Telecommuting employees may save documents and files on local hard drives, rather than centralized locations where others can securely access and collaborate on the documents. What’s more, 57 percent don’t use cloud computing, a technology designed to enhance collaboration, the NSBA reports.

Technology can help microbusiness owners improve efficiency, reduce and control costs, provide superior customer service and satisfaction, and focus more time on activities that help the business prosper. Stephen L. Nelson, CPA, used Citrix ShareFile to securely, quickly and easily share documents and files with his clients.

Replacing the inefficient method of physically mailing documents with file sharing technology allowed his small team to get more done in less time, reduced the need for physical storage space for paper files, and increased productivity for his firm and his clients. Lowering overhead, paper and office space costs allowed Nelson to grow his business 10 percent.

Talking about solutions

The terminology that describes common tech tools can be mystifying to small business owners. Spilker and the small business technology professionals at Citrix offer explanations of some common terms and tools:

* Digital transformation — Technology is profoundly affecting how companies of all sizes do business. They are moving away from traditional, more labor-intensive processes in favor of digital tools, activities and processes.

* Cloud computing — Instead of storing, managing and processing data on an office computer or local server, cloud computing executes the same functions by using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet.

* File-sharing — Transferring files or documents via email or ftp servers has drawbacks, including potential security issues, version control challenges and slow speeds. File-sharing technology allows people using different devices to access, edit, change and otherwise use files, documents and other types of data stored in the cloud. Citrix ShareFile, for example, makes it easy for small business teams to securely share files and client data, collaborate on documents and obtain electronic signatures.

* Integrated document workflow — In order to keep work moving, small businesses require the ability to work with documents and move data between multiple kinds of software. For example, an accounting firm needs to be able to take data from W-2s (which might be stored in one format) and move that information to a tax form stored in a different format or “living” in a different system.

* Real time — When hardware or software does its job so quickly — in a matter of miliseconds — the user can immediately take entered data and put it to work.

* File sync — Storing files in multiple locations or having multiple users work with them on different devices can lead to discrepancies between versions. File synchronization technology basically compares these multiple versions to each other and allows users to update all versions with the most current changes, regardless of which user made the changes.

* Cyber security — Criminals who attempt to steal, manipulate, hack or otherwise illegally access a business’ proprietary computer systems and data are cyber criminals. All the steps a business takes to thwart these criminals — including anti-virus software and firewalls — are aspects of cyber security.

“ShareFile has really allowed my firm to digitally transform,” says Nelson. “The addition of automated workflows and secure file-sharing has improved efficiencies, which allows my team to focus our attention on delivering the best client service possible, while ensuring vital company and client data remains safe. Adopting a safe and secure online portal for customer engagement has been essential for delivering on the bottom line.”

To learn more about small business technology solutions, visit www.sharefile.com.

Nicole Leinbach Reyhle is the Founder and Publisher of Retail Minded, the Co-Founder of the Independent Retailer Conference and a regular contributor to various publications. Additionally, Reyhle is the Author of the book “Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and … Read More

The post Holiday Gigs to Give (and Receive) appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – The holidays have always been the elf’s time to shine. Decorating, wrapping, toy making—it’s what traditional holiday helpers spend all year prepping for. But in a world of online shopping, on-the-go recipe planning and streaming carols, a smartphone and wireless plan actually does the holidays better.

Two-thirds of Americans say their cellular data plan works overtime during the holidays, according to research from Straight Talk Wireless, with nearly half of Americans saying they simply couldn’t make it through the busy holiday season without their smartphone. As you start to tackle your holiday to-do list, don’t go it alone. Use your smartphone to make these four holiday tasks a whole lot merrier.

* Make your list and check it twice. Party planning, shopping lists, holiday calendars —tasks of the holiday season used to require a whole library of materials to record everything. However, with your smartphone, you can catalog holiday to-dos in one simple spot. That way, whenever you need it, your next holiday task is just a click away.

* Be the ultimate holiday gifter. In many cases, the hardest part of shopping for loved ones is actually deciding what you’re going to get them while sticking to your budget. This is especially true for people who seem to have everything, or those known to be very picky. But have no fear – your smartphone can turn you into a gifting-genius by giving you endless hours of online browsing while helping you find the best prices. In fact, forty-one percent of Americans say they will buy up to 10 gifts on their smartphones during the holiday season.

* Put your phone plan on the nice list. Switching to a more affordable cellular plan this year can help you spread more holiday cheer. Straight Talk Wireless offers consumers access to the best phones on the best networks at half the cost. For just $45 per month you get unlimited talk, text and data with the first 5GB at high speeds (then 2G). And now you can double your data for only $10 more with Straight Talk Wireless’ 10GB plan, with the first 10GB of data at high speeds (then 2G) – all for $55. And switching is easy because you can keep your phone, network and number with Straight Talk’s Bring Your Own Phone program (BYOP). Best of all, there are no contracts, credit checks or mystery fees. Leave your old smartphone hassles behind this year, and replace them with more time for holiday fun.

* Get in the holiday spirit with song. Why not use your favorite music app for a little seasonal merriment this year? Whether you import an established holiday playlist of tried-and-true classics or create one of your own, the right holiday mix can get you into the spirit of the season and turn your holiday to-do list into holiday to-done.

To learn more about how Straight Talk Wireless can help you make the most of this holiday season, visit get.straighttalk.com/holiday.

(BPT) – The holidays have always been the elf’s time to shine. Decorating, wrapping, toy making—it’s what traditional holiday helpers spend all year prepping for. But in a world of online shopping, on-the-go recipe planning and streaming carols, a smartphone and wireless plan actually does the holidays better.

Two-thirds of Americans say their cellular data plan works overtime during the holidays, according to research from Straight Talk Wireless, with nearly half of Americans saying they simply couldn’t make it through the busy holiday season without their smartphone. As you start to tackle your holiday to-do list, don’t go it alone. Use your smartphone to make these four holiday tasks a whole lot merrier.

* Make your list and check it twice. Party planning, shopping lists, holiday calendars —tasks of the holiday season used to require a whole library of materials to record everything. However, with your smartphone, you can catalog holiday to-dos in one simple spot. That way, whenever you need it, your next holiday task is just a click away.

* Be the ultimate holiday gifter. In many cases, the hardest part of shopping for loved ones is actually deciding what you’re going to get them while sticking to your budget. This is especially true for people who seem to have everything, or those known to be very picky. But have no fear – your smartphone can turn you into a gifting-genius by giving you endless hours of online browsing while helping you find the best prices. In fact, forty-one percent of Americans say they will buy up to 10 gifts on their smartphones during the holiday season.

* Put your phone plan on the nice list. Switching to a more affordable cellular plan this year can help you spread more holiday cheer. Straight Talk Wireless offers consumers access to the best phones on the best networks at half the cost. For just $45 per month you get unlimited talk, text and data with the first 5GB at high speeds (then 2G). And now you can double your data for only $10 more with Straight Talk Wireless’ 10GB plan, with the first 10GB of data at high speeds (then 2G) – all for $55. And switching is easy because you can keep your phone, network and number with Straight Talk’s Bring Your Own Phone program (BYOP). Best of all, there are no contracts, credit checks or mystery fees. Leave your old smartphone hassles behind this year, and replace them with more time for holiday fun.

* Get in the holiday spirit with song. Why not use your favorite music app for a little seasonal merriment this year? Whether you import an established holiday playlist of tried-and-true classics or create one of your own, the right holiday mix can get you into the spirit of the season and turn your holiday to-do list into holiday to-done.

To learn more about how Straight Talk Wireless can help you make the most of this holiday season, visit get.straighttalk.com/holiday.

December is the time to start thinking to the year ahead and how you can take charge of your entrepreneurial future. Of course, it’s a little early for making resolutions, so let’s just stick to brainstorming for now. Below are … Read More

The post Gig Economy News: Make Business Resolutions for 2017 appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

Do you ever wonder about what would happen if Fiverr’s bloggers, graphic designers, movie makers, voice over artists, illustrators, animators, editors, developers, and musicians got together in one room? We have, too—and we are going to make it happen!

… Read More

The post Introducing Fiverr’s NYC Community Program appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

Blog contributor Charles, aka silberma1976 on Fiverr, struggled with writing in high school. After learning to express himself through poetry, his writing improved so much that he was able to get his poetry published. Now, Charles shares his talents on … Read More

The post Go-to Professional Responses for Every Fiverr Situation appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – Everyone has favorite moments from the holiday season. For some it’s a present from a distant relative or greeting family members with a warm hug when they get off the plane. For others it’s sitting down together to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner. Some of these moments are steeped in tradition and others are new occurrences your family will be talking about for years. But old or new, each moment is special in its own way.

Creating a memorable holiday season takes time and dedication, not only that of families across the country, but of thousands of transportation professionals as well. And in the spirit of a season in which it’s better to give than to receive, here are Michelin’s unsung heroes of transportation that deserve thanks for everything they do to make the holidays special for everyone.

* Airport workers. That warm hug in the airport would never happen without the tireless effort of these flight and ground crews. Last year, an estimated 38.1 million people flew during the holiday season — that’s roughly one tenth of the nation’s population — and it’s the hard work of airport professionals everywhere that got them where they were going.

* Farmers. The holiday meal starts with the work of the farmer and each farmer feeds more people than you may have guessed. According to the USDA, each farmer supplies food for 144 people in the U.S. and abroad each year. That’s enough to satisfy all your holiday guests, no matter how many people are invited.

* Truck drivers. However you may travel to your holiday destination — planes, trains or automobiles! — your shipped packages will arrive by truck. An estimated 3.6 million truck drivers will transport nearly 70 percent of all freight tonnage in the U.S. this holiday season. Drivers work long hours to make sure your gifts arrive on time.

* Miners. No one wants a lump of coal in their stocking, but coal miners also produce 210 metric tons of gold producing ore and 1,170 metric tons of silver producing ore. And for those gifts you’d much rather have? Yes, they’re responsible for those shiny baubles and jewelry as well.

* Parcel delivery workers. Those weekly deliveries take on special importance during the holiday season and for parcel delivery workers the job takes on extra volume as well. Research shows parcel delivery workers will deliver nearly 20 billion packages, letters and gifts during the 2016 holiday season, according to the United States Postal Service.

* Snow Plow Drivers. Thousands of drivers are responsible for clearing millions of miles of roadways and bridges to keep roads safe for traveling to holiday events and gatherings.

* Construction workers. Responsible for infrastructure, housing, commercial and governmental projects, these dedicated workers work through the elements to complete roads, bridges, water and wastewater projects and buildings. Whether they built or renovated the home that will host your holidays this year, or the roads you travel to your favorite parties, construction workers play an integral part in bringing your holidays to life.

Say thanks today

The holiday season is magical due to the efforts of these dedicated people, and to say thanks, Michelin is recognizing individuals in the transportation and travel industries throughout the holiday season. Nominations can be made by posting to Michelin’s Twitter account via the hashtag #KeepThanksMoving or by posting on the MichelinUSA Facebook page. Michelin will then randomly select seven individuals to receive a Michelin-themed gourmet gift box from Try the World. You can learn more about the contest at Michelinmedia.com, so get your nominations ready and give back to those who give so much to you during the holidays.

(BPT) – Everyone has favorite moments from the holiday season. For some it’s a present from a distant relative or greeting family members with a warm hug when they get off the plane. For others it’s sitting down together to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner. Some of these moments are steeped in tradition and others are new occurrences your family will be talking about for years. But old or new, each moment is special in its own way.

Creating a memorable holiday season takes time and dedication, not only that of families across the country, but of thousands of transportation professionals as well. And in the spirit of a season in which it’s better to give than to receive, here are Michelin’s unsung heroes of transportation that deserve thanks for everything they do to make the holidays special for everyone.

* Airport workers. That warm hug in the airport would never happen without the tireless effort of these flight and ground crews. Last year, an estimated 38.1 million people flew during the holiday season — that’s roughly one tenth of the nation’s population — and it’s the hard work of airport professionals everywhere that got them where they were going.

* Farmers. The holiday meal starts with the work of the farmer and each farmer feeds more people than you may have guessed. According to the USDA, each farmer supplies food for 144 people in the U.S. and abroad each year. That’s enough to satisfy all your holiday guests, no matter how many people are invited.

* Truck drivers. However you may travel to your holiday destination — planes, trains or automobiles! — your shipped packages will arrive by truck. An estimated 3.6 million truck drivers will transport nearly 70 percent of all freight tonnage in the U.S. this holiday season. Drivers work long hours to make sure your gifts arrive on time.

* Miners. No one wants a lump of coal in their stocking, but coal miners also produce 210 metric tons of gold producing ore and 1,170 metric tons of silver producing ore. And for those gifts you’d much rather have? Yes, they’re responsible for those shiny baubles and jewelry as well.

* Parcel delivery workers. Those weekly deliveries take on special importance during the holiday season and for parcel delivery workers the job takes on extra volume as well. Research shows parcel delivery workers will deliver nearly 20 billion packages, letters and gifts during the 2016 holiday season, according to the United States Postal Service.

* Snow Plow Drivers. Thousands of drivers are responsible for clearing millions of miles of roadways and bridges to keep roads safe for traveling to holiday events and gatherings.

* Construction workers. Responsible for infrastructure, housing, commercial and governmental projects, these dedicated workers work through the elements to complete roads, bridges, water and wastewater projects and buildings. Whether they built or renovated the home that will host your holidays this year, or the roads you travel to your favorite parties, construction workers play an integral part in bringing your holidays to life.

Say thanks today

The holiday season is magical due to the efforts of these dedicated people, and to say thanks, Michelin is recognizing individuals in the transportation and travel industries throughout the holiday season. Nominations can be made by posting to Michelin’s Twitter account via the hashtag #KeepThanksMoving or by posting on the MichelinUSA Facebook page. Michelin will then randomly select seven individuals to receive a Michelin-themed gourmet gift box from Try the World. You can learn more about the contest at Michelinmedia.com, so get your nominations ready and give back to those who give so much to you during the holidays.