US Media Studios Explores Small Business Security Strategies

Small businesses can have security issues the same as large businesses. US Media Studios explores the best security strategies.

Small businesses are a hacker’s sweet spot. It’s easy to infiltrate servers as there are not many of them and they are not tied up in heavy security. Breaking a code can be easy. A recent survey found that in the last year, 97 percent of smaller companies neglected to prioritize online security. Failing to do so sets the business up for trouble.

The best security strategies are those that prevent several different types of possible breaches. Some of the most common are: malware attacks, DDoS stoppages, phishing and password hacks. US Media Studios suggests hiring an IT security consultant to find and implement the most useful and effective tools for the prevention of security breaches. Something as small as not having a secure server, or the standard secure server image on business-related websites can wreak havoc on the most earnest entrepreneur.

If the company is small enough, a good anti-virus/malware/firewall software package can help block unwanted visitors with bad intentions. Always back up files and other data to another source, in case of a breach. Implement strong password protection policies and keep on top of them. Small business security strategies don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. But they have to be in place.

US Media Studios Reviews Jobs That Received the Best Pay Raises

Average pay rates did not go up very much throughout the last several years. However, there were some occupations which did get a nice pay bump. US Media Studios reviews the jobs that received the best pay raises, and shares where the best cities are to get them.

Columbus, OH

The average wage growth in the last year was a tiny two percent. Glassdoor, the mega career website, notes that business system analysts got the highest bump with a ten percent increase in pay. Security officers and sales consultants tied for second place with a seven percent increase. Pharmacy technicians and baristas, both low annual income brackets, saw six percent wage increase in the last year. Following them in getting a raise are customer service managers, certified nursing assistants and financial analysts all with a five percent hike.

Workers that want to live where they can earn a decent living wage and enjoy a pay bump might want to consider looking into these top five cities where wage grow the best:

• Columbus, OH
• San Francisco, CA
• Virginia Beach, VA
• Louisville, KY
• Rochester, NY

US Media Studios also notes that three of them, Columbus, Louisville, and Rochester, also made the Most Affordable Cities to Live in the United States. Criteria for this included annual housing and utility costs.

USM Studios on Negotiating Like a Pro

You either like to negotiate or not. Some are better at it then others. In almost every situation, it pays to barter and/or negotiate for something. USM Studios offer tips for negotiating like a pro.

Hopefully, these tips will help you get what you want whether it is a pay raise, a better deal on a new or used car, or for venture capital or other business goal.  

Write down all the points to discuss in the negotiation on paper and keep it in front of you. It looks professional and let’s the other party know you did your homework.

Know who you are negotiating with. Do some background research on the person before joining them at the conference table. This will give you a chance to know if the negotiation will be hard or easy.

USM Studios reminds you to know your worth, and back it up. Print reference points from the Internet and keep them handy. Professionally and politely relay your points and why you are asking for what you want.

Finally, be nice. No one likes to work with an arrogant or aggressive person. Go get what you want and deserve. Life is too short to be disgruntled that you might be getting less than what you want, need or deserve. The old adage of “if you don’t ask, you won’t know” holds true for everyone. 

USM Studios Reviews the Top Five States to Launch a Business

There are many cities and states in the US which are good for starting a business.  What sets one state apart from another is how supportive it is to new business owners. USM Studios reviews the top five states to launch a business.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners need more than just funding to launch their endeavor. Local and state laws can be complex and solid training is needed to fully comprehend how to work with them.  Tax codes can also be confounding if one. When states step up to help people understand what they need to know and do when operating a business, it benefits the new business owner, their company or organization, their customers, clients and vendors. USM Studios takes a look at the top five states, as rated by Thumbtack, a professional marketplace:

• Texas – Most friendly place to open a business. Lots of opportunity for new endeavors.
• New Hampshire – One of the easiest states to launch a business, but has some tough environmental laws.
• Utah – Zoning regulations are easier to grasp and follow in this state.
• Louisiana – Employment, hiring and labor laws allow for ease of getting staff in place.
• Colorado – Another friendly state for the prospective business owner to consider.

Entrepreneurs who wish to launch a business in their respective state should take their time and peruse all local and state regulations before opening the doors.  Find the local small business administration office in the area and take advantage of what it offers. Consult with other small business owners at networking events. The more you know, the more success you might have.

US Media Studios Reviews Employment Trends

Finding a job is not as easy as it may seem to some people. Employers are also not finding the kind of employee they want either. This situation can lead to a unique new type of job applicant called the boomerang applicant. US Media Studios reviews what this is and current employment trends.

A recent survey found that more than three-quarters of employers are willing to hire back an employee who left the company and wants to come back. Hiring managers in the past have said that their company would not hire back someone who resigned from a job. The so-called “boomerang employees” – those left a company and reapply for the same job or another one are now being considered for open positions.

Employees who return to a former employer do so for the benefits, comparable pay, need to work, and a known career path. Returning employees provide their companies with an already skilled, experienced and knowledgeable worker who needs no training. This trend and others acknowledge that both applicants and employers are having the same hiring problems. People who are out of work may find their former position is advertised and wish to apply for it. In some cases, another job is advertised which the former worker finds desirable. USMedia Studios notes that companies or businesses are seeing a better financial situation now than in previous years. This usually leads to listing jobs once eliminated due to reduction in workforce. Hiring is picking up some momentum. Employers and “boomerang” applicants should determine if rehiring or accepting a job from a former employer is worth it in the long run.  

US Media Studios Offers Information for Business Travelers

For those who are still traveling for business, US Media Studios offers information that can help ease travel snafus.

Many travelers use third party travel websites to find the best rates on hotels, rental cars and flights. While this is pretty much the norm, and also good idea – it is still best to make the reservation with the hotel chain, car rental company or airline itself.

Nearly every travel consultant and trouble shooter will explain that booking through a travel aggregator site can lead to annoyance should something go wrong with travel plans.  For instance, someone who books a flight booked on a non-airline website that experiences a cancellation may find it hard to change the flight via the third party site. It can be frustrating to try and get a call through to that website’s customer service.  On the other hand, reserving the flight with the airline can result in getting the same fare, but it is also easier to get on another flight should the original one be canceled.

Business travelers who book with a favorite hotel through their website will find the perks well worth it. Digital check in is a nice benefit. Hotel chain loyalty programs can upgrade rooms and provide more perks with the room and the stay. It is often easier to cancel a reservation with the hotel itself than through the third party site.  US Media Studios also learns that business travelers can find terrific upgrades with favorite car rental companies. Use the alternative travel aggregator sites to find the best air fare, hotel room rate and car rental rate. But book the actual reservation with the airline, hotel and car rental agency. There is less stress should something go wrong.