Tag: Small Biz

We’ve all heard terms like “quiet quitting” and “The Great Resignation.” They’re part of a greater problem fueled by employee burnout and work-related stress. Yet, something good may be arising from this so-called epidemic: a growth of entrepreneurship. On this page, we’ll walk you through the latest data on employee stress and burnout, plus provide tips for launching business startups and preventing employee burnout and turnover.

The Growing Concern: Employee Burnout

Even if you’re not personally impacted by burnout, chances are you know someone who is. Half of all employees and 54 percent of managers say they’re presently experiencing burnout, according to CNBC. Nine in ten have experienced burnout in the past year, and three-quarters say they’ve felt burned out at their current job, per Zippia.

Whereas most hoped burnout rates would subside as pandemic concerns waned, that doesn’t seem to be happening. Although rates declined a bit in 2021, burnout has again soared to the same levels seen at the height of the pandemic, Aflac reports.

Symptoms of Burnout

“Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The main characteristics of burnout include:

• Feelings of physical energy depletion or exhaustion
• Cognitive weariness and emotional exhaustion
• Reduced professional motivation, effort, or efficacy
• Increased mental distance from one’s job
• Feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job

Causes of Burnout

Burnout has six main causes, per Harvard Business Review (HBR) research:

• Unsustainable workload
• Perceived lack of control
• Insufficient rewards for effort
• Lack of a supportive community
• Lack of fairness
• Mismatched values and skills

Burnout is Fueling Job Departures

Burnout is the number-one reason people leave their jobs, Zippia reports. In all, 40 percent of workers who have recently left their jobs cite burnout as the cause.

Preventing Burnout as a Company

One of the biggest issues is that many businesses don’t realize burnout is a problem for their company. Despite record-high burnout rates, 55 percent of companies say burnout doesn’t impact them, per Quartz. Furthermore, 21 percent of employees say their company doesn’t offer a burnout alleviation program, and 70 percent say their employer doesn’t do enough to prevent burnout, according to Zippia. Businesses interested in addressing or preventing burnout in their organizations can apply the following strategies.

Trust employees and productivity-tracking software.

With the rise in remote work, employers have become less trusting that employees are devoting adequate time and energy to work. Microsoft describes this as “productivity paranoia.” The tech giant notes that although productivity signals like hours worked and meetings accepted continue to climb, employees are feeling more pressure to prove they’re working. This increases stress and often causes employees to work more hours than are healthy or required.

Help the team prioritize.

In all, 81 percent of employees say they want help prioritizing their workload, yet just 31 percent of managers assist with this, CNBC reports. With no clear prioritization, employees feel pressured to do it all or push themselves toward unreasonable goals.

Set universal objectives.

If employees are in similar roles, use the same metrics to measure their success regardless of whether they work in-person, remotely, or hybrid. This helps team members know what to focus on and can reduce productivity paranoia.

Give each employee 15 minutes per week with their direct manager.

Jennifer Moss, author of “The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It,” says asking open-ended questions and focusing on helping employees meet their objectives in a weekly 15-minute meeting is essential, CNBC reports. Ask questions like:

• How was this week?
• What were the highs and lows this week?
• What can I do to make things easier for you next week?

Institute mandatory time off.

Many companies are now instituting mandatory time off, the New York Times reports. The strategies vary by company. For instance, some shut off email forwarding on the weekends to ensure teams are refreshed on Mondays. Others designate one day per month as an extra day off. Some shut down for a full week or give rolling week-long vacations to ensure everyone gets a break without shutting down the company.

Focus on engagement and team-building activities.

Explore ways to engage remote teams and identify team-building exercises everyone can do together. This can help reduce workplace isolation, improve camaraderie, and boost morale, all of which can help reduce workplace stress and combat burnout.

Burnout is Fueling Entrepreneurship

New business formation soared 42 percent over pre-pandemic levels last year, according to Gusto. Their research shows 1,590 Americans launched new businesses last year. Around half left their jobs to do so, and burnout was cited as the most common reason.

Life After Burnout: Tips for Starting a New Business

Whether you’re launching a business as a new full-time career or establishing one as a side hustle, following a few best practices will lay the foundation for success.

Develop a full business plan and goals.

A business plan is essential, even if your new venture is something like consulting on the side within your area of expertise. Developing a business plan will help you think critically about where you want to go and what steps you need to take to get there.

Consider starting small.

Around ten percent of startups are keeping their employee count very limited, per Gusto surveys. Businesses start out stronger and tend to rank higher in areas like customer satisfaction that ultimately drive successful outcomes when employees are carefully selected.

Have a plan for working capital.

Although 23 percent of entrepreneurs represented in Gusto surveys say no capital was needed to start their businesses, the vast majority need some funding to get off the ground. Small businesses have historically been underserved by traditional lending channels and startups, with limited time in business and revenue, face more challenges. In addition to this, banks are raising the bar for funding even more due to economic uncertainty. It’s no wonder that 63 percent of businesses say they had to dip into their personal savings to launch.

Regardless of which group you fit into, chances are that you’ll need funding at some point, even if only to cope with growing pains as your company scales. Identify options, such as invoice factoring, that can provide you with working capital in the early stages.

Focus on cash flow.

It’s not a lack of profit, but rather cash flow management issues, that are responsible for most business closures. Learn the basics of cash flow management and explore common cash flow management mistakes to fortify your business.

Consider partnerships.

Businesses with more than one founder outperform those with a sole founder by 163 percent, according to First Round research. Having a good partner by your side also spreads the workload and can reduce stress. Additional benefits can be gained by working with other businesses and startup programs that elevate your processes in specific areas or that can help your business grow.

Scale with Charter Capital

If your small business needs capital to create programs to reduce employee burnout and turnover, or you operate one of the country’s latest business startups and need cash to grow, Charter Capital can help. We accelerate funding on B2B invoices to put cash in your pocket now without adding to your company’s debt. Plus, we work with new businesses across a variety of industries, including transportation, security firms, consulting and service firms, and many more! Request a complimentary rate quote to learn more or get started. In the dynamic world of work-related stress and corporate culture, we are here to help you navigate and succeed, empowering the growth of entrepreneurship and lessening the risk of employee burnout.

There’s no shortage of leadership and self-improvement books on the shelf today, but which are really the best books for small business owners? In this article, we’ll explore everything from time-tested classics to often-overlooked gems that cover leadership, marketing, warfare, and more, to inspire you and help you grow your business.

Why Small Business Owners Need to Read More

Reading is good for everyone, but business owners can benefit from reading even more for a myriad of reasons.

Reading Expands Your Vocabulary and Improves Your Speaking

Studies indicate that regular reading actually changes the brain and can help strengthen the areas responsible for vocabulary and communication, according to the Telegraph. The more you read, the more likely you are to come across words and phrases you haven’t seen before. You also pick up different ways of pulling thoughts and ideas together. Both these things can help you become a better speaker too.

Reading Boots Brain Power

Research also shows that there are additional benefits to choosing more difficult texts. Those who read Bard and other classical writers, for example, see more activity in brain scans and are more likely to engage in self-reflection, according to the Telegraph. Reading also helps improve memory, per University of Illinois research.

Reading Can Help You Navigate Social Relationships

Many of the books for small business owners covered here focus on building relationships. For instance, some cover how to talk to customers, employees, and partners in a way that generates goodwill, while others teach you which relationships to extract yourself from to increase your odds of success.

But, even if you don’t choose non-fiction books for small businesses, reading can still boost empathy, according to National Endowment for the Arts. This is because reading about the thoughts and behaviors of different characters helps us appreciate their inner lives and experiences. As we become more compassionate toward people unlike ourselves through reading, we carry that empathy with us into everyday life.

Reading is Good for Stress Management

Reading reduces stress levels by 68 percent, according to the National Endowment for the Arts. That makes it more effective than playing video games, drinking a cup of tea, or even taking a walk.

Reading Better Equips You to Make Informed Decisions

Business owners face new challenges every day. When you read, you pick up information that you wouldn’t otherwise have from direct experience. You can apply the teachings to daily decisions to make smarter decisions even in situations you haven’t faced before.

Reading Can Help You Find Answers to Business Problems

Many books on small business serve as complete guides that walk you through specific solutions and how to implement them, while others provide you with the framework necessary to develop your own solutions.

15 Best Books for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at some of the best books to read for small business owners.

1. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek

“People don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it.”

“Start with Why” is one of the best books for new business owners because it can help you gain a greater understanding of why people choose one product or service over another using real-world examples of companies like Apple. When you start with why, you create a brand that truly meets your customers’ needs and primes your business for greater growth.

2. Guerilla Marketing: Easy and Inexpensive Strategies for Making Big Profits from Your Small Business by Jay Conrad Levinson

“The road to profitability is paved with credibility. Credibility is something you earn by how you market, where you market, how you treat people, how you act, and your overall level of professionalism.”

“Guerilla Marketing” is one of the absolute best books for new business owners. Originally published in 1985, Levinson’s staple for entrepreneurs has been revamped repeatedly over the years to address the latest trends. The book contends that small businesses and those on a budget can gain a competitive edge by engaging with consumers in a way Goliath brands can’t – by infiltrating their lives and creating a shared story.

3. Digital Marketing Outsourcing: The Ultimate Recipe for Growing Your Business Online by Husam Jandal

“The behavior of your customers will change. New technology will emerge. When you have the right people on board, they’ll ensure your strategies and initiatives continue to deliver ROMI year after year.”

Developing a digital marketing strategy that can genuinely help a business scale and deliver a return on marketing investment (ROMI) can seem daunting for small business owners. However, in “Digital Marketing Outsourcing: The Ultimate Recipe for Growing Your Business Online,” Husam Jandal walks readers through a leadership-based approach that involves bringing the right people and processes together to create a recipe for success any business can follow.

4. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown

“We fail the minute we let someone else define success for us.”

All too often, people feel like they need to be completely fearless, infallible, and untouchable to be good leaders. Brown breaks through the paradigm and insists that traits such as vulnerability, a willingness to be challenged, and the courage to move forward despite adversity are the keys to becoming a leader that people are passionate about following.

5. The Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer

“Talk profit and productivity—NOT SAVING MONEY—talk ideas and opportunities—NOT A CHANCE TO TELL YOU WHAT I DO—they want friendly, help, answers, productivity, and profit.”

Whether you’re trying to land your first sales or are building out your team and need to develop a framework for reps to follow, “The Little Red Book of Selling” is an excellent playbook. Gitomer breaks things down into a set of clear rules that anyone can follow. For instance, you shouldn’t “sell” to your prospects. Focus first on being a resource to them. When they value you, they’ll value the solutions you bring them.

6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen Covey

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”

Despite being regarded as one of the top business books for leaders and entrepreneurs, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” does not promise to transform the way you operate overnight. Instead, it walks readers through habits like listening to understand before trying to be understood, being proactive, and how these traits manifest in everyday life. Once you’re familiar with them, you’ll be able to spot them in others and can begin developing the habits too.

7. The Art of War by Sun Tzu

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

Despite being penned on the topic of warfare thousands of years ago, “The Art of War” is often regarded as one of the best business books to read because it can help you learn how to be fiercely strategic. Spanning 13 chapters, the book covers everything from strategic attack to adaptability and even intelligence and espionage.

8. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber

“People who are exceptionally good in business aren’t so because of what they know but because of their insatiable need to know more.”

In “The E-Myth Revisited,” Michael Gerber forces entrepreneurs to face an uncomfortable truth: knowing your craft like the back of your hand is not enough. To find success, business owners must also tap into their entrepreneurial and managerial skills, leverage proven business models, and use repeatable processes to duplicate success.

9. Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success by Adam Grant

“The more I help out, the more successful I become. But I measure success in what it has done for the people around me. That is the real accolade.”

“Give and Take” operates on the premise that people fall into one of three categories based on how they interact with others: givers, takers, and matchers. Givers act in the interest of others, even at a cost to themselves. Takers act out of self-interest. Matchers base decisions on an expectation of reciprocity or perceived fairness. You’ll have to read the book to find out which group comes out on top and how to incorporate their behaviors into your strategy to increase your success.

10. The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz

“People who get things done in this world don’t wait for the spirit to move them; they move the spirit.”

If you’ve ever felt like the universe was conspiring against you, like you face more challenges than others, or that external forces are preventing you from scaling your business in a meaningful way, “The Magic of Thinking Big” is for you. Schwartz explores success from a variety of angles, including what you really need in order to be successful and the types of people to surround yourself with to put the odds in your favor.

11. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss

“The question you should be asking isn’t ‘What do I want?’, or ‘What are my goals?’, but ‘What would excite me?’”

Somewhere along the way, we developed a culture in which around-the-clock work was deemed ideal. The more hours you work, the more dedicated and successful you’re perceived. The problem isn’t just that this logic is flawed. Productivity drops when you work excessive hours. The issue is that the logic is flawed, and the lifestyle is unsustainable. It’s no wonder that 42 percent of small business owners say they’ve experienced burnout within the past month, according to Forbes research. You might not be ready to drop down to just four hours per week, but Ferriss can still teach you how to make the most of your time to maximize results and help you discover ways to reenergize and truly enjoy life.

12. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

“If you believe you can change—if you make it a habit—the change becomes real. This is the real power of habit: the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be.”

Whether you have personal goals like saving for a vacation or eating better, you want to transform your organization by eradicating productivity-draining habits, or you’re trying to find ways to get your customers to order more often, “The Power of Habit” is your guide. Duhigg examines the science behind why we go on autopilot and form habits, using familiar experiences and brands to give readers the insights to enact real, lasting change.

13. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

“Most people never get wealthy simply because they are not trained financially to recognize opportunities right in front of them.”

“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” isn’t often thought of as one of the great books for business, but it deserves a place on the list. It’s like getting a crash course in finance over a weekend of reading. Kiyosaki walks readers through everything from cash flow management to investing, using real-world examples to demonstrate how picking up specific financial skills impacts a person’s entire life. Given that more than 40 percent of small business owners describe themselves as financially illiterate, per Intuit, and 82 percent of business failure is tied to poor cash management, according to Small Business Trends, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” should be a priority read.

14. The Effective Executive by Peter F. Drucker

“The less an organization has to do to produce results, the better it does its job.”

If you only read one running a small business book related to leadership, “The Effective Executive” should be it. Drucker walks readers through what motivates people to do well and how to engage with others in a way that boosts productivity and morale.

15. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

“You can’t win an argument. If you lose it, you lose it; and if you win it, you lose it.”

Carnegie is often considered a pioneer in the self-improvement genre. The core message of “How to Win Friends and Influence People” could easily be summed up as “behave like a decent human being who cares about others,” but it delves much deeper than that. He gives clear examples of times people commonly miss the mark and provides insights on communication that can help you form better relationships with everyone you come in contact with, from employees to prospective clients.

Get the Working Capital You Need to Follow Through on Your Aspirations

Charter Capital is committed to helping small businesses thrive. We understand the unique challenges that small business owners face and offer flexible factoring solutions tailored to your business needs. Whether you are just starting or have been running a business for years, we are here to provide the financial support you need.

Want to boost your business? Don’t let a lack of capital hold you back. Contact Charter Capital for a complimentary factoring rate quote and unlock the potential of your business.

Cybersecurity for small businesses has never been more important. Overall, 43 percent of cyberattacks specifically target small businesses, according to Small Business Trends.  Yet, 54 percent of small businesses think they’re immune to attack and don’t have a plan in place for responding to attacks.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of small business cybersecurity and cover ten cybersecurity risk mitigation strategies you can implement to start protecting your company immediately.

A cyber security strategy is a plan that involves selecting and implementing best practices to protect a business from internal and external threats. Much like a cybersecurity policy, the cybersecurity strategy should be a living, breathing document adaptable to the current threat landscape and ever-evolving business climate.

Why Small Businesses Need to Optimize Their Cybersecurity Strategies

Half of all small businesses report experiencing a cyber attack in the past year, per Security Intelligence. Nearly $880,000 is stolen during the average attack. Recovering from one is expensive, too, with a typical business spending as much as $15,000 just to identify how a breach occurred and $955,000 to restore normal business operations afterward.

Yet, due to misperceptions about the risk and implications of experiencing an attack, most don’t take adequate preventative measures, and 64 percent fail to take action after an attack. In addition, less than ten percent have cyber liability insurance. As a result, 60 percent go out of business within six months of a cybersecurity incident.

Common Cybersecurity Threats Faced by Small Businesses

The first thing to consider regarding cybersecurity for small businesses is the threats your business faces. A few of the most common are highlighted below.

Malware

Malware is a broad term that refers to any type of software that’s designed to gain access to a company’s data. This may be data stored on computers or other devices, servers, networks, websites, and anything else used to store or transmit data.

Viruses

A virus is a type of malware. Viruses are unique because they replicate themselves to spread to other devices. They usually do this in the background and are often undetectable to the user, though sometimes the user may notice that the computer is running slower or experience unusual behavior, such as pop-ups and ads displaying where they normally wouldn’t.

Ransomware

Ransomware is another type of malware. It prevents you from accessing your data. In some cases, that means your data is encrypted on your own system and can’t be unlocked without a key. Other times, the hacker takes a copy of your data and then deletes your copy from your system. Businesses typically receive a note or pop-up informing them that their data is encrypted with instructions to pay a ransom to get it back. This is usually paired with a threat that the hacker intends to sell the data on the black market if the business does not comply.

Paying a ransom does not always solve the issue. First, some hackers will demand additional payment and not release the data regardless. Secondly, most will leave themselves a back door and return to demand further ransom weeks or months later. It’s common for hackers to sell the data regardless of whether you pay too.

Spyware

Spyware is a type of malware too. It runs in the background and collects user activity data without the person knowing.

Phishing

Phishing involves sending emails or other messages to someone in an attempt to get that person to share data. For instance, a phishing email may look like it’s from a vendor requesting payment. Malware may be added to the person’s device when the link is clicked, or banking details may be stolen if the recipient attempts to pay the balance. Hackers may also pose as other employees, company leadership, banks, and other companies or individuals the business engages with.

Cybercriminals can go to great lengths to make a phishing attack appear real. For instance, the “sender” name and email may match a legitimate business. The attacker may design specialized landing pages or websites that look like legitimate businesses or even include false contact information to create a false sense of trust in their communications.

Top 10 Cybersecurity Strategies and Tips for Small Businesses

Next, let’s look at some of the top cybersecurity tips for small businesses.

1. Provide Employees with Cybersecurity Training

In all, 98 percent of attacks have an element of “social engineering,” per Proofpoint research. That means the attacker leverages human emotion or behavior to execute their plan. Phishing emails are a common example. One in 323 emails sent to small businesses is malicious, according to Astra Security. Employees should be taught what to look for and not to click on links or open attachments to avoid becoming phishing victims.

Giving employees a safe way to report suspected incidents is also important. Oftentimes, hackers will target an individual and tell them that they’re to blame for the attack and threaten to reveal their “fault” in the incident to their employer if they don’t comply. In reality, the actions the employee takes thinking they’re solving the problem is the action that opens the door to the attacker. For instance, a hacker may display a pop-up or even phone the business and tell the individual that they’ve visited a malicious site but that they can solve the issue by downloading a special program. A scared employee trying to save their job or protect their relationship with their boss may download the program, only to discover later that it gives the hacker access to company data. Giving employees a safe way to report these incidents and teaching them what to look for will reduce or eliminate this risk.

2. Invest in a Password Manager

The use of default, weak, and stolen passwords are responsible for 63 percent of data breaches, according to Security Intelligence. The average cost per breach is $383,365.

Password managers eliminate this issue by helping employees create virtually uncrackable passwords and forcing them to change their passwords every so often to minimize the risk of having them cracked. They also retain passwords for the users, and some work across devices, so the individual isn’t responsible for remembering their passwords either.

Some password managers take this a step further, allowing for password sharing within groups and enhanced administration. That way, an employee’s access to programs can be instantly turned off if the person leaves the company or there’s a security breach.

3. Use Strong Antivirus Software and Ensure it is Updated Regularly

Antivirus programs catch viruses and most malware when they get into your system, then quarantine and delete them. Some have advanced features, such as email scanning, the ability to detect malicious websites in your browser, and will even make backups of your data too.

There are 560,000 new pieces of malware detected every day, according to DataProt. Because of this, antivirus programs are constantly updated to identify the latest viruses and protect your systems from them too. Most programs automatically update to maximize protection. However, it’s important to confirm this setting is enabled and verify that it’s working on a regular basis.

4. Use a Firewall

Whereas antivirus software addresses malware that gets into your system, firewalls prevent malicious programs and hackers from gaining access in the first place. Many small businesses don’t implement this measure on their office networks, let alone ensure remote employees are using secure networks.

5. Keep Systems Clean and Updated

Each point in which a system connects with the internet is a potential vulnerability. This includes most software and browsers. It’s best practice to periodically review all programs on your systems and remove anything that is not in use to reduce risks.

Like antivirus developers, the developers of your other programs are constantly updating their applications to address security risks. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you have the latest patches to keep your systems secure.

Avoid Freeware

There are millions of free programs online, and many are theoretically safe. However, sometimes developers bundle their free programs with other programs that aren’t safe or cyber criminals bundle their programs with known and trusted software to ensure it goes on systems. It’s best to avoid freeware for these reasons.

6. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords are notoriously easy to crack. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) introduces a second layer of protection beyond this. Companies may find encryption technology complicated, which helps explain why it is not more widely used. A 2020 study of cyberattacks found that 80% of all hacking incidents involved compromised credentials or passwords. This is why cybersecurity professionals tend to agree that MFA is a critical first line of defense against cyberattacks. For instance, a program may send a passcode to your phone prior to logging you in to ensure it’s really you trying to access the program. Purchase software that offers MFA and enables it whenever possible to prevent external access.

7. Avoid Using Personal Devices

Unless your team is comprised of IT experts, it’s best to only allow access to company data via company devices that are set up and secured by professionals. This ensures vulnerabilities are minimized and that the right antivirus and anti-malware programs are used.

8. Create Data Backups

Data backups won’t prevent a cyberattack, but they will help you recover much faster after an attack. Moreover, you’ll be far less tempted to pay off a hacker if you’re infected with ransomware if you already have a copy of your data.

Automatic, encrypted backups to the cloud that occur throughout the day are best. Many IT specialists also recommend on-site backups to a local server or hard drive in addition to this. Work with an IT professional who understands your business and needs to design your ideal backup schedule and choose the best methods for your needs.

9. Create User Accounts for Each Employee and Control Physical Access to Your Computers

Just as each point that connects to the internet is a potential vulnerability, each person with access to data is a potential risk too. For this reason, each person should have their own unique login to any system or application in use. Take advantage of user access levels in programs too. For instance, if you use a CRM, your marketing person likely only needs access to the person’s name, contact information, and order history. Your salesperson likely needs this and possibly the ability to update billing information.

In addition to limiting user access, it’s important to limit physical access to systems. For instance, customers and vendors shouldn’t be able to access computers. If you have a server on-site, it should be in a locked space that can only be accessed by people who require access for their jobs. For instance, IT and some managers may need access, but not general team members.

10. Use Best Practices for Payment Cards

If you accept debit and credit cards, you’re bound by a different set of compliance guidelines stipulating how the data can be stored and transmitted. Always work with a professional to ensure you’re following procedure.

How to Develop a Cybersecurity Strategy

It’s hard to understand vulnerabilities and best practices for recovery if you’re not an IT professional. For this reason, it’s best to work with someone who has specialized training and stays current on the latest trends, risks, and technological advancements. A pro will run a full risk assessment and help you identify what to work on. If you’re starting on your own, the following points will help.

Evaluate the Threat Landscape and Assess Your Business Risk

Get to know what’s happening with small businesses like yours. Find out what attacks they’re facing and create a list of potential threats to your business. Prioritize them based on risk and the potential each has to take your business offline or shut it down.

Develop a Cybersecurity Maturity Framework

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a cybersecurity framework that can help you understand your cybersecurity risks and take additional steps to mitigate risk.

Enhancing your Cybersecurity

Because threats are constantly evolving, your approach to mitigating risk must also evolve. Identify what resources your company needs to apply to cybersecurity to ensure you stay on top of it. It may be helpful to determine KPIs around cybersecurity to guide the process and allocate resources.

Document Your Strategy for Cybersecurity

Your cybersecurity strategy must be documented and shared with everyone involved in maintaining it or carrying out activities in the event of an attack. Some things to include in yours are:

• Security-related policies and procedures.
• Training and documentation about how training is handled.
• The process for responding to a security incident and recovering from a security breach.
• Your risk analysis.
• Plans for future enhancements.

Get the Cash You Need to Implement Cybersecurity Plans

It can’t be stressed enough: working with an IT expert who understands your cybersecurity risks and can help you effectively address them is best. If you lack the working capital to bring on a professional, that’s where Charter Capital can help. We provide invoice factoring services that accelerate payment on your B2B payments, so you can get the cash you need without taking on debt. If this sounds like the ideal solution for your business, contact us for a complimentary rate quote.

If you’re looking for ways to boost your business productivity, iPhone tips and tricks are a great place to start. The average person spends nearly six hours per day on their iPhone, according to SolitaireD. One in five logs eight or more hours—a whopping 56 hours per week! As someone already using their phone as an appointment calendar, document center, communication hub, and more, these stats are probably no surprise to you, but some of iOS’s hidden features just might be. We’ll go over 15 of our favorite iPhone tips and tricks for business owners below.

1. Create Your Own Shorthand to Autocomplete Words

Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement

Text replacement shortcuts are short-form phrases or abbreviations that automatically expand into the full phrase when typed to save you time. For instance, we might create a shortcut called “charcap” that expands into the phrase “Charter Capital” when typed. Or, we might create “char1” and have it become “Charter Capital, America’s Leading Invoice Factoring Company.”

2. Automatically Add Web Suffixes in the Browser

Press and hold the period while entering text in the browser’s address bar.

Typing web suffixes is unnecessary when typing addresses in the browser’s search bar. Just press and hold the period to reveal the options:

• .us
• .org
• .edu
• .net
• .com

3. Start New Sentences with the Space Bar

Double-tap the space bar when typing to automatically add a period at the end of the last typed word.

Although this is one of the simplest iPhone text tricks, being able to skip adding punctuation manually can quickly become the most used hack once someone gets the hang of it.

If your phone doesn’t automatically add the period, check your keyboard shortcuts – the same area of Settings covered in the first item on our iPhone Tips and Tricks list. There’s a toggle to turn this shortcut off or on there.

4. Move the Cursor with the Space Bar

Press and hold the spacebar to get a draggable cursor.

One of the most basic iPhone message tricks is to press and hold your finger on a line of text to get a magnified cursor, making it easier to find the right spot when editing. This is helpful, but it still takes your focus away from the keyboard and it usually takes time to find the right spot to drop the cursor.

Next time you want to do this, hold the spacebar for a moment. The keyboard will go blank, then the cursor will lift up from the text field. Just drag your thumb to move it. You’ll find the place you want to drop the cursor quicker and easier than you would have otherwise.

5. Undo Like a Pro

Mistakes and accidental deletions happen, but they don’t have to slow you down. Those using iOS 13 and above can use several methods to undo an action:

• Shake the iPhone: Automatically undoes the last action.
• Swipe Three Fingers to the Left: Automatically undoes the last action.
• Single-Tap Three Fingers on the Screen: Brings up a shortcut toolbar that includes undo, redo copy, and paste options.

6. Get Siri to Read Your Emails for You

Give the command, “Read my email.”

Siri understands basic commands like “Read my email” and “Read my latest email.” She can also locate messages if you ask, “Do I have an email from [name]?”

If you often multitask, consider giving her the ability to read all screens by going to: Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content > Speak Screen, then flip the toggle button to turn the feature on.

7. Take a Screenshot of a Full Webpage

From the screenshot preview window, choose the “Full Page” tab and save it as a PDF.

Most people take multiple screenshots when they need to capture a full webpage. In reality, the first screenshot captures everything you need if you know where to look.

While in the browser, simply take a screenshot as you normally would. When the screenshot preview window appears on the lower left, tap it to open the image edit screen. The top of the window will show two tabs: “Screen” and “Full Page.” “Screen” is selected by default. Tap the “Full Page” option next to it. The full length of the page will appear to the right of the editable image. Select the area you want to save there or save the full length of the page as a PDF by tapping “Done” and then “Save to Files.”

8. Add Signatures to Any Document from Your iPhone

Save the document as an image, then choose “Signature” in the edit window.

Need to sign something on the fly? Grab a screenshot of the document, then tap the image preview option that appears at the bottom left of the screen. From there, choose the plus button located in the lower right of the screen in the editing toolbar. The “Signature” option will appear. Then, create a new signature or drag a saved one to the appropriate place on the document and resize it as needed. When you’re done signing, save the image (ideally as a PDF) and send it where it needs to go.

9. Scan Documents with the Notes App

Press and hold the Notes app icon, then choose “Scan Document.”

The iPhone camera doubles as a powerful scanner. To use the feature, locate, but don’t open the Notes app. Then, press and hold the icon. A menu with the “Scan Document” icon will appear. Tap it. From there, you can take pictures of each page of your document and create a multi-page PDF, which can then be saved for sharing as needed.

10. Automatically Sync Notes with Gmail

Add a Gmail account to your iPhone, then enable “Notes” in the settings menu.

Are you the type of person who finds yourself emailing yourself links, documents, and other details to ensure you have information on another device? The Notes sync option is a better solution. It adds specific Notes to their own section in your Gmail account, similar to the way the email folders appear. Notes are auto-synced, so you’ll always have the iOS version of your Note in Gmail. You can delete the Note on either platform, though they’re only editable on your iPhone.

Setup is quick, though there are several steps.

• Start by adding your Gmail account to your iPhone. This is done in the Passwords & Accounts settings of the iPhone.
• Once the account is added, enter the settings for the account. There are multiple toggle switches for different sync options, such as Contacts and Calendars. Enable the “Notes” toggle.
• The Folder section of the Notes app ordinarily only shows an iCloud subheading with folders of your creation below it. Once the toggle is turned on for the Gmail account, a Gmail subheading with a Notes folder appears as well. Only Notes stored in this folder will sync to Gmail, though you can edit Notes and move them between folders as needed.
• To create a synced note, tap the Notes folder under the Gmail subheading, then click the button to create a new Note.
• In Gmail, the Note will be accessible in the left column with the mail folders. If you don’t see it, run a search for “Notes” in Gmail.

11. Screen Recording

Capture screen recordings via the Control Center.

You don’t need a special app to record your screen on the iPhone. The ability is accessed via the Control Center, which is the menu that appears when you swipe down from the top right of your screen. However, it needs to be added to the Control Center first.

To do this, open “Settings,” then “Control Center,” and make sure the option “Access Within Apps” is turned on. Locate the “More Controls” subheading and tap “Screen Recording” to add the feature to the “Included Controls” section.

The Screen Recording button will now appear in the Control Center. It’s a solid circle with the outline of a circle around it. Tap it to record and a countdown will begin on the button.

Recordings can include audio if you’d like to narrate. To turn the microphone off or on, simply long-tap the recording button to see the option. You can also choose where to save the recording by pressing and holding the recording button. The same setting allows you to broadcast the recording via apps like Facebook Messenger, Zoom, or Skype.

12. Silence Unknown Callers

Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.

Tired of robocalls and cold calls from salespeople interrupting your day? Look for the “Silence Unknown Callers” toggle in the “Phone” section of “Settings.” Once it’s turned on, any number that isn’t saved as a contact, in the recently called list, or in Siri suggestions will no longer ring through. The phone displays a silent notification instead.

13. Create a Custom “Respond with Text” Prompt

Go to Settings > Phone > Reply with Message.

One of the simplest iPhone message tricks that few people leverage is the ability to respond to an incoming call with a text message. The phone comes programmed with three default options:

• “Sorry, I can’t talk right now.”
• “I’m on my way.”
• “Can I call you later?”

These can be customized to say anything you like by navigating to the phone settings and choosing “Reply with Message.” For example:

• “I’m on another call. Can I call you right back?”
• “Can I call you in ten minutes?”
• “I’m on another call. Please call XXX-XXX-XXXX if you need immediate assistance.”

14. See Your Calendar in More Detail

While in the Calendar app, turn your phone sideways.

By default, the iPhone displays calendar entries in a compact list-style view. That can help you track what’s happening any given day, but what if you want a broad overview of a day or want to see which time slots are available quickly? Just turn your phone horizontally, and the calendar will switch views automatically to display block-style appointments.

15. Charge Twice as Fast with Airplane Mode

While charging the phone, open the Control Center and tap the airplane button.

Airplane mode suspends the phone’s connection to Wi-Fi and cellular networks while allowing the rest of the phone to function normally. For example, you can view all your saved messages, but you can’t send or receive a message. Airplane mode is generally used to prevent a phone’s signals from interfering with an airplane’s systems. However, constantly connecting to Wi-Fi and cellular networks consumes a lot of power, so a phone will charge roughly twice as fast when airplane mode is turned on.

Hidden iPhone Hacks That Save You Time

Even experienced users may not realize how many hidden iPhone tips and tricks exist in iOS that can save time throughout the day. For instance, the Calculator app includes a handy iPhone trick for correcting mistakes—just swipe left or right across the number display to delete the last digit, no need to clear the entire entry.

In the camera app, burst mode is perfect for high-speed photo capture. Instead of tapping the shutter button repeatedly, swipe the shutter to the left and hold it to take multiple shots instantly—useful when you need to take a photo during movement or events.

Another hidden iPhone trick worth trying is the trackpad mode for easier text editing. Press and hold the space bar on your iPhone keyboard to activate a movable cursor. While this may sound similar to earlier cursor tips, the trackpad allows more control across multiple lines of text and is especially useful for editing longer documents or messages.

These useful iPhone features may be simple, but for any iPhone user running a business, they’re some of the best iPhone tips and tricks for saving time and staying efficient.

Use Back Tap Shortcuts for Instant Access

Back Tap is one of those hidden iPhone tricks that many users may not know about, yet it can save time and simplify how you use your iPhone for business. Available on devices like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 series, this iPhone feature lets you assign actions to double- or triple-tapping the back of your iPhone, such as launching Safari, taking a screenshot, or opening the Messages app.

To enable it, go into Settings, then tap Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. From there, choose the actions you want for two- or three-tap gestures. You can even link it to shortcuts created through the Shortcuts app, giving you near-instant access to frequently used functions or apps on your iPhone.

For busy iPhone users, Back Tap turns your device into a faster, smarter tool. It’s especially useful when you need to quickly access a business app, send a message, or take a screenshot—without navigating through the home screen. If you’re someone who likes to use your phone efficiently and with minimal taps, this is a must-activate feature.

Enhance Productivity with Third-Party Apps, Accessibility Settings, and More

To further enhance your productivity, consider exploring the vast array of third-party apps available on the App Store. These apps can streamline various tasks and cater to specific business needs. Whether it’s project management, communication, finance, or productivity tools, there’s likely an app that can help you optimize your workflow.

Additionally, don’t overlook the powerful accessibility settings on your iPhone, which can provide customized assistance and improve usability. From voice commands to visual enhancements, accessibility features are designed to make your iPhone more user-friendly for individuals with different needs. Take the time to explore and enable these settings to tailor your device to your preferences.

Managing your photo library efficiently is crucial for organizing visual assets related to your business. Take advantage of the built-in features of the Photos app to categorize, edit, and share photos seamlessly. Utilize albums, tags, and editing tools to keep your visual content organized and readily accessible whenever you need it.

Lastly, staying updated with the latest weather conditions can be essential for many business operations. Install a reliable weather app to receive accurate forecasts and be prepared for any outdoor engagements or travel arrangements. With real-time weather updates at your fingertips, you can make informed decisions and plan your activities accordingly.

By harnessing the power of third-party apps, leveraging accessibility settings, managing your photo library effectively, and staying informed with a weather app, you can unlock new levels of productivity and efficiency in your business endeavors.

Build a Stronger Business with Charter Capital

Charter Capital’s tailored funding solutions have been helping businesses scale and succeed for more than 20 years. Specializing in invoice factoring, with expertise in industries such as transportation, oil and gas, staffing, and manufacturing, our clients benefit from dedicated service and fast, reliable funding. Whether your business is experiencing a cash flow crunch due to growth or you need a quick cash injection to cover daily expenses, we can help. Request a complimentary rate quote to learn more or get started.