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NPA Blog: Digital Nomad

	Lance Cody-Valdez is a freelance writer who grew fed up with corporate marketing and decided to put his experience and professionalism to better use. Writing for the NPA, Lance explores the boundary between IT and entrepreneurism. Ready for positive change? Check out Lance Cody-Valdez's blog! Lance Cody-Valdez free-lance-now.com lance@free-lance-now.com

Finding Your People in the Digital Wild: Smart Ways to Network and Collaborate with Other Businesses

The New Business Guide to Keeping Customer Information Secure

Smart Outsourcing: Tech Tasks Small Business Owners Should Delegate

Crafting Effective KPIs for Tailored Content: A Guide to Personalization Success

Empower Your Career: Strategies for an Effective Professional Development Plan

Structures and Benefits That Your Company Can Put in Place to Attract Disabled Candidates

The Importance of Good Interdepartmental Collaboration for a Business and the Best Ways to Improve It

4 Types of Consultants Your Business Should Be Utilizings

How to Make the Leap from Freelancer to Small Business Owner

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Finding Your People in the Digital Wild: Smart Ways to Network and Collaborate with Other Businesses

It is easy to forget this when you are staring at a laptop screen at 2 a.m., but business has always been a social sport. Sure, today's arenas are more digital than ever, but the essence of connection - mutual trust, shared hustle, occasional chaos - has not changed. Whether you're building your first Shopify store or leading a team of fifty, the lifeline often lies in who you know and how you collaborate with them. The game has shifted, but the need to play well with others hasn't gone anywhere.

Treat Your Digital Presence Like a First Impression

You cannot shake hands over Zoom, and there is no eye contact in Slack, but people still make snap judgments. Your online presence - your website, LinkedIn, even your email signature - is your handshake now. When another business considers working with you, they are not just Googling you, they are scanning for signs: Are you real? Do you follow through? Are you legit or just another guy with a Canva logo and vibes? So take the time to polish it up. Your online image should reflect your offline integrity - clean, coherent, and consistent.

Leverage the Platforms, But Don't Rely on Them

LinkedIn is the networking cocktail party that never ends. Slack communities are like co-working spaces where everyone's always a little too helpful. X can feel like shouting into a void until someone shouts back with a collaboration idea. These are great tools - but they are just that: tools. Do not build your whole strategy around any single platform. They change their algorithms, they sell, they implode. Instead, use them to start relationships, but move the real conversations to channels you control - email, calls, and shared docs that are not at the mercy of a social media meltdown.

Share Files Smoothly Without the Speed Bumps

When you're working across teams or partnering with another business, the last thing anyone needs is a locked file stalling progress. Streamlining collaboration often starts with sharing documents that are easy to access, update, and pass along without friction. Removing password protection from PDFs ensures seamless access while maintaining security best practices, especially when you're using tools that keep visibility restricted to only the right people. By taking steps to decrypt files only when necessary, you create a workflow where recipients can view and edit documents without barriers - just follow these instructions on PDF password removal to keep things moving without compromising trust.

Lead With Help, Not a Pitch

Here is where most people go sideways: they approach networking like it is a transaction. "What can I get from this person?" is the wrong question. The right question is, "What can I offer that is actually useful?" Whether you are reaching out cold or chatting in a comment thread, come in with generosity. Recommend a resource. Share insight. Introduce them to someone in your orbit. People remember those who help without keeping score - and when you build trust like that, collaboration stops feeling like work and starts feeling like momentum.

Be Intentional About Who You Partner With

Not every connection needs to become a collaboration. In fact, most should not. Just because another business operates in your space does not mean the fit is right. Vet people. Pay attention to how they communicate, how they show up, how they follow through. Do your values align? Does your audiences overlap in meaningful ways? One thoughtful partnership beats a dozen scattered ones. Focus on alignment over opportunity. It makes the work more sustainable, and way more fun.

Build Systems for Staying in Touch

You know that moment when someone emails you after two years and you vaguely remember liking them but cannot recall what they do? Avoid becoming that person. Relationships fade when you do not tend them. This does not mean spamming your contacts list every month with an update on your business wins. It means checking in, forwarding an article they might find interesting, replying to their latest post with a meaningful comment. Use a CRM if you have to, or just a simple spreadsheet. The goal is to make staying in touch feel natural, not robotic.

Co-Create Something That Feels Bigger Than a Promotion

Collaboration does not have to mean a co-branded webinar or shared coupon code (though those can be great when done right). The best partnerships feel like building something together - a project, an idea, a movement. Think joint research studies, shared community challenges, cross-platform storytelling. When you create something that feels genuinely valuable, your audiences notice. It is not just marketing; it is meaning. That is when you move beyond brand awareness and into actual brand affinity.

Embrace Imperfect Collaboration

Let's be real: sometimes it is messy. Schedules do not line up. The copy on the joint announcement never gets finalized. Someone forgets to tag you. That is fine. The point of collaboration is not perfection; it is progress. You are learning how to work together, and the learning curve is part of the deal. Do not bail because it is not flawless. Show up, follow through, adjust. Long-term relationships are built in the follow-up, not the first deliverable.

Turn Digital Interactions Into Real Conversations

DMs and emails are nice, but nothing beats a real-time conversation. Zoom fatigue is real, sure - but so is the magic that happens when people actually talk. So when it feels like there is some energy in a digital back-and-forth, take it offline. Propose a quick call. Even fifteen minutes can take a relationship from surface-level to real. And once you have had that connection, the collaboration starts to write itself.

Here is the through-line in all of this: being a good collaborator online is really just about being a good human. Showing up consistently. Giving more than you take. Listening well. Following through. When you bring that energy into the digital space, doors open - and not just any doors, but the ones that lead to creative, lasting, and genuinely enjoyable partnerships. So curate your presence, put in the time, and build with people who light a fire under you. The digital world might be noisy, but it is also full of opportunity, if you know how to really show up.

Discover the power of community and innovation with the Network Professional Association and unlock new opportunities for growth and success!

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The New Business Guide to Keeping Customer Information Secure

In today's digital age, safeguarding customer data is a critical component of business integrity and success. As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes paramount. Implementing effective data protection strategies not only shields sensitive information but also builds trust with customers, setting your business apart in a competitive market. By prioritizing cybersecurity, you can ensure that your business remains resilient against evolving threats and maintains a strong reputation for reliability.

Implement Zero-Trust Policy

Adopting a zero-trust security model is a proactive approach to safeguarding customer data. This model operates on the principle of 'never trust, always verify,' ensuring that every access point is a checkpoint where data is encrypted, verified, and authenticated. This strategy is particularly effective in an era dominated by remote work and cloud services. By implementing zero-trust, you can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, as it requires continuous monitoring and validation of user identities and device health.

Prioritize Multi-Factor Authentication

Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a key strategy to enhance security. By requiring multiple forms of verification, such as a password combined with a fingerprint or a one-time passcode, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information. This approach ensures that even if one credential is compromised, cybercriminals face substantial hurdles in breaching your systems. Adopting MFA not only safeguards your customers' data but also bolsters your company's reputation for security and trustworthiness.

Advance Your Cybersecurity Knowledge with a Degree

Enhancing your cybersecurity knowledge with online cybersecurity programs is a strategic move that can significantly benefit your business. By pursuing an online degree in cybersecurity, you can gain essential skills in network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking. These competencies are crucial for defending against cyber threats and ensuring the integrity of customer information. The flexibility of online learning allows you to balance your studies with business responsibilities, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs.

Educate Your Team About Cyber Threats

Equipping your team to recognize and respond to cyber threats is essential for protecting your business's sensitive data. With phishing attacks occurring frequently, it’s vital to train employees to identify suspicious emails and links. Implementing regular training sessions that incorporate real-world scenarios and interactive simulations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches. Support from top management enhances the effectiveness of these programs, as employees are more likely to engage seriously when leadership is involved. Continuously monitoring key metrics, such as click-through rates and incident reporting, will help you assess the training's impact and make necessary improvements.

Invest in Cloud Backup Solutions

Utilizing cloud-based backup solutions is essential for both data protection and scalability. These solutions allow you to easily increase storage capacity as your business expands, without the need for costly physical infrastructure. Cloud backups can be monitored through various methods, such as email alerts and visual charts, ensuring you can efficiently track your data's safety. By adopting a cloud-based strategy, you not only protect your data but also optimize costs and resources, keeping your business agile and competitive.

Leveraging the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for Data Protection

Integrating the NIST cybersecurity framework into your business strategy offers a structured approach to managing cyber risks. This framework enhances your understanding of cybersecurity threats and streamlines compliance processes, which is crucial for efficient resource allocation. Organized into functional areas and categories, it provides a clear roadmap for addressing cybersecurity challenges. Leveraging NIST's framework not only reduces administrative burdens but also positions your business to better handle future uncertainties in the digital landscape.

Monitor Suspicious Activities

Implementing a robust logging and monitoring system is essential for detecting unusual activities and potential breaches early on. By analyzing logs from various sources, you can identify anomalies like failed login attempts or unauthorized access, which are early indicators of security threats. Automated alert systems play a crucial role by notifying your IT team of suspicious behavior, enabling quick action to prevent further damage. This proactive strategy not only mitigates risks but also aligns with regulatory requirements for data protection, offering peace of mind to you and your customers.

By integrating these data protection strategies, your business can establish a secure foundation that not only protects customer information but also enhances your brand's credibility. As you adopt these practices, you position your company to thrive in the digital era, ensuring resilience and sustained growth in an ever-evolving landscape.

Discover the power of collaboration and innovation with the NPA and elevate your publishing journey today!

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Smart Outsourcing:
Tech Tasks Small Business Owners Should Delegate

Running a small business involves juggling numerous responsibilities, and technology can often be a complex component to manage. Strategic outsourcing of tech tasks can transform your business operations, allowing you to concentrate on your core competencies. By partnering with experts, you can harness advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and innovation. This approach optimizes your resources and positions your business to adapt swiftly to market changes. Embracing tech outsourcing is a strategic move that can propel your business forward in a competitive landscape.

Creating AI-Driven Visuals

Create stunning visuals for your marketing campaigns, social media, and website without needing to hire someone with a graphic design background. By using an AI art generator, you can quickly produce eye-catching images that elevate your brand’s presence. This tool allows you to customize visuals to resonate with different audience segments, freeing up your time to focus on strategic growth. Embracing AI-generated visuals enhances your brand’s appeal and helps communicate complex ideas effectively.

Outsourcing CMS Implementation

Implementing a Content Management System (CMS) can be daunting, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. By outsourcing this task, you gain access to professionals who can ensure a seamless setup, allowing you to concentrate on core business activities. This approach saves time and helps avoid common pitfalls, ensuring the CMS aligns perfectly with your business needs. A well-implemented CMS lays a strong foundation for your digital strategy, enabling you to deliver engaging content effortlessly.

Implementing QA Testing

Ensuring your software is reliable and user-friendly is crucial, and outsourcing quality assurance (QA) testing can help achieve this. Through involving QA professionals early in the development process, you can prevent costly post-release fixes and enhance user satisfaction. These experts use both automated and manual testing to cover various scenarios, ensuring your software meets high standards. This collaboration leads to a smoother user experience and strengthens your reputation in the industry.

Boosting Visibility with SEO Consultants

Boosting your website’s visibility is essential, and outsourcing search engine optimization (SEO) can significantly help. When you partner with SEO consultants, you can leverage advanced techniques to reach the right audience. As voice search becomes more prevalent, SEO specialists adapt strategies to focus on natural language, enhancing user engagement. Investing in professional SEO services aligns with your business goals and strengthens your online presence.

Enhancing Inventory Management with Data

Effective inventory management is vital for your supply chain operations, and data analytics can provide real-time insights into stock levels. Outsourcing tech-related tasks such as implementing and managing inventory tracking systems enables small business owners to save time to focus on core activities. Using technologies like RFID tags and warehouse management systems, you can track inventory across locations, preventing overstocking or stockouts. Predictive analytics can also identify demand patterns, allowing you to adjust inventory dynamically. Integrating data analytics streamlines operations, reduces costs, and enhances decision-making.

Understanding Customer Needs

Understanding customer needs is crucial, and user research can provide valuable insights. Outsourcing user research to professionals ensures access to advanced tools and methodologies that yield actionable data. A user research platform helps experts conduct studies that uncover user preferences and challenges. This knowledge helps tailor your offerings to meet expectations, boosting engagement and revenue. Expert-led research also identifies usage patterns and gathers feedback, fostering continuous improvement.

Strategic tech outsourcing is more than a cost-saving measure; it’s a pathway to innovation and growth. By aligning with experts, small businesses can enhance their capabilities and focus on strategic priorities. These collaborations improve operational efficiency and foster a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability. As the business landscape evolves, those who embrace strategic partnerships will find themselves better equipped to thrive.

Discover the latest insights and resources to elevate your professional journey by visiting the Network Professional Association today!

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Crafting Effective KPIs for Tailored Content: A Guide to Personalization Success

Content personalization has become a critical component for businesses striving to provide unique experiences to their customers. Personalization is more than just a buzzword; it's a powerful tool that can improve user engagement, drive conversions, and build stronger customer relationships. However, to maximize the effectiveness of personalized content, it's essential to develop meaningful key performance indicators (KPIs) that track progress and demonstrate results. This article explores how to create personalized content KPIs that align with your broader business goals.

Why Content Personalization Matters

Content personalization allows businesses to deliver tailored experiences to users based on their individual behaviors, preferences, and needs. Instead of offering a generic, one-size-fits-all approach, personalized content speaks directly to users, enhancing their experience and making them more likely to engage with your brand. In a highly competitive environment, businesses must create a connection with their customers, and personalization is a key driver of this connection. From improving engagement to fostering customer loyalty, personalization can make a significant impact on a company's success.

Outline Personalization Objectives

Before setting any metrics, you must first understand what you aim to achieve through personalization. These objectives will shape how you approach content and which KPIs to track. Are you looking to increase customer engagement, improve conversion rates, or perhaps strengthen customer loyalty? Each of these goals will require different tactics, and each will have specific metrics associated with success. By establishing clear objectives, you can focus your efforts on the most impactful areas and ensure that the personalized content aligns with your overall vision.

Connect KPIs to Business Strategy

It is important that your KPIs reflect broader business objectives, ensuring that your content personalization efforts contribute to the bigger picture. For instance, if your company’s goal is to increase revenue, your KPIs should include metrics like conversion rates and average order value. Similarly, if improving customer retention is the target, then KPIs should track long-term engagement and repeat interactions. When your content KPIs are linked to key business objectives, you’ll have a clearer view of how personalization is impacting the company’s bottom line.

Optimize Personalization with Advanced Experience Management Tools

Experience management platforms offer businesses a complete suite of tools designed to test and enhance digital interactions, driving higher user engagement and conversion rates. These platforms allow companies to trial various content setups using A/B and multivariate testing, letting them assess which versions perform best with different audience segments. Personalization features help tailor the user journey further, providing unique content experiences based on behavior and preferences. These platforms are also essential for featuring website optimization that adjusts to evolving consumer demands and trends.

Track Engagement Metrics That Matter

Engagement is often one of the most telling indicators of the effectiveness of personalized content. When users spend more time on personalized pages or interact more deeply with content tailored to them, it signals that your strategy is working. Metrics such as click-through rates, time spent on site, and interaction frequency can provide invaluable insights into how well your content resonates with its audience. By regularly tracking these engagement metrics, you can adjust your content approach to better meet user expectations and preferences.

Customize for Different Audience Segments

Not all users are the same, and your personalization strategy should reflect the unique needs and behaviors of different segments of your audience. Whether you’re targeting users based on demographics, behaviors, or purchasing habits, each segment requires a tailored approach. The KPIs you develop should account for these differences by measuring how personalized content performs across various audience segments. For example, content that works well for one group may not be as effective for another, so tracking segment-specific metrics ensures that your personalization strategy is fine-tuned to diverse user needs.

Calculate the Financial Impact

Ultimately, the success of any personalization strategy must be measured by its return on investment (ROI). Personalization requires investment, whether it is in technology, content creation, or analytics tools, so it is crucial to determine whether these investments are generating a positive return. To measure ROI, compare the costs of implementing your personalization strategy - such as technology, resources, and labor - with the revenue or savings generated by improved customer engagement, conversions, or retention. By tracking the financial impact of your efforts, you can ensure that personalization continues to be a cost-effective part of your overall business strategy.

The ability to personalize content and measure its impact is essential for businesses seeking to stand out and foster lasting customer relationships. By developing well-defined KPIs that align with business goals, companies can not only track their progress but also refine their strategies to deliver more meaningful and engaging experiences. Personalization is not just a trend; it is a powerful tool for growth and innovation. As businesses continue to invest in tailored content, those that prioritize measurement and optimization will be best positioned for long-term success.

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our association? Visit NPA.org today!

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Empower Your Career: Strategies for an Effective Professional Development Plan

In today’s dynamic professional environment, crafting a strategic development plan is not just beneficial – it's essential. Such a plan not only propels your career trajectory but also ensures that your personal growth aligns with your professional aspirations, enhancing both satisfaction and success. It acts as a roadmap, guiding you through your career decisions and helping you navigate professional challenges. Ultimately, a well-crafted development plan increases your potential for achieving higher career milestones. Today, the Network Professional Association shares some essential advice.

Finding Balance

To excel in your career, balancing your professional duties and personal life is vital. Embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes your well-being will boost your productivity and creativity. This not only enriches your work quality but also positions you for sustainable success, making you a more fulfilled and efficient professional. Moreover, a balanced approach reduces stress and prevents burnout, which is crucial for long-term career longevity.

Reduce Stress by Digitizing Your Paperwork

If you’re looking for a way to improve your efficiency and reduce stress, why not switch to digitized documents? These days, there are plenty of tools to help. Also, learning how to convert PDF to Word is easier than ever, meaning you can alter the format of your files depending on the situation, facilitating better access and organization. This is a great way to avoid the stress that comes with misplaced documents – especially come tax-time!

Lifelong Learning as a Career Catalyst

Your commitment to continuous learning is crucial in maintaining relevance in your field. By pursuing new certifications and training, you signal to current and prospective employers your dedication to excellence. This not only keeps you competitive but also enriches your skill set, making you an asset in any professional setting.

Thriving Through Flexibility

In a world where change is the only constant, your ability to adapt is your greatest asset. Cultivating flexibility isn’t just about surviving a shifting landscape – it’s about thriving. By remaining open to new methods and ideas, you position yourself to seize opportunities that others may miss, ensuring your career remains on an upward trajectory. Embracing change fosters resilience, allowing you to adapt quickly and stay ahead in your field.

Considering Entrepreneurship

For many, entrepreneurship represents the pinnacle of professional development, requiring a detailed strategy that includes crafting a business plan, securing funding, and effective marketing. Each component of this strategy demands careful planning and execution to ensure success.

The Power of Professional Networks

Networking is a powerful tool in your professional arsenal. Engaging actively in professional associations and building robust connections can open doors to mentorships, partnerships, and opportunities that you might not have encountered otherwise. These relationships are often the catalysts for significant career breakthroughs. By investing time in networking, you enhance your visibility and credibility within your industry, which can lead to new ventures and career growth.

Enriching Your Career Through Side Projects

Engaging in side projects or hobbies that relate to your career can significantly enhance your professional profile. These activities allow you to develop and refine skills that are complementary to your main job, providing a creative outlet and potentially opening new professional avenues. Side projects can also demonstrate your passion and commitment to your field, making you more attractive to potential employers or collaborators. Additionally, they offer a practical application of your skills in new and diverse environments.

Your career reflects your life’s work and aspirations. By implementing a well-rounded professional development plan, digitizing your documents, and other tactics, you ensure that every step you take is a step toward greater success and personal fulfillment. Remember, the journey of professional growth is continuous, and with the right strategies, it can be incredibly rewarding.

The Network Professional Association is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to supporting IT/Networking professionals. Let us know if you have any questions!

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Structures and Benefits That Your Company Can Put in Place to Attract Disabled Candidates

Everyone deserves a chance to get a job and prove their worth, and that goes for disabled people who simply want to get hired and make a difference. As a company, you should do your part to ensure that you are giving everyone a chance, and you can do that by improving your company culture and by creating inclusive programs. Here at the Network Professional Association, we want to see your company hire the best and brightest, so we have some advice on how to make your hiring more inclusive to those with disabilities.

Create an Inclusive Recruiting Document With a PDF Editor

The first step that you should take is to draft a recruiting document that you can show to upper management and new employees that dictates the reasons why differently-abled employees should take notice of your company and apply for a job. It should mention that you are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive culture. Once it is complete, you can post this document on your website and attach it to your job listings.

It is a wise idea to draft this document and then convert it to a PDF so it can be easily accessed, downloaded, and read by all interested parties. If you do, then you can edit a PDF online easily by using a tool that allows you to upload your document, convert it, make any necessary changes, and then download it to your computer. You can make as many changes as you want. It is an easy way to ensure that the information is accurate and shareable.

Design an Internship for Differently-Abled Employees

An idea that is sure to excite many potential candidates is an internship or an entry-level opportunity that is designed specifically for those who have a disability. There are many different positions that you can offer, starting from the mailroom and beyond, leading up to executive assistant positions. Of course, it is okay to expect certain requirements and skills in order to hire the right person, but remember that this is a starting position that could eventually lead to something bigger, and there is plenty of time to teach the new recruit.

Set Up Your Office Accordingly

Once your organization commits to being more inclusive to those with disabilities, you should ensure that your office is properly equipped so that everyone can do the job properly. For instance, if your building is elevated, then install a ramp and make sure that your bathrooms are equipped with grab bars and other necessities.

Your technology also needs to be accessible. Research disabilities and determine what tech you should provide so your employees can work. That may include programmable standing desks, proper keyboards and mouse, and computer screens that can be modified for those that are visually impaired. When the new employee begins work, ask if they are comfortable and if there is anything you can provide to help them to do their best work.

Create a Welcoming Company Culture

While you can buy all of the assistive technology in the world, if your company culture is not right, then your new employees may be uncomfortable in the office. That means having a sense of empathy throughout the workplace and accepting feedback from all employees. Also, make it a point to celebrate employee differences and reward positively. Most importantly, your office must always be evolving, so that everyone feels comfortable regardless of their background.

As you can see, there are various ways that management can make a more inclusive environment and welcome employees with disabilities. Remember to draft an expansive recruiting document, create internship opportunities, and make the proper adjustments in your office, and you'll be on the right track. If you would like to know more about the Network Professional Association, then contact us at information@npa.org.

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The Importance of Good Interdepartmental Collaboration for a Business
and the Best Ways to Improve It

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Interdepartmental collaboration is more than team members sharing updates. Strong collaboration across the organization requires all teams to be on the same page regarding goals, expectations, procedures, and policy. In this article by the NPA, we’ll explore the common collaboration challenges faced by networking professionals and how to overcome them.

Challenges Affecting Interdepartmental Collaboration

Here are three types of problems that can hinder collaboration within an organization:

1. Over-dependence on Others

Whether it’s after the launch of a project or a brainstorming session regarding a system update, formal communication needs to be shared among all stakeholders regarding its details. More often than not individuals assume that someone else will handle this responsibility, which inevitably creates a gap in communication between all departments.

2. Ineffective Management

Organizations having managers who do not prioritize clear, timely communication suffer the most from delays and loss of revenue and effort. Networking individuals in managerial positions need to lead from the top and instill a culture of communication among their team.

3. Lack of Fixed Communication Channels

Remote working teams use multiple channels to communicate daily, such as messaging apps, email, video calls, etc. Not having a fixed channel to share updates leads to information being lost in communication and confusion among teams.

Need for Good Interdepartmental Collaboration

Before we get into the best strategies to improve cross-team collaboration, let’s take a look at why these are important and the major benefits it provides to an organization.

4. Higher Productivity

As reported by Pumble, 97% of employees consider sound communication an important factor for performing well in the workplace. Additionally, good interdepartmental communication can increase business productivity by 25%.

5. Increase in Employee Satisfaction

Clear communication strategies and channels significantly reduce confusion among workers. This leads to employees having a clear idea regarding expectations and smooth collaboration on cross-team projects. In the long run, this helps a business retain talent and develop a positive workspace.

6. Greater Customer Trust

All teams of the organization working in synergy results in customers receiving the best service possible. For instance, customer feedback regarding the website collected by the marketing team will be promptly integrated by the IT team. Similarly, system upgrades led by the IT team can be rolled out with minimal disruption to customers and normal business operations.

Best Strategies for Good Interdepartmental Collaboration

Here are three strategies managers, team leads and employees alike should implement to achieve the highest level of collaboration within the business.

Set Clear Goals and Communicate Properly

According to Atlassian, using the SMART method of goal setting helps remove ambiguity regarding expectations and timelines. This method is highly useful for projects of high importance that will closely be tracked by management. Once goals are set, share a concise email to all stakeholders across the organization.

Take the Lead

Rather than depending on others to provide updates, undertake the responsibility of being the point of contact. For instance, if an important investor meeting is coming up, take the onus of gathering information from all departments, creating an email thread, and tracking timelines.

Utilize Collaboration Tools

There are various collaboration tools on the market that make it simple for teams to collaborate. If your organization does not use them yet, push for the implementation of the following tools:

7. Google Workspace: This includes popular cloud-based apps such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Documents created on google workspace can be shared with all stakeholders in just a few clicks. Additionally, individuals can make required changes that are implemented in real-time, making it the best way to manage cross-team projects.
8. BPM Software (BPM): A BPM tool acts as a connector between software used by all teams. Instead of employees having to manually share updates, a BPM tool can be used to check up on the progress of other teams. Additionally, when starting new projects, the tool can be used in the early stages of the process to create a business-wide workflow and highlight areas of inefficiencies that can be addressed to reduce delays and productivity issues in the future.

The importance of good interdepartmental communication for a business cannot be stressed enough. The better the collaboration between teams, the better the business will perform and meet the expectations of customers and investors.

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4 Types of Consultants Your Business Should Be Utilizing

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Running a business takes a lot of hard work. Even if you’re an expert in your field, sometimes it can be overwhelming to tackle every aspect of daily operations while managing employees. That’s why it’s so important to seek quality advice and guidance from consultants across many areas; not only can they help you grow your business exponentially, they can assist in making sure that you’re able to run things to the best of your ability, reducing stress and creating a cooperative and healthy work environment.

You can look for top leaders in these fields to help guide you through some of the most important facets of business.

Financial

A financial consultant will take a look at the big picture for your business, assessing debt and expenses, as well as income, to get a feel for what type of goals you should be setting and how to get there. They can also help manage investments for their clients and give advice on what type of business entity is best for their needs.

If your consultant recommends forming an LLC--or limited liability company--due to the flexibility and tax benefits it will afford you, do some research to find out which steps are involved as each state is different. You’ll need to start by making sure your business’s name is unique and available in the system. If you don’t have time to research the process, hire a formation service like Zenbusiness to help.

IT

Like a financial consultant, an IT consultant can help in several areas, from finding and analyzing security threats to your company to improving the efficiency of the systems you use for inventory, payment, email, and more. If your company relies on any kind of technology, it can be extremely beneficial to have a consultant who can help implement new projects and support in-house IT staff. In some cases, they may even be able to provide training to your employees. They can also provide a financial overview for your tech ideas, letting you know how much you can expect projects to cost.

Human resources

Just as important as your business’s finances and tech are your employees. Sometimes, even if everything is running smoothly, it can be helpful to have a consultant who can handle things like onboarding or managing teamwork. An HR consultant can also assist with making changes to management or creating a plan for reorganizing different departments, which can be tricky or overwhelming for business owners to navigate. If you believe your company needs help with making workflow and productivity more efficient, an HR consultant can be of great help.

Legal

No matter how big or small your business is, it’s a good idea to have someone on your team who understands legal matters and can help you navigate issues related to contracts and other documents, legal disputes, banking, or employee matters. They can also assist with things like debt collection, an unfortunate but sometimes necessary action that most companies must face. As a business owner, it’s important to protect your company, assets, and employees, and a legal consultant can do all that and more.

Finding the right consultant could make a big difference for you and your business and could save you quite a bit of time and money. Do some research to find out what a specific consultant will bring to the table and make the most of their services.

If you’re an IT professional, join the Network Professional Association to improve your skills and network with like-minded IT professionals.

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How to Make the Leap from Freelancer to Small Business Owner

The best freelancer treats their career as if it were a business. Adopting that business focus helps you keep your clients satisfied and ensures you dedicate time to planning for the growth of your freelancing project. But what if you want to take the plunge and transform your humble gig into a full-fledged business? With the skills you developed as a freelancer, running a business should be no problem! The Network Professional Association shares a few things to keep in mind as you venture further down the path toward entrepreneurship.

Keep Your Costs Under Control

It can be tempting to put a lot of money into your new business, but try not to get carried away. Launching a small business doesn’t have to drain your savings. If you’ve been freelancing from home all this time, consider running your new business from home, as well. You can always rent an office space or meeting room if you need more space for your business activities. 

Generally, it’s always better to rent an office than to buy one. This is because you never know what could happen with the future of your business, and it’s good to have the flexibility that a rented space affords.

Make Use of Time-Saving Tools

As you start taking on more clients and hiring freelancers of your own, you will need to find ways to manage the growing demand on your time. Fortunately, there is no shortage of automation tools at your disposal. As one example, an online invoice generator can help you regulate your cash flow by ensuring that you get paid the right amount on time. When using an invoice generator, fill out all the invoice details with your business information including company name and contact information (e.g., email, phone number, and address), then preview it to make sure everything is correct. Make sure you don’t leave out any important particulars like your billing terms and any sales tax or shipping costs.

As you onboard any team members, look into other time-saving tools like collaboration apps (e.g. Trello, Monday.com, Asana, and Slack) to help you manage projects and keep everyone on the same page. 

Prioritize Content Marketing

Whether you’re trying to keep your marketing costs under budget or you want to position yourself as an expert in your niche, content marketing is your answer. It’s cheap, effective, and popular among consumers. Content marketing will allow you to deliver specific messages to different client demographics and truly personalize your marketing approach. This is a great way to expand your client reach and land bigger projects for your growing business.

Not sure how to get started? Host a podcast, start a blog, create informative YouTube videos, or launch an Instagram page to showcase your work. 

Don’t Neglect Your Existing Clients

As your business grows, it’s important to look to the future. Just don’t forget about your current clients! Throughout your freelancing career, you’ve developed some great professional relationships. Reach out to your clients, let them know that you’re launching a business, and ask if they would refer you to others who would benefit from your services. These referrals might just be your biggest source of qualified leads as you get off the ground.

Be Honest

Many small business owners try to hide the fact that they’re operating as a one-person show. But masquerading as a much larger business could actually hurt your brand. In reality, itty-bitty businesses like yours are in a great position to connect with clients on a deeper level. Today, big businesses are constantly rebranding to appear smaller, more approachable, and more friendly to the everyday consumer.

Be honest and confident about your small size, put your face on your brand, and let your personality shine through in your communications. Your clients will appreciate it more than you may think.

If you feel like your freelancing career has reached a plateau, launching a business could be a great next step. Making the leap from freelancer to business owner is a lot easier than starting a business with zero entrepreneurial experience. With the skills you picked up through freelancing, you should be well-prepared to run a business of your own.

The NPA gives IT professionals the opportunity to improve their skills and network with skilled IT professionals across the globe. Join us today!

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