SOURCE: Shopify
Whether you’re just starting out or already on your way, seeing a negative online review pop up for your business can feel like a death sentence. However, with the right approach, you can easily turn your bad reviews into opportunities to attract loyal customers.
READ FULL STORY (7 minute read)
How NetOps Engineers Can Man Good Money with DDoS Attacks
There’s opportunity everywhere if you know where to look, including in negative situations. Think about all the shoplifting you could get away with while your two toddlers throw matching tantrums in a store, for instance, or how quickly you could cook a marshmallow over a car fire.
On a more worthwhile note, if you have network engineering know-how and you’re looking for some extra cash, you’ll want to give some thought to DDoS attacks. Not perpetrating them, but mitigating them. Demand for this skill is rising, and so are the accompanying salaries.
The DDoS dilemma
As you may know, a Distributed Denial of Service Attack (DDoS attack) is one in which a botnet of hijacked computers and other devices are used to direct massive amounts of malicious traffic at a targeted website, server or other online resources. The goal of a DDoS attack is to either slow the target to the point that it is unusable or take it offline altogether, denying all services to its users.
Yet what you may not know is that unmitigated Distributed Denial of Service attacks on organizations cost an average of $40,000 per hour to deal with. They can also frequently cause hardware or software damage and be used to distract from an intrusion in which a business’s sensitive data is stolen, including intellectual property or customer information.
Even without a data breach, the consequences for a company that suffers a DDoS attack can be long-lasting with its users and customers. The outage caused by a successful attack is not only frustrating for users who can’t access the website or service, but it also signals that the organization behind the service doesn’t have its act together when it comes to online security. DDoS attacks are becoming more complex, more devastating and more frequent with seemingly each month that passes. They’re a known threat, and internet users are becoming less inclined to cut organizations slack when it comes to getting hit with them.
Rising demand
The consequences of a distributed denial of service attack generally don’t need to be spelled out for organizations; which is why there have been an increasing demand NetOps engineers with DDoS mitigation skills, especially in the last six months, according to leading DDoS mitigation services provider Incapsula. The company recently analyzed the demand for network engineers who have Distributed Denial of Service mitigation skills. What they found is that demand is on the rise globally, with China and the United States leading the way.
China exhibited the most demand for DDoS mitigation skills, with an estimated 47% annual growth in job listings referencing this particular skill set. The US had a 30% increase. Across the globe, DDoS listings have grown 56%. Network engineers with DDoS mitigation skills had the biggest increase in demand around the world, while the need for system administrators with DDoS mitigation skills also rose.
Yet unfortunately for organizations and security vendors, the demand for DDoS networking engineers isn’t being met by skilled applicants. Incapsula’s analysis found that the length of time these job advertisements are posted for is rising right alongside DDoS mitigation demand. In both the United States and the United Kingdom these jobs are now posted for an average of 37 days. This marks a 79% increase in the span of not quite four months for the US and a 248% jump for the same period in the United Kingdom.
Rising compensation
While this is bad news for the organizations desperately in search of personnel with Distributed Denial of Service mitigation skills, it’s great news for network engineers who possess the necessary skills.
Network engineers of any kind tend to make a good living in the United States, with salaries hovering at or over the $100,000 mark. However, if a network engineer were willing to do the work to arm him or herself with DDoS mitigation skills, he or she would be looking at a raise of, on average, 11%. And with six-figure salaries, to begin with, this is no small chunk of change. Many NetOps engineers would be looking at an increase of over $10,000.
According to Incapsula analysis, network engineers with DDoS mitigation skills boast an average salary of $102,000. Networking engineers with these skills looking to maximize their earnings may want to head west, with San Jose offering an average of $145k per year to NetOps/DDoS professionals, and nearby San Francisco offering $139K. Jersey City, New Jersey is also at the $139K mark.
Finding the bright side
Chances are if there’s an epidemic or crisis sweeping the globe, there’s going to be decent money for the people who can stop it. Network engineers with DDoS mitigation skills are clearly cashing in. Failing that, you could always concentrate on shoplifting with the help of your toddlers. We all just have to find our niche.
4 Easy Steps to Optimize Staff Retention
We recently hosted a salary-related survey, and our results were enlightening. It uncovered some interesting trends within the marketing sector, including the fact that two third of marketers wants to leave their current job.
Marketing is a competitive industry, so it is understandable that a lot of those who work in the sector want to advance themselves by moving on, and climbing the career ladder. However, the fact that 6.8 of 10 respondents were so unsatisfied in their current position made us feel uncomfortable.
Since so many people are thinking of leaving their current employers, we thought we should briefly cover the subject of staff retention. Regardless of the industry you are operating in, there is no doubt that constantly having to recruit new staff is disruptive, and often expensive. Therefore, anything you can do to encourage good people to continue to work for you, is worth doing.
Make sure that you thank your staff
A recent study carried out by Monster.co.uk (read it here), showed that people like to have their efforts recognized. Many are even prepared to carry on working for a company that values them, even if that means taking home a smaller pay check!
If someone is doing a good job, it is important to tell him or her so. Most businesses fall into the habit of only picking up people when they are falling behind. Of course, this is necessary for personal and knowledge growth, but it can make your staff feel insecure as they only receive negative reviews. There should be a balance with your feedback; give praise when you can!
Running a robust appraisal process will help you to do both. A package like the one sold by Cascade H R, has this feature built in, so it is well worth considering investing in this type of software.
Provide structured training
We mentioned earlier that many of the people who work in marketing are ambitious – which is a good thing because it means that they are willing to apply themselves and go above and beyond to make progress in their chosen career.
As an employer, you can tap into this natural wish to advance, and do better by providing your staff with the chance to master new skills. Putting together a structured training program is always a worthwhile investment. This is something that your human resources team can look after with the help of a modern HR software. Most packages now include a training module, which you can be used to set up a training regime for each employee, and monitor progress.
Nurture talent
Implementing a good appraisal system has the added benefit of allowing you to spot people with talent, at an early stage. When you see that someone is particularly good at something, it makes sense to give him or her an opportunity to learn more about the subject. Providing each employee with an advanced training program that is tailored to them is easy using the right HR software package.
Engage your staff in preparing for the future
Last, but by no means least, is getting your staff involved in preparing for the future. Whenever you can, get members of your team involved in work groups to help you to implement new processes and assess new business opportunities. There’s many benefits to getting your staff involved in your business planning.
Like mentioned before, all your staff wants is to be valued – and that weights more than their pay check! Getting your staff involved in executive planning and decision making gives them a sense of belonging and shows them that their opinion is valued by the business and the boss. Engaging your staff in this also enables them to aquire new skills and learn more in depth about your business and values, all while encouraging them to stick around and see the changes you are planning through.
How Can Small Business Owners Save On Business Trips
For an entrepreneur, going on a business trip may not be the first priority. After all, there are a whole lot of other business-related expenses to think about. However, think of these trips as great investments instead. For example, you can create new contacts during your trip; the new additions to your network can help you break into new markets and grow your business.
So how can you plan a business trip that won’t break the bank? Here are 6 tips:
1) Ask the event organizer for hospitality packages.
If you’re attending a trade fair, there may be hospitality packages available that include accommodation, meals, and even a sightseeing tour at steep discounts. These are a great choice especially if you’re going to a certain place for the first time, as it saves you from the hassle of planning where to stay and what to do.
2) Select a hotel in a central location or near the venue where you’ll spend the most time in.
This is your next step in case there are no hospitality packages available. Admittedly, getting a room in the middle of downtown may be quite expensive compared to booking one located away from the city center.However, in many cases, it’s worth it to pay the extra cost. For starters, you won’t need to worry about transportation as you’d either be near your venue or near a public transportation hub. This will save you time that’s better spent on networking or sightseeing; it’ll also save you money that you’d be better off spending on food.
3) Compare rates online before booking a room.
A quick search on the Internet can help you score great deals on accommodation, even for expensive cities. Make sure to check online travel portals such as Traveloka since they may offer rates that are much lower than those on offer on the hotel’s own website.
4) Book in advance.
This is especially important if you’re traveling for a trade fair, as hotels in great locations can get fully booked quickly. The same can ring true for flights as you may miss out on seat sales, convenient schedules, and discounts on baggage allowances if you book late. So make sure you book well in advance—say, at least a month—for your trip to avoid any hassle.
5) Pack light.
In the age of budget flights, you may have to pay extra for the privilege of check-in luggage. Hence, for shorter trips, do your best to pack efficiently. Start by maximizing your carry-on luggage allowance by getting a bag built to fit in the overhead luggage bin. Then when you pack, use one of those vacuum compression clothes bags to maximize the space in your luggage. Make sure to bring travel-sized versions of your toiletries as well. Finally, weigh your bag after packing to ensure it’s within the allowed weight limit and avoid paying penalties.
6) Don’t be afraid to ask negotiate for perks or freebies.
Let’s say that you’re looking for vendors or suppliers for your business. If there are some restaurants or hotels on your list, you can negotiate to get a discount, free meals, or a free room upgrade during your stay. Vendors are often willing to give these perks as they want to give prospective buyers a taste of what they have on offer in the hopes of closing a deal.
These six tips are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to saving on a business trip. With these tricks up your sleeve, you can afford to travel for work and make the most out of opportunities that can come your way.
Money Matters and You: The Many Benefits of Having a Business Credit Card
There are many business cards out there that allow you gain some major points and rewards by simply signing up for a card and meeting the minimum spending. Credit cards that are focused for small business owners offer a variety of help you really can’t find anywhere else. A lot of these sign up bonuses are huge and include great bonuses on different spending categories as well. Having a great business credit card can increase your spending power and do wonders for your business credit score as well.
Getting a Small Business Credit Card
Many people might be under the impression that you need a large business to secure a business credit card. All you really need is an incorporated business that has its own Federal identification number before applying for a business credit card. Your first order of business should be using your card only for business related expenses. There are different rules before you can embark on receiving a credit card for your business. It is an option for small businesses that should be capitalized on.
If you have any viable small business of any kind you can begin to keep your finances different from your personal expenses. All you will need to supply is usually your social security number; federal EIN and that will do it.
Your regular personal credit score will take a small hit after applying for a business credit. Once your business line of credit has been established it will no longer impede on your personal score any longer. This is just a checkpoint for them to determine if you’re eligible for a business credit card.
Noticeable Benefits
One of the first things you’re going to see as a business owner is that the division between your personal and business expenses will now be way more pronounced. A lot of us currently use personal credit cards as a quasi-method of business when we should really be putting this on a legitimate business credit card. It is important to make this distinction between two different expenditures.
Tracking different expenses is an easy way for accounting the difference between personal and business expenses. It also comes in handy for your accountant and the IRS for that matter. This is one of the major reasons people will go for a business credit card in the first place as well.
The sing up bonus is also something that is going to jump out at you as something that is definitely worth the price of admission. Getting a business credit card allows for a new bonus you can use on a myriad of business expenses.
Business Perks
For a lot of different cards you’ll be able to get more points based on spending categories. Airport lounges are just one place that comes to mind for those that want to take advantage of all of their extra miles they’ll be receiving. Sometimes you will even be eligible for discounts at certain vendors or major companies.
Having this additional purchasing power helps when traveling around the country or world to mitigate travel expense. Some cards like the Chase Ink card allow for complimentary Lounge Club membership. These cards also don’t only show you and categorize what you’re spending but give you plans to pay back the debt as well.
All of these are uniquely business perks that you won’t be able to find in any other area like personal consumer credit cards. These varying plans can help assist a business grow to become the best it can be.
Card Variance
There are a lot more cards out there once you’ve got started. Many banks will limit the number of cards you have. As long as your business credit score is healthy and flourishing you have an unlimited amount of business credit cards you’re allowed to pick up. This option is a great way to keep ensuring bonuses for sign ups and builds an even larger credit line. If you’re maximizing all of the spending categories and paying them off in a timely matter or in full, you’ll actually be making money.
While you’re doing all of this you are also in the process of building up a business credit history. Increasing your line again doesn’t do anything to your personal line, but this helps build the business aspect of things. Overall, there isn’t a reason you shouldn’t get a business credit card if you are able to and your business warrants it.
Zachary Cook is a small business owner who writes about all manner of business topics relevant to today’s small business owner. From starting up to growing and perhaps even selling.
How Can Small Business Owners Save On Business Trips
For an entrepreneur, going on a business trip may not be the first priority. After all, there are a whole lot of other business-related expenses to think about. However, think of these trips as great investments instead. For example, you can create new contacts during your trip; the new additions to your network can help you break into new markets and grow your business.
So how can you plan a business trip that won’t break the bank? Here are 6 tips:
If you’re attending a trade fair, there may be hospitality packages available that include accommodation, meals, and even a sightseeing tour at steep discounts. These are a great choice especially if you’re going to a certain place for the first time, as it saves you from the hassle of planning where to stay and what to do.
These six tips are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to saving on a business trip. With these tricks up your sleeve, you can afford to travel for work and make the most out of opportunities that can come your way.
4 Easy Steps to Optimize Staff Retention
We recently hosted a salary-related survey, and our results were enlightening. It uncovered some interesting trends within the marketing sector, including the fact that two third of marketers wants to leave their current job.
Marketing is a competitive industry, so it is understandable that a lot of those who work in the sector want to advance themselves by moving on, and climbing the career ladder. However, the fact that 6.8 of 10 respondents were so unsatisfied in their current position made us feel uncomfortable.
Since so many people are thinking of leaving their current employers, we thought we should briefly cover the subject of staff retention. Regardless of the industry you are operating in, there is no doubt that constantly having to recruit new staff is disruptive, and often expensive. Therefore, anything you can do to encourage good people to continue to work for you, is worth doing.
Make sure that you thank your staff
A recent study carried out by Monster.co.uk (read it here), showed that people like to have their efforts recognized. Many are even prepared to carry on working for a company that values them, even if that means taking home a smaller pay check!
If someone is doing a good job, it is important to tell him or her so. Most businesses fall into the habit of only picking up people when they are falling behind. Of course, this is necessary for personal and knowledge growth, but it can make your staff feel insecure as they only receive negative reviews. There should be a balance with your feedback; give praise when you can!
Running a robust appraisal process will help you to do both. A package like the one sold by Cascade H R, has this feature built in, so it is well worth considering investing in this type of software.
Provide structured training
We mentioned earlier that many of the people who work in marketing are ambitious – which is a good thing because it means that they are willing to apply themselves and go above and beyond to make progress in their chosen career.
As an employer, you can tap into this natural wish to advance, and do better by providing your staff with the chance to master new skills. Putting together a structured training program is always a worthwhile investment. This is something that your human resources team can look after with the help of a modern HR software. Most packages now include a training module, which you can be used to set up a training regime for each employee, and monitor progress.
Nurture talent
Implementing a good appraisal system has the added benefit of allowing you to spot people with talent, at an early stage. When you see that someone is particularly good at something, it makes sense to give him or her an opportunity to learn more about the subject. Providing each employee with an advanced training program that is tailored to them is easy using the right HR software package.
Engage your staff in preparing for the future
Last, but by no means least, is getting your staff involved in preparing for the future. Whenever you can, get members of your team involved in work groups to help you to implement new processes and assess new business opportunities. There’s many benefits to getting your staff involved in your business planning.
Like mentioned before, all your staff wants is to be valued – and that weights more than their pay check! Getting your staff involved in executive planning and decision making gives them a sense of belonging and shows them that their opinion is valued by the business and the boss. Engaging your staff in this also enables them to aquire new skills and learn more in depth about your business and values, all while encouraging them to stick around and see the changes you are planning through.
