What does it look like when a small business takes its first steps into AI?
In this episode of the Lenovo Evolve Small AI Workshop series, Baratunde Thurston, co-creator and Host of the Life with Machines podcast and tech enthusiast, sits down with Lindsay Wrege, co-founder of 321 Coffee, to share the company’s AI journey and partnership with Lenovo.
From early challenges and misconceptions around AI to hands-on Microsoft Copilot training, Lindsay opens up about how AI is transforming operations, empowering employees, and driving growth at 321 Coffee. Together, they explore the realities of AI adoption for small and mid-size businesses and how the right tools and support can make the process accessible and impactful.
📌 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How 321 Coffee approached AI adoption and overcame initial challenges
✅ How Lenovo’s AI Transformation team trained employees on Microsoft Copilot
✅ The real benefits and surprises of integrating AI into daily operations
✅ Practical advice for small businesses considering their own AI journey
💡 Discover how AI partnerships can help small businesses scale smarter, faster, and with confidence.
Many small businesses feel that advanced analytics and data science are luxuries reserved for big enterprises with large budgets and dedicated teams. Hiring talent and building infrastructure can feel out of reach.
📌 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ What “Vibe Coding” is and how it makes analytics easier for SMBs
✅ The top AI tools that help you analyze and visualize data affordably
✅ How to use prompts and examples to solve real-world business challenges
✅ Why SMBs can no longer wait to embrace AI-driven analytics—and how to get started now
In this episode of the Lenovo Evolve Small AI Workshop series, Bobby Gilbert, CEO/Founder of OnboardFi, breaks down that myth and shows how “Vibe Coding” and AI agents make analytics accessible and affordable for SMBs. From prompts to practical tools, Bobby reveals how you can uncover insights in your data without the high cost of a full analytics team.
💡 Walk away with practical, cost-effective steps to make smarter, faster business decisions—no data science degree required.
🎥 Watch more episodes from the full Evolve Small AI Workshop series: https://smbcommunity.lenovo.com/evolve-small
🌍 Learn more about Lenovo’s broader Evolve Small initiative and how we’re supporting small businesses: https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/evolvesmall
In this episode of Evolve Small, social media strategist Helen Todd shares how AI can become your best marketing assistant. Learn how to use tools like Claude, Adobe Firefly, Opus Clip, and HeyGen to create a smart, scalable content strategy that reflects your brand voice and saves you time.
Helen breaks down how to train AI tools effectively, generate text, images, and video, and avoid common mistakes. Whether you're building your first social calendar or looking to level up your online presence, this episode gives you the tools to work smarter—not harder.
How do you use AI tools to better your social media marketing success? What tools have you tried personally? Are you inspired to test out any of the tools or ideas Helen shared?
Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇
Feeling overwhelmed by email, meetings, and never-ending to-do lists? Microsoft 365 Copilot is here to help you get your time—and your sanity—back.
In this episode of the Lenovo Evolve Small AI Workshop series, Microsoft’s Brian Bottalico walks you through how small businesses are using Copilot for Microsoft 365 to reduce burnout, improve workflows, and save up to 10 hours per month per employee. This AI assistant is built right into the Microsoft apps you already use—like Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel—to help you streamline repetitive work and focus on what matters most.
📌 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How Copilot in Teams captures meeting notes, recaps, and next steps
✅ How Copilot in Outlook prioritizes emails, summarizes long threads, and drafts replies
✅ How Business Chat helps you ask natural-language questions and get instant insights
✅ How small businesses are seeing productivity boosts, cost savings, and happier teams
💡 Discover how you can apply this powerful tool in your business—without needing to be an AI expert.
🎥 Watch more episodes from the full Evolve Small AI Workshop series: https://smbcommunity.lenovo.com/evolve-small
🌍 Learn more about Lenovo’s broader Evolve Small initiative and how we’re supporting small businesses: https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/evolvesmall
#LenovoEvolveSmall #AIforBusiness #Microsoft365Copilot #SmallBusinessTools #AIProductivity
Think AI is just for big corporations with massive budgets and data science teams? Think again.
In Episode 3 of the Evolve Small AI Workshop series, Lenovo’s Robert Daigle busts some of the biggest myths about artificial intelligence and shows how any business—no matter the size—can start benefiting from AI tools today. From customer service chatbots to retail analytics and content creation, AI is no longer out of reach for small and medium businesses. It’s already being used every day—often without you realizing it.
📌 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why AI isn’t just for big tech—and why it's more accessible than ever
✅ Real ways small businesses are using AI to cut costs and boost productivity
✅ How to avoid AI FOMO and start using practical tools right now
✅ What “Smarter AI for All” really means—and how Lenovo is making it happen
✅ How to get started with AI NOW and other Lenovo-powered tools
💡 You don’t need a data scientist or a giant budget to start using AI. You just need the right guide—and this episode is it.
🎥 Watch more episodes from the full Evolve Small AI Workshop series:
https://smbcommunity.lenovo.com/evolve-small
🌍 Learn more about Lenovo’s broader Evolve Small initiative and how we’re supporting small businesses across North America:
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/evolvesmall
A.I. is a new, exciting technology full of potential for SMBs. At Lenovo, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this innovation. That includes using AI to keep your business secure.
In episode 2 of the Lenovo Evolve Small AI Workshop, Nima Baiati (Executive Director/GM, Cybersecurity Solutions/ThinkShield) is going to give you a crash course on cybercrime—no previous knowledge required!
📌You’ll learn about:
✅Leading factors of security breaches ✅ Cyberattack readiness
✅ How SMBs can use AI and ThinkShield solutions
💡 Dive into the full session now and see how AI can bolster your security.
🎥 Want to catch up on previous Evolve Small AI Workshops? Watch Episode 01: ‘AI 101 for SMBs’ now
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Chapters:
00:19 - 00:27 | Welcome & Introduction
01:32 - 02:24 | The Right Security for Every Business
07:20 - 07:45 | The Rise of AI in Cybersecurity
07:46 - 08:45 | The Cost of Cyberattacks for SMBs
09:35 - 10:59 | Cybercrime is on the Rise
11:11 - 12:03 | Human Error: The Leading Cause of Security Breaches
13:21 - 15:38 | Cyberattack Readiness: The Results Are Alarming
17:08 - 19:22 | Cyberattack Risks, Challenges & The Role of AI
19:54 - 22:07 | What Businesses Need to Bolster Cybersecurity
23:06 - 23:49 | How a Startup Keeps Things Secure and Simple
23:58 - 24:51 | New Lenovo ThinkShield Solutions for SMBs
25:09 - 25:14 | Why Lenovo ThinkShield?
Drop a comment! What cybersecurity challenges are you facing in your business?
AI is rapidly transforming the world around us. For small businesses, understanding and leveraging AI is becoming crucial. But what exactly is AI, and how can it benefit your business?
The possibilities of AI are endless. Imagine automating repetitive tasks, gaining valuable insights from customer data, or enhancing customer service with AI-powered chatbots. AI levels the playing field, allowing you to compete with the big guys.
Kevin Beck (Senior Story Technologist) and Maryann Wrenn (North America Brand Ambassador) present this AI 101 workshop as a starting point for small business leaders to understand the value of AI. And, with resources and takeaways too, you can get going with your own AI journey.
It’s time to embrace the power of AI and propel your business forward.
Did you enjoy this resource? Please share your thoughts in this multi-question survey to help us create a better experience for you. Take the Survey
321 Coffee teamed up with Lenovo to create new job opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by enhancing accessibility in the workplace with Lenovo technology.
Read on in the case study below!
6 months, 6 advisors, 6 live events. This has been a poignant series, packed with loads of resources and advice from the advisors.
Are you just stopping by for the first time or just want to browse the sessions you missed? Indulge in all the expert advice below and connect with other members enjoying the sessions too!
Jump right to the session you want to watch now or bookmark this guide and enjoy the full series in a row, one by one: Funding, Security, Tech Stack, Wellness, Social Media, & SEO & Web.
If you enjoyed this free event series, check out our upcoming events, peruse more Evolve Small resources or view the whole on-demand library.
#1. Funding 101: How to Build a Capital Model to Fuel Small Business Success
For small business owners, securing sustained financing is crucial to support consistent growth and provide opportunities to scale.
In this session, Joey Womack, Founder and CEO of Goodie Nation will join Melinda Douglass, NA Commercial Visuals Senior Manager at Lenovo, to break down how small business owners can source and secure funding opportunities that allow them to meet their long-term goals.
Watch the on-demand session below!
#2. Data Security that Counts: How to Protect your Small Business from Bad Actors
It’s time for small businesses to get serious about data security – but it doesn’t need to be daunting.
In this on-demand session, Gerald Youngblood, North America CMO of Lenovo, and Matt Messick, Chief Information Officer for the Dallas Cowboys, joined Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassador Katie Reed to discuss the importance of data security and privacy for small business owners to both safeguard their businesses and deliver excellent customer service.
Watch the on-demand session here, below, or read the write-up!
#3. How to Build Your Small Business Tech Stack
The tech stack isn’t just for big businesses. For small business owners, the right technology tools and solutions can make the difference between a surviving vs. thriving business.
In the session below, Ashley Chatman, 2022 Evolve Small honoree and founder of FitBody by Ashley, joined Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassador Alexis Cash to discuss the tech stack fundamentals that can set any small business owner up for success.
Watch the on-demand session here, below, or read the write-up!
Fitness Coach for Women (@fitbodybyashley) • Instagram photos and videos
#4. Decrease Stress, Increase Success: Prioritizing Mental Well-Being as a Business Owner
Constant stress doesn’t need to be a fact of life for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Prioritizing mental well-being allows you to reflect your personal calm onto your professional life – creating stronger leadership and healthy work environments that set you up for success.
In this session, Chantel Cohen, founder and CEO of CWC Coaching & Therapy, joined Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassador Nico to discuss how you can take care of yourself and your business at the same time.
Watch the on-demand session here, below, or read the write-up!
#5. Creation to Activation: How to Leverage Social Media for Your Business
For busy small business owners and entrepreneurs, building a social media strategy can seem daunting and time consuming. But social doesn’t have to be a burden. By taking a strategic and streamlined approach, your social media presence can help you reach a wider audience and maximize your business goals.
In this session, Rachel Karten, social media consultant and writer of the Link in Bio newsletter, will join Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassador Yvette Wedow to break down the organic social fundamentals that every small business owner needs to know.
Watch the on-demand session here, below, or read the write-up!
#6. Developing a Successful Website for your Small Business
Building a website for your business can sound complicated – involving platforms and coding that most entrepreneurs just don’t have time to learn. But it doesn’t have to be so scary. With a strategic, streamlined approach, creating or updating your business’ website can have a huge impact on brand credibility, ultimately driving attention and customers.
In this session, Bernel Westbrook, Owner and Lead Web Designer of Branded by Bernel, joined Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassador Kaila Woodard to walk you through getting your first website off the ground or refining your existing page.
Watch the on-demand session here, below, or read the write-up!
Thank you for tuning into our original, Evolve Small Lenovo Pro Community Advisor Series!
What did you think? What session did you enjoy the most? Want more series like this?
Let us know in the comments below!
Welcome back to the Evolve Small Advisor Series. This time, our topic is a huge one for all kinds of business—big and small. We’re joined by Lenovo Pro Community Manager Beth Kiernan, Evolve Small Ambassador Kaila Woodard, and our very special guest Bernel Westbrook. Bernel is a podcast host, marketing coach, travel enthusiast and the founder of Branded by Bernel, a marketing agency for the creative community. As a brand and web designer, she has a background deeply rooted in fine art and has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs to build their brands and establish a foundation of trust.
Do You Need a Website?
One question Bernel says she gets asked often is whether a website is necessary for growing business. Her answer?
“Yes! If I walked into a room with a box and told you to stick your hand in the box and see what you get, most people would be very hesitant. Why? Because you don’t know me, and you don’t know what’s in there and you don’t know what to expect. But if I walked in and said, ‘I help breed puppies and inside this box are tiny, cute little puppies and if you stick your hand in, you can get a puppy today.’ Then more people would crowd around the box to stick their hand in because you know who I am.”
This shows the importance of generating credibility as a small business. “That’s what your website does for you,” she adds. In fact, 48% of people cited a website’s design as the number one factor in deciding the credibility of a business according to Blue Corona.
What Do You Need to Get Started?
Think about where you are now on your small business journey. She asks, “Are you just now developing a website for the first time? Maybe you don’t have a website, maybe you have one and you feel like it is not supporting your business the way that you would like it to.”
There are main three things Bernel suggests focusing on when you’re just getting your website started:
Setting your goals
Having the right technology in place
Making sure you can commit the time necessary to have a successful website
The first question to ask yourself is what the ultimate goal of your website is. It could be a place to inform your audience, or it could be a platform to sell your products. Once you establish your goal, then you can move onto the development stage.
Start your development stage by first thinking of your website as your online home. Now what would give your home a solid foundation? Look at these key elements:
Domain: Your domain name, a.k.a. your URL, is like your home’s address.
Hosting: Your hosting software is where your website is parked. Think of this as the land your home sits on. Without a host, there’s no website.
Website builder: This is the company you use to build your online home. Some companies sell templates that are basically blueprints.
SSL/HTTPS: An SSL certificate is your home’s security system. It’s a digital file that verifies the legitimacy of a website, enabling secure communication and data transfer. If you’re collecting any information at all, this is a must.
Choosing a Platform
When it comes to platforms, you have a ton of options. Bernel broke down her top four based on what needs people typically have when running a small business.
ShowIt: Best for its design capabilities and the creative freedom it offers. Its fluid design allows for more flexibility and takes your mobile responsiveness to a new level.
Squarespace: Best for first timers because it doesn’t have as steep of a learning curve. Its all-in-one service offers a lot of native features as far as calendars and booking software.
WordPress: Best for complex systems and unlimited functionalities, especially if you're trying to do something very advanced with a lot of custom code.
Shopify: Best if your business is primarily e-commerce. It integrates with Instagram and Pinterest so that people can shop directly through social media.
DIY or Hire a Designer?
After you pick a platform, you may ask yourself whether you want to develop it yourself or hire a designer. “The good news is neither one is right or wrong,” Bernel clarifies. “You can have a very successful website either way. The bad news is they're both going cost you something. So, either they're going to cost you time or they're going to cost you more money.”
Let’s start with the pros of DIY:
If you’re motivated and familiar with your website platform, you can launch your site in just a few days.
You’re not paying for labor, so it’s the cheaper route.
You can have full creative freedom to make it look any way you want.
Now for the concerns:
DIY is more time intensive.
There can be a learning curve with using new software—even the most user-friendly platform takes time to learn.
If you DIY, there is always a chance it will look You run the risk of elements of your site not looking cohesive and that’s a big part of building credibility.
Bernel mentions she usually suggests hiring a designer. She suggests this route especially for those who have been in business somewhere between three to five years, already have a current website, and are looking to level up.
The pros of hiring a designer:
You have a professional curating every piece of your design.
A designer will put strategy behind your layout.
Your site is custom-made. If you can dream it, they can execute it. And you can leave the coding to a professional!
You can save a lot of time.
The concerns:
Professional website design isn’t cheap. Working with an experienced website designer can cost anywhere from 8-20k.
You usually have to wait for a designer to be available to start the project.
Designing and launching a website is one thing, but a big question Bernel recommends asking when hiring a designer is whether their site maintenance services fit into your budget or if it makes more sense for you and your team to maintain yourself. “I like to always present that option to clients that you can maintain this yourself. We can come in, train your team on how to maintain it and make sure that you don't have any high monthly costs,” she explains.
What is SEO?
By now, you’ve probably heard of the term “SEO,” which stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the marketing concept of driving your website to the top of search results for certain phrases entered into search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing. Good SEO practices will ensure your website content gets correctly indexed to show up when people type in relevant search terms. Paying for ads can help, but good SEO practices are all you really need.
Here are Bernel’s SEO checklists for different stages of your business:
If you’re starting from scratch:
Optimize your meta titles, descriptions and header tags.
Once you’ve labeled everything on your new website, focus on using keywords organically. You want to make sure you’re not overloading your site with keywords because Google is very intuitive.
Optimize images to load quickly. Using really large image files can slow things down.
Ensure the mobile version is optimized and functions well.
If you’re moving website platforms:
Preserve the current URLs and link structure. If you have an existing web page called “Our Services” with the URL extension “example.com/our-services,” it’s recommended you recreate that web page inside your new website design in order to preserve the URL.
The more changes you make when updating your website, the more intial impact on SEO you may see.
Take some time to go through the platform’s help docs and learn how to access the page title.
If you recently launched your site:
Submit your site for Google to re-index. This is so useful for checking for errors.
Put out consistent relevant content that links back to pages on your site.
Check for crawl errors, broken links and redirects.
Optimize Google Business Profile for local searches.
As for figuring out the right keywords for your business, Bertel shared a few resources to help you do research. The first one she recommends is Ubersuggest. It’s great for getting data on what people are searching for and competitor analysis of what keywords similar businesses are using. It also can analyze your existing website. If you feel like you’re not ranking as high as you need to be, it is a free tool worth checking out. The next resource is Answer the Public. It organizes Google questions so you can see what people are searching for. It also checks for broken links, which can be damaging to your business results. And last but not least, ChatGPT, which helps you be very specific with your prompts.
Creating a Website That Converts
Think of your homepage as the movie trailer for your small business. “The first element is having an engaging homepage that tells people who you are, where you’re based and how you serve them,” Bernel explains. The goal is to provide free, valuable content for people to engage with. Maintaining a friendly, conversational tone using words like “you” and “yours” can go a long way, too. Bernel also stresses the importance of utilizing white space to engage with users. It allows things to breathe on your site, so people aren’t overwhelmed visually. Bernel advises, “Having clear call to actions are another really good element.” You should make sure anytime people are giving you their information, you are redirecting them to a thank you page.
Conclusion
Having an optimized, intentionally designed website can be a game-changer for any kind of business. As long as you follow these tips and have the right tools, you’ll set yourself up for success.
Bernel shared her branding fundamentals guide as a resource for small business owners who want to learn more about building a profitable brand.
If you found this content useful, tune-into the on-demand library or look out for the next Evolve Small webinar to hear more valuable insights from our experts.
Supported by Lenovo, Blush Cowork is building a safe, empowering space for women to work, meet, connect and have their children close by. Tune into the video below then keep reading to learn more about what they do, how they've grown and how Lenovo has supported them.
Did you enjoy this case study from Lenovo Evolve Small? Check out more from Evolve Small here.
Featured Community Employee, May '24
The Lenovo Pro Community is pleased to spotlight Megan Bornemann, North America SMB Marketing Campaign Manager (aka Evolve Small Program Lead) as May 2024's Featured Lenovo Employee.
Megan is a smart, kind, caring and intelligent person and employee. With her visionary mindset, creativity, inclusion and passion for small business, she's been making positive impacts at Lenovo in our small business offerings. Megan's direct collaboration with the Lenovo Pro Community has resulted in numerous tech giveaways offered to members only, dozens of insightful resources shared, and our latest "Ask an Advisor Series" in which six expert minds shared their advice and recommendations in six key areas of small business management. Lenovo Pro is beyond grateful to have Megan as part of the crew.
Keep reading to see for yourself why we are so thankful to have Megan in the Community.
About Megan Bornemann
I started my career doing marketing for a software sales company, and transitioned to Lenovo in 2019. I kind of fell into Small Business marketing by happenstance, but absolutely love it. I am now the SMB Marketing Campaign Manager for North America, and lead the Evolve Small initiative here at Lenovo. Evolve Small is a program that provides aid, mentorship and community support to minority and woman-owned small businesses in North America.
I live in Colorado with my husband, dog and two cats. We’re big hikers, and I love to bake and read in my spare time.
Day-to-day Operations
In addition to running the Evolve Small Program, I work closely with Beth to showcase what we’re doing with through the Lenovo Pro Community, but also to host additional resources for small business owners via the Community. For example, the Advisor Series this past year that included guest speakers from all over the county on topics like funding, cybersecurity, social media marketing, and more.
Q & A
How long have you been a part of Lenovo Pro and what is your favorite Lenovo product?
Since I started at Lenovo 4.5 years ago! My favorite work product is the ThinkVision M14 Monitor. It’s a portable touchscreen monitor that I take EVERYWHERE. Personally, I also have a Lenovo Smart Clock that I love as well.
How has using your Lenovo equipment helped you accomplish things in your personal or professional life?
Because I work from a home office, I have a huge setup of Lenovo equipment I’ve been collecting over the years. My trusty ThinkPad X1 Nano, a wireless keyboard, 21” monitor that’s mounted above my laptop, and that m14 monitor. Yes…I have 3 screens and I find I hard to operate on less than that!
What do you enjoy most about the Lenovo Pro Community?
Keyword: Community. Particularly in the small business world, it can be really isolating to be an entrepreneur. So anytime there’s an opportunity to find a community of like-minded people that are in the same shoes – that’s a great time to take advantage. The Lenovo Pro Community provides access to that network of people, resources that are not just tech related, and opportunities to expand your knowledge.
What was one of your greatest successes in your professional life?
Pitching and launching the Evolve Small initiative almost four years ago. Evolve Small has changed the course of my professional career. I LOVE what I get to do and the people I get to meet through this program. Like I said, being an entrepreneur can be so isolating, so sometimes something as small as recognition of your impact, or a new laptop, can go such a long way. I’ve always loved mom & pop shops, but this role has given me a new appreciation for the amount of work and sacrifice that goes into running one. So to say that Evolve Small has positively impacted over 3,000 small businesses in just 3 years – that’s my biggest professional success to date.
What was one of your greatest challenges in your professional life?
Deciding when it’s time to take on something new. Whether that’s at a new company, a new role, or a new project that’s outside of your realm of knowledge. There’s a level of comfort in being in a space that you know and where you have experience, so it sometimes takes a push to branch out to something new. For me, that was both in joining Lenovo and in moving to take on SMB and pitching what became Evolve Small.
What was one piece of advice/encouragement that you got along your professional journey that inspired/helped you?
Similarly, be confident in myself and my decisions.
What is one piece of advice you would give other professionals or aspiring business owners?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Being a small business owner can be an isolating and challenging experience, so sometimes I’ve found that it’s hard for some of the founders we meet to find resources. But when they do, it’s so helpful to have someone to bounce ideas off of, or just talk to someone that’s in the same boat and knows what you’re dealing with. Finding that group of likeminded individuals in your area is invaluable.
Connect with Megan
Megan in the Community
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwine/
Thank you for being such a valued part of the community, Megan and congratulations on being May's 2024 Featured Lenovo Employee!
Do you have any questions for Megan about her journey, interests, experiences or Evolve Small?
Leave your questions and comments below!
Building a website for your business can sound complicated – involving platforms and coding that most entrepreneurs just don’t have time to learn. But it doesn’t have to be so scary. With a strategic, streamlined approach, creating or updating your business’ website can have a huge impact on brand credibility, ultimately driving attention and customers.
In this session, Bernel Westbrook, Owner and Lead Web Designer of Branded by Bernel, joined Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassador Kaila Woodard to walk you through getting your first website off the ground or refining your existing page.
You’ll learn:
How to create a website that aligns with your business model and goals
Web design and branding principles to ensure a cohesive brand presence
SEO best practices to drive traffic and brand awareness
Enjoy the session on-demand and download the slides also.
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Exchange your feedback with members and browse the upcoming events for more great sessions like this!
Introduction
Small businesses like yours shouldn’t be sleeping on social media. Especially right now. The Evolve Small Advisor Series returns with a session delving into organic social media for small businesses. This time, we’re joined by our wonderful Evolve Small Ambassador, Yvette Wedow, and our special guest Rachel Karten, a social media consultant who helps brands like CAVA and West Elm tell original and ownable stories across digital platforms.
Why Go Social?
Did you know that 76% of consumers have purchased a product they saw in a brand’s social media post? Clearly, social media has become the place people go to discover new products. Social media expert Rachel shares a little bit about her own habit of looking up beauty products on TikTok to see what others are buying. She says, “We’re seeing that a lot of brands who are on social media are really benefiting. It can change the trajectory of your business.” Think about it this way, not only are you able to build a following for your brand, but you also have the power to create meaningful connections and community.
There’s No Time Like Now
In the past year, there’s been a shift. People are craving more of-the-moment, less-curated social media content. Rachel reveals, “We're seeing so many more creators shooting on just an iPhone, being super relatable.” But it's not just about production. We’re seeing that storytelling is surpassing aesthetics. “I'd rather watch a video of somebody talking to their camera telling me a really good story than some, like beautifully shot, like video,” she says. We’re also seeing people prefer realness to curation. They want to see genuine personality shine through.
So, the good news is, as a small business owner, this shift is working in your favor. You don’t need to have the same budget as the bigger fish out there. We’re seeing larger brands like Nike shooting their campaigns on phones now and having people talk to camera in the same personal, relatable way small businesses would. You already have everything you need to make a winning social media strategy.
8 Tips for Nailing Organic Social Media
1. Choose a platform to invest in.
“When I talk to a lot of small business owners, there's a feeling of being overwhelmed by how many social media platforms are out there,” Rachel said. You can’t be everywhere at once—especially if you have limited resources for social media. She suggests choosing a platform you really want to invest time and strategy into and run with it. You can still post on other platforms, but most of your ideating and content creation should be for your primary channel. Think about where your audience is. If you’re a B2B company, maybe that’s LinkedIn. If you’re a beauty company, maybe that’s TikTok. The point is, choose a platform and invest in it. Because once you find the right platform, that’s when you’ll see the most growth.
2. Find your voice and tone.
Now that you have a platform, your next step is defining your brand’s voice and tone. Accounts where the captions and copy feel unique to the business tend to resonate more. To help uncover your voice, try answering these questions:
What are five adjectives that describe your business?
Thinking of your business's personality—if it was a celebrity or public figure, who would it be?
What voice/tone resonates with me?
Find three articles that encapsulate it.
3. Prioritize short-form video.
“Short-form video is probably one of the most effective ways to grow on social media right now, and it seems more intimidating than it is,” Rachel explains. Almost every platform is leaning in the direction of short-form video—Instagram and TikTok being the two largest. And keep in mind it doesn’t need to be complicated. “People want to feel connected to the brand,” she notes, sharing her go-to tools for creating this type of content:
Scroll platforms thoughtfully and often to see what’s trending.
Invest in a tripod to film content (they also sell horizontal tripods for overhead content!)
Film in natural light.
Make the first 3 seconds count.
Don’t be afraid to lead with personality and show your face.
So many shareable moments happen at a company—it’s more about remembering to capture them!
4. Lead with personality.
One of Rachel’s favorite tips is to start by looking inward. Many successful brands and small businesses online really lean into their founders for content. In fact, some of the most effective content are the posts where you’re turning the camera around on things you are already doing. For inspiration, Rachel brought up her friend Ellie who runs a floral company.
“She uses her own expertise as a florist to create content. She will post something like ‘Good morning. Today I'm going to show you how to reflex a rose.’ It's a really cool, fun, educational moment that even if I'm not in Miami and I can't order her flowers now, I'm learning how to reflex a rose just like she does it. Then she adds a question sticker for engagement. ‘What tutorials would you like to see next?”
When it comes to social, using your personality and leaning into your expertise are amazingly effective ways for you to get started on social media.
5. Create a recurring series.
As you’re thinking about all the different types of content you can make for social media, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One strategy Rachel has for keeping things fun and organized is to create a recurring series. “Not only are you able to organize, you're also able to plan ahead. That means you’re not just building content, you’re being intentional in crafting the stories you want to tell.” This is the kind of content that gets your audience invested in your business and coming back for more.
6. Interact with your community.
“This one is obvious, but I think that there's some secret powers to it that not a lot of people understand,” Rachel advises. “Not only is it a nice thing to do, it's really good for the Instagram algorithm, for the TikTok algorithm, when you respond to DMs, when you repost photos that you're tagged in, when you comment back to people, it's a signal to the algorithm that this person wants to see your content again.”
So, our advice? Respond to DMs. Re-post photos you’re tagged in. Comment back. The Instagram algorithm uses this as a signal to decide if they will show your content in people’s feeds and IG Story lineups.
7. Consistency is key.
Even if you’re not able to post every day, it’s all about staying consistent as you can when it comes to social. Rachel recalls an example from Instagram that has really stuck with her. They told her that one blogger posted 3 times a week while the other posted every single day. And in the end, the one who posted every single day grew three times as fast as the other.
Remember, the content you post doesn’t need to be super polished. Just keep it more in-the-moment. Rachel recommends building out a calendar of content using tools like Later to keep you on track and help you schedule posts out.
8. Find your universal truth.
This final tip is a big one for Rachel—maybe even her favorite social media tip. If you want your small business to make content that people would want to send to a friend or add to their IG Stories, you need to tap into your product or brand’s universal truth.
She used YETI as an example, explaining that their universal truth is that the right gear can help you stay out longer, travel farther, and live harder. So, their social media content focuses on all the adventures that are possible when you're equipped with good gear.
Ask yourself: What broad, relatable truth does your brand speak to? How can you create social content that ladders up to it?
Key Takeaway
Social media should feel rewarding and fun, not overwhelming or like a chore. So why not get started now? If you follow these eight tips, you can feel more confident about upping your brand’s social media game.
Watch the live version of this recap here. Did you find this content useful? Catch previous Advisor sessions on-demand here!
For busy small business owners and entrepreneurs, building a social media strategy can seem daunting and time consuming. But social doesn’t have to be a burden. By taking a strategic and streamlined approach, your social media presence can help you reach a wider audience and maximize your business goals.
In this session, Rachel Karten, social media consultant and writer of the Link in Bio newsletter, will join Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassador Yvette Wedow to break down the organic social fundamentals that every small business owner needs to know.
Tune in below to learn:
How to build an organic social media strategy that helps you reach your business goals
Why you should prioritize quality over quantity in your business’ social media presence
The value of leading with personality on social as a small business owner
Did you enjoy this session? What tip resonated most with where you are at in your organic social media journey?
Let us know your thoughts and ideas below and enjoy more on-demand sessions from our Evolve Small Advisor Series here.
Welcome back to the Evolve Small Advisor Series, where we host experts on the most critical workplace topics to help small business owners like you succeed. This month, we’re covering a topic that’s relevant for everyone, no matter what industry or type of work you’re in: managing stress.
Let’s be real. Prioritizing your mental health is so essential for every part of life. And in business, we can see a relationship between mental health and loss of productivity. That’s why we’re taking you through all the top tools and hacks you should know for managing work-related stress.
In this session, we were joined by Evolve Small Ambassador Nico Garces, and our special guest Chantel Cohen, founder of CWC Coaching & Therapy. Chantel is a licensed therapist and certified business coach who leads a group of coaches and therapists, primarily working with busy professionals. Chantel is also an important partner in the Evolve Small program, offering one-on-one counseling with our grant-winning small businesses over the past few years.
Chantel kicked off our conversation with a memory from a time she went on a family vacation to Puerto Rico. She went out into the water with her children and was having a great time relaxing in the waves. Suddenly, a wave came over and pulled them out so far that Chantel’s feet were no longer touching the bottom. She felt afraid because every time she tried to catch her breath, she’d be pulled under again by a wave. It’s an experience that holds a lot of similarities to the way people feel sometimes as entrepreneurs.
“Oftentimes, the water is warm and feels great, but then other times it feels like you’re being pulled under.
I wish I knew then, what I know today: Caught in a riptide, I really needed to swim to the side. And that’s what we’re discussing today. Swimming to the side and finding things that you can do for yourself when you're in deep water. Because inevitably, entrepreneurship has those ups and downs, and we need to be ready for them."
Stress in the Workplace
Chantel shared a few statistics about employees today. As you can see, there’s a real stigma around talking about stress in the workplace. But it shouldn’t be that way.
62% of employees in the U.S. report high levels of stress, paired with feelings of extreme fatigue and loss of control.
68% of employees worry that disclosing a mental health condition could harm their professional reputation.
92% of employees say it is important to them to work for an organization that values their emotional and mental well-being.
81% of employees who feel mentally or emotionally safe in their workplace report that workplace stress does not affect their mental health.
As entrepreneurs, it’s so important for you to keep all this in mind as you onboard people onto your team and of course, for your own personal well-being. Mental health and stress should be at the forefront, and we need to ask ourselves the right questions to help better ourselves and our workplace relations.
Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Integration
Work-life balance, Chantel explains, is more of a framework that emphasizes the divide between our home life and personal life. She actually recommends another approach: work-life integration.
Instead of the divide, work-life integration seeks to have a blend. According to the Berkeley Haas School of Business, work-life integration is an approach that creates more synergies between all areas that define life.
For example, in work-life balance, time for yourself is viewed as a reward for the job done. In work-life integration, time for yourself is a part of productive working hours to have your mind at rest. The integrated approach allows for more fluidity and intuitive prioritization for all the moving pieces in your life.
Chantel mentioned a couple personal examples of her own. One of her daily goals is to read ten pages of non-fiction, so she reads while she’s on her elliptical. And, when she’s catching up with loved ones, she does so while on a walk. These “habit stacking” hacks are easy ways to fuel productivity, while leaving room for flexibility.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
Healthy boundaries set a foundation for more productive workdays and relationships. Chantel is always telling her entrepreneurs to prioritize sleep and make sure they’re cultivating relationships. She believes that cultivating relationships enables all sorts of transferable skills in communication and conflict resolution. Knowing how to manage different personalities is key to running your business, but it also helps you grow as a person.
Here are a few simple, yet powerful ways to establish your healthy boundaries:
Set a regular time to turn off notifications.
Carve out time to be with loved ones.
Learn how to say no with confidence.
Treat rest as essential, not optional.
If remote, create a designated workspace.
Block out non-negotiable personal time.
Prioritizing Self-Love
It seems so obvious that self-love and well-being go hand in hand, but it’s not always prioritized. Just imagine thriving in your career, not just because of what you do, but because of how you care for yourself. That's the power of self-love, a fundamental force that propels both entrepreneurs and professionals alike towards sustainable success. Take time to check in with yourself, listening to how you’re feeling and nurturing yourself so you can work optimally.
One way Chantel takes care of herself is writing a to-do list every Sunday. Statistically, people are 43% more likely to complete a task if it is written down. She also actively schedules time for meditation and exercise in her daily routines.
Many entrepreneurs have limiting beliefs on what can be accomplished in a day. To break out of that mindset, respect your limits, recognize your worth and know that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Focus on your minimums, not your maximums.
Achieving Your Goals
Finding harmony and balance is essential for reaching your goals. When your goals are harmonized, you are aligning personal and professional goals to foster a seamless life-work integration. As for balance, that can be achieved by incorporating activities that contribute to both personal growth and professional development.
Check out these things you can do to manage your stress:
Build a daily mindfulness practice.
Establish a regular exercise routine.
Prioritize downtime to recharge.
Focus on mentorship and networking.
Building A Supportive Team Culture
It’s time to reflect. What ways can you build a culture of practicing healthy self-care and work-life integration in your business? It can be part of your core values or in your mission statement. Think about how you can lead by example and foster a culture of work-life integration. This could include flexible work hours, mental health days, assistance programs, regular check-ins and more.
When working with new people, Chantel says that communication is key. She’ll always ask about preferred communication styles, even outside of the workplace. She noted love languages as an example. You don't necessarily have to share the same love language as your partner, but knowing how that person likes to give and receive love can make a huge difference.
Empowerment Through Delegation
As business leaders like you are learning how to delegate, Chantel suggests trying a quick hack. When you're delegating, assess how high-stake a task is and how competent the person is who's going to oversee it. If you feel that they rate low on the competency scale and the task has high stakes, you don't want to give it to them. But if the task has moderate stakes and they have moderate capabilities, that could be a real opportunity for growth.
Delegation matters so much because it drives efficiency for leaders and growth opportunities for team members. It fosters a culture of trust, shows confidence in team abilities and boosts overall morale.
Key Takeaways
Start with one change, one action you can take now to move towards work-life integration.
Each step, no matter how small, is a powerful choice to protect your mental health.
We all have a role to play — let’s start today and create a momentum that echoes through our careers and businesses.
Did you find this content helpful? Register for future Evolve Small webinars to learn more valuable insights from our experts.
What was your favorite tip?
What tips of your own have helped keep you swimming in sane waters?
Let us know in the comments below and be sure to like this post if you enjoyed it!
Constant stress doesn’t need to be a fact of life for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Prioritizing mental well-being allows you to reflect your personal calm onto your professional life – creating stronger leadership and healthy work environments that set you up for success.
In this session, Chantel Cohen, founder and CEO of CWC Coaching & Therapy, joined Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassador Nico to discuss how you can take care of yourself and your business at the same time.
Tune in below to learning more about:
The importance of setting personal boundaries to prevent burnout
Why personal wellness and professional success are connected
How small business owners and founders can model self-care for their teams
Why a healthy team culture starts with building trust
Technology is the engine behind your small business and one of the most important components to seeing it shine.
Alexis Cash joins us as host for today’s Evolve Small Advisor Series webinar. A Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassador, Alexis has been with Lenovo for over 7 years, sharing her passion for exploring the intersection between technology and education.
She’s also worked closely with several Evolve Small grant winners, including our guest today, Ashley Chatman, better known as Fit Body by Ashley. An online influencer and fitness coach, Ashley’s goals is to “[help] women feel good in their bodies and get fit with fun dance workouts, so they feel healthier, happier, and more self-confident.”
Alexis and Ashley sit down to discuss the importance of the tech stack for small business owners. As an Evolve Small grant winner, Ashley was able to work with Lenovo’s top teams who helped her build a tech stack that would best benefit her and her team in their remote working environment.
Before we dive into today’s discussion, let’s break down some of the basics, including:
What is a tech stack?
Why is building a tech stack important for your business?
How can you build an effective tech stack?
What Is A Tech Stack?
Simply put, a tech stack is the strategic combination and integration of various technologies and software solutions to meet specific business needs. It’s about building a cohesive and efficient ecosystem of tools that work seamlessly together, creating a synergy that enhances overall business operations.
How Can A Tech Stack Boost Your Small Business?
Enhancing Efficiency: Small businesses often face resources constraints, making efficiency a top priority. A tech stack allows them to automate repetitive tasks, manage workflows seamlessly, and optimize their operations. From project management tools to customer relationship management (CRM) systems, the right tech stack can significantly boost efficiency.
Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in technology might seem daunting for small businesses with tight budgets, but a tech stack can actually be a cost-effective strategy. By carefully selecting tools that align with specific business needs, small enterprises can avoid unnecessary expenses and create a customized solution that maximizes their return on investment.
Scalability: One of the beautiful aspects of a tech stack is its scalability. As small businesses grow, their needs evolve. A well-thought-out tech stack can adapt to these changes, accommodating new tools and technologies that support the business’s expansion. This scalability ensures that the tech stack remains a valuable asset rather than a hindrance.
Better Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication and collaboration are vital for any business, regardless of its size. A tech stack provides small businesses with tools that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among team members, regardless of their physical location. This fosters a more connected and productive work environment.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Today’s data-driven landscape demands access to insightful analytics. A tech stack allows small businesses to implement tools that gather and analyze data, providing valuable insights that can inform strategic decision-making. From sales analytics to consumer behavior, data-driven decision-making becomes more accessible.
Competitive Edge in the Market: A well-crafted tech stack can set small businesses apart from their competitors. Leveraging the right mix of technologies means these enterprises deliver better products and services, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately gain a competitive edge in the market.
How To Build An Effective Tech Stack:
Identify Business Needs
Conduct a thorough analysis of your business processes and identify areas where technology can make a significant impact.
Research and Evaluate
Research various tools available in the market and evaluate their features, compatibility, and user reviews.
Consider scalability and the potential for integration with existing systems.
Integration Strategy
Plan how the selected tools will integrate with each other. Ensure that data flows smoothly between different components of the tech stack.
Training and Adopting
Provide training to employees on using the new technologies. User adoption is key to realizing the full potential of the tech stack.
Regular Review and Updates
The tech landscape evolves rapidly. Regularly review your tech stack to ensure it remains aligned with your business goals.
Update or replace tools as needed to stay ahead of industry trends.
Q&A
Alexis: What role has tech played in the growth of your business?
Ashley: I am a fully remote virtual business, so pretty much everything that I do is online. As a result, tech plays a huge role in my day-to-day. I need to be able to access the internet and computers and software to be able to connect with not only my broader community, but my clients.
So, it’s played a huge role. Before being connected to Evolve Small and being able to access the amazing tech stack that I have now, I was facing challenges in terms of my tech. I do have a team that’s virtual as well and they had workstations that were not as up to date to be able to help them with the work and processes that they take care of for my business.
In addition to that, I definitely needed an upgrade just in terms of my livestream set up. I wanted to be able to have better quality video and sound to deliver overall better product to my clients. In terms of the actual content itself, I had all my content scattered throughout these different places and because my team is virtual and they’re in different parts of the world, it was really difficult for me to be able to safely share content and information in a way that would allow us to still continue running the business effectively.
Alexis: What were some of the things that you were thinking about when you were with me and figuring out what we could help you with technology wise?
Ashley: It took me a second to go, “well, okay, what do I actually need?” I think I kind of came forward with, okay, well, I definitely know that I want to be able to help upgrade some of my team's workstations. I want to be able to have some type of cloud server to be able to host all of my content and be able to share that with my team more effectively.
I also wanted to be able to upgrade some of my video content. Those are just some of the things that came to me as I was going along. A big shout out to Alexis for all of her hard work. I also just really appreciated how you met me where I was in the process. You were hands on and didn’t just throw a bunch of products at me, you made sure the technology that was chosen would really benefit my business to fill in the gaps for what was going to support me best.
Alexis: Looking at your business today after everything's been installed and you've been using it for a while, what are some of the tech solutions that are making the biggest difference for you?
Ashley: I would say the server that we have has made a huge, huge difference for my team and I, because as I mentioned before, I had content and documents kind of scattered all over the place, and it wasn't as organized.
Not having that server slowed down the communication between my team and our workflow. And so now that we have access to that and my team is able to tap into the server, everything is safe and secure. My team is able to go in and just manage their tasks a lot better. It seems like we have a more productive flow now.
I really love the accessibility components of my tech stack. I have a tablet and a power bank that allows me to be a bit more on-the-go with my business. For my team members, I’ve seen an increase in productivity on their end because their machines are running faster. They're able to access software that they didn't have before. It’s helped us to operate in a more seamless way and just be more productive overall in our day-to-day tests.
Alexis: Looking at the future, what does expansion look like for Fit Body by Ashley?
Ashley: Wow, definitely expansion. I’m learning the importance of delegation and letting go and not feeling like you have to be the one to do every single thing in your business all the time. I really am seeing now just how important it is to allow other people to live in their own lanes and zones of genius, so that I can continue focusing more on CEO tasks and continuing to use the tech that we have now. I feel like that's [going to be] be one of the biggest drivers.
It has helped us to create more of a streamlined process on how we create, deliver, post, and publish content, as well as how we continue to work together. I think in addition to that it's going to be about really listening to our customers and our clients and saying, okay, here's some of the common requests or feedback that we're getting, and how can we accommodate.
Something that I like to do every single quarter is just send out surveys saying, "Hey, what are some things that you would like to see? What are some areas of improvement?" That feedback really helps to drive what decisions that we make and what we feel like we need to upgrade from there.
Alexis: This makes me think about some of the things that we included in your package, one of them being warranty support.
Lenovo premier support was created because we had customers that were saying we don't want to be stuck on the phone if something goes down – we need immediate help. At Lenovo, we want to be able to jump to level two and be able to provide that support.
We listened to our customers, and we created this service for them. It was important to me to make sure that you also had that because I know it's important to you to show up to your customers in the same way.
What are the core elements of your tech stack?
Did you this recap? Catch the webinar on-demand here.
Catch more of the advisor series here and let us know your favorite part of this piece!
The tech stack isn’t just for big businesses. For small business owners, the right technology tools and solutions can make the difference between a surviving vs. thriving business.
In the session below, Ashley Chatman, 2022 Evolve Small honoree and founder of FitBody by Ashley, joined Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassador Alexis Cash to discuss the tech stack fundamentals that can set any small business owner up for success.
Tune in below to learning more about:
Selecting hardware and software basics that align with your business goals and growth plan
Enhancing customer relationship management through technology
How technology can supercharge your marketing strategy and open the door to new content verticals
The importance of leveraging technology through a solution-oriented lens
It’s time for small businesses to get serious about data security – but it doesn’t need to be daunting.
In this on-demand session, Gerald Youngblood, North America CMO of Lenovo, and Matt Messick, Chief Information Officer for the Dallas Cowboys, joined Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassador Katie Reed to discuss the importance of data security and privacy for small business owners to both safeguard their businesses and deliver excellent customer service. Topics included:
The data security and privacy building blocks that every small business owner can – and should – implement
How to identify and protect sensitive data based on your unique business model
The importance of educating your employees about personal cybersecurity to create a “human firewall” for your business
Why prioritizing your business’ data security and privacy translates to better customer experiences and higher brand trust
Did you enjoy this session? What measures do you take to secure your business and protect customer data?
Please let us know in the comments below and be sure to register for the Advisor series so you don't miss another session!
In this Lenovo Evolve Small Advisor Series webinar review, we’re diving into all things data security and privacy.
Data security and privacy are at the core of all small businesses. Proper data security and privacy management is one of the first steps that you can take as an owner and/or entrepreneur to ensure that your small business will thrive in this ever-changing digital world.
By adding critical safeguards, plans, and educating your employees on data security and privacy, you’re giving yourself and your business a leg up against bad actors, while also promoting your business as safe and trustworthy for your stakeholders, who are conscious about where they put their data, which is a major plus to any business!
We’re excited to show you the second installment of the Advisor Series! We’re joined by special guests Katie Reed, a leader at Lenovo and an Evolve Small Ambassador with over 10 years in the industry and a passion for giving back to the community. We’re also joined by Gerald Youngblood, Chief Marketing Officer for Lenovo North America.
Last but definitely not least, we have Matt Messick on call, Chief Information Officer for the Dallas Cowboys. Matt and his team play a vital role in keeping the AT&T Stadium’s networks secure and running at peak performance year-round, handling the voice traffic, data traffic, and hundreds of thousands of devices that connect during sporting events, concerts, and dozens of other activities.
That means protecting and orchestrating big events like the Lenovo and Dallas Cowboys partnership for the inaugural Empowering the Heart of Texas, that awarded 10 lucky small business owners with $5,000 at the AT&T stadium.
Together, this team of thought-leaders is taking on some of the key issues and questions that small business owners, IT professionals, and entrepreneurs face on a daily basis. Key topics include:
Data security and why it’s important to small businesses
Identifying and protecting sensitive data
How to create a “human firewall”
How you can leverage data security in your marketing strategy
What is data security and why is it important to small businesses?
Data security isn’t as scary as it seems, and laying the foundation is critical for small businesses. Simply put, data security involves the addition of measures to protect digital information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alterations, or destruction. Briefly put – bad actors.
For small businesses this includes protecting customer data and financial records. It’s to safeguard the life of your business – information. You want to make sure you have the right protections, or the checks and balances, in place to make sure you can get to where you need to be.
CIO of the Dallas Cowboys Matt Messick opened the conversation saying: “[by] protecting our data information from unauthorized access, corruption, theft…we’re protecting our brand.”
As a small business owner or entrepreneur, it’s important to keep in mind some of the following key points that showcase how data security is important to you and your business:
Customer Trust: Small businesses often thrive on personal relationships and trust. A data breach can erode customer trust and loyalty, damaging the business’s reputation and bottom line.
Legal Compliance: As data privacy regulations tighten and evolve globally, adhering to these regulations is not just ethical but also a legal requirement. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties and fines.
Financial Stability: The fallout from data breach can be financially devasting. The cost of dealing with a breach – from legal fees to compensation for affected parties – can cripple a small business.
Intellectual Property Protection: Many small businesses and entrepreneurs rely on unique processes or ideas. Data security safeguards these intellectual assets, preventing them from falling into the wrong hands.
Gerald Youngblood elaborated on this topic: “you want to focus on your business, you want to focus on what you’ve committed to your customers [and] to your partners that you’re trying to get done…if you’re worried about not just your companies’ data, but the data of your customers, then it slows you down. Ideally, you set a foundation in place so that you can really focus your attention on your business.”
Identifying and protecting sensitive data
There are several ways that small business owners can work to improve their organization’s data security set-up and strategy. Important steps to ensure a strong and lasting data security foundation include:
Conduct a Data Audit: Messick said that you should “take inventory of where everything is…take stock of devices, applications, and what [kind] of data you have.” This is key. Identify all of the sensitive data your business collects, processes, and stores routinely. This includes customer information, financial records, and any proprietary data. Know that understanding your data landscape is the first step to building its security.
Educate your Team: Human error is a leading cause of data breaches. Train your staff on security best practices, including recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and understanding the importance of data security.
Secure Physical Access: Don’t overlook the importance of physical security. Ensure that servers and other storage devices are kept in secure locations with limited access. Physical theft can be as damaging as a digital breach.
Regularly Update Software: Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit. Ensure that all software, including antivirus programs and firewalls, is regularly updated to the latest versions.
Back Up Data: When asked about the cloud Messick said, “if you’re using the cloud you want to think about what makes sense to add to the cloud… [it all] depends on your needs – and double check where you’re saving your information. Regularly backing up your data is important. Store it in a secure location. This ensures that even if there is a data breach incident or possible information loss, you can quickly recover your information without significant disruption to your business.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require multiple forms of verification before granting access to sensitive systems of data. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, making it more challenging for unauthorized users to gain access.
Secure Wi-Fi Network: This is especially critical in an increasingly remote working world. You want to use strong unique passwords for your Wi-Fi networks and enable WPA3 encryption. Additionally, consider separating your business network from the guest network to add an extra layer of security.
Become SSL Certified: A secure sockets layer (SSL) is vital for your business. Proper certification keeps user data secure, verifies the ownership of your website, helps prevent attackers from creating fake versions of your website, and ranks you hire in the search engine optimization.
Creating a “Human Firewall”
When it comes to securing information in your business, you need to make sure it’s a group effort, because even with the best technological defenses in place, humans remain a crucial factor in data security. Implementing or creating a “human firewall” means installing a culture of security awareness within your organization. Here are some common issues and ways to avoid them:
Phishing Attacks: It’s important to train employees to recognize phishing emails and messages. Conduct simulated phishing exercises to test their awareness and responsiveness.
Unauthorized Access: Regularly review and update access permissions to ensure that employees only have access to the data and systems necessary for their roles and responsibilities.
Lack of Employee Awareness: Youngblood said, “[you want to] set someone up for success from day one – that includes keeping them in the know about cyber security awareness.” Continuously educate employees about the importance of data security. Foster a culture where security is everyone’s responsibility, not just IT’s or yours.
Leveraging your data security in your marketing strategy
Beyond protecting your business, data security can be a powerful component of your marketing strategy. Customers are increasingly concerned about the safety of their data, and showcasing your commitment to their privacy can be a competitive advantage:
Privacy Policy Transparency: Clearly communicate your data privacy to your customers. Transparency builds trust, and customers are always more likely to engage with businesses that prioritize their privacy.
Consumer Education: While it’s important to educate your employees on security best practices, it’s equally as important to spotlight your security measures with customers. Use marketing channels to educate customers about the steps you take to protect their data. This reassures existing customers while also making a strong selling point for potential customers.
Highlight Security Features: If your products or services include security features, make sure to highlight them in your marketing material. This can seal the deal for security-conscious customers.
Q&A
If you are running a small business from home, do you have any tips or suggestions for protecting your home connection and any best practices for protecting your router?
GY: There are basic things like firewalls that you can enable at home on your home network. The password thing [updating your password and using two-factor authentication] applies to your own home network. Make sure you have a complex password that you change periodically for your own home network and Wi-Fi. It’s really dependent on how you interact with your business from home – that’s where you leverage the cloud for data.
MM: I agree…I treat it the same way I do at the office. I do monthly patching on all the Wi-Fi access points and switches; I have a firewall that will limit what comes in and out. Some firewalls that you can get out there are simple...they can be very customizable. There are some basics you can do to protect yourself at home and I probably would…there are a lot of open ports; ports are the pathways on the internet, so you can disable lots of different things that you don’t really need.
In the dynamic world of North American small businesses, some seek the spotlight and vital support for their growth. Lenovo's Evolve Small initiative stands as a beacon, offering more than just hope for these businesses; it's a catalyst for change. Over 1,300 small businesses have already received substantial support, exceeding $2.4 million in technology, financial aid, mentorship, and community backing. But our mission is far from complete.
The Evolve Small initiative is not solely about financial aid; it's about transforming businesses and propelling them to new heights. It's about creating a supportive network where small businesses flourish. Our dedication remains unwavering – to continuously support and offer opportunities to these often-overlooked small business owners.
Now, picture this: your small business could be at the center of attention. Imagine being the talk of the town with exceptional ad spots, cutting-edge tech, grants, and personalized videos. Queen Latifah herself could be the face of your small business across billboards, social media, and radio. This unprecedented exposure could skyrocket your business's visibility and reputation, setting you apart in the competitive market.
Moreover, there are three distinct packages, from Platinum to Silver, each awarded based on your application and location. To qualify for the Platinum or Gold package, your small business needs to be in Atlanta, Chicago, Raleigh, Dallas, Toronto, or Los Angeles. These packages offer varying levels of benefits and opportunities customized to meet your business's unique needs.
This incredible opportunity is available now through the entry period, running through November 27th. The Evolve Small initiative isn't just a financial boost; it's a platform where small businesses thrive, not just survive.
By providing technology, financial aid, and unparalleled exposure, the Evolve Small initiative aims to uplift and empower these small businesses to new heights.
This isn't just an opportunity; it's a transformational experience for your small business. The chance to have Queen Latifah promote your business and access these varying packages could reshape your business's trajectory.
The Lenovo Evolve Small initiative remains dedicated to empowering small businesses and creating a brighter future for them. Seize this remarkable opportunity and steer your small business toward success!
Don't miss out! The entry period runs through November 27th. Visit www.Lenovo.com/EvolveSmall to learn more and unlock your business's potential!
For small business owners, securing sustained financing is crucial to support consistent growth and provide opportunities to scale.
In this session, Joey Womack, Founder and CEO of Goodie Nation will join Melinda Douglass, NA Commercial Visuals Senior Manager at Lenovo, to break down how small business owners can source and secure funding opportunities that allow them to meet their long-term goals.
Focus areas for this session include:
Understanding dilutive vs. non-dilutive capital
Identifying funding opportunities for each stage of business growth
Navigating alternative sources of capital and when they’re right for your business
Taking the human-first approach to pitch competitions to maximize success
Tune in below to enjoy this interactive session and learn how to tap in to capital opportunities that meet the unique needs of your business.
Funding 101: How to Build a Capital Model with Joey Womack, Previously Live: Recorded October, 2023
What stage in the funding process are you for your small business journey?
What did you think of the pitch tips from Joey? If you've ever entered a pitch competition before, how did you do, what was it like?
Do you have any questions for Joey and team?
Let us know in the comments below and be sure to register for the rest of the Advisor Series Webinars so you don't miss any future sessions!
We know that small business owners often wear MANY hats: CEO, CFO, Supply Chain Manager, HR, IT. And it can be exhausting and emotionally taxing to manage so much on a single pair of shoulders. So how do you ease that burden while maintaining that dedication to a business that grew out of a brilliant idea and a lot of sweat equity?
Chantel Cohen is a small business owner herself, running CWC Coaching & Therapy. Her team focuses on assisting small business (and large corporation) clients in understanding the three most important areas in their lives: themselves, their businesses, and their relationships.
In the webinar below, Chantel will dive into the realm of Emotional Intelligence (EQ), the key in the equation to understanding how to manage your own emotions and influence the emotions of your team to make you as successful as you can be. Listen in to learn:
What Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is and why it’s important
How to evaluate your EQ as a leader and entrepreneur
Strategies and hacks to grow and develop your EQ
Tune into the conversation on-demand for this insightful and inspiring session as you discover new ways of relating to yourself, your business and your relationships!
Harnessing Your Emotional Intelligence with Chantel Cohen, Previously Live: Recorded May, 2023
What did you think of this session? What did you find most helpful and insightful about EQ?
How strong is your EQ? What is one way you'd like to improve your EQ?
Please share with the community below!
