Can you believe that it is almost 2023? Now is the time to prepare your tech, your business, your website, your marketing, and yourself for the coming year. Here are some tips to help you start 2023 off on the right foot.
1.) New Tech
–Setting up a new device
Fully charge your new device before you begin setup or use. If the device requires an account (Apple ID, Google, Microsoft, Amazon account, etc.), you should log in to (or recover) any existing accounts before setting up new ones. If you wish to set up a new account for your device, document the email address and password/PINs used to create the account. Always add security questions or 2-factor authentication, as well as a valid alternative contact method (email or phone number). Once your device setup has been completed, you should connect your device to your wireless network (if applicable) and perform any system updates by accessing the settings from your device menu.
–Protecting your device
Electronics are expensive, and accidents happen. Invest in a high-quality case as well as a good screen protector. If you feel you are accident-prone, consider adding a device protection plan offered by your provider/carrier.
–Maintaining your device
To keep your new device running at peak performance, take some time to uninstall unused apps, disable unneeded notifications, and restart your device regularly. You must also periodically physically clean the device with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. When charging the device – never leave it on a charger overnight. Overcharging will cause damage to the battery and shorten its lifespan.
2.) Older Tech
–Backup your data
When was the last time you backed up any of your data? Your phone? Your computer? Your tablet? Make sure you regularly back up all critical data; it is challenging to retrieve data from a dead device.
–Maintaining your device
Like new devices, your old ones need to be kept clean and updated. Again, regularly uninstall unused apps/programs, disable unnecessary notifications, unsubscribe from email newsletters you don’t read, and restart your device/computer regularly. You must also periodically physically clean the entire device/computer with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. When charging any device – never leave it on a charger overnight.
-Password check
When was the last time you updated your passwords? Hackers regularly break into sites and steal personal information. One of the best ways to ensure your accounts are safe is to change your passwords routinely. Never use the same password twice, never re-use old passwords, and try to use alphanumeric passwords that are difficult to guess.
3.) Your Business Tech
The start of a new year is an exciting and challenging time for businesses. It is a great time to reflect on what worked and didn’t over the previous twelve months. It is also an excellent time to take stock and evaluate what your business needs to go forward.
–Is Your Hardware Still Up to The Task?
If your computers and peripherals are over two years old, it is well past the time for a hardware upgrade. Newer hardware isn’t only safer to use but is faster and capable of holding more data. Today’s computing demands ask a lot of our hardware, and older hardware isn’t up to the task. Take time to review your IT demands to ensure no bottlenecks in your productivity pipeline.
–Is Your Backup Reliable and Working?
Every business needs reliable backups for its data. It doesn’t matter if you simply transfer files manually to an external hard drive or USB storage device, copy documents over to a local server, or save all of your media to the cloud; you need to have a system in place that is performed regularly. You don’t want to discover that your backups haven’t been going on when you need them the most.
–Is Your Compliance Up to Date?
Nearly every business has compliance and regulations standards that it must adhere to keep its position in the marketplace. These may be industry specific (such as medical or automotive certifications) or regional protections (such as data protection regulations). Compliance regulations tend to change regularly. Make sure that yours are up-to-date.
4.) Business Marketing & Promotion
–Is your website ready for 2023?
Website trends are constantly changing, and your site needs to change with them. Much like your hardware, if your website’s look and feel haven’t been updated in the past two years, it is well overdue for a facelift. Web technology, consumer expectations, search engine optimization rules, and more change dramatically from month to month. If you don’t keep up, you will be left behind by your competitors that do.
–Social Media Channels
Is social media part of your marketing strategy? If it isn’t, it sure should be! It would be best if you were where your potential customers are, and they are all over social media. Take the time to put together an engaging strategy for 2023 that includes posting regularly.
–Marketing Materials
Do your marketing materials still reflect the right message for your company and brand as you head into a new year? When was the last time you re-designed their overall look and feel? Your marketing materials need to stay on top of current visual trends in order to be noticed and remembered by potential customers.
5.) For Yourself
A new year can be a bit daunting, but never forget that you need to work on yourself. We aren’t discussing New Year’s resolutions that everyone forgets about come February. I mean the small things every single day that make your day better, your life better, and the lives of those around you.
Happy New Year, everyone!
-TeCHS