Author: Hannah

Categories
Gardening & landscaping

How to make the most out of a small garden

From tiny apartment balconies, rooftop decks, compact courtyards or narrow paved walkways, there are many creative ways to create a lush, serene and functional garden regardless of the size of your outdoor area.

Well planned small gardens can be just as beautiful and functional as sprawling manicured ones. Best of all, they don’t take much financial cost and time to set up and maintain.

If your tiny outdoor area is in need of some TLC, here are our eight top tips to make the most of the space you do have and bring your small garden to life.

Space-saving furnishings

When setting up your small garden for practical use like alfresco dining and drying laundry, opt for space-saving options. Invest in a sturdy foldaway table and set of chairs, a collapsible umbrella and a retractable clothesline, so you can minimise clutter and tuck all these items away when not in use.

Multi-purpose bench seating

If you have the space, consider adding in timber bench seating with hinged lids. This provides the perfect spot to store all those little items, like watering cans, cushions, gardening and BBQ equipment, collapsible chairs, firewood, the esky and alike that can take up precious space in your little garden. You could even incorporate planter boxes into the bench seat design giving you a comfy spot to sit as well as grow your fave lush plants.

Bench seat with additional seating / Source: Bondi Landscapes Design & Construction

Create levels

Define different areas of your small garden using pavers, steps, hedges, garden beds, gates, water features, decking, screens or fences. Believe it or not, this will help to make the area feel larger and allows you to create multiple outdoor zones with different purposes. Consider adding in a chill-out zone level with benches, a fire pit and/or water feature and then a dining and cooking level with a table setting and a BBQ.

Look around

When planning your mini garden look to use every possible inch of space to grow plants. Look for opportunities to hang plants off an awning, fencing, walls, verandas or the garden trellis. Make the most of blank wall space on your patio, courtyard wall or balcony by adding greenery in the form of wall mounted planters, climbing plants or by hanging a vertical garden. Woolly Pockets are a great green wall modular planter option that is easy to install and maintain, with self-watering versions available.

Go potty

Planter boxes and pots are the perfect solution for small paved courtyards with no garden beds and cramped concrete balconies. Line larger pots and shrubs along your balcony railing for extra privacy. Container gardens are especially good for renters who can easily uproot all their hard work and take their pot plants with them when they move on to a new home.

Feature pot plant / Source: Northside Landscaping & Gardening

Edible extras

Create your own little green fragrant oasis in your planters, pots or a raised garden bed by planting easy to grow edibles and herb variety es. Edible plants that thrive in containers and small spaces include lettuce, strawberries, citrus trees, olive trees, bush beans, spinach, mint, chives, rosemary, basil and thyme, just to name a few!

Up the Zen factor

For those without a green thumb or a serious interest in gardening, a minimalist Japanese-style Zen pebble garden could be a good low maintenance way to go. Enhance the tranquil Japanese theming with the addition of a beautiful potted Japanese maple, bamboo screen to provide a wall of green, a Buddha statue, a koi fish pond or a Bonsai tree or two. The great thing about Bonsai trees is they grow very slowly, don’t take up much space and look amazing.

Contact local gardeners

Screen queen

Typically, compact living means close proximity to neighbours and a lack of outdoor privacy. If your courtyard or balcony space has neighbours overlooking or visible foot traffic close by, a natural screen can be the perfect way to go to add greenery and privacy. Plant a line of bamboo, magnolia trees or mother in-law’s tongue along the area you wish to block out prying eyes from. Alternatively put up a garden trellis and plant creeper plants below to make a lush green screen that maximises privacy.

We hope these tips help you to transform your small yard from drab to a fab private green oasis. For more tips and tricks about gardening take a look at our garden privacy ideas, vertical garden ideas and indoor plant guide.

Categories
Finance

Small business tax advice

Running a small business isn’t always smooth sailing, especially at the end of the financial year. With these few tax return tips, you’ll have your tax return done quick, so you can get back to business.

Prepare your tax return early

Avoid the rush in July by getting your documents together early. For some businesses, this involves manually collecting an inventory of receipts, expense records, invoices or employee details to review your company’s spend. Keeping records helps you understand your business’ financial situation and for tax purposes, receipts should be kept for up to five years. Starting as early as possible is the best way to minimise stress towards the end of the financial year and will help you lodge correct statements. As you go, confirm your business records are up to date and in line with current legislation.

Get ahead of the game and plan ahead by keeping copies of previous years records.

Get in touch with your accountant before June 30 to ensure you’re organised / Source: Stock image.

Tax advice for small business owners – what can you claim?

Being a small business there are plenty of things you’re able to claim tax on. Here’s a brief overview below.

  • If you or your employees travel for business you can claim:
    • airfares, train, bus or taxi fares, accommodation costs, meals and overnight business travel.
  • If you run your business at your home, or your business is based from home, you can claim:
    • the business portion of some expenses, including mortgage interest and electricity.

Match all accounts

Reconciling your accounts ensures bank statements are consistent with your own records, helping you spot any discrepancies in spend and find duplicate transactions. Start by chasing up outstanding payments, pending invoices or unpaid refunds. When all payments are up to date, match your receipts to your bank transactions, asking for copies of receipts where necessary. When you reconcile your accounts, you will also need to consider investment accounts, unpaid or outstanding debts and any leases.

Send payment summaries to employees well before July to ensure your business’ accounts are reconciled before PAYG summaries are provided for employees. Use this chance to update employees’ current financial details and superannuation payments, also checking any termination dates and leave entitlements.

A meeting with a bookkeeper or accountant can be useful as the new financial year approaches.

Contact local tax accountants

Shop for what you need

Some business owners use this opportunity to pre-purchase service and supplies to claim a deduction but fall for the trap of spending for unnecessary items, simply for a tax deduction. You can make a tax deduction on any important businesses purchases.

Claim the right deductions for the best refund

Keep accurate and detailed records to help you make the right deductions and concessions for your business. While it may take you some time to delve into the details of what deductions are available, a little effort from the experts will help your business pocket extra savings this financial year.

You can claim expenses related to the running of your business -mostly for day-to-day costs or for expenses that depreciate over time but are used to improve the structure of your business. To see what can and can’t be claimed, Check the ATO website.

Registered businesses with an ABN and a turnover under $2 mil may take advantage of recent tax concessions. This means they can claim any assets (less than $20,000) if an ongoing activity is adequately demonstrated. According to the ATO, your business may be eligible to claim up to $300 on home office equipment, electrical costs, cleaning expenses or repairs although documentation is required to claim deductions that exceed $300.

Plan ahead for maximal tax return savings

The end of the financial year is also an opportunity to compare your business’ performance to last financial year. You can then set realistic business goals for the upcoming year.

Lauren suggests that businesses should consider investing time and money in the right accounting software. This will minimise the risk of tax audits and penalties.

“Be organised. If you have adequate accounting software and bookkeeping procedures, you can do the work as you go,” she says.

The pressure of running a small business is already a lot to handle. When the end of financial year comes around, why not leave it to the experts? From tax accountants to bookkeepers, request a free service and make the right expert connection.

Categories
News & updates

7 ways to create a professional brand image

Having a professional brand image is just as important as the service you provide. Why? It builds trust and credibility, which attracts more customers. Think about it this way – would you rather hire a cleaner in casual clothes or one that presents himself in a crisp, branded uniform?

Creating a professional brand image is not as difficult as you may think. This checklist will help you create a professional brand image!

1. Have a professionally designed logo

Your logo represents your brand, helps customers remember who you are and builds credibility. That’s why it’s extremely important to have it professionally designed. If you need a logo or need your current one updated, you can find graphic design experts ready to help on Oneflare.

2. Have a company uniform

A smart-looking shirt with your logo will make all the difference when customers meet you for the first time. It shows customers you are a legitimate business they can trust.

3. Have professional photos of your business

Customers always want to know who they’re hiring. Make sure all photos of your business are professional and not like one you uploaded from your phone. Need a photoshoot done? Find your local photographer on Oneflare.

4. Brand your vehicle

This one is really a no-brainer! Take advantage of free advertising by having your business name and logo clearly on your truck, van or ute, so it’s visible to everyone you drive by.

5. Have a business website

Customers turn to the internet to find what they need, so be right where they can find you! Being on Oneflare is a great start, but having your own unique website will help increase your professional image. Link your website to your Oneflare profile page so you can show off your reviews. Need help? Just give Customer Care a call!

6. Jump on social media

It’s free, easy to update and when you connect with customers, you increase customer loyalty. Show off your portfolio, answer customer enquiries and provide them with the latest information about your business. It’s the easiest way to be discovered by new customers too!

7. Promote your brand

Hand out business cards, fridge magnets or any other merchandise you may have. The more your brand is out there, the more likely customers will remember your business! You can find trusted printers on Oneflare.

Categories
Design & technology

The best tools to use if you’re building an app

Creating an app is a tall order. However, it’s also one that’s well worth the time, dedication, and resources that go into it. According to the Business of Apps, there were 194 billion app downloads in 2018 alone. In other words, the field of app development is a large market, and it’s only growing.

Having an app for your business can help increase your profit margins by drawing more customers in and making shopping with you more convenient for existing customers. Also, it can help you drum up important brand recognition and loyalty.

Making an app isn’t an easy task, though. It requires plenty of planning and works on behalf of the app company. To get the job done efficiently and to the best of your ability, you’re going to need the right tools for the trade. Luckily, there are plenty of different types of tools you can take advantage of during the process that will help pave the way to your new mobile app!

General workflow management

One of the hardest parts of project management is making sure that every step is done in order without fail. If a step is skipped in app development, you’ll find it difficult to move forward or even struggle with bugs within the program. So, a way to easily track what needs to be done is essential.

There are a lot of options out there for this, but Casual is one that’s quickly gaining steam. It offers a simple interface that displays a flowchart of what needs to be done and which users are taking care of that step. This is incredibly helpful when it comes to handling large projects that require many smaller tasks or need to be done over a longer period of time.

Contact local mobile app developers

If you want something slightly more streamlined that gives team members their own individual tasks without necessarily tying them all together. If you’re seeking this level of individual anonymity, apps like Asana focus on individual task lists. They allow for task assignment with a description of what needs to be done and space in each task to instant message back and forth on the specific job. With its simple interface, there isn’t much room for confusion, and you can easily communicate what you need between team members without any trouble.

Note-taking tools

As you go through the app development process, you’re likely to find that you come up with ideas as you go along that you can’t put into practice immediately. In these cases, you’ll want to keep these ideas in a central, easy-to-find location. If you’re just scrawling them on spare pieces of paper, it’s very easy for them to get lost or forgotten about. In a dedicated area, though, you can find them as you need them. You should have a clear mobile app development process follow to be able to manage any small or big mobile app development task.

One example of a handy service for this purpose is Evernote. This is a tool that is often marketed to college students, but it’s just as valuable to businesses and individual employees. It allows you to keep track of any notes on or ideas about a project and search and reference them as you need to. Since it’s a cloud-based system, you can even access it from a different computer, or it can be accessed by a different team member working on the project.

All of these tools will help you keep your app development projects on track and give you a profitable and polished end results. This is crucial in a world where the tech industry is not only growing but an essential arm that businesses can’t survive without.

Categories
Success stories

Success Story | Melisa from Melisa Savickas Photography

Here we share the story of Melisa Savickas Photography

Starting a small business can be daunting. The stress of whether you’ll be successful, and what the right next step should be to grow can be overwhelming. We spoke with Melisa from Melisa Savickas Photography in Melbourne to hear her insights on how she’s approached running a small business, and how Oneflare was able to help grow her small business.

Melisa has been in the photographic industry for the past two decades working in a variety of roles, and decided to run her own business and register it with Oneflare less than a year ago. Since registering with Oneflare, her photography business has been hired on Oneflare over 73+ times and has over 33+ positive reviews and high star ratings. Here’s what Melisa had to say about how using Oneflare has helped her along the path to success.

Melisa uses Oneflare to help grow her photography business / Source: Stock image.

How much has Oneflare helped grow your business?

Since I got started, Oneflare has been instrumental in growing my client base. My business has more than doubled with Oneflare. I have a regular influx of new customers, and I find that some of my Oneflare customers are returning time and time again to hire me.

How has Oneflare helped this growth?

I have been able to access the general public as well as businesses that I would not otherwise have had access to. I am a sole trader and do not have a shop front, just a website and social media for advertising. Oneflare has become a very effective way for me to market my business and grow my customer base.

How do you think Oneflare helps small businesses?

Small businesses will get the right exposure to new customers on Oneflare, at a reasonable cost and a high strike-rate for professionals. It’s a really effective tool for small businesses to access the customers that they need to get started and keep going.

Do you find using Oneflare easy?

Yes, it’s easy and simple to use. The interface is intuitive and it’s easy for me to update my details, add new images or take old ones down, plus I can respond to my customers’ comments to thank them for their positive reviews. I get notified of new jobs easily through my email and the app on my phone so I can send my quotes quickly.

What is the most important feature of your Oneflare profile to catch a potential customer’s attention?

My positive customer reviews and high star ratings show what I offer my customers in a way that they will trust. I have completed my profile with details of who I am and what I do, plus I show evidence through images of my photographic skills. Being able to link my profile to my business website gives potential customers confidence in my work.

What advice would you give to someone starting to deal with their first customers?

Build up a portfolio of your work and take the time to create a professional-looking website that shows it off. Be reliable and polite with customers. Having good communication skills is essential and always be friendly when talking to customers and out on jobs.

What advice would you give to someone starting their business on Oneflare?

Read the onboarding emails and the Win Work Guide after you register, because these tell you how to correctly complete your profile and get started quoting on jobs. When communicating with a potential customer, provide as much information to them as you can.

Register your business

What should people who want to hire a professional photographer look for?

  • A good photographer will have taken the time to make a professional website and profile that shows a range of their work to a high standard.
  • Don’t go for the cheapest quote – professionals need to factor in high-end camera gear, photo-editing software and the costs of running a small business.
  • Explain a breakdown of the costs when giving a quote, so there’s no room for surprise that can end in getting a bad review.
  • Speak to the photographers that send you quotes to see if you feel comfortable with them since you will be spending a lot of time with them.

Having a small business can be stressful when you hit a quiet period and can’t predict when the customers will pick up again. That’s where using Oneflare comes in. The constant flow of job leads means you can grow your business from scratch, or maintain a steady stream of customers.

Categories
Design & decor

How to organise your wardrobe and shoes

Our wardrobe houses our favourite shirts, treasured trousers and doesn’t forget our shoes, but too often, the inside of our closet can become disorganised and cluttered. 

Digging up an old sweater is a challenge and you can hardly find enough space to store your new winter coat, but with these simple storage solutions, coordinating an outfit will no longer be time-consuming and overwhelming. Refresh your closet space with our simple and effective wardrobe organisation tips.

Group and display

To make extra room in your closet, start by grouping similar items in your closet. The key is to ensure your clothes are easily visible and reachable by organising existing items according to their category-shirts, pants, skirts, coats and dresses. Group your items further by organising seasonally or by colour. Allocate different zones for each category and maintain a neat closet by keeping frequently worn items like gym gear, in an easy to reach location to minimise rummaging through your closet.

While you’re updating your wardrobe space, take the opportunity to donate clothes that you no longer wear. If your closet space is overflowing, here’s a rule that can be useful: With each new purchase, donate an existing item in your closet. Generally, items unworn for six months or more, are unlikely to be worn again.

Use baskets to organise shelves / Source: Shutterstock

Maximise available space

A lack of closet space can be attributed to disorganisation or simply not using all of the available room in your closet space. Whatever your current clothing storage situation is, get into the habit of using all of the available space. Start by revamping your sock and belt drawers with dividers for an efficient and well-organised approach that will condense your socks and belts in one easy to find location.

If your closet contains shorter items such as shirts and skirts, adding another rail bar will maximise your available space, creating two columns of hanging space. Alternatively, make the most of unused floor space with stackable boxes and baskets to store seasonal items and handbags. If you’re lacking in floor space, add hooks to a spare wall or position a hook behind your closet door to hang bags, hats, scarves or display your favourite outfit.

Open up a stuffy wardrobe with sliding doors that are mirrored or coloured to match the tone of your walls. Sliding wardrobe doors add ambience to a space and are a DIY alternative to a small wardrobe space.

Hang smart

Invest in space-saving hangers that will help organise your items in similar categories and maximise your closet space. Thin hangers are ideal space savers, but different clothes may require a specific type of hanger to preserve and extend the life of your items. Tiered hangers or combined coat and trouser hangers are great options when you are strapped for space.

Create shelves

Maximise your existing wardrobe with open shelving options that will give you more space to stack and store. The key to wardrobe shelving is to ensure your items are visible and accessible. Avoid deep drawers but rather, replace them with transparent drawers.

Open shelves, drawers and wire baskets are modern wardrobe solutions that allow you to store folded items, ties and shoes in a small space.

Change the way you reach for items in your closet with these simple but versatile storage solutions that will maximise your existing wardrobe space and help organise and store items effectively.

Contact local a handyman

Shoes

They clog up your entrance, invade your wardrobes and suffocate your hallways. Shoe storage is an enigma, but with the right storage solutions, you can continue to indulge your shoe obsession, expand your collection of favourite heels and still have enough room for a few of his pairs too. Here are a few of our favourite shoe storage ideas:

Go vertical

Strapped for space but juggling an endless shoe collection? Pairs of shoes take up lots of floor space so store your pairs vertically with mounted shelves or steel bars to display and store effectively. Repurpose towel racks or create a bespoke shelf by converting a ladder into a storage unit or housing your beloved heels or along a towel bar.

Shoe library / Source: Shutterstock

Create a shoe library

There’s little value in owning a beautiful pair of shoes if you keep them stuffed in the bottom of your wardrobe. Create a shoe library that will leave Carrie Bradshaw drooling with functional and stylish solutions for your beloved shoes. Visibility and accessibility are integral to a long lasting and efficient shoe storage solution, so rather than tucking your shoes away in their original packaging, store shoes in transparent containers and clear drawers to minimise time spent searching for your shoes. Other solutions include hanger units that can hang from wardrobe railings or can be mounted behind your door.

Stacks on

We aren’t advocates of hiding away your shoes under the bed, in a hideaway drawer or the pit of your garage. Shoe boxes are inexpensive, stackable solutions that will help you group similar shoes together, save time searching for a pair of shoes and will also give your wardrobe an uncluttered look.

Categories
Design & decor

Interior design tips for autumn

As the days get colder and the nights are cutting in, you may have been thinking of ways to decorate and accessorise your home to make it warm and cosy for Autumn. Choice of colour palette, fabrics, textures, lighting and accessories are essential in creating the perfect ambience in your home this season. Whether you’re planning on re-painting your living room, changing up the lighting in your bedroom, updating the cabinetry in the kitchen or wish to re-tile your bathroom, there are many different home decor design considerations to think about.

To find out which design elements we should be incorporating into our homes this Autumn, we speak to Oneflare Interior Designer Alison Leeder, of Melbourne based Leeder Interiors, to get her expert opinion on the top home trends for fall.

Colours

Autumn is renowned for its beautiful display of colours. Whether you choose to add these to your home through soft furnishings, art, or a new coat of colour to the walls, it will instantly create a different ambience. 

Adopt nature’s example and bring in the hues of autumn with warm neutrals, rich reds, burnt oranges and mustard yellows to create a cosy and homely decor. The ombre tones of withering leaves or the blurred shades of an autumn sunset will always guarantee your home is in sync with the season.

Pops of warm autumns and florals / Source: Topshelf Interior Design

Textures

Growing accustomed to the new season comes easy with warm cushion covers and sofa blankets. Get your indoors feeling new by updating your curtains, carpets and bedsheets with an autumn colour palette.

Choose curtain colours that showcase nature by drawing on shades of gold, burnt orange, rich browns and creamy tones. Neutrals colours and splashes of yellow can also contribute some autumn charm to your home.

Keep in mind that although it precedes winter, the autumn months have a different decorative element to winter. Remember to:

  • Opt for soft rugs and patterned cushions and throws that will accentuate the autumn colours
  • Make sure your window coverings are sufficient. Roller blinds let out so much heat, while lined curtains insulate your home much more effectively. Not only do they keep the warmth in, visually they add warmth to a room.

Lighting 

You can never have too many lamps. Table lamps and floor lamps add a warmth and glow that overhead lighting can’t match. Make sure you’ve opted for warm bulbs instead of cool bulbs to add to the feel of the space. If you only have downlights, create a softer lighting scheme by using a dimmer. 

Textured bed layering / Source: Lindy De Waal Interiors

How to bring autumn into your space 

Kitchens: Rustic kitchens have recurring elements such as open shelving or hanging pendant lights. Open shelves provide the opportunity to showcase rustic pots and pans, mason jars or even plants. Wooden textures and colours create an atmosphere that invites nature inside. 

Living room: Your living room will be getting a lot more love as autumn settles in, be inspired by the colours and textures around you. Bring in rustic dried flowers, leaves and textural natives to enhance autumnal vibes.

Simple and natural decorations in your living room space can add an organic flair by bringing the outdoors in. Surround side tables and coffee tables with scented candles for an extra seasonal glow.

Bedroom: Play with rugs, throws and cushions to create a layered, warm and cosy adobe to embrace the season. 

Contact local interior designers

Hiring an interior designer 

If you’re still feeling a little stuck or undecided on which decorating trends to follow this Autumn, Oneflare have professional and accredited interior designers near you that can help you achieve your home design goals. Interior designers will be able to bring your decorating ideas to life through their expert training in creating rooms that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

When hiring an interior designer it is important to have a plan and budget in mind for the project you want to work on and make this crystal clear to the designer you hire. That way your designer can work to a spec that is appropriate to your budget. It is also a good idea to check out the designer’s past work and customer reviews to see if they have worked on similar projects, with the same desired outcome as your own. 

Categories
Gardening & landscaping

8 plants that thrive in warmer weather

Spring is the perfect time to seed and grow a bountiful garden and as we know, plants need plenty of sunlight to to thrive. There are however, certain flowers and fruit trees that particularly benefit from being planted in the warmer seasons and if you’d like to see your garden in bloom, here are eight of the best flowers, trees, herbs and vegetables to grow this spring:

Lemon & citrus trees

Lemon trees are as versatile in planting methods as they are in culinary aspects. Start a lemon tree off in a small pot that can act to brighten up any sunny living area, or line them along the edges of your garden to create a bright atmosphere on grey days. The trees are relatively low maintenance, requiring moderate sun and warm soil, making them perfect for spring planting.

Eggplants

Begin the planting process when eggplant seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, and place them 25 – 30 inches apart in well-prepared beds. Known for their deep purple colour and rounded shape, eggplants thrive in warm climates, with well-drained soil and regular access to water. The longer the summer, the larger the eggplants, and by planting them away from nightshade plants (tomatoes, potatoes), you’ll be giving your eggplant the best chance to grow.  

Tropical plants love warmer climates / Source: Village Studio

Oregano

Oregano is a versatile herb, which is likely to come in handy in any type of cuisine. Save yourself a trip to the shops and grow your own! Oregano can be grown in small pots on your windowsills, protecting them from the wind and giving your indoor space a touch of nature. They thrive in warm climates and only need watering when soil is very dry to the touch.

Tomatoes

A staple of any diet, tomatoes are as tasty as they are vibrant. Requiring slightly more attention than other vegetable varieties, tomatoes need to be grown in areas with full-sun, well-drained soil, and access to lots of water. Additionally, use stakes or cages at the time of planting, to allow the plant to grow up from the ground, protecting the fruit and creating a feature point for your garden.  

Contact local gardeners

Pig-face (Carpobrotus glaucescens)

The only native Australian flower on this list, pig-face is a creeping succulent often used to cover large patches of soil very quickly. With deep green stalks and bright purple/pink flowers (in summer) it’s hard to find a better alternative to quickly brighten up stretches of flat soil in your garden. They are extremely low-maintenance and can withstand salty air (Oceanside) and strong weather conditions.

Magnolia tree

There’s few things more beautiful than a large flowering magnolia tree on a summer’s day. These trees take commitment and often grow extremely slowly, but if you have the time, they are worth the effort. Their large white flowers are timeless, and add a touch of class and serenity to any indoor space when trimmed. Planted in areas exposed to lots of sun, these trees are likely to bring happiness and beauty for decades.

Spring flowers / Source: Vital Ecosystems
Hydrangeas

If you’re looking for classic flowers with a burst of colour, Hydrangeas are for you. When planted in shady areas, with protection from strong wind and hot afternoon sun, they can blossom from late spring and continue into summer. Make sure to keep the soil well drained and you’ll be seeing robust flowers, which bring beauty to any garden, established or non-existent, in no time!

Sunflowers

Probably the most iconic and recognizable flower of all time, sunny sunflowers are bound to draw a crowd. The smiling flowers grow on tall stalks, which can reach 4 meters in height, and are best planted in well-drained, sunny areas of the garden. Growing well into summer, sunflowers are a great way to brighten up any garden, while also doubling as beautiful additions to living spaces. when trimmed and put in vases.

These are just a few of the plants and vegetables that you can plant in springtime. With the weather warming up, what better way to get you outdoors and enjoying nature. Even if you don’t have a green thumb but would still like to enjoy a flourishing garden, let Oneflare help connect you with a skilled and experienced gardener.

Categories
Design & technology

7 tips to increase cyber security for small businesses

Data breaches have become quite common in 2020. This has raised concerns on how to boost SME cybersecurity in 2021. Hacking is quite risky because this means that your data can be accessed by unauthorised people. Most of them are committed by individuals that can do severe damage to businesses. The fact that small businesses do not have enough resources to protect themselves from fraudsters even worsens the situation. In this piece, we have discussed some of the best ways to ensure information security in Australia.

Fortunately, there are many security measures and managed IT services that can be put in place to ensure cybersecurity in Australia and to prepare your small business for attack from hackers.

1. Modify your passwords

Changing your password regularly is one of the best ways to ensure that your data is safe from possible attacks. If you haven’t done this, try to run checks on your primary emails and usernames and make some modifications. You can make good use of online tools that run your important information through specific account data. These tools can tell you the ones that have been accessed illegally and then let out into public domain. Even if you learn that your data still safe, consider changing your passwords and usernames.

Data breaches are rampant, and you might not appreciate being a victim of fraudsters. Still, you don’t want to change your password details so often that your employees find it hard to access information that they need. Worse still, it has been realised that if businesses have to change their passwords many times, they tend to use a pattern. They take the old password and make some slight modifications.

Modify simple passwords / Source: Shutterstock

2. Use a password manager

You should make use of various online passwords manager tools. These tools will help you manage unique passwords for all the sites you need to use and keep them secure for you. With the password manager tools, you reap the full benefits of changing your passwords. SME cybersecurity should involve picking the right tool that has been tested and confirmed to be highly reliable.

It is a great way to manage your accounts without giving your employees a hard time. If you need a member of your team to log in to any of the business accounts, you can share a set of passwords with them. You can also let them change things on the website and even manage social media accounts on your behalf.

Contact local computer repairers

3. Get rid of unused accounts

It is easier for hackers to access your information using credentials that fall along the way. To keep business information safe, go back and delete old unused accounts. This is one of the surest ways to ensure information security in Australia as it does not leave anything behind for the hackers. If you recently moved to a new system or transitioned through multiple employees, you will end up with many accounts. This mostly happens when you do not have a good off-boarding plan. Doing some regular housekeeping might help you get rid of old accounts that you no longer need.

4. Use two-factor authentication

If you have not started, you need to consider using two-factor authentication. It helps you achieve extra security on your logins. It is a simple process that works like registering a new phone number or installing an application on your phone. However, it brings about an extra layer of security so that an attacker cannot access your business information. You can learn more about how it works from reliable offline and online sources before you start using it.

5. Make sure your software is up-to-date

Software updates tend to come up at the most inconvenient time. Therefore, you can easily ignore or even save them for later. This is one of the hugest mistakes made by SMEs. For the sake of cyber and information security, you should ensure that you update your software on an ongoing basis. You will usually be asked to update your software when a new version comes out.

For passwords, you should know that once the vulnerabilities have gone public, hackers will start looking for people responsible for the unsafe software. If you have a pending update that needs to be done, go ahead and do it as soon as possible.

Two factor authentication / Source: Shutterstock

6. Identify phishing and spear-phishing attacks

Phishing and spear-phishing are some of the most popular ways attackers use illegally access business information. While phishing tends to be general, spear phishing is more specific and usually highly convincing. Through training on how to identify any of the two attacks, you can ensure that your business information is not illegally accessed. Also, your employees should know everything involved in phishing and spear-phishing attacks and what they need to do in case they detect an attempt. They should also know the details to be ready for in case a hacker makes an attempt to access important information.

7. Use antivirus and antimalware protection

As a small business, you must use professional antivirus and antimalware protection to protect your business from attackers. Regularly, check if all devices used in your organisation have the latest versions of operating systems and software. Make improvements in the necessary areas using highly safe software.

You also need to make use of spam filters to ensure that 99% of spam emails are kept off your email account. This will protect your small business and ensure that your employees are getting the most pleasant user experience. Also, in this case, you need to select reliable spam filters that have been tested and proven to be the most effective.

Every small business should take cybersecurity seriously. This must be done even if there is not enough budget to employ sophisticated initiatives. The steps mentioned in the piece can be highly effective when it comes to protecting your small business from attackers. Make sure that you check your login credentials and use password managers regularly to ensure cyber and information security.

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Design & technology

How to troubleshoot your poor internet connection

Technology might be moving at a fast pace, but sometimes your Internet connection loves nothing more than slowing down. This can occur for a variety of reasons, from viruses to broadband configuration errors. We suggest you go through the following troubleshooting steps to ensure your internet speed is running at the optimum level.

1. Test your speed

  • Test your broadband speed

When you are experiencing lagging web pages or it’s taking a long time to download files, check your broadband speed using speedtest.net. This online tool helps to accurately measure network speed. Simply complete a click test and you ’ll be shown what download and upload speeds are. You can also determine your ping time, this means how long it takes to get a signal to your nearest location and back.

To put this into perspective, you’ll need 0.5 megabits per second (minimum) to watch Netflix in real time. DVD quality episodes of your favorite shows, you’ll need three megabits per second.If you’re watching in HD, you’ll need five megabits per second. Just remember not to compare your actual results with your ISPs maximum expected speeds. Depending on where you live (e.g. far away from a node or in a congested area), you might not always be able to get the best speeds possible – especially during peak times.

  • Understand Internet shaping

Your Internet is slower when your downloads exceed your monthly internet bandwidth allowance. Once you go over the limit, your internet service provider (ISP) either charges extra money on per-megabyte basis or slows down the internet speed to 64Kbps.

How much data do you need? How important is it to have a realistic estimation of your monthly data usage? Think carefully about your downloading habits and consult your broadband providers for the best option. In general, having 10-20GB per month is suitable for those who do general activities, such as web surfing, checking social media, watching Youtube. But if you are a heavy downloader and enjoy watching live stream TV, it is safe to go with 50-100 GB plans.

  • Check NBN connection

For those who have a real need for speed, having NBN is the best option to ensure your speed needs are met. It is consistently fast and more than capable of providing a faster speed than other broadband options. However, as noted, it is only available in certain areas. Check here to see whether NBN has been made available in your area.

Home desk with modem & devices / Source: Tattwa Networks

2. Free up some space on your computer

  • Remove unnecessary programs on your hard drive  

Are there any programs you installed but haven’t used for a while? Now it is the time to hit the uninstall button. Not only will removing unnecessary or old programs free up space on your hard drive, but it will also improve the overall health of your computer – including your Internet speeds.

Installed programs can run on the operating system even if they’re not being used. The more connections there are, the more work your OS (Operating System) has to do. Computers are certainly advanced, but just like us, multitasking can slow things down.

  • Use 3rd party installer to remove stubborn programs

A good rule of thumb: the leaner the better. If you’re having trouble removing certain software, it might be a smart idea to find a dedicated third-party installer that allows you to scan quickly for programs and delete at the click of a button. Problem solved.

3. Conduct a computer health check

  • Invest in a reputable anti-virus program

If you don’t have one already, it’s time to invest in an antivirus program. While Mac and Windows have their own inbuilt virus protection (which often does the trick), it’s still worth considering an extra/alternative option. There are many to choose from, but going with a reputable program such as Norton, McAfee or Kaspersky is your best bet.

  • Run a anti-virus program on a regular basis

When was the last time you ran an antivirus scan? If the answer is, “I can’t remember,” – then it’s probably time to do something about it! There are viruses, worms and bugs that often perform malicious acts, such as deleting files, accessing personal data, or using your computer to attack other computers. And the truth is, malicious software can hijack your network and slow your connection.

Contact local computer repairers

4. Seek and destroy adware

  • Check your cookies to spot adware and spyware

Ever been bombarded by pop-up windows after clicking a link? Or installed a free download and noticed your computer has slowed down? Welcome to the frustrating world of adware and spyware. These programs range from being mildly annoying to completely invasive – and they always hijack your bandwidth.

  • Install programs and extensions with care

Prevention is better than fixing a problem once it is there. It is important to take extra caution when you decide to install a free tool. Legitimate sites will not force their users to install a “toolbar” or any other extra program as part of a file download.

5. Extend your Wifi network by boosting router

  • Tweak software to maximise performance and speed

Upgrading your firmware depends on your device manufacturer and model. Most up to date routers have the process built right into the administration interface, so it’s simply enabling the firmware upgrade button. However, older models you need to first find and download the firmware from the router manufacturer’s website. It’s tedious, but the benefits really do outway the work required.

  • The faster the better

While it’s a sad thing to say, many people’s lives now revolve around the Internet – researching, buying things, booking travel, setting up businesses, finding work, developing our skills. Productivity is the key to organise our busy lives. So, when we can’t do these things efficiently, it can be frustrating. If your connection is jumping about or your speed is slowing you down all the time, look to need the following steps to troubleshoot and speed things up.

If the problem has gone beyond your control, speak with a computer repairer to solve it immediately.