Allied Document Solutions & Services

Why SMBs Must Have a Google My Business Page

September 21, 2016 by Rob Richardson

Thanks to the Internet, today’s buyers are much more equipped with knowledge and resources than any other group that have come before them when it comes to making a purchase decision. Google plays a large role in this, with 70 percent of consumers resorting to online searches before buying products and services.

Naturally, you want your business to appear at the top of search results when someone types the products or services that you sell into a search query. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to create a Google My Business page, which is free to set up and will provide additional information about your business than the usual Google listing.

For example, when a consumer uses Google to search for your business, in addition to your Google listing, he or she will also find key information such as your address, hours of operation, phone number, pictures of your business, and customer reviews (assuming that you have created a Google My Business page!).

Builds Credibility

From a buyer’s perspective, your business is considered to be more credible when they can read reviews and see what others are saying about your business. While a Google My Business page allows for customers to write reviews and make inquiries, and it also allows your business to respond. This makes a Google My Business page a helpful tool for managing your reputation.

Increases Awareness

By having the ability to upload pictures of your place of business and products offered on your Google My Business page, you are offering another source of validation to consumers that your business is credible. In fact, Google My Business pages that include images receive 42 percent more requests and 35 percent more website traffic than those that don’t.

Offers Valuable Analytics

A Google My Business page also offers businesses access to a number of valuable analytics, such as how customers searched and found your website, and where they came from. You can also easily track how many calls came from your direct-listed phone number on Google Search and Maps.

As you can see, there are a number of benefits that a Google My Business page can offer to your business. By not taking advantage of this free tool, you aren’t able to effectively target potential customers where they primarily do their research – online. Don’t risk losing business to your competitors and create a Google My Business page today!

Stop Data Breaches: Secure Your MFP

August 24, 2016 by Rob Richardson

Almost daily there is another story in the paper or on the news about a major data breach. The latest was the rarely used websiteMySpace. Even though the site has fallen out of favor, it still contains volumes of data useful to cyber criminals. If there can be one benefit from all of this publicity these breaches receive is that it has made us all aware of the importance a keeping vigilant and securing our data.

Today, many offices often have a hidden unlocked door directly into their network, their harmless looking multifunction printer. These devices are much more than just printers. They are sophisticated network devices offering web servers, hard drives, and cloud access. Functioning just like any other computer on your network, your MFP is vulnerable to attack.

You need to secure your printers to make sure your data stays safe. Here are several areas to consider when it comes to protecting your network and critical information.

Secure the Device – Managing access is the first step to securing against attack. First, make sure to never leave confidential information on or around the printer. This is the most common means for breach. Use a software program that requires a key code at the device to print or copy confidential files. Adopt measures like passwords or swipe cards to track access. This allows for different levels of access for each employee and provides an audit trail in the event of a problem.
Adopt Mobile and BYOD Protocols – As more business takes place on personal devices from the road, a whole new area of network vulnerability has opened up. Not only does your network and multifunction device need to be secure, any device that is used to access them needs the same level of security. Limit what devices can enter or leave your network and always install proper security and authentication protocols for personal devices to protect your data.
Secure All Drives – Your MFP’s internal drive can be a threat if not properly decommissioned. It’s vulnerable not only when on duty, but even after it’s removed from service. Make sure to properly destroy any drives when the device is retired. Automaticdisc and log wiping is often included on your MFP. Use it! Also consider data encryption.

Simple proactive precautions can protect your business, your network and your data. Remember, your MFP is basically another computer on your network. Be sure to give it the same level of protection and keep your business safe.

The Benefits of MPS for Non-Profit Organizations

July 30, 2016 by Rob Richardson

Non-profits are often complex organizations, with a variety of departments, devices, and needs to meet. Budget cuts and staffing issues often make it difficult to balance between cost, functionality, and ease of use in the print environment. For NPOs looking to save money, Managed Print Services can help.

NPOs, Budgets, and Printing

One of the driving factors for an NPO is the strict budget it must maintain. Funding is often in short supply, and can change at any time.

Non-profits are tasked with producing internal documents, public documents, and other materials on a regular basis. Information must be kept private, often with a limited staff to oversee security. Budget constraints often prohibit the purchasing of newer equipment, reducing efficiency and causing an increase in maintenance costs that many NPOs can ill-afford.

Managed Print Services for the NPO

Managed Print Services (MPS) can offer a variety of solutions for non-profits. Your MPS provider can:

Analyze and reconfigure your print environment for maximum efficiency and lowest cost.
Provide a predictable printing budget.
Service and maintain your printers.
Provide a single point of contact for all printing issues.
Digitize documents for increased security and improved efficiency.

On average, the changes an MPS provider can make to your print environment can save as much as 30% on your printing costs. At the same time, they make these costs predictable to better work within your limited budget. Operations will become more user-friendly as well as more efficient, improving your overall workflow.

Managed Print Services can help a non-profit organization in a variety of ways. With all the challenges you face, let a Managed Print Services provider take the burden of the print environment off your shoulders. Contact us today to find out if you qualify for our exclusive Managed Print Services program for non-profits.

Tips to Improve Customer Service

June 29, 2016 by Rob Richardson

SMBs often spend considerable resources on marketing and branding, but don’t put the same resources into customer support. However, a large part of your reputation depends on how customers feel you respond to their questions and problems. Improve your customer support with some of these easy tips:

Use Multiple Platforms

Some people feel the need to speak directly with a person if they have a complaint. Others prefer to use texting, emails, live chats, or other formats. To provide the best service to your customers, use as many of these formats as you can.
Establish a presence on Twitter and Facebook and be sure to respond as seriously to customer issues on these platforms as you would if they called your support line.
Your ticketing system should take this multi-channel approach into account. No matter how a customer first reaches out, it should be converted into a ticket that can be accessed by support agents manning the other channels for seamless support.

Be Aware of Your Hours

Problems don’t always occur between 9am and 5pm, and even when they do, customers cannot always call at this time. Customers prefer to have 24/7 support so they can get help whenever they need it. If this is not feasible for your business, extended night and weekend hours can provide similar benefits at less cost to your SMB.
Peak hours should have extra staffing. Holidays are a time that many customer support lines get heavy traffic. Whatever your peak times are, be sure to have enough staff on duty to respond to customer questions.

Respect Your Customers

Support staff should validate customer complaints and take ownership of the problem. Support should always be given in clear, direct language so there is no confusion.
Long wait times on hold can be discouraging. If possible, have a live person answer the phone to direct the call. Offering a call-back option is also helpful.

Hire Good People

A good support representative will be able to make the customer feel important while solving the problem quickly. Support your agents by allowing them some flexibility to solve problems. While you should have certain limits in place, agents should be able to act under their own discretion to provide the best service to that customer.

With these simple steps you can improve your customer support and your reputation.

Is Your Old Copier Costing You?

May 19, 2016 by Rob Richardson

Have you been putting off upgrading your office copier? Frequently, businesses hold on to their outdated office equipment thinking that upgrading is simply not worth the investment. However, when you think about replacing an old copier, you may only be considering the cost of the new equipment; aging copiers have many hidden costs that you may be missing.

Upgrading your office copier for newer technology has the potential to increase your efficiency, improve workflows and data security, reduce waste and save you money.

Here are some areas to consider:

Lack of Features – Technology is always changing, and copiers continue to add new functionalities. If you have an older model, you may be missing out on the opportunity to improve efficiency and quality, while expanding your capabilities.
Frequent Repairs – Every time your old copier breaks down, productivity slows or comes to a halt. Although repairing the machine can keep it functioning, it could be costing you more than you realize; it may make more sense to put that money towards the investment in a new machine.
Loss of Efficiency – Newer models can complete jobs more quickly than their older predecessors and they use less energy.
No security – Many newer models include security features such as encrypted hard drives, password protection and secure options for faxing and scanning to protect your data and network from cyber attacks.
Unsupported Mobile Print – Many older systems simply cannot support mobile printing, reducing employee productivity.

Experts estimate that by the time your equipment is 10 years old, you are spending more to keep it operational than you would on a new model. Many recommend replacing equipment every five years to maximize the value, stay on top of important upgrades, and stay competitive.

If you’re unsure about how an upgrade can benefit your business, contact us today!

Shopping for a New Copier? Tips to Help You Decide Whether to Lease or Buy.

March 24, 2016 by Rob Richardson

Every decision you make in regards to your business, from the location, to whether to buy or lease your print equipment, affects your bottom line. When you’re ready to start shopping for a new copier, consider your budget, needs and business goals before making your final decision and be sure to consult with a reputable vendor who can offer both purchase and leasing options and will work within your existing budget.

Read on to learn more about the differences between leasing or buying your next copier.

Should You Buy?

The most obvious reason to buy your next copier is that you own it and are free to trade, sell or upgrade. For businesses that may experience significant growth or change in a relatively short period of time a copier that no longer serves their needs is of little use. The money spent on your original purchase is an investment, some of which you’ll be able to recoup when you upgrade, unlike a lease payment, which is gone for good.

Cash flow is a major consideration, as financing could tie up your funds, preventing you from financing additional purchases.

Should You Lease?

When you lease your copier you can easily upgrade every few years, allowing businesses that otherwise might not be able to afford the latest technology to enjoy the latest features. Small businesses who are challenged with cash flow can acquire much needed equipment without dipping into their funds because leasing doesn’t usually require a downpayment. Budgeting becomes much easier with a predictable monthly expense.

However, if your business experiences a period of growth and you no longer need the equipment, you may still have to continue to make payments, depending on the terms of your lease. Removal fees at the end of the lease take many unsuspecting businesses by surprise.

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding whether to lease or buy your next copier, as both have their merits. So how do you choose? Base your decision on which path will best help you meet the short and long term goals of your company, working closely with your sales representative to make sure you stay within your budget.