Streamlining Data Storage for Small Business: From Chaos to Order

As a small business owner, you know that managing your data is one of the biggest challenges you face. With so much information coming in from different sources, it can be overwhelming to keep track of everything. And when you add in the need to store and access data securely, the task can quickly become daunting.

But fear not; there is a solution! By streamlining your data storage, you can turn chaos into organization and gain control over your data. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of a streamlined data storage system and provide some practical tips on implementing one for your small business.

Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for years, these tips will help you keep your data safe and organized, so you can focus on what really matters - growing your business. So let's get started!

The Importance of Data Organization

Data is at the heart of every business. Data drives decisions and helps businesses grow from customer information to financial records. However, data can quickly become overwhelming if it's not organized correctly. Without a streamlined data storage system, you risk losing important information or compromising your data's security. That's why it's essential to have a plan for organizing and managing your data.

Having a well-organized data storage system can provide several benefits for your business. First and foremost, it can help you save time. With a streamlined system, you can quickly and easily find the needed data, without wasting time searching through files or folders. This can help you be more productive and efficient, allowing you to focus on other essential tasks.

In addition to saving time, having a well-organized data storage system can also improve the accuracy of your data. When data is scattered across different systems and platforms, it's easy for errors to occur. By consolidating your data into a single system, you can reduce the risk of errors and ensure that your data is accurate and up-to-date.

Common Challenges of Data Storage for Small Businesses

While having a well-organized data storage system is essential, achieving it's not always easy. Small businesses often face several challenges when it comes to managing their data. One of the biggest challenges is simply keeping up with the volume of data that is generated daily.

As your business grows, so does the amount of data you generate. This can make it challenging to keep track of everything and ensure your data is organized and secure. In addition, small businesses often have limited resources, making investing in the tools and systems needed to manage their data effectively challenging.

Another common challenge of data storage for small businesses is balancing accessibility with security. On the one hand, you need to be able to access your data quickly and efficiently to make informed decisions. On the other hand, you need to ensure that your data is protected from unauthorized access or data breaches. Finding the right balance between accessibility and security can be challenging, but it's essential for the health and success of your business.

Evaluating Your Current Data Storage System

Before you can streamline your data storage system, evaluating your current system and identifying areas that need improvement is essential. Start by taking an inventory of all the data you currently have. This includes digital and physical data, such as paper files or hard drives.

Review your current data storage system once you have a complete data inventory. Is it easy to access and navigate? Are there any redundancies or inefficiencies? Is your data secure? These are just a few questions you should ask yourself as you evaluate your current system.

As you identify areas for improvement, start thinking about how to streamline your data storage system. This may involve consolidating your data into a single system, investing in cloud storage solutions, or implementing new security measures. The key is to find a system that works for your business and helps you stay organized and secure.

Streamlining Your Data Storage with Cloud Solutions

Investing in cloud solutions is one of the most effective ways to streamline your data storage system. Cloud storage allows you to store your data on remote servers, accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This can provide several benefits for your business, including improved accessibility, scalability, and security.

With cloud storage, you can access your data from anywhere, at any time. This can be especially helpful if you have employees who work remotely or need to access data while on the go. In addition, cloud storage solutions are highly scalable, which means you can easily expand your storage capacity as your business grows.

Perhaps most importantly, cloud storage solutions are highly secure. Cloud providers use advanced security measures, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect your data from unauthorized access or data breaches. This can provide peace of mind and help ensure your data is safe and secure.

Another factor that has motivated my use of cloud storage is the physical security of my data. By this, I mean that my data is not at risk of natural disasters such as floods or fires that might threaten storage equipment when using physical storage solutions. Plus, I am not at risk of equipment failure, such as a crashed hard drive. Nor do I need to update my equipment periodically to ensure such failures do not occur.

Choosing the Right Cloud Storage Provider

When it comes to choosing a cloud storage provider, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you want to choose a provider that offers the features and capabilities you need. This may include things like automatic backups, file sharing, and collaboration tools.

I am also interested in the syncing method between cloud storage and my computer. Is it real-time or scheduled synchronization? While I prefer the real-time approach, my main concern is that the method be automatic. I don't want to have to think about updating files.

In addition to features, you also want to consider the security and reliability of the provider. Look for providers that offer robust security measures, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication. You also want to choose a provider that has a strong track record of reliability, with minimal downtime or service interruptions.

Finally, consider the cost of the provider. While cloud storage solutions can be very cost-effective, you want to ensure you get good value for your money. Look for providers that offer competitive pricing and flexible pricing plans that can grow with your business.

Best Practices for Organizing Data in the Cloud

Once you've chosen a cloud storage provider, following the best practices for organizing your data is essential. This will help you ensure your data is easy to find, accurate, and secure. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Use a consistent naming convention for files and folders. This will make it easy to find specific files or folders, even if they're located in different parts of your storage system.

2. Create a clear folder structure. Organize your files into folders based on categories or projects. This will make it easy to find the files you need, without searching through many files.

3. Use tags and labels. Many cloud storage providers allow you to add tags or labels to your files. This can make finding files easily based on keywords or other criteria.

4. Regularly clean up your data. Delete files that are no longer needed and archive older files that are still important but not frequently accessed.

Data Security Considerations

While cloud storage solutions are generally very secure, it's still important to take steps to protect your data. This includes implementing strong passwords, using multi-factor authentication, and limiting access to sensitive data.

In addition, it's essential to regularly monitor your data storage system for any signs of suspicious activity. This may include unusual login attempts or changes to your files or folders. By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps to protect your data, you can minimize the risk of a data breach and ensure the security of your business.

Monitoring and Maintaining Your Data Storage System

Finally, monitoring and maintaining your data storage system regularly is crucial. This includes checking for updates and patches, monitoring system performance, and backing up your data regularly.

Regular maintenance can help ensure that your data storage system is running smoothly and your data is secure. It can also help you identify and address any issues before they become significant problems.

Cloud Storage Recommendation

iDrive cloud backup service is a secure and reliable way to store critical data. All your data is encrypted, so you can rest assured that it remains safe. Its intuitive user interface makes it easy to use, allowing for easy setup and quick access to your files from any device connected to the web. By linking your devices with iDrive, your files and folders will be synchronized in real-time across all the devices without impacting your backup storage. You can also set up automatic backup schedules to ensure all your devices are backed up regularly. With iDrive, you will never worry about losing important data again.

Conclusion

Managing your data can be daunting, but with the right tools and systems in place, it doesn't have to be. By streamlining your data storage system and following best practices for organization and security, you can turn chaos into organization and gain control over your data. Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for years, these tips can help you keep your data safe and organized, so you can focus on what really matters - growing your business.

https://digitalchowder.com/streamlining-data-storage-for-small-business-from-chaos-to-order/

10 Essential Digital Resources For The Home Business On A Budget

INTRODUCTION

You need specific tools to thrive as a home business owner, so we've gathered these ten digital resources for you. With this office kit, you'll be able to get the job done without going over your budget.

All items listed, except the docking station and external hard drive, are resources I use in my home business. If I were using a laptop as my primary office computer, I would use the docking station to connect to a desktop monitor and possibly other peripherals.

In place of an external hard drive, I use Google Drive as an online file storage and sync app. For more information on backup options, read my blog, "5 Recommended Cloud Storage Services For The Small Business."

You may ask whether to use a desktop or laptop computer or both. Or maybe an all-in-one computer would be best? To help with these questions, read my blog, "Finding the Right Computer for Your Home Business."

Please use the comment section at the bottom or our contact form if you have questions or suggestions.

(We independently select these products — if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.)

1. HP 17.3" FHD Laptop

The HP 17.3" FHD Laptop is perfect for budget-conscious shoppers who don't want to sacrifice quality or features. It boasts an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U 4.0GHz processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. And if that wasn't enough, the HP 720p HD Camera with integrated dual array digital microphone ensures high-resolution video calls whether you're working from home or on the go.

Technical Details

Standing screen display size‎17.3 InchesMax Screen Resolution‎1920 x 1080 PixelsProcessor‎2.1 GHz amd_ryzen_5_5500uProcessor Count‎4RAM‎8 GB DDR4Hard Drive‎256 GB SSDGraphics Coprocessor‎AMD Radeon™ graphicsAverage Battery Life (in hours)‎8 HoursOperating System‎Windows 10 Home

2. HP Pavilion TP01 Business Desktop

The HP Pavilion TP01 Business Desktop Intel i3-10100 3.60GHz Processor is an excellent desktop computer for businesses and professionals who need a dependable machine that won't break the bank. It has 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB PCIe SSD drive, making it perfect for those who need something that can handle heavy use without issue. With 4 USB 3.1 Gen1 ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, 1 HDMI port, a USB 3, 1 Type-C Geni port, SDXF Reader, and 1 x Headphone/ Microphone Combo Jack, this desktop has all the essentials. Additionally, it comes preloaded with Windows 11 Home 64 edition.

Technical Details

Processor‎3.6 GHz core_i3RAM‎8 GB DIMMHard Drive‎256 GB Solid State Hard DriveGraphics Coprocessor‎Intel UHD Graphics 630Processor Count‎4Number of USB 2.0 Ports‎4Number of USB 3.0 Ports‎4Series‎Pavilion TP01Operating System‎Windows 11 HomeCheck At Amazon

3. HP All-in-One PC Desk Computer

The HP All-in-One PC Desk Computer is perfect for anyone seeking an affordable and powerful all-in-one desk computer. Its specs include a 2.6 GHz amd_ryzen_3_2300x processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 256 GB SSD hard drive. In addition, the AMD-integrated graphics allow for smooth gameplay or video streaming experiences. Lastly, its 4 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 3.0 ports make it simple to connect all necessary peripherals and devices."

Technical Details

Series‎HP All-in-One 22-dd0032Standing screen display size‎22 InchesOperating System‎Windows 11 HomeProcessor‎2.6 GHz amd_ryzen_3_2300xRAM‎8GB DDR4Hard Drive‎8 GB SSDChipset Brand‎AMDCard Description‎IntegratedGraphics Card Ram Size‎8 GBNumber of USB 2.0 Ports‎4Number of USB 3.0 Ports‎2

4. Sceptre E248W-19203R 24" Ultra Thin 75Hz 1080p LED Monitor

Sceptre 24" Professional Thin 75Hz 1080p LED Monitor is an excellent choice if you're budget-conscious but still want a high-quality LED monitor. With its thin bezel design, it's perfect for both home and office use. Plus, the Full HD resolution delivers crystal clear images, while the 75Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gaming action. And since it has built-in speakers, you don't need to buy separate ones!

Technical Details

Standing screen display size‎24 InchesSeries‎E248W-19203RScreen Resolution‎1920x1080Max Screen Resolution‎1920 x 1080 PixelsColor‎Machine BlackProduct Dimensions‎21.59 x 7.02 x 15.83 inchesCheck at Amazon

5. HP ENVY 6055e All-in-One Wireless Color Printer/ Scanner

The HP ENVY 6055e All-in-One Wireless Color Printer has what you need for your home office at a reasonable price. With auto 2-sided printing, you can save time and paper, while borderless printing gives you professional-looking results every time. Plus, the self-healing Wi-Fi ensures that you always stay connected, even if there's a hiccup with your internet connection. And with an input/output capacity of 100 sheets/25 sheets, you'll easily handle even the most significant print jobs.

Technical Details

ManufacturerHP PrintersProduct Dimensions14.21 x 17.03 x 5.2 inchesItem model numberENVY 6055eCustomer Reviews4.1 out of 5 starsCheck at Amazon

6. Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station

The Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station makes connecting multiple devices to your laptop easy. With four USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports, you'll have plenty of options for connecting external devices - perfect for an expanding work setup from home or a busy office desk on the go! Plus, the black color looks great with any laptop, so you can keep that polished look no matter where you work.

Technical Details

Brand‎PlugableItem model number‎UD-3900Number of USB 2.0 Ports‎4Number of USB 3.0 Ports‎2Color‎BlackPower Source‎DCCheck at Amazon

7. Logitech M720 Triathlon Multi-Device Wireless Mouse

The Logitech M720 Triathlon mouse is the perfect device for those who use multiple computers or devices regularly. Its easy-switch feature allows you to toggle between three different devices with a simple push of a button, and its contoured shape and textured rubber grips make it comfortable to use for long periods. Furthermore, it features an advanced optical tracking sensor for precise control on almost any surface, and dual connectivity that allows you to connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or the included Logitech Unifying Receiver. The mouse also provides side buttons and a scroll wheel for easy navigation, and it is available in black.

Technical Details

Brand‎LogitechSeries‎M720 TriathlonItem model number‎910-006036Average Battery Life (in hours)‎24 monthsOperating System‎Windows 10, 11 or later, Linux +no software support legal footnote, Chrome OS, macOS 10.5 or later, iPadOS 13.4 or later, Android 5.0 or laterCheck at Amazon

8. Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard Stainless Steel Ultra Slim Full Size Keyboard

The Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard is perfect for anyone who wants a straightforward, dependable wireless keyboard. This no-frills keyboard is ideal for those looking to declutter their desk or prefer being unencumbered by a wired connection. The robust and reliable 2.4GHz wireless connection of the Arteck guarantees uninterrupted typing sessions. The Arteck's slender and smooth design is perfect for those constantly moving or with limited space, and it can easily withstand regular wear and tear. Plus, with its quiet keys and detachable USB receiver, the Arteck provides users with a hassle-free typing experience.

Technical Details

Product Dimensions16.85 x 4.92 x 0.55 inchesItem Weight14.9 ouncesItem model numberHW192Batteries1 CR2032 batteries required. (included)Check at Amazon

9. Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD

You are introducing the Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD. This external hard drive is perfect for storing your essential files and documents. With 1 TB of storage space, you'll have plenty of room for everything you need. The Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD is easy to use and compatible with Windows and Mac computers. Plus, it comes in a sleek black color that will look great with any setup. Order your Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD today!

Technical Details

Hard Drive‎1 TB PortableBrand‎SeagateSeries‎STGX1000400Item model number‎STGX1000400Operating System‎Windows®10, Windows 8, Windows 8Color‎BlackHard Drive Interface‎USB 3.0Check at Amazon

10. Logitech C270 HD Webcam

Looking for an affordable and easy-to-use webcam? Check out the Logitech C270 HD Webcam! With a wide field of view and crystal clear HD 720p video, it's perfect for Skype calls, webinars, and even recording videos. Plus, the built-in microphone with noise reduction ensures your voice comes through loud and clear. And setup is a breeze - connect the webcam to your computer's USB port, and you're ready to go!

Technical Details

Brand‎LogitechSeries‎960-000694Item model number‎960-000694Color‎BlackRear Webcam Resolution‎8 MPBatteries‎1 Lithium Ion batteries required.Manufacturer‎LogitechCheck at Amazon
https://digitalchowder.com/10-essential-digital-resources-for-the-home-business-on-a-budget/

The Top Advantages of Freelancing and Making the Most of Them

NOTE: This article, copied from Website Planet, and writer Bethenny Carl, is an excellent resource for freelancers. I offer it to my readers at Digital Chowder to benefit from learning the advantages of freelancing.

Ultimate Guide to Being a Freelancer

Bethenny Carl,
Freelance Jobs Expert

If you’re thinking of becoming a freelancer, you’re probably bored with your day job and looking for new challenges in your life. Maybe you love the idea of being your own boss, or maybe you just need more flexibility in your work schedule. Either way, the freelance life could be perfect for you.

When you’re a freelancer, everything’s up to you. You can choose to work from the comfort of your own home, from your favorite cafe or from a shared office space. If you’re the adventurous type, you can even be a digital nomad, traveling the world with your trusty laptop. You can work for several clients at a time or find one reliable client who can provide you with regular work. You can work regular business hours just like the rest of the world, or sleep till noon and do your work during the wee hours of the night.

The most important thing is to determine what will work best for you, and find your own way to do it successfully. Because after all, that’s what freelancing is all about: finding your own way.

With all the different options out there, if you’re just starting your freelance career, things can seem quite overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’re here to help you figure it all out.

Your Cheat Sheet to Becoming a Successful Freelancer

The freelance life is challenging, but it can be very rewarding and enjoyable. We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you become a successful freelancer. Read on to learn all you need to know about finding work, pricing, managing, and building a freelance business.

Chapter 1: Finding a Freelance Job

Freelancers can find clients in all sorts of places, but one of the best options is through online freelance platforms. Recent data shows that this is how 75% of freelancers find work. Freelance platforms are online marketplaces where freelancers can showcase their skills, share their portfolio, and outline their rates. Clients know that they’ll find plenty of freelancers on these sites, so it’s usually the first port of call for businesses to browse talent and find the right person to work on their next project. Determine which freelance platform (or platforms) is the best for you!

Chapter 2: How to Create a Winning Freelance Profile

A fantastic profile stops clients in their tracks for a second look. That’s the type of profile you want. Your profile on a freelance hiring platform is your storefront, business card, and public face. Clients who have never worked with you before only have your profile to guide them on whether or not they should hire you. Find out how to avoid the pitfalls of a bad profile and create one that gets every potential client clicking!

Chapter 3: How to Price Your Freelance Work

Without question, the most frequently asked question posed by every freelancer is always “How much should I charge?” Pricing your work on Upwork, Freelancer, or any other platform means walking a very fine line. On the one hand, you’re scared that if you ask for too much money, the client will take their business elsewhere. On the other hand, you certainly don’t want to charge less than you deserve. You’re providing a valuable service, and you should be compensated for your skills, experience, and time. So, how do you make this calculation? We provide you with the tools you need to make this all-too-important decision.

Chapter 4: How to Book a Freelance Job

When you’re just starting out as a freelancer, your biggest worry is finding work. You might feel ready to say “yes” to every project that comes along, so you don’t have to spend weeks and months with no work to do. The risk is that you’ll end up saying ‘yes’ to the wrong jobs. Learn which jobs to say “no” to, tips for writing a winning proposal and landing your first job, as well as the pros and cons of going with short-term versus long-term projects.

Chapter 5: How to Discuss a Freelance Project with Your Client Before You Start

Hooray! The client liked your proposal and got in touch to ask for more details. You’re in that tricky stage now between proposal and contract, where you need to understand what the client wants and effectively communicate your requirements. Understand what you need to know before you sign on the dotted line, including deadlines, scope of work, and of course, payment terms.

Chapter 6: How to Navigate the Freelance – Client Relationship

One of the primary skills you’ll need to gain as a freelancer is managing your clients’ expectations. Doing this successfully requires starting on the right foot by presenting your client with a clear contract. Find out how to meet (and exceed) client expectations, build a strong client-freelancer relationship, and how to navigate various issues without it affecting your working relationship. And don’t forget, every type of client is different – we give you a few tips on how to handle different kinds of clients.

Chapter 7: How to Manage Your Time as a Freelancer for Maximum Productivity

Every freelancer is tempted to believe they can fit their work around the rest of their life. This approach could lead to trouble. To succeed as a freelancer, you will need to schedule your work time just as if you worked in an office. It’s important to treat your work seriously, so schedule your work for your most productive time of day. Learn all the tips and tricks to managing all your clients within reasonable hours, including juggling multiple projects, recommended time-tracking and automation software, and, of course, how to maximize your productivity.

Chapter 8: How to Get Paid as a Freelancer

Once you’ve completed your work, the next step is getting paid. Hopefully, you’ll have an appreciative client who pays promptly. First and foremost, you need to choose the best payment option. We summarize the top payment options and help you decide which is best for you. Also discussed is how to receive international payments, fees, invoicing, and (unfortunately) what to do in cases of non-payment.

Chapter 9: Managing Your Finances as a Freelancer – A Comprehensive Guide

As a freelancer, managing your finances can be a lot more challenging than it used to be when you were a traditional employee. When you’re a freelancer, you can’t be certain how much you’ll make throughout the year. You also have to allow for your tax burden and benefits such as health and disability insurance, which aren’t shared by your employer. 

Chapter 10: How to Advance Your Freelance Career

Being a freelancer can bring you a good income and the freedom to work according to your own schedule. Once you’re established as a freelancer, you might want to find ways to grow your income and advance your career. Read here to find ways to increase your earning potential and advance your career, including becoming an agency and “selling your experience” by teaching others.

Chapter 11:How to Be a Freelancer and Keep Your Day Job

Is it possible to have a full-time job and side business at the same time? The answer is yes. Absolutely. For sure. But it’s not easy. And it won’t happen overnight. It takes planning, determination, and persistence – but it’s very possible. And more and more freelancers are successfully juggling both. Our expert goes over the eight steps you need to take to get into freelancing while still maintaining your current job.

What’s Happening in the Freelance World?

Freelancing is becoming more popular as an alternative to working as an employee of a single company. Freelancers often say that they enjoy the flexibility, prefer to be able to choose how much they work, and/or don’t want to be tied down to working at the same place long-term.

Working with freelancers is a popular choice for businesses as well. The recent recession has forced many companies have been forced to downsize. While they can’t afford to hire full-time employees, they still need workers for regular, periodic, or occasional tasks. By hiring freelancers, companies have access to the skills they need without keeping extra permanent staff on the books.

This trend of reducing the number of full-time employees has left many talented workers without a regular job. Freelancing not only gives them the option to do the work at which they excel, but also to work remotely for businesses that are far away from their own locale.

These individuals are in good company, as the freelance market has continued to increase over the past several years.
– In 2005, 10.1 % of the U.S. population worked as freelancers at some point over the year.
– By 2014, that figure had risen to 34% of the workforce, or 53 million Americans.
– And in 2017, 36% of the American workforce—or 57.3 million people—did freelance work.
– By 2020, that number is expected to meet, and possibly exceed, 40%.

Ten years ago, there were very few websites that connected freelancers with clients. Today, freelancers can advertise their skills on popular global hiring platforms such Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com, or on industry-specific freelance sites such as 99Designs or EngineerBabu.

Why It’s Awesome to Be a Freelancer

Freelancing can be a very attractive lifestyle. Some of the advantages include:

- Being your own boss: You choose your hours, and you decide when to clock in and out.- Freedom to work anywhere: When you’re a freelancer, you can work from home, your local coffee shop, or even the beach.- Ability to choose your projects: Freelancing brings the option of choosing which projects interest you and which ones, well, don’t. You can work in the fields you enjoy and skip the ones you dislike.- Work with people you like: When you work in an office, you don’t get to choose your colleagues or your superiors; as a freelancer, you can dismiss the nasty clients and hold on to the ones who are a pleasure to work for.- A real sense of achievement: When you freelance, the amount you earn is directly connected to how much and how well you work; you won’t be wondering why you didn’t get a raise or feel that your manager got the credit for your hard work.

That said, being a freelancer isn’t for everyone. If you want to be a successful freelancer, you need:

- Self-discipline: You’ll need to get your tasks done without being distracted by the beach, the game, or the dirty dishes in the sink.- Good communication skills: It’s up to you to know how to ask for more guidance when you don’t understand the instructions; you’ll also need to be able to deal with difficult clients.- Organization and time management: As a freelancer, you’ll need to keep all of your documents in order, stay on top of your tax obligations, and make sure that you meet your deadlines.- Courage to put yourself out there: No one will know that you are a top-class developer, writer, or designer unless you promote your skills.- The ability to multitask: Most freelancers juggle multiple projects at the same time, so you’ll have to prioritize your tasks and be able to switch between different topics in an instant.

The Dark Side of Freelancing

Although being a freelancer can bring you flexibility, control, and a great income, there are downsides as well. Some of the disadvantages of freelancing include:

- An uncertain income that can vary from month to month- No paid vacation days, sick leaves, or benefits- You always have to be contactable by your clients- No job security; if work dries up, there’s no termination pay or option to sue for unfair dismissal- You have to meet tax obligations without any employer withholdings- Full responsibility for administrative tasks like accounting, invoicing, and chasing payments

Freelancing is not for everyone, so take a long, hard look at yourself before you get started. Some people will have a hard time succeeding as a freelancer. As yourself if any of the following apply to you:

- Find it difficult to take criticism: As a freelancer, you’ll need to be able to accept and respond to feedback that isn’t always positive.- Have trouble communicating: Sometimes, you’ll have to take the initiative and approach clients for work; you’ll also occasionally need to admit that you’re struggling with a project and ask for more resources or guidance.- Aren’t self-motivated: Without a manager keeping you on track, you’ll be in charge of your own work schedule; if you can’t stay on top of everything, you’ll quickly be swallowed up in the quicksand of deadlines.- Don’t like working in isolation: If you need the buzz of a busy office and the social opportunities of the water cooler, you’ll soon get bored of working on your own.- Can’t handle the uncertainty of not knowing when your next paycheck will arrive: If you get consumed by anxiety when you have a slow month, your nerves might not be able to handle freelancing.

Don’t Forget: Being a freelancer isn’t an all-or-nothing decision. Many freelancers begin by doing some freelance work alongside a regular part-time or full-time job, then slide into full-time freelancing. If you try freelancing and decide that it’s not for you, there’s no shame in returning to the world of regular employment.

What Freelancing Skills Are the Most In-Demand?

Freelancing is open to many different skill sets, but some are more in demand than others. Some of the most popular freelancing skills are:

• - Social media management: This is a vital skill for all types of businesses across all verticals; while the average hourly rate is $16, talented freelancers can charge $45 per hour or more in this field.
• - IT programming and development: IT programming and developing is a popular choice for freelancers, and the average hourly salary for programmers and developers is $22.20. In this field, the rate you can charge depends on which programming languages you’ve mastered; a full-stack developer in the US charges an average of $55 per hour, while a web designer in the US charges an average of $25.
• - SEO, content writing, and copywriting: The average hourly rate for content writers across the world is $16, which is relatively low compared to an IT programmer. But experienced and talented writers can earn up to $90/hour, and sometimes more.
• - Graphic design: Talented graphic designers are needed for everything from product design to website creation. The average hourly pay for a designer is $20, but the range is wide. Graphic designers earn an average of $17 per hour, but top designers who can tap into multimedia and 3D design can command an hourly rate of $45 and above.
• - User experience (UX/UI) design: A step beyond graphic design, a UX/UI designer pulls together the entire customer experience on a website or app; the average salary is $42 per hour.
• - Business consulting: This involves advising businesses of all sizes on every aspect of improving their business; the average hourly rate of $35 is just the beginning.
• - Information security: Analysts in this sector are much needed, given the high risk of cyber attacks; if you’re freelancing as an IT security analyst, you should be charging well over $40 per hour.
• - Virtual assistants: As offices downsize, the demand for remote assistants to deal with standard administrative tasks is rising; virtual assistants charge an average of $11 per hour.
• - Accounting: Freelancers and small businesses often turn to other freelancers to handle their tax and accounting needs; freelance accountants can earn a respectable average salary of $19 per hour, with financial analysts and business management accountants charging an average of $21 per hour.
• - Photography and video editing: Demand for these jobs has grown by 19%-22% as high-quality images become more important for successful marketing; the average hourly rate for professional photographers begins at $75 per hour, with top photographers earning up to $500 or more per hour.
• https://digitalchowder.com/the-top-advantages-of-freelancing-and-making-the-most-of-them/

The Benefits of Hubspot CRM for Small Businesses

You Can Easily Manage All Customer Relationships from One Place.

With HubSpot CRM, you can easily manage all your customer relationships from one place. This means you can keep up with what’s going on with each contact, whether it’s a lead, a prospect, or a current client. You can even send automated emails to your contacts based on their actions within the system.

Do You Have A CRM System?

Is a CRM System (Customer Relations Management) a component of your small business? If not, should it be? If it is, how is it contributing to the growth of your business? I would love to hear how CRM is benefiting your business. Please use the comment box below to share. Or, you can contribute through our contact form. I acknowledge that there may be businesses that will not benefit from CRM significant enough to be worth the setup time and learning curve. But I also contend that in many instances, an assumption that CRM will not benefit may be unfounded.

Should You Have A CRM System?

To explore the benefit of a CRM app, Let's use my business as an example. I am an affiliate marketer. SEO is a big deal to me and my business. I'm continually looking for ways to improve it to bring more traffic to my site. Given my efforts to improve SEO and my obsession with analytics, putting all my eggs in that basket is tempting. If I can grow my traffic to enough visitors, I will attain the financial return I'm after, so it would seem. If this is my entire strategy, I'm playing a numbers game. I'm betting that a certain percentage of those who come to my content will make a purchase. The more I increase the traffic; the higher my income will be. While this can be true, I'm overlooking many contributing factors that could increase the percentage of my return, better known as ROI.

I'm overlooking an important factor in why people come to my site. I need them to click on an affiliate link and make a purchase. But is that why they came to my site? No. It is unlikely that anyone will come to my website to buy something.

In most cases, they came for information. It is possible that while they are reading, they will see an ad for a product they were considering purchasing or that has an incredible price. So on impulse, they click on the link to check out the product and may make a purchase. That scenario has considerably decreased the percentage of a visitor making a purchase. So if I relied on a broad statistic that says that a certain percentage of those who visit a site make a purchase, I might discover that the percentage is much lower for my scenario.

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What If I Could Change the Scenario?

So what if I could change that scenario? What if, for instance, I began to acquire an email list of those who read my blogs? And then, I used a CRM system to store and manage that list. And what if I keep track of the habits and behaviors of those on the list? Blogs they read and activity on the website? Now I have a means of building relationships with people who know what I offer. They are no longer strangers who happened by my website but followers or at least repeat users of my services. For these people, the scenario has changed. When they come to my website now, they are already open to taking advantage of what I offer. I have increased the ROI for those on my list. And the more I can grow that list, the greater my return will be.

Let me give a personal example of how this might work. A few months ago, I came across a reference to a blog written by Lisa Sicard, posted on her website, inspiretothrive.com. After reading her blog and exploring her website, I decided I was interested in her ideas and services and wanted her as a resource. So I subscribed to her email list. Now I receive her weekly newsletter with references to her blogs and other resources. When she recommends a product or an action that might help, I check it out because I consider her a competent resource. By signing up for her email list, I transitioned from a visitor to a follower, and when I read her blogs or go to her website, I am already receptive to what she might recommend.

Convinced that I need to pursue growing an email list, I will need help. I need a CRM system to help manage this effort.

HubSpot CRM

As a user of HubSpot CRM, I want to walk you through some of its features to acquaint you with ways the CRM can benefit your business. From the list of CRM systems below, you will notice that PCMag editors Gadjo Sevilla & Neil McAllister, in their article, "The Best CRM Software for 2022," rated HubSpot as the "Best for Easy to Use CRM for SMBs." They also gave it a 3.5 Good rating, which is not the highest rating provided for CRM choices for small businesses. So HubSpot may not be your pick. My purpose is to reveal some features, pointing out how they might benefit your business.

First, one of the reasons I chose HubSpot was the free features with no time limit on the free access. There are a few limitations on some of these free features, such as having HubSpot branding or no form or email automation. The free account allows 1,000 contacts and 2,000 emails per month. The startup business has the free tools it needs to grow and can phase into additional features as it is ready for them and more capable of paying.

As I move on to highlight some of the features in HubSpot, I want to emphasize that this is not a review of HubSpot. I do not intend to cover all segments of its features. This blog only introduces CRM software and how it can benefit your business. I will use HubSpot and its marketing features to outline a CRM marketing plan using an email list.

Introduction To A CRM System

Once I have set up my HubSpot free account, I have the choice of registering for tools in five different categories: Marketing, Sales, Service, Operations, and CMS. All are free. While I could sign up for tools in more than one of these hubs, I have only chosen Marketing.

I begin by importing a pre-existing contact list to get started with my marketing tools. I also have the option of manually creating new contacts. The importing process is simple. I exported a contact list I already had with another email service to a CSV file. I then imported the file into my HubSpot account. The free HubSpot account will allow me to store up to 1 million contacts in as many as five active lists and 1,000 static lists. The limit on emails sent each month is 2,000.

With contacts stored in my account, I will also connect my website to HubSpot through the HubSpot WordPress plugin. Through this connection, I can track the contacts' activity on my website by email, phone calls, and chat. The HubSpot plugin connection allows me to establish a chat feature on my website for interaction with website visitors. From my dashboard, I can turn the chat feature on or off depending on my availability to respond. With these tools engaged and the ability to track user activity, I can begin to interact with my contacts based on their interests. In other words, I can build relationships with them. Once I start sending targeted emails and newsletters, I will have additional information to help develop those relationships.

Capturing New Leads

Now that I have access to a free marketing account and a list of contacts added to it, I am ready to begin adding new leads to my CRM. I will use the following tools to achieve that goal:

- Landing Page Builder - I can create a landing page for a new promotion. For greater integration, I will use the HubSpot service to host it for free rather than including it along with my website. I could design a complete website with the CMS tools on HubSpot if I choose. I already have a website, so I will use only the landing page tools to channel results from my new promotion.- Forms - This tool will add a form to my landing page to capture new leads.- Ads - Using the ad tools, I can integrate with Facebook ads, creating and tracking an advertisement for my new promotion. Ad campaign activity will go into the contact records.- Marketing Email - Now, I am ready to send a marketing email or newsletter to target the various interests of both my new and existing leads. Tools for this are in my free marketing account.Why Not Use Only An Email Marketing Service?

You may wonder why you need a CRM system if you already use an email marketing service such as MailChimp or Constant Contact. One of the strengths of HubSpot and other CRM systems are their integrations. HubSpot, for example, has integration with MailChimp, enabling you to continue using your account there while importing the activity of your email blasts to your CRM in HubSpot. When I am ready to send a marketing email or newsletter, if I choose, I can integrate with MailChimp or another service to send the newsletter. My CRM system will receive the contact activity from that mailing to provide insights on my contacts. This information will help me segment my contacts and inform me of their needs and interests.

It is not necessary, though, to use MailChimp because HubSpot has all that is necessary for the task of mailing. Whether using an integration or working within HubSpot, your move to a CRM system will transition you from merely using analytics to having a comprehensive view of your contacts.

Video Overview

For another perspective on using a CRM system for marketing, this video will give an overview of inbound marketing at HubSpot.

Taking The Plunge

Whether you're ready to dip your toe in the CRM pool or take the plunge, here are some resources to help.

HubSpot

HubSpot is my choice and the system I have used to demonstrate the advantages of using a CRM system. If you want to check it out further, here is a link you can use for that purpose - HubSpot. The extensive array of free resources will help you get up and running before having any financial outlay. To be clear, as an affiliate, I may benefit if you choose HubSpot.

Choosing A CRM System

There are many options when choosing a CRM system. HubSpot is not the only option and may not be your best choice. As you browse through the list below, a good starting point is to match a system to the size and needs of your business. You will find systems designed for larger and smaller companies, along with other options.

This list is available from PCMag editors Gadjo Sevilla & Neil McAllister, in their article, "The Best CRM Software for 2022," which reviewed 13 of the best CRM software. Here is their summary:

- Zoho CRM  4.5 Outstanding | Best for Zoho Platform Customers- HubSpot CRM  3.5 Good | Best for Easy to Use CRM for SMBs- Freshsales CRM  4.0 Excellent | Best for Basic CRM- Zendesk Sell  4.0 Excellent | Best for Integration With Zendesk Products- Salesforce Sales Cloud Lightning Professional  4.5 Outstanding | Best Overall- Less Annoying CRM  4.0 Excellent | Best for Startups- Sales Creatio  4.0 Excellent | Best for Large Sales Teams- Apptivo CRM  4.5 Outstanding | Best for Small Business CRM- Insightly CRM  4.0 Excellent | Best for Growth-Stage Businesses- Act! CRM  3.0 Average | Best for Longtime Act! Users- Salesflare  2.5 Fair | Best for Very Small Teams- SugarCRM Sugar Sell  4.0 Excellent | Best for High Customization

Conclusion

HubSpot CRM is a good choice for small businesses that want an easy-to-use system with many free features. But there are many CRM systems available, and the best one for your business will depend on the size of your company and your specific needs. Use the resources above to help choose the best CRM system for your business.

If you are already using a CRM, you might want to make a recommendation describing the benefits of your system that you like best. Please do so in the comments box below or through our contact form.

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Digital Chowder: A Home Business Guide to Digital Resources

What sets Digital Chowder apart?

This blog is intended to get you up to speed on Digital Chowder. What exactly is Digital Chowder? We are "The home business guide to digital resources," as our slogan states. But what exactly does the name "Digital Chowder" imply? It's based on the notion of a "Digital Soup," inspired by Jon Gordon.

Soup, Inc is a soup company that has been around for decades. Nancy, the firm's new CEO, learns the secrets to resurrecting her company. It becomes her recipe for success. The term "digital Chowder" refers to the home business, particularly digital features. What are the components of a successful house-based business's online presence? To put it another way, what makes up the digital soup? Instead of soup, we use chowder to describe something richer and thicker in nature. As a result, our objective is to provide rich digital resources that may serve as "digital chowder" for your home business.

Digital Chowder is a community dedicated to helping home-based businesses develop and succeed. We want to make your job more efficient and effective. I combine decades of study with my experience managing a home-based business office. To learn more about the growing variety of digital resources available, please visit digitalchowder.com frequently. We provide a bi-weekly email delivered to your inbox with our latest findings. You may sign up for this blog by using the contact form in the right column of this page. My blogs will offer helpful hints while searching for new resources since they will be based on an objective and honest point of view. My aim is not to be a resource reviewer.

I'd want my blogs to go beyond my discoveries and concentrate on issues that you, as a reader, may be dealing with. I'd want to hear about readers' discoveries and the challenges they're attempting to tackle. As a reader, what would you want me to research about digital resources for the home-based business and include in a blog? I invite you to use the form in the right column of this page to send an idea or a research request.

Digital Challenges of a Home Business

Home-based businesses fall into two main categories: 

- Those with one employee: This category addresses businesses with one employee who must wear many hats. This individual is the entrepreneur, marketer, secretary, and so on. The list of hats may be endless, and it seems never-ending. Solo business owners are constantly looking for methods to automate or subcontract portions of their job to free up time for other responsibilities. They must identify those tasks they can only do and for which they are gifted. Then, learn methods to address additional tasks under a restricted budget. How do I know if the money is limited? Because the owner is flying solo. There would be other workers if the budget permitted. How can I assist those in this area with difficulties finding solutions to automate or outsource their work? It's an important aspect of my study.- Those with one or more employees: Employees of a home-based business with several people will operate out of home offices. On the one hand, these companies may have some of the same concerns as single-employee businesses. However, they will also have problems associated with enterprises that work in a single physical location. Such difficulties as integrating their digital assets are an example. How can I help those in this category? I'll be addressing some of these issues in my study. And for this need, I'd like to collaborate with you in finding answers to your digital difficulties. I will report what I learn and share it on my blog to benefit others.

Qualifying Digital Topics

Topics I plan to address include but are not limited to the following list. Keep in mind, though, that these topics only qualify as they apply to the home-based business:

- Software/Apps- Hardware such as computers, printers, networks, etc.- Electronic devices- Online solutions. I consider almost any online solution to be digital.

This list covers four main categories of digital topics I will address. Still, it isn't easy to list all the possibilities, especially with the continual development of new solutions.
With my emphasis on the home-based business, topics may come to mind that is not digital, and I would not include them in my blogs. Examples include:

- Personal development or Lifehacks.- Best business practices- How to's- A particular business model or type of business- Etc.

Personal Invitation

If you have checked my website, which is the home of my blogs, you will see that I am just getting started. So far, I have addressed only a few topics. I understand that this might discourage you from staying around or returning. But, I encourage you to return as I might address your need soon. On the other hand, my invitation is to offer you my services as a free 'personal assistant.' To submit an issue for which you want me to assist you or discover a solution, use this form in the right column of this page. My decades of expertise as a home worker has involved technical issues. These experiences include: 

- Web design and development, - Working in PHP and MySQL, - Working in Python, - Networking solutions, - Computer troubleshooting, etc. 

So, I may already know an answer but have not yet mentioned it in a blog. 

If I don't have a solution, I'll look into it for you. You can research as I do, but I may save you some time. Furthermore, because of my technical knowledge, I may be able to break through the jargon and understand the advantages and disadvantages of one option versus another.

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Finding Computer Infographic
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Solving the Inventory Management Dilemma of A Home Business

Assessing your inventory storage needs

So you are the owner/operator of a home business that is getting started. Since your business sells physical products, inventory storage is a growing concern. Initially, you may have stored inventory in your garage, basement, or even a spare bedroom. But fortunately, your business is growing, and storing inventory at home is no longer an option. So, what are you to do? Paying for more storage will present a hardship on finances. Now is an excellent time to assess your storage needs. What are the breakeven points of profit versus storage costs?

 In the beginning, there were so many details to traverse you took the most straightforward route to store your inventory. But now, your storage needs have outgrown your home, and it is time for a more comprehensive plan. Here are some thoughts to consider:

- You can't afford much, but you need something. Self-storage may be the best first step.- How long will the answer be if you choose self-storage as a first step? This is an excellent time to do some calculations and develop a progressive plan for storage.- What level of sales will take you to the limits of this first-step storage solution?- Will this level of sales afford a move to an adequate storage solution as a second step? A solution that will enable you to grow for a sufficient time?  - It would be wise to calculate the sales thresholds that push you to move to the next phase of storage capacity. Don't wait until you are at the limit of your current storage capacity.

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Inventory Management Software

To help protect and manage this growth plan, you need a good Inventory Management App (IMA). An IMA will help to determine the growth and storage thresholds.  

Before listing Inventory Management Apps, I want to emphasize that I am writing with a home business in mind. These are small businesses, and most, if not all, will have limited budgets. Each, however, has the wish to become larger. For the small business that sells physical products, storage is necessary that . . .

- . . . is within the limited budget - . . . will allow for significant growth before upsizing

To consider Warehouse Management Apps (WMA) would be overkill for the small business. The cost for WMAs would eat up the budget for storage, leaving nothing for storage facilities. Plus, warehouse management involves so much more than your inventory. What the small business owner needs to know is:

- What length of time can I go before having to restock products?- How much of each product should I have on hand for this period? - How much space will be adequate to store this much product?

An Inventory Management App can handle this information at a much lower cost. 

When considering an Inventory  Management App, I point to Adam Uzialko's article in the Business News Daily. He says, "most experts recommend cloud-based apps that do not require you to maintain servers or an IT staff . . . Instead, cloud-based software is managed by the software company." 

The following table lists Inventory Management Apps and compares features and costs.  

Comparison of Inventory Management Apps

The following table lists Inventory Management Apps and compares features and costs.  Click on the table image for a better view. You can also use this link to download a PDF of the table. below - (Download PDF of Inventory Management Apps)

Here are the links for each of the apps:

- Katana- Shipstation- Zoho- Boxstorm- Salesbinder

It is difficult to make an item-by-item comparison with these apps. There are too many variations with each. Consider the table a starting point for your research. It gives five affordable apps for small business and an overview to help kick-start your research.

In my next article, we will consider storage alternatives.

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My Top Five Favorite Apps for Maximum Productivity

These are my personal best productivity apps. Although they might What is a productivity app or software? A common understanding of productivity software assigns them to tasks such as producing documents, worksheets, and similar tasks. Not all the apps I am discussing fit that definition. Regardless, they all contribute to my personal productivity. Though the tasks I undertake vary, each app contributes to my productivity.

My five best productivity apps:

Ditto Clipboard

Ditto Clipboard is a Windows clipboard manager with advantages over Windows Clipboard. A key difference is an ability to store copied or cut content, saving as many items as you wish. You can then paste any copied content wherever you want at any point in the future. If you do many copy-and-paste functions, you will recognize how this can speed up your work.

A small example of this functionality gain is logging onto an online account. Using Windows Clipboard, you copy the username and then switch to the webpage to paste it. Next, you copy the password and then change to the webpage to paste the password. Using Ditto, you can complete this task in one step. Copy both username and password, then switch to the webpage and paste both to log in.

But another feature of Ditto speeds up my work even more. Have you ever pasted content into a document and had a big reformatting job? What a huge loss of time! With Ditto, there is little, if any, needed reformatting.

The best part yet maybe that Ditto is a free app.  While Ditto is a Windows app, Mac has a similar app called Clipmenu. You can use the buttons below to check them out.

Ditto Download for WindowsClipmenu Download for Mac

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Evernote

Evernote describes itself as a way to: "Tame your work, organize your life." Note-taking is fundamental to what Evernote is about. You can install the app on any of your devices, and it will sync with all your other devices. This is helpful for me when doing a presentation. I can write the presentation notes in Evernote using my computer. When I give the presentation I can view the notes on my tablet.

So far, I could also say that I have described any number of apps. But the feature I like best with Evernote is one I know of no other app that provides. Using the Evernote browser plugin, I can capture the content of any web page I wish to save.

Three formats are available for saving content from most web pages:

- Full page- Just the article displayed on the page- A simplified version of the article

Capturing the article will reduce the page to the article plus graphics. Choosing the simplified article option will reduce it to text only. I most often use either the second or third option.

This web-clipping feature is a huge time saver for research. I clip an article on a web page and choose within the browser plugin the folder to which I want to save it. When ready to compile the research findings, they are ready and waiting for me in the saved folder. I can access them on any of my devices. They will all be in editable Evernote pages with powerful editing tools at my fingertips.

Besides taking notes, Evernote will also allow audio recordings and hand sketches. Further options include tasks and calendar features.

The last feature I will highlight is one with which I only recently became acquainted. This feature allows me to connect Evernote with my WordPress website. Now I can write my posts in Evernote, which will appear in my WordPress posts.

Go to Evernote

Snagit

Number three among my five best productivity apps is Snagit from Techsmith. Snagit is a screen capture app that will do much more than screen captures. It will also do a video capture of my actions on the screen. This makes it an excellent tool for creating 'how-to' videos. I like to use this feature for help videos on websites. I have also used it as a support tool with clients. It will record my voice so I can include audio with these helpful videos.

Snagit has elementary video editing tools to use in cleaning up your videos. If you need a more robust video editor, TechSmith offers Camtasia.

Snagit has four selection options for screenshots:

- Full Screen- An open window- Drag over an area to select- Scrolling a document

A feature not to be overlooked is converting Captured graphics to animated GIFs.

Check Out Snagit

Todoists

Todoist is what the name implies – A To-Do List. I use Todoist to keep me organized. I recommend choosing an organizational app that will allow us to work most efficiently. Todoist is that tool for me. The screenshot below illustrates how it works. Notice the options in the left column. Select "Today" to view tasks for the current day. Select the "Upcoming" option to display the view to the right.

Using the "Upcoming" view, you can select a particular date and add tasks for completion. The default view is the current week, listing scheduled duties for each day that week. Do you have a project to manage with many tasks? Todoist can handle it. Todoist also allows the scheduling of recurring tasks.

Each day there will be a list of uncompleted tasks from previous days, which you can reschedule. Reschedule these to the next available date. You can schedule your tasks for a specific time of day and also assign them a priority.

As for any such app, it takes time to discover how it might work best for you or whether it will work at all. A free version is available to allow this experimentation before buying. Or, you can stay with the free version and work without the benefit of certain features.

Go to Todoist

Keeper Security

The last of my best productivity apps is Keeper Security - an app without which I cannot function. Not only does it manage my passwords, but also my:

- software keys- credit cards- driver's license- health insurance cards- and much more

Keeper Security is another app that crosses over to all my devices. So I can access passwords from any device. And, if I am on a computer that does not have the apps, I can always use the browser for access.

I need my passwords when online more than at any other time. So the browser plugin is my most used Keeper app. If I have stored the web page URL in Keeper and the password, Keeper will pop up, ready to do its thing. Entry of my credentials will be automatic when I give permission. But I can also choose to allow automatic entry, and the procedure happens without any further action on my part.

What about security? Keeper Security has a high level of encryption and security measures in place. As a user, though, I need to use good sense. To help with this, Keeper apps will all time out after a few minutes of inactivity. The use of the master password is then required to regain access. An exception to this will be the browser plugin. It is wise to close the browser when leaving the computer or other device.

I don't like creating passwords. So I am glad for Keeper to create a password when signing up for a new account online. I can set the parameters of the password to meet the need of any website.

Go to Keeper Security

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