8 Managed Services Every SMB Needs for Success

 As a business manager or small and medium business owner, you need certain services to ensure your operations run as smoothly as possible. From onsite IT support to cloud backup solutions, these managed services are essential for success in the modern digital world. Let’s dive into what managed services are and how they can help your business.

What Are Managed Services? 

Managed services are solutions designed to help businesses manage their technology needs continuously. A managed service provider (MSP) is responsible for providing these services, either remotely or onsite, to keep a business’s technology up-to-date and run smoothly. By outsourcing these tasks to an MSP, businesses can free up time and resources to focus on other areas of their operations.

List of Managed Services

1. Onsite IT Support

Access to an experienced IT professional who can provide onsite support when needed is invaluable for any business. An MSP can provide technical assistance from basic troubleshooting to more complex systems issues so that operations are not interrupted by unexpected system problems or malfunctions.

2. Remote IT Support

Remote support allows businesses to access expert IT assistance without a dedicated employee or service provider onsite. With remote support, MSPs can quickly diagnose and resolve technical problems while minimising downtime and disruption to the organisation’s operations.                 

3. Cloud Backup Solutions

Cloud backups allow businesses to store their data securely in the cloud so that it is always accessible, regardless of device or location. This gives businesses peace of mind knowing that their data is safe even in a disaster such as flooding or fire damage. It also eliminates the need for costly hardware investments to store data locally.   

4. Disaster Recovery

In the event of a disaster, having a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in place is essential for getting back up and running quickly with minimal disruption to operations. An MSP can help you develop a plan that considers all potential scenarios and ensures you have the necessary systems, software, and hardware needed for recovery if disaster strikes.    

5. Antivirus Solutions

Viruses, malware, and other threats pose a real risk to any business’s technology infrastructure if left unchecked. An MSP can provide antivirus solutions tailored specifically for your network environment so that your systems are always protected from malicious activity.

6. Network Security Solutions

Network security solutions help protect businesses from cyberattacks by monitoring networks 24/7 and alerting administrators if suspicious activity is detected so that countermeasures can be taken immediately before any damage is done.    

7. Data Recovery

When data loss occurs due to hardware failure or accidental deletion, it often seems like all hope is lost—but it doesn’t have to be! Having reliable data recovery solutions in place helps ensure that valuable information isn’t lost forever if something goes wrong with your systems or devices.

8. Software and Hardware Procurement

An experienced MSP knows which software programs work best with different types of hardware configurations based on past experience—so take advantage of their expertise! They can also advise you on which products provide the most value for money when purchasing new equipment for your organisation's needs without sacrificing quality or performance standards.

How Refined IT Can Help

Refined IT ensures your SMB has access to reliable managed services is essential for success in today's digital world. Refined IT provides comprehensive SMB technology solutions from onsite IT support through cloud hosting - giving you peace of mind knowing your operations will run smoothly no matter what comes up. Contact us today if you're looking for an experienced team who understands how vital these services are - we're here to help ensure your business succeeds.

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5 Engagement Ring Trends For 2020

An engagement ring marks a very significant occasion in your life, and while some people may already have the perfect jewellery for their proposal already pictured in their mind, many need help finding ideas. 

If you’re looking for engagement rings in Perth, check out these engagement ring trends for 2020 – you might find inspiration the inspiration you’ve been looking for!

Play with Colour

More people are moving away from the white and the well-loved yellow diamonds in favour of something new and unconventional. Using coloured stones is a great way to customise your ring and show off your personality. 
You can even pair a classic with a diamond with coloured stones. Opting for rose gold and other alternative band materials is another way to have fun with colour. 

The Emerald Cut

Compared to the typical cut of a diamond, the emerald cut looks more sophisticated and gives off a modern vibe. With so many diamond shapes available in Perth engagement rings, the multi-faceted rectangular shape of this cut stands out and looks glamorous as well. 
If you want a really stunning ring, why not have multiple emerald diamonds on it?  

Yellow Gold 

Move aside white metals, yellow gold is returning to engagement rings, and for a good reason! With a yellow hue that looks warm and luxurious, it’s more lively on the skin than white gold or platinum. 
Plus, it’s hard to mimic the colour of yellow gold with other metals. Pair it with white diamonds on your ring if you want to stand out (but not with overly bright coloured stones).

Multi-Stone Bands

There’s little that makes a statement like having multiple stones on a single ring does. A ring with carefully cut, thoughtfully arranged gems plays with light in a stunning, eye-catching manner. 
You can have gems wrapped around the band, arranged in a cluster, and various other configurations, so don’t hesitate to look around for inspiration.

Bespoke Rings

If an off-the-shelf engagement ring is not for you, why not get a bespoke ring specially designed? Some of the most popular bespoke engagement rings in Perth incorporate unique diamond cuts and settings. You might want to go for a rose-cut diamond (which resembles a rosebud) or even a heart-shaped diamond; your options are virtually endless. 

Other options to consider for your custom-made ring are the band material and colour, setting design and stone colour. You can even combine stones of different colours, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

There is no shortage of engagement ring designs for you to choose from. If you’re looking for a lasting memento for your big day, just drop by Ecali Fine Jewellery or get in touch with us. We have one of the finest selections of engagement rings in Perth and can even help you craft a bespoke one for yourself.

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8 Benefits of Using a Tutor to Prepare for GATE (ASET)?

 GATE stands for Gifted and Talented Education, a program designed to challenge, inspire and bring out children’s creativity and academic talent. The students in this program are surrounded by similarly gifted peers and teachers experienced in nurturing talent. The Academic Selective Entrance Test (ASET) is used to select students for entry into Western Australia's high school Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. The minimum total standard score for entry to GATE Program is 210.

Benefits of Tutoring for GATE (ASET) Test Preparation.

1.  Improve Your Scores

One of the primary benefits of tutoring for the GATE test is that it can help you to improve your scores. A tutor can help you better understand the material that will be covered on the test and can provide you with practice questions to help you become more comfortable with the test format. Additionally, a tutor can help you to develop a study plan that will allow you to make the most of your time and prepare effectively for the test.

2.  Save Time

Another benefit of tutoring for the GATE test is saving you time. A tutor can help you focus on the areas that will be most important for the test and can guide you on how to use your time best to prepare. This can be especially helpful if you are working or have other commitments that make it challenging to find time to study independently.

3.  Reduce Stress

Tutoring for the GATE test can also help to reduce stress. Preparing for a major test can be daunting, but working with a tutor can help ease some of the anxiety that comes with test preparation. In addition, a tutor can provide you with support and encouragement throughout the process and help you feel more confident about your ability to succeed on the test.

4.  Build Confidence

In addition to reducing stress, tutoring for the GATE test can also help to build confidence. As you work with a tutor and see improvements in your scores, you will likely feel more confident about your ability to do well on the test. This increased confidence can lead to improved performance on the day of the test and in other areas of your life.

5.  Learn Effective Study Skills

Tutoring for the GATE test can also teach you effective study skills that will be useful for preparing for future tests and other aspects of your life. A tutor can teach you how to better manage your time, how to create an effective study plan, and how to use resources such as practice questions and flashcards effectively.

6. Get One-on-One Attention

When you are tutored for the GATE test, you will also get one-on-one attention from your tutor. This means that your tutor can focus on your individual needs and help you understand the material in the best way for you. One-on-one attention is not always possible in a classroom setting, which makes tutoring an ideal option for many students.

7. Save Money on Test Preparation Courses

Tutoring for the GATE test can also save you money on test preparation courses. Test preparation courses can be expensive and are not always necessary if you can get quality tutoring at a lower cost. In addition, many tutors offer discounts if you purchase multiple sessions or commit to meeting for a certain number of weeks.

8. Get Feedback on Your Progress

When you are being tutored for the GATE test, you will also receive feedback on your progress from your tutor. This feedback can be constructive as it lets you see where you need to improve and what areas you are doing well in. Additionally, receiving input from a tutor can help to motivate you and keep you on track as you prepare for the GATE test.

How can My Academy help?

My Academy is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential when preparing for the GATE test. Our experienced tutors have the knowledge and skills to provide quality tutoring services that will allow you to prepare effectively for the GATE exam. We also offer a wide range of materials and resources that can be used to supplement your tutoring sessions. Contact us today to find out more about our GATE preparation services and how we can help you reach your goals. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Financial Advice & Divorce: What You Need to Know

Divorce is a challenging and emotional process, and it can be difficult to think about the future and your financial security when you’re going through proceedings. However, it is essential to take steps to plan your finances after your divorce to ensure a stable future. Below are some financial tips for the recently divorced.

1. Create a budget: Create a budget that reflects your current income and expenses and how this might change. It’s important to have a clear understanding of your cash flow to ensure that you’re not overspending or living beyond your means. If you’re likely to receive child support or spousal maintenance payments, factor this into your budget. On the other hand, if you’re going to pay child support or spousal maintenance payments, make sure it’s factored into your budget.

2. Close joint accounts: Close any joint accounts you and your spouse had and open new ones in your name. This will ensure that there is no question about your liability for any debts that your ex-spouse incurs in the future.

3. Reassess your goals: Your life goals and the purpose driving them will change after a divorce, so it’s important to reassess. Consider your short-term and long-term financial goals, such as saving for a down payment on a home, paying off debt, or investing for retirement. The goalposts may have shifted now that you’re on your own so it’s important to take a step back and review.

4. Update your estate plan: Review and update your estate plan, including your will, power of attorney, and beneficiaries on your superannuation accounts. This will ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

5. Meet with a financial adviser: Consider meeting with a financial adviser to help you create a financial plan that aligns with your goals and current situation. They can provide guidance on topics such as investing, retirement planning, and debt management but also provide you with much-needed clarity on your pathway forward. It can also pay to have a financially minded professional on hand when undertaking initial negotiations, so you know the long-term impact of any decisions made during settlement.

In conclusion, financial planning after a divorce is critical to ensuring a secure financial future. By addressing the above, you can take control of your financial situation post-divorce and make confident life decisions on the way forward.

Sean Hocking works with individuals and their families to provide peace of mind and clarity around their financial future. Having a roadmap in place that clearly articulates what’s important in the years to follow gives his clients the confidence to make clear and informed decisions throughout their financial life journey.

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4 Benefits of Branded Merchandise

 Branded merchandise, also known as branded swag, branded apparel, branded products, or promotional items is any type of product that has been branded with a company’s name, logo, or message. People love branded merchandise because it makes them feel like they have something to show off their loyalty to the brand and can be used as an expression of identity and belonging. There are four benefits of branded merchandise for a business.

Introduce Your Business to the Public in a Unique and Unforgettable Way

A branded item gives customers a tangible reminder of your business beyond what you offer when interacting with people online or on the phone. You can create branded merchandise for special events such as trade shows and conferences to help people remember your business long after the event has ended. Plus, branded items make great conversation starters and can help your business stand out from the crowd.

Increase Brand Awareness and Positive Association Among Your Customers

Branded merchandise can be used by your customers to represent their loyalty to your business in a tangible way. People love to show off branded swag such as t-shirts, hats, mugs, pens, and even keychains with your logo or message on them – it’s like walking around with a billboard for your company! This increases brand recognition among both existing customers and potential new ones.

Make Your Customers Feel Like They Are Buying Something Unique And Not Mass-Produced

When you create branded merchandise, you give customers something unique they won’t find anywhere else, helping to increase the perceived value of your products. This exclusive feeling can help to boost customer loyalty and create a sense of belonging with your brand.

Cost-Effective Way To Promote Your Brand Compared To Other Forms Of Advertising

Branded merchandise is an incredibly cost-effective way for businesses to promote their brand in comparison to traditional forms of advertising such as radio and print ads. Plus, branded merchandise lasts longer than other types of advertisements so customers will be reminded of your business long after they have received it.

How To Print Merchandise Cost-Effectively

Printing branded merchandise doesn’t have to break the bank! There are plenty of online printing services that offer competitive prices on branded items. One of these is MBE Brisbane. From posters and business cards to deluxe brand books, glossy catalogues, robust signage, and branded merchandise or stationery, MBE is your go-to Brisbane printing partner.

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