Tech tips 2022
With the start of a new year, there’s no better time to take stock of your technology and make changes. Whether you want to improve your workflow or make sure you’re prepared for the upcoming holidays, here are some tech-oriented resolutions that will be easy to stick with and help you work smarter in 2022.
1. Invest in a Wireless Router
A wireless router shares your home’s single internet connection with all your wired and wireless devices. It’s the brain of your entire network, which enables computers, smart TVs, gaming systems, smartphones, and other devices to communicate with each other, access files, stream media, and more.
Investing in a router can help improve your home network’s performance and security. Newer models often have features like automatic firmware updates that automatically install the latest security patches for your devices.
It also helps ensure that you don’t lose speed as your network grows, and it can keep your wireless connections strong by directing them to areas with the best signal. A great router will also be able to prioritize your bandwidth so that high-demand applications (such as Netflix, gaming, or video calls) have more of the available data to use.
The range of your Wi-Fi network is a big factor in its performance, so it’s important to find a model that can cover all the rooms in your home. A standalone router typically has a range of about 50 to 100 feet, but if you live in a larger house or apartment, it may be worth investing in a mesh router that uses multiple devices to provide a strong Wi-Fi signal throughout your entire home.
For the best wireless performance, look for routers that offer dual-band or tri-band technology. These offer greater flexibility by allowing you to switch between different frequency bands, and they can boost speeds when you need them most.
You should also look for a model that supports the DLNA wireless networking standard, which allows you to easily share files with other DLNA-compatible devices. This includes things like smart TVs, computers, phones, gaming systems, and photo printers.
Another consideration is the input speed of your router. If you have Gigabit internet, you want to choose one that can handle your full speed without slowing down your whole network.
Finally, consider the type of ports on your router, and make sure to choose one that offers faster connectivity for certain devices, such as those with a game console or an older PC.
2. Switch to a Professional Email
If you’re a business owner, you know how important it is to have a professional email. It’s a great way to build brand awareness and grow your audience. If you’re trying to promote a new product or service, it’s also an effective way to get your message out there without spending too much money.
It’s no secret that email is still the most popular form of communication, even with the rise of text messaging and collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams. In fact, the Radicati Group estimates that worldwide email adoption will continue to rise over the next few years.
As a matter of fact, email marketing has become an increasingly critical part of any business’s communication strategy. And while the trend to integrate email with other channels will only continue, it’s still important for marketers to make sure that they’re able to stand out in the crowded inbox.
That’s why it’s important to choose an agnostic email platform that’s free and simple to use, rather than one that’s tied to your other accounts or services. This will allow you to have a separate email address that’s easily found on websites, mobile apps and other platforms.
Once you’ve chosen your new email, it’s time to set up your account. You can do this on your own or with the help of an IT consultant.
When setting up your email, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right password. The most secure option is to use a password manager, such as LastPass, which will remember your password for you and let you change it quickly if you ever forget it.
It’s a good idea to keep your old email account open for a few months after you launch your new one, especially if it’s related to your current job. This way, you’ll be able to go back and forward emails from your old account to your new one and delete any old messages that you no longer need.
3. Do an Audit of Your Current Technology
A properly conducted technology audit is one of the best things a business can do. It helps you identify any vulnerabilities that are lurking in your IT closet and it can also help you prioritize your cybersecurity budget to prevent a major data breach.
A well-designed tech audit should be a part of every organisation’s IT budget. The process is also a good way to learn what technologies are likely to save your company money in the long run.
The most efficient way to do this is to have a team of experts perform a multi-level evaluation and recommend the right solutions for your needs. The best technology audits are a collaboration between IT and business leaders to identify any gaps in current processes and systems, find ways to optimize existing resources and identify new opportunities for growth that may have otherwise been missed.
Having a clear understanding of what your technology can do for you and your organisation will be the first step to improving your bottom line in 2022 and beyond. A properly executed technology audit is also the best way to ensure that your business is using the latest and greatest software, hardware and services for optimal productivity, security and performance.
It is no secret that modern technologies are the future of our industry, but they can be tricky to implement in the most effective manner. A technology audit can help you identify the technologies that are likely to save your company time, money and headaches.
The modern era is full of innovations that can make your job easier and your company a better place to work.
4. Make a Plan for 2022
Regardless of whether you’re looking to start a new business, improve your skills or make more money in 2022, it is important to take the time to plan and implement the right strategies for success. This may seem like a small task, but it can be the difference between success and failure in the new year.
Developing a strategic plan begins with understanding your organization’s goals and objectives. This means reviewing current organizational, financial and programmatic data to understand the status quo. Additionally, you must evaluate any changes to the landscape that may impact your plans in 2022.
You should also consider the impact of your company’s strategic plans on workforce planning. For example, if you have a plan for expanding your product line or adding additional staff, it’s best to know the implications of those strategies before you begin the process of hiring and training new employees.
Once you have a clear picture of your organization’s goals and objectives, you can create a roadmap that aligns workforce decisions with those goals and objectives. This strategy will help your company meet its financial goals, foster collaboration among team members and increase the employee experience.
Another way to ensure that your business communications plan is effective in 2022 is to assess the needs of your current communication channels. For example, if your company is focused on sales, it might be useful to add a browser dialer app or local presence dialing tools to ensure your team has access to the leads they need to close deals. Similarly, if your company is focused on customer support, it might be helpful to implement a solution that automatically forwards calls to the correct person or queues them for you.
As you start your plan for 2022, it’s also a good idea to think about the values that are most important to you. These might be personal, professional or spiritual in nature.
The best way to make sure that your goals for 2022 align with your values is to set aside some time to write them down and review them periodically. This can be a great motivational tool to keep you on track.
