Thursday, April 27, 2023

3 Ways You Can Use ChatGPT in Your Business Today



Small business owners are the backbone of our communities, working tirelessly to provide services and products that drive local economies. But with the challenges of managing finances, operations, and customer satisfaction, it can be overwhelming to keep up with the demands of running a small business. That's where ChatGPT comes in, offering a powerful solution to help small business owners overcome these challenges and win in today's fast-paced business world.

Streamline Customer Service

ChatGPT's AI capabilities can revolutionize the way small businesses handle customer service inquiries, providing quick and accurate responses to customer inquiries 24/7. This means no more late-night stress answering customer emails or worrying about missing a customer's call during the weekend. ChatGPT can handle it all, freeing up time for small business owners to focus on other critical areas of their business.  

Automate Repetitive Tasks

Manual, repetitive tasks can be a time-consuming and tedious burden for small business owners. ChatGPT can automate these tasks, freeing up valuable time that can be better spent on growing and expanding the business. This can include tasks like integrating the tool via it’s API with your other business systems – pulling on key data in your internal systems and leveraging some of the benefits of ChatGPT.

Enhance Collaboration and Communication

ChatGPT can help small businesses improve internal communication and collaboration, making it easier for team members to work together and achieve shared goals. To give you a practical example you could take the audio transcription for a recent Microsoft Teams meeting – enter it into the tool and ask for both a summary of the meeting and action points, all based on the audio transcription.  (This type of feature is soon to arrive as an add on for Microsoft Teams Premium.)

Enhance Decision Making

ChatGPT can provide valuable insights and data analysis to support informed decision making. This can help small business owners make better decisions faster and stay ahead of the competition. By leveraging ChatGPT, small business owners can take control of their business and overcome the challenges of today's fast-paced business world.

Small business owners deserve to feel confident and in control, knowing that their business is running smoothly and efficiently. With ChatGPT, that dream can become a reality. So, if you're ready to overcome the challenges of running a small business and win in today's business world, then it's time to get started with ChatGPT. Let us help you take your small business to the next level, and we’ll show you some quick wins for the tool.


Contact us today!


Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Onboarding New Staff: IT and Cybersecurity Considerations


Onboarding new staff is an exciting time for any business. It represents growth, expansion, and new opportunities for your company. However, it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure that the onboarding process is done smoothly and securely. With so much sensitive information being stored on computers and in the cloud, it’s crucial to take an IT and cybersecurity perspective when bringing new employees into your company.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

IT Infrastructure

Before a new employee starts, it’s important to have their workstation set up and ready to go. This includes making sure that their computer is configured with the necessary software and security updates. Additionally, you should have a backup of all important data and files, so that you can restore them in case of a security breach.

Access Controls

It’s important to have a clear understanding of what data and systems a new employee needs access to do their job. Only provide them with the access they need, but also set up proper controls to ensure that they cannot access sensitive information without permission. This includes implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

New employees should also be trained where to store their data. Storing files locally instead of the designated company file shares can leave data vulnerable for either security exploits or loss in the event of computer failure.

Cybersecurity Awareness

Ensure that new employees are aware of the potential cybersecurity risks they may face, and the importance of following best practices to keep the company’s information secure. This may include regular training and reminders on safe browsing practices, email security, and social engineering tactics.

IT Policy

A strong IT policy is the foundation of any successful IT and cybersecurity strategy. All new employees should read and sign an IT policy that outlines the company’s expectations, rules, and procedures. A sample (but very simplified) IT policy template is included below:


IT Policy Template


Introduction:

This policy outlines the rules and procedures for using company IT resources, including computers, internet access, email, and other technology. The purpose of this policy is to ensure the secure and effective use of these resources and to protect the company’s confidential information.

Expectations:
All employees are expected to use company IT resources in a responsible and professional manner. Employees must protect confidential information and only access data and systems that they need to perform their job duties.

Procedures:
Employees must change their password every 90 days and use strong passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.

Employees must not use company IT resources for personal gain, to send or receive inappropriate material, or to engage in any activities that may be illegal or unethical.

Employees must report any security incidents, including lost or stolen devices, to the IT department immediately.

Conclusion:

By following these rules and procedures, employees can help ensure the secure and effective use of company IT resources. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the IT department for assistance.


By following these considerations, you can ensure that the onboarding process for new employees is smooth, secure, and compliant with your IT and cybersecurity policies. If you need further assistance or support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help!

Learn more about Nextworks IT Services.



Wednesday, April 19, 2023

How to Use ChatGPT Securely in Your Business

 



ChatGPT is a cutting-edge tool that can bring a lot of value to small and medium businesses. With its advanced language processing abilities, it can automate a range of tasks, freeing up time and resources for other important work.

However, when it comes to confidential information, it's essential to make sure that you are using ChatGPT securely. This blog post will cover the use of the tool and provide guidance on what to do with confidential information.


The Benefits of ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a powerful tool that can help you automate various tasks, including customer service, sales, and support. It can also assist in tasks such as content creation, data analysis, and research.

By using ChatGPT, you can save time and resources, as well as reduce the risk of errors. It's an excellent tool for businesses looking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.


How to Use ChatGPT Securely

When it comes to using ChatGPT securely, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to ensure that you are using a trusted and secure platform, such as OpenAI, which is the creator of ChatGPT.

Next, it's crucial to be aware of the information that you are sharing with ChatGPT. Confidential information, such as personal data, financial information, and trade secrets, should not be shared with the tool.

Finally, it's essential to make sure that your team is aware of the security measures in place and to educate them on how to use the tool safely. This will help to reduce the risk of errors and ensure that confidential information remains secure.

We'd also suggest including some form of policy for you business in regards to sensitive data entered into the tool -- here's an example policy:

Process for entering intellectual property (IP) into ChatGPT:

  1. Obtain permission: Before entering any IP into ChatGPT, make sure you have obtained the proper permissions and licenses from the IP owner. This could include obtaining a license to use copyrighted material, or getting permission to use someone's trademarked name or logo.
  2. Identify the IP: Clearly identify and label any IP that you are entering into ChatGPT, including the source of the IP and any applicable licenses or permissions.
  3. Limit access: Limit access to the IP within your organization to only those who need it to perform their job functions.
  4. Monitor usage: Regularly monitor the use of the IP within ChatGPT to ensure that it is being used in accordance with the terms of the license or permission.
  5. Keep records: Keep records of all permissions and licenses, as well as any correspondence with IP owners. This will be important in case of any legal disputes.
  6. Have an action plan in case of infringement: in case of an infringement, have a plan in place for removing the infringing content and addressing any legal or reputational issues that may arise.

Please note that these are general guidelines and it's always best to consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.


Conclusion

ChatGPT is a powerful tool that can bring a lot of value to small and medium businesses. By using it securely, you can streamline your operations, improve efficiency, and reduce the risk of errors.

If you're looking for help in leveraging ChatGPT for your business, then get in touch with us today.

We are here to help and can assist you in making the most of this innovative tool.

Looking for help with ChatGPT and IT security? Contact Nextworks today!