MAR 2019
WADE LAW GROUP
THE LEGAL ISSUE 408-842-1688
www.WadeLitigation.com
2 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR CYBERSECURITY NOW, NOT LATER
BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES — OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES
Cybersecurity is a notorious boogeyman for small-business owners. The problem is that many entrepreneurs either believe cyberattacks are not a direct threat to their livelihood or that they cannot afford to put robust network security in place. In a time when digital threats exist in unprecedented abundance, this kind of thinking couldn’t be more dangerous — or irresponsible. After all, underinvesting in IT doesn’t just put you at a disadvantage to your tech-savvy competitors; it calls the very future of your organization into question. When a Fortune 500 company gets hacked, they shell out millions of dollars and make headlines. But when an unprotected small business comes under serious fire by cybercriminals, it often collapses quickly without fanfare or much of a fight. This is why poor cybersecurity “represents an especially pernicious threat to smaller businesses,” SEC Commissioner Luis A. Aguilar said in 2015. “The reason is simple: small and midsize businesses are not just targets of cybercrime; they are its principal target.” With that in mind, it’s essential that you do everything you can to protect yourself and your employees from cyberattacks. Here are two things you can do today to strengthen your network security and prevent a crisis. It can be overwhelming to set a firm budget for any aspect of your business, but this is especially true of IT because many business owners aren’t sure what type of security their company needs or how much it will cost. According to CIO magazine, you should spend around 4–6 percent of your annual revenue on cybersecurity. If your current cybersecurity budget falls under this range, it’s time to re-evaluate. Will your current IT system protect your business should a cybercriminal target it? If the tech you use every day gets hacked for hours or even days, will your company survive? Most companies simply cannot afford that much downtime — much less the loss of precious data — due to a single employee’s misguided click. Even if you are already prepared to invest good money into cybersecurity, you must do your research to determine which IT companies are worth your dollars. If you can afford it, bring in an outside IT consulting firm, as they’ll give you the hard truth and let you know exactly where your weaknesses lie. This might be a tall order for your small business, but it could save your entire operation down the line. 1. Take a closer look at your cybersecurity budget (or set one).
2. Look for ways to educate your team (and hold them accountable).
According to IBM’s X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, more than two-thirds of cyberattacks occur due to “inadvertent insiders.” These are employees who unknowingly engage in actions that leave the network vulnerable, like clicking on a suspicious link in a phishing email or ignoring a key software patch. Cryptographer Bruce Schneier put it best when he said, “Only amateurs attack machines; professionals target people.” Because of this, the best way to boost your cybersecurity isn’t to pile money into a better antivirus or complicated network defense; it’s to get your people up to speed with cybercrime trends and educate them on best practices for avoiding threats. To this end, it’s a good idea to hold regular education sessions on cybersecurity. You might be able to easily recognize a phishing email; many of your team members may not. Again, it’s a good idea to bring in an outside company whose specialty is training teams on digital threats. Sometimes all it takes is a single session for everyone to understand just what they’re up against. Cybercrime is a bigger problem now than it has ever been, and it shows no signs of slowing down. But if you take responsibility for defending your network before it’s too late, you can bat away these threats and drastically reduce the danger to your operation. All it takes is a little time, a little savvy, and a willingness to invest in better IT.
Amiel Wade
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SPRING HAS SPRUNG 4 FACTORS THAT MIGHT BE AFFECTING YOUR BUSINESS’S GROWTH THIS SEASON Spring is here, and watching flowers sneak up through the soil in your front yard may remind you to consider growth of a different kind — the growth of your business. Regardless of whether you soared over your revenue goals the previous quarter or you took these last few months to recover from failed marketing efforts and missed opportunities, spring provides a great opportunity for overall growth. Still, it’s hard to know where you should focus your energy. To aid your efforts, here are four factors to consider for strategic business growth. 1. LEADERSHIP Similar to nature’s processes during springtime, business growth begins far below the surface through good leadership. Your employees’ perception of you and your company’s mission is what determines their motivation to work hard. Take a step back to evaluate your leadership tactics and determine if they match your ideal business model. Often, replacing poor leaders with stronger ones makes all the difference in a company’s success. 2. EMPLOYEE TRAINING Business growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Just as leadership from your management team should be a major focus, your employees need a standard but solid foundation of knowledge in order to cultivate their own growth in the
“A few months ago, we hired Wade Law Group to help settle an internal dispute in our studio. In our search for legal assistance, no one was as professional, friendly, affordable, patient, or sympathetic to our situation as Wade Law Group. It’s a relief to see a law group dedicated to helping the community and not just trying to make money. We’re very thankful to have Wade Law Group at our side during this turbulent situation. Thank you!” As you grow your business, consider acquiring the support of a legal team. Deciding when to bring on that support, and whom to bring on, is an important decision. A team that specializes in business litigation will help you negotiate and review the dynamic legal aspects of your business. Ask questions of a potential attorney to ensure they have experience handling cases in your specific industry and will be a good fit for your team. One mistake we often see businesses make is waiting until they face a lawsuit to bring on legal help. You can help mitigate future legal problems by working with an attorney early in the formation of your business. They can help you review and draft your contracts, taxes, licenses, and real estate concerns and ensure that you’re protecting your business against future issues. FIND BUSINESS SUCCESS WITH THE RIGHT LEGAL SUPPORT company. This spring, consider revamping your training programs by moving to online platforms that customize learning paths for each new employee based on previous employees’ feedback. 3. CUSTOMER LOYALTY While it is important to increase brand awareness and expand your customer base, it is essential to also increase sales potential with your existing customers. Look for opportunities to grow your profits with the customers you already have through add-on sales, customer loyalty programs, and referral business. 4. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY When you adopt policies of social responsibility, you affect your community — and therefore your customers — in a positive way. Take the month of March, for example, which is National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month. You can get your business involved in various organizations geared toward raising awareness. Through sponsoring events and donating money, you can increase your client base while simultaneously helping others.
Our firm specializes in cutting edge solutions for business law problems, and we take pride in being a strategic partner for our clients. We recently had the pleasure of helping a business find closure on an internal issue they were facing. As a business owner, I know how daunting it can be to approach an internal problem, and we were honored that they trusted us to help them reach a positive conclusion on this matter.
It’s never too late to get started. Contact the Wade Law Group and find out how we can help make the legal side of your business a breeze.
They shared these kind words about working with us:
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SET SAIL FOR VACATION
TAKE YOUR NEXT TRIP OFFSHORE
If you’re lucky enough to have been aboard a ship under full sail, chances are you know the thrill and serenity sailing can give you. If you’ve never been but have always wanted to know what it’s like to get out on the wind and waves, there are many great options available for beginners. Here are some ideas to inspire your next waterside vacation. START SMALL For those who dream of becoming a skipper one day, a great way to start is by sailing dinghies. These one-sail, beach-launch boats fit 1–2 people and can be rented at most water sports shops. If you want to make it a family experience, shops usually have 16-foot catamarans for rent as well. Catamarans have two hulls rather than one, making for a smoother, more spacious ride. If you’ve never sailed before, inquire about lessons. Most rental operations have instructors on hand who can show you the ropes. The great thing about sailing is that whether you’re in a 12-foot dinghy or a 60-foot sloop, the same basic principles, rules, and skills apply. TAKE A DAY SAIL Many day-sail charters exist for those who want to go out a little farther than a dinghy would permit. If you’ve captained a boat and are familiar with the waters, you can apply for a bareboat charter. However, if you are
inexperienced or simply don’t want a local guide at the helm, signing up for a day trip with a skipper and crew is a great option.
DO A FULL CHARTER Short of owning your own vessel, chartering a boat for multiple nights is the closest you can get to living out your nautical dreams. Some of the most beautiful destinations on earth — from the Caribbean Sea to the Mediterranean — are best experienced from the deck of a sailboat. Letting the sea guide you to amazing snorkeling destinations, remote cays, and bustling harbors is the stuff of real adventure.
SUDOKU
A delicious and healthy take on the classic Levantine spread, this hummus will brighten up your March Madness snack spread. BEET, MINT, AND RICOTTA HUMMUS
INGREDIENTS
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1 garlic clove, grated
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1 6-ounce beet (about the size of an adult fist), scrubbed 1 15 1/2-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
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1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
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1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
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1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
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1/3 cup tahini, well-mixed
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Mint leaves, poppy seeds, and olive oil, for garnish
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
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1/4 cup ricotta cheese
DIRECTIONS
4. Once beet is cool enough to handle, use a paper towel to remove beet skin. Trim root end and cut into small pieces. Add to blender or food processor, and blend until entire mixture is smooth. Add additional salt if desired. 5. Transfer to a shallow bowl, top with garnishes, and serve. 3 408-842-1688
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Wrap beet tightly in foil. On a foil-lined baking sheet, roast wrapped beet until fork tender, about 60–70 minutes. 3. While beet is roasting, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, ricotta, garlic, salt, pepper, and coriander until smooth.
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
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WADE LAW GROUP
84 West Santa Clara Street, Ste. 750 San Jose, CA 95113
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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2 Strategies to Improve Your Cybersecurity Today
Reorganizing Your Efforts for Strategic Growth This Spring
How We Help Clients Find Business Success
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How to Make Your Sailing Dreams Come True
Beet, Mint, and Ricotta Hummus
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Local Events Around San Jose
DON’T LET THE DAILY GRIND GET YOU DOWN FINDING TIME FOR YOU
HOP ‘N VINE FESTIVAL & MARKET Where: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds When: Saturday, March 9, 2–7 p.m.
Admission: Visit Website Website: Hopnvinesj.com
Celebrate your love of libations for the third year in a row by attending the Hop ‘N Vine Festival and Market! Attendees will sip on the best beers and wines provided by local wineries and craft breweries. Games, lectures, and entertainment will be provided for guests to enjoy. Consider taking a Lyft or Uber to eliminate the worry of finding a ride or a parking spot.
Taking the time to enjoy yourself is crucial, especially when your schedule is full to the brim. Make a commitment this month to relax, have fun, and enjoy some “me” time!
BAY AREA TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE SHOW Where: Santa Clara Convention Center – Halls A, B, C, D When: March 23–24, Times Vary Admission: $0–$18 Website: Travelshows.com/shows/san-francisco-bay-area
SECRETS TO MEDITATION IN SAN JOSE Where: Evergreen Montessori School When: Every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Admission: Free! Website: Artofliving.org/us-en
Everyone needs to get away once in a while, and after attending this show, you’ll know exactly where you want to go. The Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show will display over 250 vacation destinations around the world. Attendees will also have the pleasure of meeting travel celebrities Cheryl Strayed, Peter Greenberg, and Patricia Schultz, who know all the ins and outs of a perfect trip. Visit the website to discover what other benefits the show will provide.
Meditation eases everyday stress and brings you peace of mind. In this class, attendees will learn the benefits of meditating and how breathing exercises can help people be positive and peaceful throughout their lives. Individuals of all experience levels are welcome to attend these sessions. Visit the website above for more information about the event and other meditation programs.
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