Four tips for increasing Facebook engagement

Facebook changed its News Feed algorithm in 2018. Here are a few ideas for making your Facebook posts do more work for your business.

Email newsletter dos and don'ts

​Many successful businesses use email newsletters to connect with their customers. Here's a list of dos and don'ts for creating effective email newsletters.​

Five website must-haves

It’s never been easier to create your own website, but making a good website is the challenge. Here are five must-haves for building your business website.

Data security blind spots

​For businesses, good data security is more than updating your anti-virus software. Here are some digital security tips from Spark Lab.

Switching off in a digital world

It might not seem possible to leave work behind. Here are some tips for taking a real holiday while running your own business.

Preventing data theft in your business

​What would happen if someone outside your business got hold of your data? Read our six tips for preventing data theft in your organisation.

Simplifying the cloud

Talk about the cloud is everywhere. But just what is the cloud, and how does it matter for your business?

Simplifying the Cloud

Talk about the Cloud is everywhere. You hear about it on the news and through a constant barrage of advertising talking about Cloud solutions. But, just what is the Cloud?

Taking risks is key to navigating business disruption - Cameron Bagrie

Kiwi small to medium-sized businesses need to take a few risks to get their edge in an age of disruption. Spark Lab partner Cameron Bagrie weighs in on what issues are facing New Zealand businesses and how to deal with change.

Five fundamentals for securing information

Information security is a top priorities for business. We look at five concepts related to protecting information.​

Three cybersecurity threats you need to know about

See how to protect your company from ransomware, phishing and other cyberattacks.

Cyber Security Policy

A cyber security policy establishes the rules of engagement for protecting your business online.

Roaming with Ingrid Starnes in Tokyo

Last month Ingrid and I were over in Japan for a packed week of meetings, eating and research, soaking up the retail and fashion inspiration this megacity abounds in. It’s our second trip there in two years, and we’ve picked up a few tips on how to do the work while keeping a busy business going back home.

Tips for creating a strong password

Passwords provide the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your computer. The stronger your password, the more protected your computer will be from hackers and malicious software (malware).

6 ways to improve your customer experience

Are your customers enjoying every interaction they have with you? If you’re not sure, here are 6 ways to tune up your customer experience offering.

Eight tips for executing a marketing strategy

Once you have your marketing strategy in place, use these eight tips to ensure your marketing efforts impact your customers and your bottom line.

How today’s tools make marketing ROI calculation easier than ever

The words ‘return on investment’ roll off the tongue so easily, but quantifying the advertising spend results can be challenging. Here’s how to do it.

How to leverage social media marketing for your business

Here’s how to use social media marketing to build brand awareness, gain more engaged customers and develop stronger customer loyalty.

5 ways your marketing plan strengthens your brand

See how the process of creating a marketing plan and its associated add-ons can really help you to understand and evolve your brand.

Make smarter decisions with audience personas

If you want to get a complete picture of your different target audiences, create customer personas. Here’s why they’re so useful for connecting with customers.

5 steps to an effective customer journey map

Customer journey maps reveal the true paths people take to become your customers, and the emotions they experience along the way.

Three ways to stay ahead of digital disruption

Today, digital technology is the primary agent of disruption. Will your industry be the next to be "Uberised"? Read for useful tips for your business.

Why you should review your internet connection

With the roll out of fibre-based Internet services across New Zealand, it is worthwhile reviewing your Internet connection to see what new pricing options and packages are available and how they could benefit your business.

What is a BYOD scheme?

Bring Your Own Device or BYOD is when a staff member brings a device (laptop or tablet etc) of their choice into the workplace.

Using content marketing

Content marketing delivers value to potential customers in a way that traditional marketing does not.

Content management systems

To manage content changes on your website it may need to be on a content management system (CMS).

Domain names

A domain name is the unique name that identifies an internet resource such as a website, for example sparklab.co.nz

Writing for the web

A poorly written website can detract from your site and send visitors away.

The benefits of online collaboration

The modern workplace is changing rapidly with advances in technology and the growth of remote and flexible working practices. However, teamwork is still one of the most important aspects of the modern workplace. You can now find a range of online tools designed to improve team work and collaboration in the changing work environment.

Benefits of online recruitment

Reducing the time it takes to hire someone, and the cost of advertising your job are just two of the benefits of using online recruitment tools.

Keeping up with technology

Keeping up with developments in online tools and digital technology can give you a competitive edge, and help you survive and thrive in today's fast changing business environment.

How to develop a social media plan

Our simple pragmatic approach will help you create a plan that doesn't sit on the shelf gathering dust, but helps you get the results you want.

9 tips to improve your work-life balance

With 24/7 connectivity, how do you create a balance between work and life? We asked some busy people for tips on how best to deal with technology.

As a service explained, with a squeeze of lemon

What's 'As a Service'? If you’re not involved in tech procurement, or want an easy ‘BBQ blurb’, here’s a quick, Kiwi-flavoured guide to share with colleagues.

Ransomware Attacks

You log into work first thing in the morning and a message pops up telling you that all your files have been encrypted or locked...

Social Media Privacy Settings

Many of us are concerned about our online privacy, but have you checked the settings of your social media accounts, or have you assumed the default settings are OK?

Online Shopping - Tips and Guidance to Stay Safe

Today, you can buy so many goods and services online. It is an easy option as you can literally shop from your armchair. But before you press the 'buy' button have a read through our tips to help keep you safe.

How superdiversity can give your business an edge

With superdiversity, businesses need to expand their thinking beyond traditional Kiwi audiences. We speak with three people at the forefront of inclusion.

Integrating your website with social media

Using a third party to manage social media

Mastering social media marketing is often not as simple as it may seem at first glance and driving the best possible return on investment takes both time and experience.

Working remotely (Teleworking)

Simply put, teleworking is working from anywhere outside of your company's main office.

An overview of cloud computing

Cloud Computing is the use of remote servers over the Internet to store and manage data (rather than on your own computer or network).

Responsive web design

Creating video content

Sell online

Search engine optimisation (SEO)

Email marketing

IT training

Security policy

Disaster recovery vs business continuity planning

Sports teams are raising the bar for customer experience

New technologies offer opportunities to deliver immersive customer experiences and the Olympics raised the bar for the sports industry and all businesses

Ling Hou on building a culture of security

We’re seeing new data and security breaches nearly every day. Read how information security starts with people and business culture.

Training staff on cyber security

Protecting your business from cyber threats starts with making sure your staff know how to keep your data, computers and networks safe.

Emergency Incident Checklist

If a cyber security incident should occur, here's a helpful list of key questions you need to ask yourself that will help shape your response.

Establish an Incident Management Plan

An incident management plan outlines processes for your business to deal with a cyber security breach, including what constitutes a breach and who should be contacted if one occurs.

How to Use Wi-Fi Securely

Using wireless internet access can be convenient – but it does expose your computers, and the information on them, to others.

Can You Identify a Secure Webpage?

44% of the people we asked could not!

Can You Recognise a Phishing Email or Text?

23% of those we asked would not recognise and delete a phishing email immediately.

Staying Safe in Google Search

Typed a search term in Google and had explicit or inappropriate content displayed in your results? How do you stop it happening?

Leading in the digital age

We talk with Charlene Li, CEO of Altimeter Group, on why leaders need to embrace digital channels to better engage and inspire talents.

Anti-Virus Software

Installing anti-virus software is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your computer, but you need to make sure you keep the malware definitions up-to-date.

Keeping Your Portable Devices Secure

Portable digital devices such as laptops, tablets and smart phones have become ubiquitous for conducting business in today's mobile world.

Acceptable Use policy

An acceptable use policy outlines what an employee can and can't do when using IT equipment or when accessing the Internet.

Tomorrow’s CFO: strategist and innovator

CFO's roles are changing from finance controllers to innovators. For many, these new duties will require new skill sets to keep pace with changing demands.