Technological Upgrades

Improved Internet

• High Speed Internet through Westman Communications Group and Bell MTS!

The Etiquette of Online Meetings

• Before the Meeting:

• Test your audio, video, and internet connection beforehand.

• Choose a quiet, well-lit location with minimal distractions.

• Use a professional or neutral background if using video.

• Dress appropriately, as you would for an in-person meeting.

• Review the agenda and be prepared to contribute.

• During the Meeting:

• Join on time or a few minutes early.

• Mute your microphone when not speaking to reduce background noise.

• Turn on your camera, if possible, to engage with others.

• Avoid multitasking (checking emails, using your phone, etc.).

• Use the chat function or "raise hand" feature to ask questions.

• Speak clearly and concisely, and allow others to finish before responding.

• Be mindful of your body language and facial expressions.

• After the Meeting:

• Stay until the meeting officially ends unless prior arrangements are made.

• Follow up with action items or notes as needed.

• Send a thank-you message if appropriate.

Spots with Free Wi-fi in Boissevain Morton

• Boissevain Health Centre

• Boissevain-Morton Library & Archive

• Canadian Wilderness Inn

• Chicken Chef (guests only)

• Sawmill Tea & Coffee Co.

• Subway

How AI Changed the Game for Small Businesses

• AI has revolutionized small businesses in several ways, making it easier for them to compete with larger companies. Here's how AI has changed the game for small businesses:

• 1. Improved Customer Service with Chatbots:

• AI-powered chatbots help small businesses provide 24/7 customer service. Customers can get answers to their questions at any time, improving customer satisfaction without the need for a large support team.

• 2. Cost-Effective Marketing:

• AI tools can help small businesses create more targeted and efficient marketing campaigns. By analyzing data, AI helps businesses understand customer behavior, preferences, and demographics, allowing them to personalize ads and reach the right audience with less effort and cost.

• 3. Streamlined Operations:

• AI can automate routine tasks like inventory management, scheduling, and even bookkeeping. This allows small businesses to focus on growth and strategy instead of time-consuming administrative work.

• 4. Data-Driven Decision Making:

• AI gives small businesses access to powerful data analysis tools that were once only available to large companies. With AI, small businesses can track customer trends, product performance, and other key metrics to make smarter, data-driven decisions.

• 5. Enhanced Product Recommendations:

• AI tools like recommendation engines (used by companies like Amazon) allow small businesses to suggest products based on customer behavior, increasing sales by offering customers products they’re more likely to buy.

• 6. Better Financial Management:

• AI helps small businesses with budgeting, forecasting, and analyzing financial health. It can spot patterns in financial data, flagging potential issues before they become problems, and helping businesses plan for the future.

• 7. Personalized Customer Experiences:

• With AI, small businesses can deliver a personalized experience to customers—such as customized offers, messages, or product suggestions—based on their past behavior or preferences. This makes customers feel valued and boosts loyalty.

• 8. Improved Hiring Processes:

• AI tools can help small businesses streamline hiring by screening resumes, matching candidates to job descriptions, and even conducting initial rounds of interviews. This reduces the time spent on hiring and helps businesses find the right talent more quickly.

• 9. Efficient Supply Chain Management:

• AI helps small businesses optimize their supply chains by predicting demand, managing suppliers, and even automating order fulfillment. This results in less waste, better inventory control, and cost savings.

• 10. Competitive Advantage:

• By using AI, small businesses can level the playing field against larger companies that may have more resources. AI allows small businesses to enhance their operations, improve customer satisfaction, and make smarter decisions without needing a large team.

• In short, AI empowers small businesses by automating processes, providing insights, and improving customer experiences, ultimately allowing them to compete more effectively and grow faster.

How to Tell if You are Being Scammed

• Here are some simple ways to tell if you’re being scammed:

• 1. Too Good to Be True:

• If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often promise things like large sums of money, prizes, or deals that seem unbelievable.

• 2. Unsolicited Contact:

• If you get an unexpected email, phone call, or text from someone asking for personal information (like your bank account number, Social Security number, or passwords), it’s a red flag. Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive info this way.

• 3. Pressure to Act Quickly:

• Scammers often try to rush you into making a decision fast. They might say, "You need to act now or the deal is gone!" Don’t let anyone pressure you—take your time.

• 4. Unclear or Suspicious Communication:

• Check for weird language, spelling errors, or strange phrases. Scammers don’t always use proper grammar or have professional communication.

• 5. Requests for Payment via Uncommon Methods:

• If you're asked to send money or pay using untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, it’s likely a scam. Scammers often ask for these because they can’t be traced or refunded.

• 6. No Verifiable Contact Info:

• If the person or company can’t provide a phone number or email address that you can verify or contact directly, that's suspicious.

• 7. Suspicious Links or Attachments:

• If you receive a message with links or attachments that you weren’t expecting, don’t click on them. Scammers use these to steal your personal information or install harmful software on your computer or phone.

• 8. Inconsistent or Phony Websites:

• Make sure any websites you visit look professional and match the real company’s site. Watch out for websites with odd web addresses (like misspelled company names) or strange payment requests.

• 9. "Free" Offers that Require Payment:

• If you're offered something for free but are asked to pay for shipping or other hidden costs, it's likely a scam.

• 10. Too Much Personal Information:

• Scammers might ask for information you wouldn’t usually give out, such as your full name, address, Social Security number, or bank account details. Be cautious about sharing this type of info.

• What to Do If You Suspect a Scam:

• Stop communication immediately.

• Don’t send money or share personal information.

• Report it to the appropriate authorities (like the Federal Trade Commission in the U.S. or your local consumer protection agency).

• Staying cautious and skeptical can help protect you from falling victim to a scam.

How Does Online Banking Work? 

• Online banking allows you to manage your money and banking activities using the internet, instead of going to a physical bank. Here's how it works, explained simply:

• Set Up Your Account: You first need to have a bank account. Then, you'll set up online banking by creating a username and password for your account through the bank's website or app.

• Access Your Account: Once your online banking is set up, you can log in on your computer, smartphone, or tablet by entering your username and password.

• Check Your Balance: You can view how much money you have in your account, check transactions, and see recent deposits or withdrawals.

• Transfer Money: You can move money between your own accounts (like savings to checking) or send money to someone else (like paying bills or sending money to family or friends).

• Pay Bills: Many banks let you set up automatic payments, or you can manually pay things like utility bills, credit cards, or rent from your account.

• Deposit Checks: Some banks allow you to take a picture of a check with your phone and deposit it directly into your account.

• Security: Online banking is secure, but it’s important to use strong passwords and avoid using public Wi-Fi to protect your account from hackers.