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Small businesses face a myriad of challenges, from maintaining a strong online presence to safeguarding against cyber threats. At the recent Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp, attendees were privileged to gain invaluable insights from Ruth Aliu, the founder of Techity Consulting, during her session titled “Tech Strategies for Small Business Success: Website Maintenance, Support, Cybersecurity.

Insights from Ruth Aliu’s Session:

In her comprehensive presentation, Ruth delved deep into the critical realm of technology for small businesses, emphasizing the pivotal role it plays in driving success in today’s competitive market. With her wealth of experience in technology consulting, Ruth provided attendees with actionable strategies and expert advice to navigate the complex world of tech for small businesses.

Website Maintenance: Website maintenance emerged as a cornerstone of Ruth’s presentation, as she underscored the importance of regular upkeep and updates for small business websites. From ensuring optimal performance and user experience to addressing security vulnerabilities, Ruth emphasized the need for a proactive approach to website maintenance. Attendees gained insights into the significance of regular content updates, software patches, and security audits in maintaining a robust online presence.

Cybersecurity: Moreover, Ruth addressed the pressing issue of cybersecurity and its implications for small businesses. With cyber threats on the rise, small business owners must prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive data and customer information. Ruth shared practical tips and best practices for implementing cybersecurity measures, empowering attendees to protect their digital assets effectively.

Essential Tools for Small Business Success:

In today’s fast-paced digital world, small businesses must leverage technology to stay competitive and thrive in their respective industries. Here are some essential tools to help small businesses navigate the digital landscape:

  1. Website Building and Management:

    • WordPress: Known for its versatility, WordPress offers a wide range of customizable themes and plugins, allowing small businesses to create and manage their websites with ease. With its intuitive interface and extensive community support, WordPress is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
    • Wix: Ideal for beginners, Wix provides a user-friendly website builder with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to create stunning websites without any coding knowledge. With its range of templates and customization options, Wix is a great option for small businesses looking to establish their online presence quickly.
    • Squarespace: With sleek templates and e-commerce capabilities, Squarespace is an all-in-one platform for website building, hosting, and domain registration. Its user-friendly interface and built-in SEO tools make it an ideal choice for small businesses looking to create professional-looking websites that drive results.
  2. Online Marketing and Social Media Management:

    • Mailchimp: A popular email marketing platform, Mailchimp allows small businesses to create and send newsletters, automated campaigns, and targeted messaging to their subscribers. With its user-friendly interface and advanced analytics, Mailchimp helps businesses engage with their audience and drive conversions.
    • Hootsuite: Hootsuite is a social media management tool that enables businesses to schedule posts, monitor mentions, and analyze performance across multiple platforms. With its robust suite of features, Hootsuite helps businesses streamline their social media efforts and maximize their impact online.
    • Canva: With pre-designed templates and easy-to-use design tools, Canva is a versatile graphic design platform that allows businesses to create eye-catching social media graphics, flyers, and marketing materials. With its intuitive interface and extensive library of assets, Canva is a valuable tool for businesses looking to enhance their online presence.
  3. Financial Management and Invoicing:

    • QuickBooks: QuickBooks is a comprehensive accounting software that helps businesses manage expenses, track income, and generate financial reports. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, QuickBooks makes it easy for businesses to stay organized and in control of their finances.
    • Wave: Wave offers free accounting and invoicing software with features for managing invoices, payments, and payroll. With its user-friendly interface and cloud-based platform, Wave is an ideal choice for small businesses looking for a cost-effective solution to their financial management needs.
    • FreshBooks: FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking capabilities. With its mobile app and integrations with other business tools, FreshBooks helps businesses stay organized and efficient.
  4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM):

    • HubSpot: HubSpot is an all-in-one CRM platform with tools for managing contacts, tracking interactions, and automating marketing campaigns. With its robust suite of features and seamless integrations, HubSpot helps businesses stay organized and connected with their customers.
    • Salesforce: Salesforce is a powerful CRM solution that offers features for sales, marketing, and customer service automation. With its customizable interface and scalable architecture, Salesforce is suitable for businesses of all sizes looking to scale their operations.
    • Zoho CRM: Zoho CRM is an affordable CRM software with features for lead management, sales forecasting, and workflow automation. With its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options, Zoho CRM helps businesses streamline their sales and marketing processes.
  5. Cybersecurity and Data Protection:

    • Norton Small Business: Norton Small Business provides comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for protecting against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. With its advanced threat detection capabilities and real-time protection, Norton Small Business helps businesses safeguard their digital assets and maintain their reputation.
    • LastPass: LastPass is a password management tool that allows users to securely store and share login credentials across devices. With its strong encryption and multi-factor authentication, LastPass helps businesses strengthen their password security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
    • Backupify: Backupify is a cloud-to-cloud backup solution that helps businesses protect their critical business data stored in SaaS applications like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. With its automated backups and secure storage, Backupify ensures data availability and continuity in the event of data loss or corruption

By leveraging these essential tools, small businesses can streamline operations, enhance productivity, and position themselves for success in today’s digital economy. Whether it’s building a professional website, reaching customers through targeted marketing campaigns, or safeguarding sensitive data, these tools provide invaluable support to help small businesses thrive in a competitive market.

As small businesses continue to adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape, the wisdom shared by Ruth Aliu serves as a beacon of light, guiding them towards sustainable growth and success in an increasingly digital world.

As the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp 3.0 continues into its second day on April 7th, participants can anticipate another lineup of exceptional speakers poised to share their insights and experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the profiles of the speakers who will grace the virtual stage:

Tope Mark-Odigie: Empowering Financial Independence Through Real Estate

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3.0

Tope Mark-Odigie is a visionary leader, harnessing entrepreneurship to propel societal progress. With a firm conviction in real estate as a pathway to financial prosperity, she advocates for good governance to foster opportunities for Nigerians. As the CEO of REB360, Tope pioneers initiatives that empower individuals through real estate, while simultaneously leading WIRE Africa to champion women in the sector. Inspired by influential women such as her mother, Ibukun Awosika, and Oprah Winfrey, Tope endeavors to demystify financial management through initiatives like the “Game of Money” conference, empowering individuals to attain financial independence.

Katrice Bent: Championing Financial Empowerment Through Education

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3.0

Katrice Bent, founder of Katrice Justice, empowers individuals to take control of their finances through accessible education. Since its 2022 inception, her brand offers digital content, speaking engagements, and personalized guidance, facilitating financial freedom. Katrice’s journey began at 12, selling Avon products, and by 14, she owned a photography business. Recognized for her entrepreneurship in 2017, she received an award from the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association. With a strong online presence and commitment to excellence, Katrice continues to positively impact lives, driving toward a future of financial empowerment.

Fola Adegoke: Reshaping Cybersecurity Through Empowering Vision

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3.0

Fola Adegoke, Founder of Winfinite Consulting, is reshaping cybersecurity with her empowering vision. Her journey from Nigeria to Canada fuels her mission to prepare professionals for success in the industry. With a knack for problem-solving and a supportive upbringing, Fola is dedicated to bridging the skills gap. Winfinite Consulting offers hands-on training, leading to numerous success stories and award nominations. Despite challenges, Fola remains committed to staying updated and advocating for gender inclusion in cybersecurity. She’s enhancing efficiency at Winfinite with automation and a Learning Management System.

Dr. Kelechi Okoro: Driving Positive Change Through Health and Education Initiatives

Kelechi Okoro

Kelechi Okoro, an accomplished medical doctor and advocate for the SDGs, leads impactful initiatives focusing on health, education, and gender equality. As the convener of the “Pay Attention to Her (PATH)” project under Heal for Africa Initiative (HFAI), she addresses menstrual and reproductive health in underserved communities. PATH includes programs like “PATH Rural Woman,” empowering women with education and skills, and “PATH School Girl,” promoting menstrual hygiene and girl empowerment. Through these initiatives, Kelechi is driving positive change, fostering health, confidence, and empowerment in communities across Africa.

Damilola Ajibade: Amplifying Immigrant Stories and Entrepreneurial Success

Damilola Ajibade, originally from Nigeria, transitioned to Canada as a Permanent Resident, bringing her a wealth of experience as a Channel and Business Development Manager in the ICT industry. Recognizing a need to amplify immigrant stories in her new community, Damilola immersed herself in storytelling, culminating in creating “The Journey Amplified,” a television show spotlighting immigrant experiences on Rogers TV. Concurrently, she aids aspiring entrepreneurs in navigating essential business information, showcasing her commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2023, Damilola’s accolade underscores her pivotal role as a supporter of immigrant communities and a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth.

As the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp 3.0 continues, participants can expect to glean invaluable insights and inspiration from these remarkable speakers. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this empowering event!

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3.0

Grab your ticket here

The city of Brampton recently witnessed a dynamic convergence of innovation and inspiration as Canada Vendors hosted its highly anticipated Empowered Summit. This event brought together experts from diverse fields, offering invaluable insights into technology, cybersecurity, and health.

The summit featured distinguished panellists who shared their expertise with an engaged audience:

Pamela Anoliefo, a Scrum Master with a deep understanding of agile methodologies, addressed the crowd on the evolving landscape of technology and its implications for entrepreneurs. Her presentation sparked discussions on how businesses can harness the power of agile practices to drive innovation and adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Fola Adegoke, a distinguished Cybersecurity Expert, shared insights into the critical role of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. Attendees gained an understanding of the cybersecurity challenges businesses face and how to safeguard their operations in an increasingly interconnected world.

In the realm of health, Bridget Nwagbara delivered an engaging presentation on cardiovascular health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Her holistic approach resonated with the audience, underscoring the vital connection between well-being and professional success.

The presence of Mayor Patrick Brown at the event highlighted the city’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and fostering innovation within the community. The Mayor’s participation underscored the significance of collaboration between local government and business leaders in driving economic growth and progress.

Additionally,  Uche Okugo, President of the Network of Nigerians in Canada added a sense of community to the event, emphasizing the importance of cultural and professional networks in facilitating growth, unity, and support.

Canada Vendors, the driving force behind this successful event, is owned by Maryam Muritala. Speaking about the summit, Maryam Muritala shared, “The Empowered Summit aimed to create a platform where innovation, knowledge, and collaboration intersected. It is heartening to see the business community of Brampton come together with a shared vision for growth, and I’m incredibly proud of the diverse insights and ideas that were shared at this event.”

The Canada Vendors’ Empowered Summit provided a platform for gaining knowledge and insights, along with opportunities for attendees to network, collaborate, and explore the myriad possibilities in the entrepreneurial landscape.

As the summit concluded, the buzz of excitement and inspiration lingered, leaving attendees motivated to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys armed with newfound knowledge and connections.

For more information on Canada Vendors and their future events, please visit their website

Fola Adegoke is the founder and lead Career Coach at Winfinite Consulting. She is a trailblazer in the field of Cybersecurity & IT Audit training. With a passion for empowering professionals and a comprehensive understanding of career challenges and opportunities. With her expertise and passion, Fola has become a trusted guide and inspiration for professionals seeking success in cybersecurity. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, knowledge, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.

In this article, we will explore Fola’s remarkable journey, the inspiration behind Winfinite Consulting, and how her immigration to Canada four years ago transformed her life.

Fola Winfinite Consulting

Early Influences

Fola’s childhood laid the foundation for her current career. Growing up in a loving and supportive environment, she nurtured a thirst for learning and problem-solving. Her talkative nature and communication skills developed during lively conversations with family and friends, unknowingly shaping her future role as a Cybersecurity Career Coach. Fola’s dreams of becoming an Engineer instilled her with a passion for critical thinking and puzzle-solving—essential qualities in the cybersecurity industry.

The Birth of Winfinite Consulting

Her strong desire to promote diversity and equality in the industry led her to establish Winfinite Consulting. Witnessing the struggles faced by immigrants in finding rewarding jobs due to non-recognition of qualifications, she leveraged her expertise in Cybersecurity and IT Audit to guide and empower them. Fola’s guidance became highly sought after, driving her to create Winfinite Consulting as a platform to empower individuals from all backgrounds. The goal was to provide practical, hands-on training that would prepare aspiring professionals for the challenges they would face in the cybersecurity industry.

The Journey of Winfinite Consulting

Since its inception, Winfinite Consulting has experienced remarkable growth and success. Fola’s coaching approach, centered around individual aspirations and development, has empowered numerous professionals to transition into high-demand cybersecurity careers. The positive impact of Winfinite Consulting is evident in the success stories of individuals who have unlocked hidden potential and secured rewarding jobs. Fola’s expertise as a thought leader, trainer, and speaker has garnered recognition and earned her nominations for prestigious awards.

Challenges in the Cybersecurity Landscape

Fola encounters various challenges in her line of work. Keeping pace with the ever-evolving threat landscape requires constant upskilling and staying updated on industry trends and regulations. Bridging the skills gap and addressing the talent shortage in the cybersecurity industry is another significant challenge. Fola strives to attract and nurture diverse talent by providing practical training that prepares students for real-world challenges. Balancing security and usability is an ongoing endeavor that requires innovative approaches and a deep understanding of both security principles and practical usability.

Inspiring Women in Cybersecurity

Fola’s work has become a beacon of inspiration for women in the field. By breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, she showcases that gender is not a limitation in pursuing a successful career in the male-dominated cybersecurity industry. Fola actively promotes the inclusion of women, sharing her knowledge and experiences to motivate them to embrace their skills and passions in this exciting domain. Her journey and positive impact serve as inspiration for other women to believe in themselves, overcome challenges, and make their mark in cybersecurity.

Other Projects and Activities

In addition to her work at Winfinite Consulting, Fola is currently focused on automating processes to enhance efficiency as the company continues to grow. For example, she is implementing a Learning Management System to streamline onboarding.

Fola Winfinite Consulting

Enjoying the Journey

Fola finds great joy in meeting new people, learning new things, and keeping up with evolving threats and risks. The combination of fulfillment and excitement that her work brings is a constant source of motivation. Guiding individuals with no prior experience to achieve their goals in cybersecurity, witnessing their transformation.

Empowering Change

As a Woman of Rubies, Fola embodies the qualities of strength, resilience, and compassion. She has overcome numerous obstacles throughout her career, displaying unwavering determination and tenacity in carving a successful path. Sarah’s commitment to driving positive change extends beyond her own achievements. As a Career Coach and trainer, she dedicates herself to empowering others, especially women, to succeed in the face of adversity. She firmly believes in the power of diversity and inclusivity, and she actively works towards creating opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the cybersecurity sector.

Inspiring the Next Generation

To young women aspiring to enter the cybersecurity sector, Fola has a powerful message: believe in yourself and embrace your unique strengths and perspectives. She emphasizes the importance of constant learning and challenging oneself in a dynamic industry like cybersecurity. She encourages aspiring professionals to seek mentors and supportive communities that can guide and inspire them on their journey. She firmly believes that every individual has the ability to make a positive impact and contribute to the cybersecurity landscape.