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Cybersecurity Awareness Month at JSG

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As we continue to expand our IT Consulting Service offerings, JSG is excited to participate in Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across the United States. Led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA), Cybersecurity Awareness Month shares messages and weekly themes of the importance of staying safe online. The evergreen theme – Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart – encourages individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity.

Throughout the past year and a half, our already virtual world depends even more on the internet. While an increased online presence can be positive, Cybersecurity Awareness Month encourages everyone to take increased ownership of enhanced online activity and the important security practices that come along with it. The virtual safety of our community, and, ultimately, our nation, depends on our personal online safety practices.

Cybersecurity is important to JSG and we are committed to helping our clients become more resilient. So, this month we’ll be sharing information on:

  • Be Cyber Smart
    • Take simple actions to keep our digital lives secure
  • Fight the Phish!
    • Highlight the dangers of phishing attempts – which can lead to ransomware or other malware attacks – and how to report suspicious emails
  • Explore. Experience. Share.
    • Celebrate National Initiative for Cybersecurity (NICE) Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week and the global cybersecurity workforce and highlight how individuals can learn how to become a cybersecurity professional.
  • Think Cybersecurity First
    • Explore how cybersecurity and staying safe online is increasingly important as our world continues to operate virtually for so much of work and play.

Here are some resources we’ll share throughout the month to highlight how you can keep you and your team safe online:

Cloud Computing & The Value It Adds To Your Business

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In today’s world, cloud services are a vital component to any business involved with having access to a world of technology. Unfortunately, many companies still invest in in-house resources that can barely keep up with the evolving cloud infrastructure that supports businesses everywhere. Here’s an introduction to cloud computing and how it can add a wealth of value to your business now and in the future.

What is Cloud Computing? 

Cloud computing involves many computing services that traditionally, businesses would not consider using for their IT services. Cloud computing is centered around taking those traditional IT services, but using them through the internet, thus using fewer resources. As a result, all of your IT resources are available to you through the cloud instead of having them in-house. Ultimately, this is a huge money-saver. Cloud computing services also includes having servers or databases utilized over the cloud instead of maintaining them in-house from your business.   

Benefits of Using Cloud Computing

The ability to use cloud-based services like cloud computing can be very beneficial for any company. The most significant advantage of all is savings. Using cloud-based services, you are enrolling into lower costs associated with infrastructure investments, with services and the management needed to perform similar performance for internal resources. This allows you to scale change in how you want to run your business without paying high costs. It is also a great way to maximize the potential to utilize prebuilt resources.

Using cloud computing allows your company to have more flexibility in focusing on all your goals instead of spending all your time on IT issues. So, it creates an effective business model to push your business to focus on what’s most important and reach your goals. Additionally, cloud services are easily accessible for your entire business. No one will be left out of the loop as they can all have instant access to cloud services. This accessibility creates a lot of flexibility for employees and how they work to be more effective while also being more satisfied within their job. For a complete list of benefits in regards to cloud computing, check out our list below:  

  • Collaboration 
  • CRM 
  • Expertise on-demand
  • Flexible storage 
  • Improve accessibility 
  • Infrastructure-as-a-service 
  • Low-no infrastructure costs 
  • Platform-as-a-service 
  • Reduce capital costs 
  • Scalable services and billing 
  • Secure systems and environment 
  • Service reliability 
  • Software-as-a-service 
  • Streamline processes 
  • Support on-demand 
  • Systems and platform integration

How Can I Start Using Cloud Computing? 

If you think it is time to start using cloud computing, there is no better time than now. But how do you get started? With so many resources available, it is important you chose the cloud service that will align best with your business goals. That is why we recommend partnering with an experienced technology team like Johnson Service Group.

As a technology partner, we are capable of helping companies select, move to, and manage a best-of-breed, practical cloud computing solution. We understand how hard it can be switching from older technology investments to the cloud. Additionally, we know how important it is that you take the right direction in a challenging call. We can develop an integrated approach and customized solution that reduces IT costs. All while adding new capabilities, more outstanding performance, and new efficiencies to your business. Above all, this will help make the switch to using cloud computing services an easy transition while avoiding problematic issues.  

So, are you ready to learn more about making the switch to using cloud computing services for your business? Contact us today  to discuss your cloud computing strategy! 

IT Struggles of A Growing Business

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Are you one of the many businesses making significant changes or even growing in the post-pandemic era? Being part of a growing business is a rush, and it generates many changes. One of the most vital impacts of a growing business is the IT strategy of the company. Information technology is part of almost every aspect of your company – your marketing services, payroll platforms, your employees’ equipment, and much more. Here are the IT struggles of a growing business and how your team can combat them.

New locations

Have you outgrown your current building or facility and looking for a new home? Or are you adding an entirely new branch to your company? Geographical expansions are an ambitious undertaking for IT teams, both big and small. You must integrate your new locations into your company’s network, establish new technologies, and address each department’s individual IT needs. Consequently, your helpdesk support will be up to their eyeballs in IT tickets.

New products and services

With a growing business comes new technologies. As your business evolves, you will have to adopt new products and services into your IT wheelhouse. This new technology will ultimately help your business run more efficiently, boost productivity, and possibly save money. However, incorporating new IT services is not always a smooth transition. Before everything is up running seamlessly, there will be hiccups your IT team will have to address, as well as substantial learning curves for your employees. The result is a lot of time spent troubleshooting and educating your staff on correctly using this new technology.

Mergers and acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions can be an IT team’s worst nightmare. There is a ton of blending of old and new technologies, and it can be challenging to merge essentially two different company’s technologies under a single corporate network. This phase of growth is probably the single biggest IT struggle of a growing business. Your company will have to diligently work to integrate all IT functions to fit common business objectives. It will take time and patience to synergize all of your IT operations.

Supporting remote work

With remote work becoming commonplace for many companies, your IT team will continuously face unique issues. Each of your employees has different environments and technical literacies, which means new IT issues will surface regularly. Your team will have to offer dependable helpdesk support, new technologies, and top-tier communication services to keep the business running efficiently.

How can you tackle IT struggles of a growing business?

As your business grows, adapts, and changes, so will your IT plan. There are two simple solutions to address these IT struggles: hire more staff to bolster your internal IT activities or outsource your IT solutions. But if you need IT support now, you may not have the time to recruit new IT personnel. To solve this issue, you can partner with an IT recruiting firm, like JSG. We have a team of recruiting professionals to help you source IT experts on either a contract or permanent basis.

However, if you are looking for more of a long-term solution and added flexibility, outsourcing your IT solutions might be an excellent solution. Johnson Service Group’s IT Consulting Services offers customizable solutions for any company’s needs. We work with our clients to build solutions that meet their IT needs and budget to eliminate the IT struggles of growing businesses. If this is something that may work for your organization, give us a call. We would love to discuss how our IT services can support this exciting phase for your company.

Explore Our IT Solutions

Four Industries That Are Pandemic Proof

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Economists, politicians, and everyone in between have discussed how the country is entering a two-track recovery process. Some industries are really struggling to survive throughout the pandemic, while others are flourishing with the social and economic changes. Some industries are even on a hiring spree and are, quite frankly, booming during the coronavirus crisis. Here are four industries that are currently labeled pandemic proof.

IT Industry

IT companies of all kinds are experiencing rapid growth as they try to keep up with the demand of millions of remote workers. Companies like Zoom and Microsoft are thriving right now as they work hard to keep everyone connected virtually. Other IT companies are hard at work, ensuring their customers’ safety and protection of their information. More and more cyber-attacks are occurring as employers battle with employees on less-than-secure home internet networks. Plus, it was easier for tech employees to shift to a remote work environment than other employers.

Ecommerce

The Ecommerce giants have experienced record-breaking growth throughout this challenging year. As consumer spending habits shift to more online-heavy shopping routines, companies like Walmart, Target, and Amazon are booming. If you can buy it online, many consumers are switching to a “safer” online shopping experience to avoid the virus. Thus, warehousing and distribution centers are starting their seasonal hiring surges early to keep up with this swelling demand.

The Mortgage and Finance Industries

Mortgage and finance companies desperately need fresh talent as they struggle to serve a massive influx of new customers. With our current economic turmoil and record-low mortgage rates, financial institutions and other mortgage companies are on a hiring binge. For example, according to Chip Cutter, A Wall Street Journal Report, Fidelity Investments’ hiring is already up 40% on the year, and they need another 4,000 finance professionals. Other companies are in the same boat as customers look to prepare for a messy tax season, make changes to their retirement plans, and refinance their homes. This trend will likely spill over well into next year, illustrating how pandemic proof these two industries are.

Entrepreneurship is also on the rise

For years, enrollment in graduate programs for business was declining. However, a recent report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center claims graduate enrollment for the Fall semester of 2020 is up 3.9%. Additionally, about 1.5 million new businesses filed with the IRS in the third quarter this year – that’s up 82% from the previous quarter, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. So, while there are many different startups and business ventures that can be formed, it is encouraging to see a revitalization in entrepreneurship.

Financial Services Trends: 4th Quarter and Beyond

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Financial Services

The financial services sector is a delicate market. Many factors affect and alter interest rates, regulations, and compliances. On the one hand, there is a lot of talk going around online that the labor market has never been stronger. On the other hand, some economists fear a looming recession in the United States. Although there is some uncertainty, both the economy and the labor market are HOT, especially in the financial services sector. Here are three trends to keep an eye on as we approach 4th Quarter and even 2020.

Online and mobile banking

I am willing to bet most of you reading this use online or mobile banking in one form or another. Whether that’s keeping an eye on your checking account, applying for a home loan, or shopping for a new credit card. With today’s digital era, (often called the 4th Industrial Revolution) drastically changing the financial sector, banks and other financial institutions have to change how they do business and interact with customers.

Fewer and fewer consumers actually walk into a physical bank and speak with another human. Nowadays, Millennials like myself rarely step foot into a bank. For example, I just bought my first house without ever talking with someone from a bank face-to-face. And as Millennials project to account for 75 percent of the U.S. workforce by 2025, this transformation of services for the technology-savvy generation won’t be going anywhere. As a result, financial institutions will continue to have to be flexible to accommodate the ever-changing demands of consumers.

Fed keeps cutting interest rates

As you’ve probably heard, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) just cut interest rates to 2.25 percent at the end of July. At the end of December 2018, the fed funds rate was 2.5 percent. Since the Great Recession in 2008, the Fed has been increasing rates. However, over the second part of 2019, the Fed has cut interest rates multiple times to help stimulate the economy and ensure the labor market remains strong.

But what does this really mean? Well, it means consumers like you and I can get loans and credit cards with more favorable interest rates. In other words, its cheaper and easier to borrow money or secure a loan. And when we spend more money on things like cars, houses, and other items, we continue to stimulate the economy. It will be interesting to see if the U.S. will see another cut in rates before the end of this year.

An emphasis on security

Financial institutions and banks will have to continue beefing up their security to protect their business’ and their consumers’ data. But why is security always at the forefront of financial organizations? Well, it’s because they have a TON of important, confidential data.

There’s a cybersecurity attack every 39 seconds. Any by 2020, the average data breach will exceed $150 million. And this number will only continue to grow as more and more business begin building their online infrastructure. Look at the recent data breach by Equifax affected 147 million Americans and with a settlement costing $425 million. That’s a lot of confidential information stolen. To combat this, organizations must build up their information technology teams to implement safeguards and improve monitoring of their data.

Partner with our financial services recruiting team

In today’s tight labor market, it can be challenging to build up your team to remain flexible in the financial sector. If your organization needs a hand, reach out to JSG’s financial recruiting team today. We understand the market and will help you locate and attract the talent you need to remain competitive in the market. Contact us today, and let’s get to work!

Partner with JSG Today

Professional Services Industry Trends: 2019 and Beyond

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professional services

The Professional Service market has been heating up over the last few years. Last month alone, for example, the Professional Services sector added 31,000 jobs. And over the previous 12 months, the industry gained over 300,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2016, the Professional Industries sector was the largest employer in the nation, responsible for employing over 20 million Americans. In 2026, this sector will continue to grow to a projected 22.3 million employees, right behind Healthcare (the nation’s current largest employer).

But what is considered a professional service, and how is this industry employing so many American workers? Let’s take a closer look.

What are Professional Services?

Professional Services is a group of occupations in the tertiary sector of the economy, requiring specialized training in the arts and sciences. Some common examples are attorneys, architects, engineers, and accountants. They often require a special certification or training and offer specialized business support.

In other words, the professional services industry offers specialized services to consumers and businesses. They can vary in sizes and can serve all other industries and sectors. But with the global market forecast of a 5.4% growth rate from 2016 to 2020, which types of occupations are making up the most substantial amount of growth in this industry?

Top 3 professional services

Accounting

Out of all the main Professional Services occupations, accounting is the smallest segments. However, the accounting sector had the most significant growth rate (5.9 percent) between 2012 and 2016. And over the next several years, this sector is expected to grow another 6.2 percent. Thus, the accounting sector is small but mighty. But with the continuous implementation of technology and the push for digitalization, this sector will continue to be one of the largest growing areas for years to come!

Engineering

Between 2017 and 2027, STEM (engineering is one of the largest contributors) is going to grow 13 percent. That’s much larger than the 9 percent growth rate from all other non-stem jobs. Since 1990, these occupations have grown over 79 percent. And what’s cool about engineering is that there are hundreds of different career paths. Depending on your degree, you can become anything from an Aerospace Engineer, designing cutting edge defense technologies or an Environmental Engineer, helping organizations improve their impact on the environment. And if that’s not enough for you, engineers have the highest median salary ($91,010) in the nation. It’s no wonder why engineering occupations will increase by over 140,000 jobs in the next decade!

IT consulting

The information technology industry hit some impressive milestones this year and isn’t slowing down. By the end of this year, the IT industry will reach $5 trillion globally. And employment in the IT sector is projected to grow 13 percent by 2026. That equates to over half of a million jobs created over that period. According to the BLS, that’s faster than all other occupations. As we continue to prioritize cybersecurity, the protection of consumer data and the implementation of artificial intelligence, more and more firms will rely on the expertise of IT consultants. They will bring people inhouse or hire a consulting firm to help them make a smooth transition into the digital era.

Find your next professional

The labor market is tight, and many employers may be struggling to secure the talent they need to accommodate these employment trends. So, if you find that your team needs help sourcing strong candidates, reach out to a professional. Work with one of Johnson Service Group’s recruiters. We have specialized teams for every industry and can help you find your next great employee!

IT Hiring Trends In 2019

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IT Hiring Trends in 2019

Every company has a need for IT talent. But these days, it may not be so easy to come by! From Application Developers to Systems Administration, the demand for qualified IT professionals is on the rise. IT hiring is projected to grow 13% by 2026, which is faster than the average of all occupations. Here are four trends affecting the industry this year.

The industry is experiencing a labor shortage

Over the next two years, there will be 1.4 million open technology jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In that same time, only 400,000 people will graduate with computer science degrees. As companies strive to meet consumer demands, their IT hiring requirements are steadily increasing. This disconnect creates a huge burden.

Flexible work options are popping up everywhere

“Technology mobility is here to stay, and companies need a combination of in-office workplaces and flexible remote work options,” says Jeb Ory, CEO of Washington, D.C.-based Phone2Action. Interestingly enough, companies and candidates alike are moving away from full-time remote work. They see value in having face-to-face time with team members and also having the flexibility to work remotely as needed.

Compensation is extremely competitive

With the shortage of qualified candidates, competition for talent is fierce. Additionally, high demand certifications such as Cisco Certified Architects (CCAr), are driving salary premiums at a rapid pace. Hiring managers need to put their best offers on the table when it comes to hiring IT professionals. If you don’t offer a competitive salary, IT professionals will move on to another employer who will.

Faster hiring processes secure talent

Two-thirds of non-executive technology professionals say they would “lose interest in a job if there was no follow-up within two weeks of an interview.” However, the average time to fill a staff-level role is 4.5 weeks. In order to secure top talent in the IT space, companies will have to move quickly!