We assist small businesses to define and refine their processes, plan and build their web presence using current and emerging technologies.
We provide ongoing support and advice to assist businesses to
maintain and grow a crucial path to market and focus on growing your business
In today’s episode, Charly dives into the world of “Shadow IT” — the unapproved tools and apps your team or subcontractors might be using without your knowledge.
This isn’t just a big business problem. Even small businesses face real risks when team members use unapproved tech to get the job done. From data security breaches to duplicated costs and lost information, Shadow IT can quietly erode your business.
📌 In this episode, Charly covers:
✅ What Shadow IT is and how it shows up in small teams
✅ Why subcontractors often amplify this hidden risk
✅ Real data privacy, compliance, and reputational issues
✅ How to manage Shadow IT without killing flexibility
✅ A real example from Charly’s own CRM setup
🔗 Practical takeaway: Don’t lock everything down. Set smart guardrails, ask your team what they actually use, and keep communication open.
🛡️ Security starts with visibility and open dialogue — not crackdowns.
📢� Join the discussion in my community: https://askcharlyleetham.locals.com
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Life is busy and there's just so many things to remember. What tools do you use to help you keep on top of ALL the things?
It's easy to react or respond quickly to messages and the like. It's better to do that mindfully. That's why I try to Practice The Pause.
Not all email setups are created equal. If you've ever wondered what POP, IMAP, and Exchange really mean — and which one is best for your business — this episode is for you.
Charly breaks down each protocol in plain English, helping you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and real-world use cases. Plus, he shares why modern cloud-based systems like Google Workspace, Zoho Mail, and Microsoft 365 might be your smartest bet.
📌 In this episode:
✅ POP vs IMAP vs Exchange explained simply
✅ How email protocols affect storage, syncing, and reliability
✅ The best setup for multi-device access and business teams
✅ Why modern hosted email platforms offer better security, storage, and tools
🛡️ Bottom line: The right email setup saves you time, protects your data, and grows with you.
📢 Join the discussion in my community: https://askcharlyleetham.locals.com
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Free email accounts sound great when you're starting a business on a tight budget — but are they really free?
In this episode, Charly dives deep into the hidden costs of using free Gmail, Outlook, or similar accounts for your business. From credibility issues to marketing limitations and serious security risks, you’ll discover why that "free" email might be the most expensive choice you can make.
📌 Charly breaks down:
✅ Why using @gmail.com can make you look unprofessional
✅ The hidden costs: lost emails, lack of support, and spam vulnerability
✅ Why free accounts don’t work with email marketing platforms
✅ What you gain with paid email: branding, security, control, and support
🔗 Tip: Start small with lower-cost business email options — and scale as needed.
🛡️ Bottom line? Your email is often your first impression. Make it count.
📢 Join the discussion in my community: https://askcharlyleetham.locals.com
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Backups are your insurance policy — but how long should you actually keep them?
In this episode, Charly breaks down the essential strategies for website backup retention. Whether you're running a small blog or a complex e-commerce site, understanding what to keep, how long to keep it, and where to store it can make the difference between quick recovery and total disaster.
📌 You’ll learn:
✅ Why backups matter — from cyberattacks to human error
✅ The key retention strategies: daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly
✅ How to balance storage costs with business risk
✅ Why off-site and cloud backups aren’t enough on their own
✅ The importance of testing your backups regularly
🛡️ Don't wait for a disaster to find out your backups failed. Use this guide to build a smarter, more resilient website recovery plan.
📢 Join the discussion in my community: https://askcharlyleetham.locals.com
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...
