Securing Your Facebook Account 

By Rutu Ruparel

In today’s digital age, securing your social media accounts is more important than ever. One of the best ways to protect your Facebook account is by using an authenticator app. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it harder for hackers to gain access. 

Follow these steps to secure your Facebook account using an authenticator app:

Step 1: Install an Authenticator App

First, you’ll need to download an authenticator app on your smartphone. Some popular options include:

  • Google Authenticator
  • Authy
  • Microsoft Authenticator

You can find these apps on the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).

Step 2: Log into Your Facebook Account

Open your web browser and log into your Facebook account. Make sure you’re using a secure network connection.

Step 3: Go to Security Settings

  1. Click on the downward arrow in the top-right corner of Facebook to open the drop-down menu.
  2. Select Settings & Privacy, then click on Settings.
  3. In the left-hand menu, click on Security and Login.

Step 4: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

  1. In the Two-Factor Authentication section, click on Edit next to Use two-factor authentication.
  2. Facebook will prompt you to enter your password again for security purposes.

Step 5: Choose Your Security Method

  1. You’ll see several options for two-factor authentication. Select Authentication App.
  2. Facebook will display a QR code.

Step 6: Link Your Authenticator App

  1. Open the authenticator app on your smartphone.
  2. Tap on the + icon or Add Account (the process may vary slightly depending on the app).
  3. Choose Scan a QR code and use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code displayed on Facebook.
  4. The authenticator app will automatically add your Facebook account and generate a six-digit code.

Step 7: Enter the Code

  1. Enter the six-digit code from the authenticator app into the Facebook prompt.
  2. Click Continue.

Step 8: Save Your Backup Codes

  1. Facebook will provide you with a set of backup codes. These can be used if you lose access to your authenticator app.
  2. Save these codes in a secure place. You can either download the codes, write them down, or save them in a password manager.

Step 9: Confirm and Finish

  1. Once you’ve entered the code and saved your backup codes, click Finish.
  2. You’ll receive a confirmation that two-factor authentication is now enabled.

Additional Tips for Keeping Your Account Secure

  • Enable Login Alerts: Under the Security and Login settings, enable alerts for unrecognized logins. This will notify you if someone tries to access your account from an unknown device or location.
  • Regularly Review Your Security Settings: Periodically check your security settings to ensure everything is up to date.
  • Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps: Only connect third-party apps to your Facebook account that you trust.

By following these steps, you can add a significant layer of security to your Facebook account.

Find the Spanish version here.

How To Use Hashtags on Social Media

By Shamitha Ramanan

Hashtags have become an integral part of social media and are a powerful tool for categorizing content, increasing visibility, and engaging with a broader audience. This article will help you navigate hashtags on different social media to maximize your social media presence.

How to Use Hashtags Effectively

1. Do Your Research:

  •  Trending Hashtags: Check platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for trending hashtags related to your content.
  • Industry-Specific Hashtags: Use hashtags that are popular within your industry to reach a targeted audience.

2. Use a Mix of Popular and Niche Hashtags:

   – Popular hashtags (#Travel, #Food) have a broad reach but high competition.

   – Niche hashtags (#MinimalistLifestyle, #VeganRecipes) target a specific audience with less competition, increasing the likelihood of engagement.

3. Create Branded Hashtags:

   – Unique to your brand or campaign, these hashtags can help build a community and encourage user-generated content.

4. Limit the Number of Hashtags:

   – Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but engagement drops after 5-10 hashtags.

   – Twitter’s character limit suggests 1-2 hashtags per tweet for optimal engagement.

   – LinkedIn and Facebook are effective with 3-5 hashtags per post.

5. Place Hashtags Strategically:

   – On Instagram, hashtags can go in the caption or the first comment.

   – On Twitter, integrate hashtags naturally within your tweet.

   – On LinkedIn, place hashtags at the end of your post for better readability.

Find the Spanish version here.

Meet EGBI’s Client Tyrone Meredith and his entrepreneur journey

By Pamela Chow

Tyrone Meredith initiated his journey into entrepreneurship with his company after accumulating a decade of experience in the HVAC industry. Motivated by his extensive knowledge, he pursued and successfully passed the State Contractors exam. Following this achievement, Tyrone strategically developed the brand identity for his venture, Tyrone A/C & Heating Inc. With meticulous attention to detail, he navigated the incorporation process, establishing a solid foundation for his business. Equipped with determination and essential resources, including a truck, Tyrone entered the realm of entrepreneurship.

Tyrone shares a bit about his journey.

How did you hear about EGBI?

I found EGBI by contacting the City of Austin Small Business  Development Office. I called looking for a business mentor and they referred me to EGBI.

How has EGBI helped you?

EGBI helped me to build the confidence to market myself and also believe in my vision. They coached me and recommended a host of individuals to assist with advertising and marketing. They introduced me to Mayor Kirk Watson among other people. This gave me the confidence I needed to know that “I am enough as I am and the sky’s the limit.” The lunch engagements helped me become more outgoing and overcome my fear of rejection. My world is truly as I make it.

What are you working on now?

Currently, I’m focused on expanding the reach of my company’s services through marketing initiatives. By attracting more customers with their HVAC needs, I aim to increase our revenue and solidify our position in the market.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?

Looking back, I would prioritize allocating more resources towards advertising from the start, rather than waiting a decade to do so. Additionally, I’d make proactive investments in retirement planning to secure my financial future more effectively.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

Have a better quality of life and to have more control of my personal time as a whole.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

 I envision myself making smarter investments and expanding my team by hiring at least one additional full-time technician. Furthermore, I aim to elevate our brand visibility by increasing our advertising budget by $10,000.

What’s your biggest challenge?

My greatest challenge lies in finding the right individuals who can complement my skills and knowledge where they fall short.

What’s the best piece of advice you received?

The good thing about success it, it is in your hands. And the bad thing about success is, it is in your hands!!!

What advice would you give someone starting their own business?

Embrace the discipline required for success, and you’ll spare yourself the anguish of regret down the road.

Find the Spanish version here.

Securing Your Instagram Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Rutu Ruparel

In today’s digital age, protecting your social media accounts is paramount. With the prevalence of cyber threats, safeguarding platforms like Instagram is crucial. This guide offers step-by-step instructions to fortify your Instagram account against unauthorized access and potential breaches.

Step 1: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

  • Go to your Instagram profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
  • Select “Settings” from the menu.
  • Scroll down and tap on “Security.”
  • Choose “Two-Factor Authentication” and follow the prompts to enable it.
  • Select your preferred method for receiving authentication codes (SMS or authenticator app).
  • Save backup codes in a secure location for emergencies.

Step 2: Review App Permissions:

  • Navigate to your Instagram settings.
  • Select “Apps and Websites” under the “Security” section.
  • Review the list of connected apps and websites.
  • Revoke access for any apps or websites that you no longer use or trust.
  • Regularly audit your connected apps to maintain security.

Step 3: Set Up Login Alerts:

  • Access your Instagram settings.
  • Tap on “Security” and then “Login Activity.”
  • Enable login alerts by selecting “Get Notifications” and choosing your preferred method (email or SMS).
  • Receive alerts whenever someone attempts to log in to your account from an unfamiliar device or location.
  • Take immediate action if you receive any suspicious login alerts.

Step 4: Create a Strong Password:

  • Visit your Instagram settings.
  • Select “Security” and then “Password.”
  • Choose “Change Password” and enter your current password.
  • Create a strong, unique password using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
  • Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store secure passwords.

Step 5: Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Attempts:

  • Be cautious of emails, messages, or websites requesting your Instagram login information.
  • Verify the authenticity of any communication by checking the sender’s email address or website URL.
  • Look out for red flags such as grammatical errors or urgent requests for personal information.
  • Never provide your Instagram credentials to unverified sources.
  • Report any suspicious activity or phishing attempts to Instagram immediately.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can enhance the security of your Instagram account and minimize the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. Remember to regularly review your security settings and stay informed about emerging threats to ensure the ongoing protection of your account.

Find the Spanish version here.

5 Powerful Tips to Conquer Self-Doubt and Fear as a New Business Owner

By Shruti Batra

Congratulations my dear fellow entrepreneur. You have done what most people just talk about! You have taken the leap and ventured on your own! It’s an exciting journey, but it’s also normal to experience self-doubt and fear along the way. While these feelings can make even the most confident entrepreneur hesitate, they can also be converted into your motivational tool guide. 

Wondering how? 

Here are 5 powerful tips to help you conquer self-doubt and fear, and propel your business forward:

1. Remember Your Why: What ignited your passion to start this business? Reconnect with your core purpose. Was it to solve a problem you care about? Leave a legacy? Focusing on your “why” will reignite your drive and fuel your confidence. Remember the problems you will solve and never let that purpose be out of sight 

2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Even the most celebrated expert was a novice once. This country is full of such novices becoming experts through sheer consistency. Every step forward, every hurdle cleared, is a victory. Focus on continuous improvement, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward.

3. Find Your Tribe: You are known by the company you keep. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you and your business.  This could be a mentorship program, online communities for female or minority entrepreneurs, or even a mastermind group of local business owners. Sharing your challenges and celebrating successes with like-minded individuals is a powerful way to combat self-doubt.

4. Embrace Continuous Learning: The business landscape is constantly evolving. Commit to lifelong learning – take online courses, attend workshops, and read books and articles on relevant topics. Most importantly learn from every mistake and set back. Embracing a learning mindset will help you get more confident while navigating challenges and making decisions.

5. Practice giving and gratitude: It’s important to learn to give before you can get. Focus on what you bring to the table, what problem you will solve, who will smile because of you today. Also take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for in your business journey. This simple exercise can boost your mood and combat negativity.

Remember, you are not alone. Every successful entrepreneur has faced self-doubt and fear. By implementing these tips and believing in yourself, you can conquer these challenges and build a thriving business.

Find the Spanish version here.