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For many small businesses, especially sole-traders and Limited Liability Partnerships, it may only be necessary to produce and publish a clearly defined Data Protection Policy in order to be compliant.

However, merely declaring a policy will be deemed to be insufficient in the event of an investigation (which is only likely to happen following a data breach / compromise) unless there is hard evidence that adequate precautions were taken to implement the policy, including protecting all data that falls within the scope of GDPR – namely data that identifies a person either directly (full name, address, or photograph) or indirectly (IP address + Facebook handle and / or + characterisation of an individual).

I'm happy to receive book reviews of Facebook Inspiration any day of the week, but this one was particularly pertinent. Facebook Inspiration: 30 days of creativity for your page was first available on Amazon on 2nd March 2017, and I received this review the day after the book's first anniversary.

How did Facebook Inspiration cross paths with Bill Bryson?

I wrote the book to help anyone with a Facebook page (or group) generate conversation and interest in their page, helping it reach a wider audience organically. So when I first stumbled upon Chris and Charlie's Adventures page, and saw that their page was relatively new, I shared details of my book with them. Having read A walk in the woods by Bill Bryson a few years ago, I was particularly interested in Chris and Charlie's walking adventure.

I was delighted that they offered to review it for me. And even more delighted when I received this detailed review, published originally on their website, Chris and Charlie's Adventures.  

Yes, we know… May is nearly here and the GDPR deadline is closing in fast. 

But as Corporal Jones said:

"Don't panic, Mr Mainwaring!"

So do you know what GDPR is? And are you prepared?

I don't suppose you received any emails this week tempting you to a free trial of an amazing new app, did you? How many apps did you try out? And which ones are you still using?

Are you addicted to subscribing to new apps that you never have a chance to use? Don't feel bad - we all do it! When you first start out in business, you're pulled in all directions, so of course every minute is precious. Any extra app or tool that promises to help you manage your business more easily is enticing.

Most organisations can't do without email, Word, Excel and PowerPoint (or their equivalent), but there are thousands of other software apps you could add to your suite of business applications. Our digital world offers so much choice that even the smallest, simplest business can find it overwhelming.

I've been running my small business for more than ten years. I've tried hundreds of apps because I love productivity tools. But I've continually been refining my list and I now have a shortlist of eight tools I'd recommend to any small business owner just starting out or in their first couple of years of business. The majority are free or include a free version, depending on the features you need. I use all of them daily and they ensure I keep my business running smoothly.