LISTNet Tech Tips: Adapting for the Future of Work
Highlights from a LISTnet panel on technology and small-business adaptation, featuring UOTech.co, Vision Long Island, Bar Harbor Web Design, and The iT People.
Paul Trapani from LISTnet welcomed panelists to discuss how technology enables business adaptation during challenging times. LISTnet, the Long Island Software and Technology Network, operates the Digital Ballpark coworking space in Plainview with approximately 24 member companies.
Eric Alexander from Vision Long Island emphasized that Main Street businesses relying on foot traffic faced the greatest hardship. He encouraged supporting local establishments through gift cards and community philanthropy rather than larger corporations.
Michael Maser of UOTech.co highlighted that small and mid-sized businesses need “tools and resources to operate in any environment.” He stressed the importance of shopping locally and supporting chambers of commerce.
Loren Wildes from Bar Harbor Web Design reported increased requests from smaller companies to pivot online, with workshops, restaurants, and healthcare providers seeking digital transformation assistance.
Malay Thacker of The iT People noted their customer transition was seamless due to existing remote infrastructure already in place, emphasizing that companies can leverage established technologies for distributed workforces.
Collaboration Tools Discussed
The panel recommended Slack for internal communication, Monday.com for task management, and Google Docs for collaborative editing. Microsoft’s Office 365 suite, featuring Teams and OneDrive integration, received particular praise for intuitive workflows and aggressive pricing.
Security Recommendations
Common sense forms the foundation of cybersecurity. Users should question unexpected communications, identify grammatical errors, and verify sender identities. Malay Thacker recommended Malwarebytes and emphasized that licensed antivirus software continuously scans incoming attachments and email, unlike free alternatives requiring manual scans.
Data Protection Strategies
Michael Maser warned about extending corporate data into home environments, introducing risks around Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI). Solutions include cloud storage services like OneDrive and SharePoint paired with Data Loss Prevention software to control printing, USB transfers, and encryption requirements.
Website Enhancements
Loren Wildes recommended implementing e-shop capabilities via WooCommerce or PayPal buttons for online payments. Appointment scheduling through Calendly streamlines client booking. Website accessibility features ensure compliance and prevent legal liability. WordPress plugins like LearnDash enable course delivery for telehealth practitioners.
Long-Term Strategic Considerations
Michael Maser predicted reduced mandatory office attendance, with collaborative spaces becoming optional. Organizations adopting sophisticated technology suites will attract talent and demonstrate resilience. Main Street businesses maintaining strong online presence through responsive communication and community connection can compete against larger retailers.
Loren Wildes stressed Google Business Pages as essential for visibility, recommending SEO-optimized blogging targeting less competitive keywords. Email marketing through MailChimp, social media engagement (Instagram for restaurants, LinkedIn for corporations), and website maintenance through updated plugins and PHP versions strengthen online security and search rankings.
Panel participants: Paul Trapani (LISTnet), Eric Alexander (Vision Long Island), Michael Maser (UOTech.co), Loren Wildes (Bar Harbor Web Design), Malay Thacker (The iT People).