Volume 4, Issue 3

volume four issue three

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS FOR 2015

?

Is it time to move to the

CLOUD

High Tech

vs.

High Touch

+

Featured Non-Profit Polaris MEP Preview of Windows 10

There’s an APP for that!

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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from the founder SENDING OUT AN S.S.O.S.S. Seven Secrets of Sales Success

There are many aspects of a successful company. As we grow our business, we spend time developing the initial concept, perfecting our products or services and building a brand that best represents who we are and what we do. The one constant that is key to any successful company is sales.

Over the years, I’ve been heavily involved in the sales process of several products and services: from selling baseball cards as a youth, to selling electronics in college, to selling design and marketing services in my first entrepreneurial endeavor. Throughout each of these endeavors, I found there to be 7 keys to my sales success:

what you’re talking about. Confidence in your tone, your messaging and the way you present yourself will make even the non-believer, believe. I personally feel that confidence can even help overcome other shortcomings in the sales process, and oftentimes is what helps to close the sale.

1. Passion for the product – I truly believe you can’t sell

5. Messaging – In sales, we have a very short amount of time to get people to listen to us when we talk or read our email. We need to be clear and concise with who we are, the intent of our outreach (call/email/meeting), what makes our products or services special and why someone should buy from us. That’s a lot to get across before our emails are deleted or our call is cut short. Knowing what to say is very different than knowing how to say it. Practice your “pitch” and work it until you’re able to deliver the most powerful message in the shortest amount of time.

2. Product Knowledge – Be sure to know everything you can about what you’re selling. That includes not only what the products or services are, but how your customers will benefit from them and how they compare to competitors. You don’t want to leave a prospect waiting for you to get back to them with the proper information.

6. Follow-up – Getting someone to return a voicemail or reply to an introductory email isn’t an easy task. Our prospects are busy running their own business, never mind having time to reply to someone trying to sell them something they may or may not need. The goal is to be in front of them in various ways. From the “checking in” email, to the regular phone call, to sending out mailers, staying top of mind is key. Remember that no answer isn’t a NO answer.

Persistence pays off!

something you don’t love or that you wouldn’t buy for yourself. When you’re passionate about what you’re selling, your customers can tell.

3. Preparation – Before approaching your customers, do some research on who they are. By getting to know them both personally and professionally, you can direct the discussion towards common interests. I typically use LinkedIn to find out as much as I can about prospects.

It’s been very helpful, especially when I can reference a shared high school or college, or other common interests or connections. The other benefit of preparation is that it will help you to determine if your products or services are the right fit. In the end, this will save us a lot of time by not targeting the wrong prospects.

4. Confidence – It’s great to know what you’re talking

about, but it’s even better when you sound like you know

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7. Closing – Whether you believe the saying ABC (Always

Be Closing) or truly believe that “ coffee is for closers,” the ultimate goal of the sales process is to get a “YES.” Getting a definitive answer, yes or no, helps us move on to the next opportunity. Success with items 1 through 6 often lead to a higher close ratio, but in the end it’s important to simply ask for the sale.

Gil Lantini Founder Ralph Coppolino Co-Founder John Resnick Marketing Coordinator Mike Casale Senior Designer Pam Walsh Managing Editor Contributing Writers Chris Barnett Michael Brito Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Philip Carlucci Angela Carr John Conway Stanley H. Davis Craig DiPetrillo Major Jorge Elorza Larry Girouard Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea Adam Harvey Jillian N. Jagling, Esq. Martinha Javid Kevin McCarron Frank Motta Paula Mottshaw Matthew R. Plain, Esq. Patricia Raskin Amanda Roman Kathie Shields Eric M. Shorr Lisa Shorr Kristen M. Whittle, Esq.

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UPCOMING EVENTS NETWORKING AND WORKSHOPS For More Events Visit www.risbj.com MARCH

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Wednesday, March 18 Corner Bakery Café Capital City Connection Networking 8:00am-9:00am Garden City Center, Cranston

Friday, March 13 Newport Chamber Health Insurance for Small Employers: Understanding and Navigating the Market 8:30am-9:30am 35 Valley Rd., Newport

Wednesday, March 18 Hyannis Center PR and the Web for Your Small Business 11:30am-1:00pm 540 Main St., Hyannis

Friday, March 13 – Repeats Every Friday North Kingstown Chamber Business Consulting: Fridays at the NK Chamber 10:00am-12:00pm 8045 Post Rd., North Kingstown

MARCH

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MARCH

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Sunday, March 15 Round Table Radio Real Estate Simplified 10:00am-11:00am Tuesday, March 17 – Repeat Every Tuesday North Kingstown Chamber Business Consulting: Tuesdays at the NK Chamber 10:00am-12:00pm 8045 Post Rd., North Kingstown Tuesday, March 17 Chelo’s Restaurant Business Networking – Referral Pros 12:00pm-1:30pm 1275 Reservoir Ave., Cranston Tuesday, March 17 Chelo’s Restaurant ISM Meeting – IT Outsourcing 5:30pm-8:00pm 911 Warren Ave., E. Providence

MARCH

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Wednesday, March 18 Kirkbrae Country Club Northern RI Chamber Eggs and Issues Breakfast 7:45am-9:30am 197 Old River Rd., Lincoln

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MARCH

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MARCH

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Friday, March 20 Providence Marriott Downtown Advocacy & Legislative Affairs Breakfast 8:00am-11:00am 1 Orms St., Providence Sunday, March 22 Warwick Mall Walk for Wishes 8:00am-11:00am 400 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick Sunday, March 22 Round Table Radio Real Estate Simplified 10:00am-11:00am

Wednesday, March 18 Career Works The SBA Advantage 2:00pm-4:00pm 34 School St., Brockton, MA

Friday, March 13 NYLO Hotel Equity National 2015 Networking Series 10:00am-1:00pm 400 Knight St., Warwick Friday, March 13 Cape Cod Chamber Legal Clinic 1:00pm-4:30pm 5 Patti Page Way, Centerville, MA

MARCH

Wednesday, March 18 The 401 Studio Southern RI Chamber: Business After Hours 5:00pm-7:00pm 396 Main St., Wakefield

MARCH

Thursday, March 19 North Kingstown Chamber Utilize EmployRI When Hiring Your Next Employee 8:00am-10:00am 8045 Post Rd., North Kingstown

MARCH

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Wednesday, March 25 Corner Bakery Café Capital City Connection Networking 8:00am-9:00am Garden City Center, Cranston Thursday, March 26 Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket Northern RI Chamber Business Before Hours 8:00am-9:15am One Moeller Place, Pawtucket

Thursday, March 19 Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank SEED Basic Entrepreneurial Workshop: Session I 8:30am-12:00pm 171 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis

Thursday, March 26 Chelo’s Restaurant Rotary Club of Warwick Dr. Van Hemeirijck Presents at Meeting 12:15pm-1:15pm 2225 Post Rd., Warwick

Thursday, March 19 Polaris MEP Lean Overview Lunch & Learn 11:30am-1:00pm 315 Iron Horse Way, Providence

Thursday, March 26 Doherty’s Ale House Malware Threat Response & Triage Forum 5:30pm-7:30pm 30 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick

Thursday, March 19 Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank SEED Basic Entrepreneurial Workshop: Session II 1:00pm-4:00pm 171 Falmouth Rd., Hyannis

MARCH

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Friday, March 27 1149 Restaurant Accounting Management Solutions Lunch & Learn 11:30am-1:00pm 1149 Division St., East Greenwich

Thursday, March 19 Plymouth Area Chamber Social Media Clinic 1:00pm-4:00pm 134 Court St., Plymouth Thursday, March 19 Eunoia Paint Away Cancer 6:00pm-8:30pm 8 Chapel View Blvd., Cranston

Friday, March 27 Roberts Auditorium, RIC A Midsummer Night’s Dream 10:00am and 7:30pm 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence

MARCH

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Sunday, March 29 Round Table Radio Real Estate Simplified 10:00am-11:00am

contents

volume four issue three

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

6 Upcoming Events, Networking and Workshops

11

10 Small Business News 14 Restarting Rhode Island 15 Spotlight on Startups 16 Technology Trends for 2015 18 Three UC Pain Points Giving You Nightmares 21 The Cloud – Panacea to Practical 22 Personnel Practices – Workplace Technology 24 When is it Time to Move to the Cloud?

25 Finding Rhode Island’s 21st Century Knowledge Workers

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27 There’s an App for That 28 Is Technology a Cure to Improving Patient Care Affordability?

31 Data Security and the Perils of Doing Nothing 32 Microsoft Windows 10 is Coming!

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33 4 Tech Trends You Thought Only Existed on Star Trek

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34 The MBE/DBE Business and its Unique Use of Technology 37 High Tech vs. High Touch: Needing Both, Blending Both 41 5 Reasons NOT to go Paperless 42 Real Estate Tips 44 Let’s Not Use a Selfie on LinkedIn 47 What Happens if the Track Outruns Your Horse?

ON THE COVER volume four issue three

Featured

48 Capital City 49 Bristol Makerspace Seeds Success 50 Embrace Corporate Culture as Part of Your Corporate Vision 52 Featured Nonprofit: Polaris MEP 54 Local Small Business Directory

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS FOR 2015

?

Is it time to move to the

CLOUD

Technology Trends vs. for 2015

High Tech

High Touch

+

Featured Non-Profit Polaris MEP Preview of Windows 10

There’s an APP for that!

Non Profit Polaris MEP

52 www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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Our Business is Helping Your Business Standing L-R: Alicia O. Ambrose, Harold J. Rose, Joseph C. Borges, Gary P. Fealy and Kenneth R. Nasiff Sitting L-R: William N. Beauchene, John J. Sousa, Paul S. Medeiros, Lynn A. Motta & Willitts S. Mendonca

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www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

University of Rhode Island R E C E I V E S

$ 5 1 0 , 9 7 8

KINGSTON, RI - Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Jim Langevin today announced that the University of Rhode Island will receive $510,978 in grant funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) program. NIFA is awarding nearly $14 million nationwide to programs that support rural community development, sustainable farming and economic growth through agriculture.

“I am pleased URI is receiving this federal funding to help share their expertise and further their efforts in support of our agricultural economy,” said Senator Reed. “We need to invest in positive community economic development strategies and protect Rhode Island’s rural areas and open spaces. This NIFA grant will allow URI to work with local communities to develop strategies for sustainable farming and land conservation.”

“Rhode Island farms are an important part of our natural landscape and our economy. Preserving the land and natural resources they depend on is a smart investment for our state,” said Senator Whitehouse. “I’m glad to see these federal funds come to URI to benefit our farming community, and thanks to Jim Langevin for his good work on agriculture in Rhode Island.”

“The University of Rhode Island is at the epicenter of agriculture in Rhode Island, and their educational programming and

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I N

U S D A

G R A N T S

research serve as a vital resource for our state’s many farmers,” said Congressman Langevin, who recently formed a Food First Advisory Committee to advise him on issues of importance to the farming industry and overall food economy. “Agriculture is an important part of Rhode Island’s economy, and we must support the efforts of farmers not only to be profitable and sustainable, but also in their fight to increase access to local food sources, which can only happen when we preserve farmland. We, as a state and as a nation, must commit to increasing the amount of food we produce and consume locally.”

“These grants will be used to understand people’s preferences for open space so that farm and forest lands can be sustained, and so those lands may continue to provide critical ecosystem services and maintain the rural character of communities in Southern New England,” said Richard Rhodes, associate dean of the URI College of the Environment and Life Sciences. “We appreciate the work of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation in helping to secure these funds.”

The bulk of URI’s award, $463,096, will be used to create community-level incentives to support farm, forest and open space land conservation in the rural-urban fringe. The remaining $47,882 will go towards a water quality economics workshop through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational Program.

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

The Rhode Island Foundation AWA R D S A R E C O R D $ 3 4 . 8 M I L L I O N I N G R A N T S I N 2 0 1 4 PROVIDENCE, RI - The Rhode Island Foundation announced today that it awarded more than $34.8 million in grants last year, the most in the organization’s 98-year history. More than 1,400 nonprofit organizations received funding.

As the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofits in the state, the Foundation works in partnership with donors and organizations to meet the needs of the people of Rhode Island.

The Foundation also raised $33.7 million in new gifts from individual, organizational and corporate donors last year. At the end of 2014, total assets stood at more than $800 million.

“We are grateful to our dedicated donors for joining with us to take on the state’s challenges and opportunities,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “Their inspiring generosity enabled us to invest in Rhode Island as never before.”

Many of the awards were made under the Foundation’s competitive Strategy Grant Program, which targets seven key sectors: arts and culture, children and families, education, economic security, environment, health and housing.

Through these grants, the Foundation invests in organizations and programs that strive for long-term solutions to significant community issues.

YouthBuild Providence received $80,000 to develop a statewide dropout recovery policy to prepare young people to re-enroll into a high school diploma program. In addition to the policy work, YouthBuild plans to convert its existing GED and multiple-pathway programs into a full-fledged charter high school serving young men of color age 16 to 21.

WellOne of Burrillville was awarded $70,000 to add a pharmacist to its primary care service delivery team. The goal is to improve the quality of care delivered to patients while lowering their health care costs. The program will focus on patients taking four or more medications concurrently.

Hope and Main of Warren received $85,000 to provide technical assistance to tenants of its culinary business incubator. The grant will fund consultants and program-related expenses to provide technical assistance on issues such as recipe adaptation, packaging design, food safety and product marketing.

“From fostering Rhode Island’s thriving food sector to investing in the state’s capacity to prepare its youth for productive lives, our grants advance issues that will drive Rhode Island’s future,” said Daniel Kertzner, vice president for grant programs.

Much of the Foundation’s support came in the form of discretionary grants, which are awarded by the Foundation’s staff and directors. The awards included nearly $440,000 from the Program for Animal Welfare to 27 animal welfare programs across the state including PAAWS RI. The Warwick nonprofit was awarded $35,000 to underwrite the cost of providing veterinary assistance to the animals of low-income pet owners as well as routine medical attention, shelter and adoption services.

The Foundation awarded nearly $375,000 in capacity-building grants to nonprofit groups including the Center for Southeast Asians, the Westerly Land Trust and the Art Connection in R.I. Another $348,000 was awarded to food banks, homeless shelters and free clinics that provide services to needy Rhode Islanders including the East Bay Community Action Program, the Salvation Army and the Jonnycake Center of Peacedale.

In addition to grantmaking and fundraising, community leadership is central to the Foundation’s activities and business. In 2014, the Foundation raised a record $308,843 in the third year of its annual Civic Leadership Fund, which enables the Foundation to go beyond traditional grantmaking to provide leadership and a forum for dialogue on critical community issues. Among CLF’s ongoing projects are the Make It Happen economic development initiative, an ongoing Community Conversations series and the “It’s All In Our Backyard” campaign.

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SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Newport Named a Top 20 City T O

S TAY

F O R

2 0 1 5

B Y

T R I VA G O . C O M NEWPORT, RI - The world’s largest hotel search site, Trivago.com, recently compiled a list of America’s Top 50 Cities for quality accommodation and Newport, Rhode Island is ranked #17.

“Today’s savvy travelers increasingly rely on online reviews to choose lodging best suited for both their leisure and business travel needs,” says Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Newport. “They also use search sites to compare rates. Trivago offers a comprehensive search and booking experience and we’re delighted that Newport was ranked in the Top 20 Cities to Stay, especially as the site garners more than 80 million visitors per month.”

Combining and averaging hotel ratings for every city in America with at least 50 hotel properties and aggregating hotel ratings from 31 websites, Trivago’s Reputation Ranking Index helps travelers of all types sleep stress-free. More than 140 million hotel ratings aggregated from 31 booking sites were used to calculate the Reputation Ranking. Hotels with more than 60 reviews and cities in the U.S. with over 50 hotels were analyzed with 100% as a perfect score.

“Newport’s ranking between major tourism hubs like Philadelphia and New Orleans places it amongst some of America’s most sought after vacation spots,” says Samantha Fanelli, US Communications at Trivago. “A city’s reputation as a tourist destination depends largely on the quality of the accommodation available for travelers. With its seaside culture, celebrated history and some of the best-rated hotels in the nation, Newport is definitely a top city to discover in 2015.”

ABOUT DISCOVER NEWPORT Discover Newport is the official destination management organization (DMO) dedicated to promoting the City of Newport and the eight surrounding coastal townships in Newport and Bristol counties, Rhode Island. These include Barrington, Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Tiverton and Warren. As a non-profit organization, Discover Newport partners with stakeholders throughout our tourism and hospitality industry to market the region as a premier destination for business and leisure travel.

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SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Solid Start to the Year F O R

R H O D E

I S L A N D

WARWICK, RI - The momentum that began building in Rhode Island’s housing market toward the end of last year has carried into this year, according to the Rhode Island Association of Realtors. The median price of single-family homes rose six percent in January from 12 months earlier to $206,000 and sales activity rose three percent. The number of sales under contract also increased four percent, indicating that the market’s boost in activity won’t end any time soon.

“If you’re someone who is ready and able to buy, you couldn’t ask for better conditions. There’s a good supply of homes for sale that are priced well and mortgage rates are fantastic. In many cases, it makes more financial sense to own rather than rent right now,” said Bruce Lane, 2015 President of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors.

At $207,500, January’s median sales price in the condominium sector was even higher than that of the single-family homes market. Though median price remained stable, rising just one percent from a year earlier, sales activity dropped five percent.

Pending sales of condominiums also decreased ten percent last month, an indication that sales activity in the condo market may remain sluggish in the next few months.

H O M E

S A L E S

significant gains in January. Median selling price rose to $141,000, a 13 percent gain from January, 2014. Even with the double digit rise in median price, sales activity flourished, rising 15 percent from a year earlier.

All three property types are slightly oversupplied for the market place, tipping the scales slightly in favor of buyers. The single and multi-family markets have a seven-month supply of homes for sale, while the condo market has a supply of more than eight months. A six-month inventory is considered a housing market that is evenly balanced between seller supply and buyer demand.

About the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® The Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®, one of the largest trade organization in Rhode Island with more than 4,000 members in nearly 750 offices, has been serving Rhode Islanders since 1948. Advocating for Rhode Island’s property owners, the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property. The Association is one of more than 1,437 local boards and associations that comprise the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

The investor-driven multi-family market showed the most www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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SECRETARY OF STATE | Nellie M. Gorbea

Re start ing

Rhode Island

by Secretary Of State Nellie M. Gorbea

As your Secretary of State, I want to make the Rhode Island Department of State a modern gateway that connects Rhode Islanders and their government. Whether you are a new entrepreneur or an established business, the Rhode Island Department of State can help you by providing information that is efficient, strategic and relevant to your needs. This begins with our Business Services Division, where all Rhode Island businesses are registered.

The Business Services Division is responsible for Business and Uniform Commercial Code filings, Trademark & Service Mark registrations, the Notary Public registry, the issuance of certifications and authentications for business documents filed with our office and the First Stop Business Information Center, which provides guidance to first-time business owners.

As the official repository for business and commercial records, we maintain the records of over 65,000 registered corporate entities, 140,000 commercial liens, 4,000 trademark/service mark registrations and 21,000 notaries public commissions.

One way we currently help entrepreneurs and small businesses is through our First Stop Business Center, which is designed to help you navigate government. It provides in-person, phone-based and online support and will gladly create a personalized business information package to help your business get up and running. These packages include a custom-tailored checklist of government regulations and agencies that impact your specific business, all applicable government forms and applications along with instructions for completing them, and referrals to business development organizations that offer specialized support and expertise in your field.

There’s also a helpful online app on our website (sos.ri.gov) called QuickStart, which is available 24 hours a day and can guide you through the process by simply completing an online

One way we currently help entrepreneurs and small businesses is through our First Stop Business Center, which is designed to help you navigate government.

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

survey. I encourage you to visit our website as we continue to expand and improve the services we offer through the First Stop Business Center.

Recently, I released a report titled “Restarting Rhode Island,” which was prepared by my transition committee and offers several recommendations for improving the services we offer the Rhode Island business community. Here are some of the recommendations:

Ensure full-implementation of the QuickStart master application – By seamlessly integrating the QuickStart application across state agencies so that all necessary government forms can be submitted and processed online, we will save business owners considerable time and aggravation.

Improve Rhode Islanders’ access to information through open source data and e-government innovation/Track and provide economic trend analysis – The Department of State should be driving the democratization of information needed to engage and inform citizens. Easily understood and accessible information allows citizens, businesses and non-profits to make better-informed decisions and to contribute solutions to our State’s biggest problems. We will be developing innovative open source data and e-government solutions across the department in order to better inform policymakers, business owners and Rhode Islanders.

Provide a better classification system for businesses, non-profits and social enterprises – As our economy grows and evolves, it is increasingly important to take business registration a step further by improving the classification of businesses registered in Rhode Island. A better classification system could begin, for example, with a simple modification to the registration form that would include designations for social enterprises, corporations formed but with no business activity or employees, and non-profits.

To read the full report, visit: sos.ri.gov/documents/ TransitionCommiteeReport.pdf.

Whether you are a new entrepreneur or an established small business, the Department of State’s Business Services Division is here to help. You can reach us by calling (401) 222-3040, emailing us at corporations@sos.ri.gov or visiting our office at 148 West River Street. Please feel free to contact me directly with any thoughts or suggestions at secretarygorbea@sos.ri.gov or visit our website at sos.ri.gov.

Thank you.

Spotlight | STARTUPS

Spotlight on Startups Studio X Company Name: Studio X Open Date: 1/1/2015 Employees: 12+ Address: 1174 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown Website, Facebook and Twitter: Coming Soon Biggest Challenge: Finding a location, finding professional support staff, and becoming exposed due to our off-the-beaten-path location.

Profile: We are a specialty fitness studio offering exceptional and professional services, including exclusive nutritional/fitness counseling, personal/group training, newest of group exercise classes, sport-specific training, obstacle training, elaborately-designed kids programs, massage/stretching therapy, quality food services, nutrition bar, etc.

Dressed By

Finn Company Name: Dressed By Finn, LLC Open Date: 12/1/14 Employees: One Website: dressedbyfinn.com Instagram: @dressedbyfinn

Biggest Challenge: My biggest challenge when opening my business was figuring out the legal aspect. My first mistake was made before I launched. I ended up paying a company $150 to fill out my SS-4 Application for my EIN and soon after, I realized that the form was very simple and that the company I submitted my personal info to might not be legitimate.

Profile: After going to school and studying Entrepreneurship, I came up with many business ideas, but I never followed through with them. Dressed By Finn came to me one night when I was lying in bed. My boyfriend and I have one dog, Finnegan. To say that I love my dog is an understatement. My passion for dogs, dressing cute, and entrepreneurship inspired me to start Dressed By Finn.

In addition, my sister started a kids clothing line and I thought we could be “sister” companies. She wasn’t as gung-ho about joining forces since we are both startups, but she fully supported the idea of starting my own separate company. I wanted to create a dog clothing line that was affordable and original. All dog clothes I see are either overpriced or have cheesy sayings. Finnegan is the “CEO” and I am the owner. He models the clothing on our website and Instagram. We also have 5 Dog Brand Reps in 3 countries.

Dressed By Finn’s sales are online-only and recently some retailers have inquired about purchasing items at wholesale to sell in their stores.

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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John Robitaille Executive in Residence,

Johnson & Wales University, Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship Fusion is not only a foodie term for the blending of flavors, but it can also apply to the growing use of technology within the food sector by consumers, restaurateurs and purveyors alike.

Take FoodTrucksIN, for example; it’s an app that can locate over 4,000 food trucks nationally. Or, Brewgene, an app that helps you pick craft beers based on your taste preferences. And for chefs to order direct from local farmers or fishermen, there’s an app for that, too. The common ingredient is that all three apps were developed right here in Rhode Island.

TECHNOLOG Adam Harvey

Dean L. Patterson

Christopher

GLAD WORKS

Given the fast pace of technology changes, keeping up with its complexities and following security best practices can be tough…Ultimately, the greatest defense against attackers is you. Be alert and know technology alone can’t protect you! Use anti-virus software and update systems: Be sure to always keep your software up to date with the latest patches— these are released for your own protection. Choose passwords carefully: Use long passwords that include letters, numbers and special characters as they are more difficult to compromise. Avoid using personal information such as birthday and/or the same password for many accounts.

Enterprises have been the ea services for both Software as Infrastructure as a Service (I reduce their Total Cost of Ow Small Businesses have been the cloud, particularly IAAS. providers who are able to br SMB market will be the lead and serve the need of small the most to reduce cost of ow attaining highly available tec

Technology Director, Principal The real power of technology isn’t merely the ability to communicate across the globe, but rather the inspiration of the thoughts and actions we choose when we do so. Technology is nothing without a partnership between it and the human beings who put it to use. We may make the world go around, but technology helps makes sure we get where we’re going on time and we know where to park.

Vice President, Information Technology, AAA Northeast

Director of Marketing INNOVEX

Jim McAssey

Kathie Shields

Matt Ezyk

Maureen Boudreau

Brave River Solutions

Tech Collective

Director of Customer Support

ShapeUp

Vice President

Mobile technology is a frequent and exciting topic of discussion these days. Businesses of all sizes in all industries can leverage “mobile” to better serve customers, prospects, vendors, or employees. Mobile empowers a company to deliver timely and geolocation targeted information. It enables engagement through scanning barcodes/QR codes, and uploading pictures. Mobile technology allows interaction with people wherever they are, as long as they have their mobile device. Whether it’s through a mobile-friendly website, a mobile app, or an internal system that utilizes smartphones and tablets, every business can benefit from a welldefined mobile strategy.

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Executive Director

Technology facilitates innovation and expedites business faster each day. However, with innovation comes risk. (IP) Intellectual Property theft is one of the most concerning dangers to businesses. It’s critical for all RI businesses to understand what their IP is and to protect it legally. Just as important is the need for you to assess the security of your technology. Is it sufficient to secure your IP or is it leaving you at risk? Technology and innovation are integrated in a variety of ways in this economy. Identify how technology can be an asset to your innovative growth and protect it.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Precision Design Studios If you’re passionate about technology, you can make a career out of it. Whether it’s building something, fixing something or helping someone use something, there is a place for you in the tech world here in RI. You just have to have passion for it.

Vice President of Engineering

The popularity and advancement of wearable technology – fitness trackers, Google glass, heart rate monitors, sleep trackers – has been incredible to watch. At ShapeUp, we’re focused on leveraging these gadgets for better health, and we’re not alone. According to recent statistics, there are 19 million fitness wearables in use today, and that’s expected to triple by 2018.

Consumers are finding that act of monitoring their activity and tracking their progress can lead to healthier habits, physical improvement, and excellent results. The field of health tech is ripe with opportunity, and I am excited to be a part of the industry’s evolution.

GY Trends for 2015 Parisi

g & Digital Sales

arly adopters of cloud s a Service (SaaS) and IaaS) in an effort to wnership for IT expenses. n weary to date to adopt . RI technology service ring cloud services to the ders in the marketplace businesses who benefit wnership while also chnology services.

Eric Shorr

Kevin McCarron

Secure Future Tech Solutions

Business Innovation Group Atrion

Founder and President

Too many small business owners think, a hacker is not interested in me! This is just not true.

Hackers look for low-hanging fruit like a small business with little or no security. It is crucial for ALL business owners to take network security seriously by monitoring and updating their firewall, antivirus and spam filtering software and educating their teams on what dangers to look out for.

Jim Langevin Congressman

We have seen, time and again, the dangers of not prioritizing cybersecurity. Businesses like Target and Home Depot have faced public embarrassment, loss of consumer confidence and significant financial damages due to cyber attacks. As businesses become increasingly dependent on the Internet for both internal operations and consumer interaction, the aperture of vulnerability widens. Physical security, online shopping and customer data can all be managed online, which leads to increased efficiencies, but also serious susceptibility to online attack. Businesses must take proactive measures to improve cyber defenses. Successful cybersecurity requires an investment, but one that is absolutely necessary, as the costs in the aftermath of a cyber attack can be devastating. This is a challenge faced by all businesses, and it is a challenge that will never go away. As co-founder of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus and a national leader on this issue, I have seen the havoc wreaked by cyber criminals, and I encourage all businesses to take steps to fortify their cyber protections.

Director

“Amazingly, many organizations are still paying for multiple communication platforms that provide the same features.”

Frank Motta

Nancy Diaz

John Conway

Don Nokes

Speak with a cloud network platforms or migration services provider and they’ll expound, rightfully so, on the significant operational and financial advantages of running your business in the cloud. To be sure, the reasons are compelling: reduced overhead costs; improved cash flow; better IT budget forecasting, and improved disaster recovery capabilities to name a few. Before you take the leap, it’s critical to determine exactly what you should consider migrating to the cloud. Audit your IT needs and consider an incremental approach by employing a hybrid cloud solution that selectively migrates those services that provide the quickest ROI with minimal effect on internal operations.

The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Innovation Center

Ananke IT Solutions

NetCenergy

EVP, CAI Managed IT

Co-Director

Since the Met opened in 1996, we have used technology as a key element of our students’ education and in structuring innovations in Career and Technical Education in general.

At school, we use technology to connect, explore, and innovate. We’ve created one of the most powerful and stable wireless internet environments in the state. We were one of the first schools to purchase and use 3D printing technology. We built one of the first online learning plans to connect parents, teachers and students about the specifics of student learning.

President and CEO

President & CEO

Technology is a race to be relevant. As companies work to meet consumer demands for instant gratification, the security gaps and risks increase in order to provide those conveniences.

At what point does the internet, in and of itself, become a liability? As technologists, over the next few years, our focus will be to ensure that the overall security of our private information continues to increase and new and innovative methods of protection are developed to combat and remove the ever advancing risks we face every day.

Following the bombing at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, it took until 2003 to arrest the suspect. At the Boston Marathon, it took three days to identify the suspects. Security surveillance has come of age in the digital world and we see a big trend in businesses adopting these new IP and digital solutions to keep a vigilant eye on their facilities around the clock. Whether you seek crime control, loss prevention, liability protection or lowlevel observation, digital security surveillance has become ubiquitous.

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

17

SMALL BUSINESS | Three UC Pain Points Giving You Nightmares

Three UC Pain Points Giving You Nightmares

by Kevin McCarron

Among the vast number of technology solutions on executives’ radars today, Unified Communications (UC) ranks near the top in terms of adoption and interest. In fact, a recent study from ReportsnReports indicates that the global UC market will grow at a 14.08 CAGR over the next five years as companies look to reap benefits like enhanced collaboration and improved productivity.

While UC advantages are certainly attainable, the path to successfully implementing the technology, or getting maximum value out of an existing solution, is often fraught with pitfalls. Therefore, as senior IT leaders look to drive favorable business outcomes with a UC solution—like Microsoft Lync, for example—many are challenged by some of the pain points explored below:

1. CONFUSION ABOUT HOW TO USE DISPARATE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS Whether an environment has no UC system in place or a partial solution, when communications tools are spread out across multiple systems, users are forced to figure out how to effectively leverage all of those different tools. In many cases, they simply do not have time to establish proficiency or may quickly become frustrated with the learning process; typically, that means they revert to the few features they feel most comfortable using. The problem is that different tools are best suited for specific tasks. IM, for example, is more effective for real-time communications than e-mail. So when employees are unable to use all of the features at their disposal, productivity suffers.

2. REDUNDANT, COSTLY TECHNOLOGIES Amazingly, many organizations are still paying for multiple platforms that provide the same feature. For instance, if a business deploys a solution like Lync without properly training employees, workers may be unsure of—or altogether unaware of—how to leverage the solution’s voice feature, forcing the company to keep its existing PBX.

That means the organization is paying twice for voice communications. Furthermore, using a PBX outside the UC solution can harm productivity, as UC enables agility between features inside the solution, like screen sharing during a conference call.

3. LACK OF A DEFINED CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS PLAN Even if employees understand how to use all UC features in a vacuum, without training and a clearly defined organizational plan, they may be unsure of when to use what tool to maximize productivity. For example, a user may understand how to initiate a videoconference or IM session, but may not realize that when an e-mail chain begins to grow, switching to a mode of real-time communication is more efficient. That idea might seem intuitive to a CIO or senior IT leader, but for employees who do not live and breathe technology, it may not be so obvious. The benefits of a defined plan also extend to a company’s customers, as evidenced by a recent study from Aberdeen Group that found organizations with an enterprise social collaboration policy saw a 96 percent improvement in customer response time.

the path to successfully implementing the technology, or getting maximum value out of an existing solution, is often fraught with pitfalls CURING THE PAIN POINTS THAT AIL YOU IT leaders who decide to implement UC have a lot on the line. Specifically, if the solution does not succeed in significantly improving productivity gains and collaboration, their reputation throughout the organization— particularly in the C-suite—will likely be damaged. In fact, a poorly performing system could eventually threaten job security.

For more information about how to achieve certainty with your UC and collaboration pain points, please visit: www. atrion.net/what/ collaboration/ Pages/default.aspx Kevin McCarron Director Business Innovation Group at Atrion

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

“Too many small business owners think,

a hacker is not interested in me�

Eric M. Shorr,

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Hackers look for low hanging fruit like a small business with little or no security.

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The Cloud – Panacea to Practical | SMALL BUSINESS

The

Cloud

Panacea to Practical

by Philip Carlucci

Step right up folks and gather ‘round. I’m here today to bring to you the technological panacea of the day. The solution to all your problems. I give you “THE CLOUD.” Trust me friend, everyone wants one and everyone needs two.

Okay, maybe that’s a bit much. But, if you think back not too many years ago, that was the type of hyperbolic press coverage this new technology offering was receiving. Even today it still seems to be touted as a panacea. However, hyperbole or not, the tangible benefits are undeniable.

So why is it that you’re not in, on, or at least staring at the Cloud? Answer is, if you are like most small to mid-sized organizations, it’s hard to afford the “All-In solution” that many

your business data is not something you want to trust to just anyone and some caution should be used when selecting a partner

vendors are pushing. And, the truth is, this technology lends itself to being parsed and implemented in pieces that are practical and affordable.

Taking the small-step approach fits best today because the range of offerings is wider, the pricing is more affordable, and the ability to pick and choose which pieces are right for your business now reaches that practical level. With this maturing of the market, small to mid-sized companies can now afford to venture in and enjoy some of the benefits that larger organizations have enjoyed for a while now.

Where is the best, and least risky, entry point? One of the most practical and cost-justifiable Cloud solutions to start with is Cloud Storage. The cost of disk storage continues to drop, but the amount of data we’re storing is significantly outpacing those savings. And all of that data must be duplicated somewhere (off-site) for security and recoverability purposes.

It’s here that a Cloud solution can offer great value. You can pick and choose services and pricing that custom fit your storage needs. Of course your business data is not something you want to trust to just anyone and some caution should be used when selecting a partner. If you do your homework, you end up with a business-grade solution that is reliable and saves you money. After a successful first Cloud step, the sky’s the limit (pun intended). Remember, a panacea is in the eye of the beholder.

Philip Carlucci Senior Business Technology Consultant MBA Vice-Chair Rhode Island Tech Collective

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

21

SMALL BUSINESS | Workplace Technology: What Rhode Island Employers Need To Know

Personnel Practices Workplace Technology: What Rhode Island Employers Need To Know

by Matthew R. Plain, Esq. & Kristen M. Whittle, Esq.

Technology plays an important role in most modern workplaces, and employees are routinely granted access to electronic equipment and devices in order to perform their job duties. When used properly, this equipment, as well as employer-owned networks and software, can be powerful tools allowing for greater productivity than ever before.

Employers should be aware of certain risks and best practices for the use of technology in the workplace, some of which are set forth below.

BEWARE OF “BYOD.” The concept of “bring-your-own-device,” or BYOD, has gained some attention recently, as employers are increasingly permitting flexible work schedules. Basically, employers allow employees to access work email or other systems on their personal (not employer-owned) smartphones or other devices in order to stay connected to the workplace when not physically present in the office. Although BYOD policies may allow for greater flexibility and work-life balance for employees, employers should be aware of the risks involved in this process, including potentially unsecure Wi-Fi at the employees’ home or other out-of-office workspace, which could expose the employer’s network to cyber-security risks.

In addition, difficulties may arise when an employee is terminated or otherwise separates from employment and may attempt to continue accessing the employer’s electronic systems from his or her personal device thereafter. If you choose to permit employees to install work email or access software remotely on their own personal device, ensure that the technology

22

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

permits the employer to remotely withdraw the employee’s access, as a recentlyterminated employee may be reluctant or unwilling to turn over his or her personal device in order for the employer to uninstall such software.

Otherwise, employers who would like employees to be available remotely should provide the electronic device to the employee, and require its return upon separation of employment.

INCORPORATE AN ELECTRONIC USE POLICY INTO EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKS. With respect to employer-owned devices, equipment, and networks, employers should create a thoughtful electronic use policy, setting forth parameters for employees’ use of these tools. Due to cyber-security risks, employees should

Workplace Technology: What Rhode Island Employers Need To Know | SMALL BUSINESS

Due to cyber-security risks, employees should typically only be permitted to use such networks and devices for work-related purposes typically only be permitted to use such networks and devices for work-related purposes, although the policy should be flexible enough to permit statutorily protected communications via company email during nonworking time, in accordance with a recent opinion from the National Labor Relations Board.

In electronic use policies, employers should expressly reserve the right to monitor any activity on employerowned devices and networks, and should explicitly advise employees that they have no right to privacy with respect to any communications made via employer-owned devices and networks. Whether or not the employer actually chooses to periodically monitor employee communications, providing this notice to employees ahead of time will make it easier for the employer to do so if the need arises, such as during an investigation of employee misconduct.

DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE SOCIAL MEDIA. Given the ubiquitous nature of social media in today’s society, employers should consider whether and when to permit employees to access social media accounts on employer-owned devices. For example, employers may wish to prohibit the use of social media for non-work-related purposes during the workday and/or on employer-owned devices. If an employer uses social media as part of its marketing plan, the employer should limit access to its social media accounts to a few trustworthy, designated individuals and advise other employees that they are not permitted to speak on behalf of the employer, or to imply that they are speaking on behalf of the employer, on the employees’ personal social media pages.

Matthew R. Plain, Esq. Partner, Barton Gilman LLP Kristen M. Whittle, Esq. Associate, Barton Gilman LLP

THIS IS YOUR HEALTH BENEFITS EXCHANGE. YOU SHOULD KNOW HOW IT’S GOING. Be a part of Year Two. Buy your health insurance through HealthSource RI. 1.855.840.HSRI HealthSourceRI.com HealthSource RI is the official healthcare portal for the state of Rhode Island.

Copyright ® HealthSource RI logo is the trademark and service mark of HealthSource RI.

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

23

SMALL BUSINESS | When Is It Time To Move To The Cloud?

WHEN IS IT TIME TO MOVE TO

the cloud?

by Frank Motta

Speak with just about any provider of cloud network platforms and migration services and they’ll expound, rightfully so, on the significant operational and financial advantages of running your small- to medium-size business (SMB) in the Cloud.

To be sure, there are some pretty compelling reasons for migrating to the Cloud: reduced overhead costs; improved cash flow; better IT budget forecasting; freeing up internal resources; quicker upgrade cycles to stay current on the latest features; and improved disaster recovery capabilities. In addition, the Cloud’s ‘pay-as-you-use’ model reduces or eliminates capital expenditures and optimizes IT spending on usage, making it more attainable for SMBs to acquire the services they need.

Certainly, if you take into consideration the cost of hardware, power, software licensing, setup, support, maintenance, downtime, and add the benefit of location flexibility and business continuity, most companies realize significant overall savings. The more services transitioned to the Cloud, the less on-premise hardware that requires management and the more the savings.

However, affordability and increases to productivity and efficiency are not the only advantages of the Cloud. Another big one is accessibility. You can access your cloud-based servers, applications, files, or data anytime, anywhere, from any device.

BEFORE YOU MOVE TO THE CLOUD, THERE’S A LOT TO CONSIDER. While the potential benefits of cloud computing are undeniable, the truth is, there’s a lot to consider. SMBs need to formulate a plan that makes sense for them.

UNDERSTAND AND CATALOG YOUR EMPLOYEES’ NEEDS. Before diving headlong into a cloud environment, it’s absolutely critical to determine exactly what you should consider migrating to the Cloud. Smart businesses will undertake a comprehensive audit of their IT needs and then save time—and capture cloud economies of scale—by first migrating a single application.

Keep in mind too that every app is not a perfect fit for the Cloud. For each application you use, you should determine the cost to run it inside your datacenter for the next three to five years, and then compare that to

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

the potential savings gained from migrating it to the Cloud.

Additionally, it’s essential to identify all the touch points to the application you are planning on moving to the Cloud. Everyone with a stake in the game who uses the applications in their day-to-day role needs to be involved in the process from the get-go.

Finally, once the strategy and plan to move to the Cloud has been agreed upon, you should develop a comprehensive implementation plan that covers all key operational concerns, including back-up, disaster recovery, business continuity, data security, ownership of information, and more. You’ll want to inventory your IT assets—servers, data, printers, applications—where they’re currently housed, how they are configured, what their interdependencies are, and their level of stability.

You’ll also need to look at where your users are located and appraise your connectivity to ensure that their applications work flawlessly in the Cloud.

Best practices for cloud migration include crawling before you walk. A stepped or phasedin implementation consisting of a combination of applications co-located on physical (or virtual) hardware and others hosted in the Cloud is usually a better approach that a ‘do-everything-atonce’ migration that too often results in business interruptions and wasted time and money.

Frank Motta Executive Vice President CAI Managed IT

Finding Rhode Island’s 21st Century Knowledge Workers | SMALL BUSINESS

Fi n di ng

R hode

I s l an d’s

21st Century Knowledge Workers

by Kathie Shields & Amanda Roman

Technology is now an integral part of our everyday lives. It manages our schedules, facilitates communication, expedites our work and makes us a perfect cup of coffee each morning. It has become a dependency more than a tool of choice. It’s just as important as the natural resources that power our homes, workplaces, and cars.

So, who is creating, maintaining, and powering this technology to work on a daily basis? A variety of businesses that are powered by our “21st Century Knowledge Workers”!

IT is growing at a rate that most businesses are struggling to keep up with and the professionals that manage it are in high demand. Despite a growth rate double that of any other industry, there are IT jobs going unfilled.

In Rhode Island, there are 19,916 tech industry workers and 3,273 freelance IT workers, making a total of 23,189 tech workers. Due to the umbrella role that IT now plays, RI will see a 16.7% projected increase in computer jobs in the next 10 years. These jobs are also providing an average wage of $76,718, which ranks us 31st in the country.

Therefore, if we have an unemployment rate that has continued to decrease post-recession, why are these jobs going unfilled?

We believe it comes down to two major factors: 1. As a nation, we were not prepared for this shift towards

the “21st Century Knowledge Worker”. We have not restructured our academic curriculum to prepare our population to fill these roles.

2. Technology is constantly evolving and changing.

Individuals as well as employers must own the need for continual training and education.

Rhode Island has shining examples of the work being done to prepare our state and its workers to fulfill the un-met needs of our existing and future employers. Programs like Year-Up, the recent Career & Tech Legislation, Governor’s Workforce Board initiatives, IT On-Demand and the Ready to Work grant, recently awarded to Tech Collective, are all examples of ways RI is working towards a greater IT workforce.

LMI reported in their 2014 statistics that there were a total of 988 computer jobs posted but not filled. This number indicates that there is an availability of jobs, but that companies are having difficulty filling the positions with workers who possess the requirements. Through the Ready to Work grant, we plan on providing 337 long-term unemployed professionals with services that will help get them up-to-speed and ready for the entry and mid-level IT positions that are in demand today.

The national tech industry will continue to grow at an accelerated speed. The goal will always be that Rhode Island moves up the national ladder of tech jobs and wages and gets better at utilizing its workforce. If we can provide education and training to unemployed persons with or without an IT background, we will be pushing more and more individuals into a career whose growth has no boundaries and will drive Rhode Island’s economic future.

Kathie Shields Executive Director Tech Collective

Amanda Roman Community Development Associate Tech Collective

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

There’s An App For That | SMALL BUSINESS

There’s an app for that.

by Paula Mottshaw

Technology is all around us. It seems as though something new emerges every day. I know that sometimes it can be overwhelming and you may just want to shut off the noise.

Technology can be annoying, if you let it; however, if you let it, technology CAN also be helpful in your day-to-day business activities.

There are so very many apps, and some of them can be useful for business. I’m sure many of you use your mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) for your business. Personally, I do quite a bit of reading on my iPhone, so I can make the best use of my time while I am giving my dog her morning run time in the woods. Apps CAN make life easier.

Let me share some of my favorites.

1. SKYPE (COMMUNICATIONS) AND GOOGLE HANGOUTS (COMMUNICATIONS) make virtual meetings more personal and can also save time and money (in travel time).

2. DROPBOX (PRODUCTIVITY) enables you to have access to your documents, any time, anywhere and to share those documents with specific people.

3. SOCIAL MEDIA APPS can be an effective networking tool.

LINKEDIN (SOCIAL MEDIA) puts you in touch with business contacts and helps you to learn from others and also share your knowledge. Share thoughts, inspirations and challenges on TWITTER (SOCIAL MEDIA). Find out how to get to meetings, events, etc. with GOOGLE MAPS (NAVIGATION).

4. TRY GOOGLE SEARCH (REFERENCE) for your web searches.

5. ILLUMINATION (GADGET) is great when you need light.

6. GET TO WORK on that presentation with KEYNOTE (PRODUCTIVITY).

7. KEEP UP WITH YOUR READING USING KINDLE (BOOKS).

8. MAILBOX (PRODUCTIVITY) is super easy to use and keeps email organized and at your fingertips.

9. ALARM CLOCK (UTILITIES) gets you out of bed in the morning.

10. QR READER (UTILITIES) enables you to read those QR codes. Get ready and scan!

11. MAILCHIMP (BUSINESS) lets you read your reports and plan your next email newsletter campaign.

12. TRY PANDORA (MUSIC) AND WIMP (ENTERTAINMENT) when you need a break.

13. KEEP TRACK OF CONTACT INFORMATION to keep organized and save time with CONTACTS (UTILITIES).

14. MILEBUG HELPS TO KEEP TRACK OF MILEAGE. It has GPS tracking (or you can manually enter your mileage), and you can send data to your computer with the touch of a button and print out a report.

In addition to adding new apps to my devices, I try to go through all of my apps and delete those that I don’t use or don’t find very useful. It’s always good to free up storage space for other things.

Once you have several apps (more than a page), you may want to organize your apps in a way that makes sense to you.

For example, I have a few news apps that I group together so I can find them quicker. And, I try to not have a lot of apps running in the background because it tends to slow down device operation.

Try to introduce at least SOME technology into your business. It can really help.

Paula Mottshaw, Freelance Creative www.mysimpledesignsolution.com

Technology can be annoying, if you let it; however, if you let it, technology CAN also be helpful in your day-to-day business activities. www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

27

SMALL BUSINESS | Is Technology A Cure To Improving Patient Care And Affordability?

To Improving Patient Care And

by Jillian N. Jagling, Esq.

Health care providers, consumers and employers are experiencing rampant innovation in the health care industry fueled by technology as the need for greater access to better-quality, affordable health care continues to grow. Health care organizations and technology companies are using technological advancements to collect, analyze and interpret the incredible amount of valuable health care data to develop new ways to expand access to and improve the delivery of care, as well as manage population health. No doubt, health care can derive many benefits from technology, but there are challenges that will impact its ability to completely transform the health care industry.

Telemedicine and Greater Access to Affordable Health Care The practice of medicine via mobile and wireless devices, known as Mobile Health or mHealth, is on the rise. Technology companies are developing iOS and Android mHealth applications aimed at, among other things, the real-time monitoring of patient vital signs and the direct provision of care. One type of mHealth is known as telemedicine, which is the use of technology to deliver remote clinical care and to exchange medical information from one site to another via e-communications and video conferencing for patient consultations. Telemedicine also allows for the transmission of still images between providers (known as “store-and-forward�), and remote monitoring of patient conditions and vital signs, among other things.

Through telemedicine, providers are afforded a number of advantages and new options: 1. Improving time efficiencies by managing patients from afar and expanding their geographic footprint; 2. Linking providers and specialists from remote areas and filling provider shortage gaps; and 3. Better managing patients with chronic conditions, thereby preventing hospital admissions and reducing the cost of care.

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Consumers and employers are experiencing advantages as well. Consumers benefit because they can receive medical advice through telemedicine about conditions for which they may otherwise go to an emergency room or urgent care center. This advantage may result in less time away from work, which is of significant value to employers. A trend gaining traction in the workplace is that some employers are offering telemedicine options alongside high-deductible plans and providing employer-sponsored on-site telemedicine clinics and kiosks, to give employees more control over their health care costs.

The Power of Health Care Data and Analytics The data generated throughout the health care industry on a daily basis is a treasure trove of information. Technology gurus and health-related organizations are using that data to develop new tools, products and services; and health care providers are able to make informed care decisions and better manage population health.

In early 2014, the federal government began providing access to an immense amount of health care data by publishing open data sources, digitizing existing data and requiring public access to data resulting from federally-funded research. While protecting the privacy and security of the data, the information can be used by the government and private businesses to develop new applications, and other products and services to improve health and health care. Likewise, health care

No doubt, health care

benefits from technology, but ther

that will impact its ability to com

the health ca

Is Technology A Cure To Improving Patient Care And Affordability? | SMALL BUSINESS

d Affordability? providers can use data to calculate, validate and compare costs and outcomes. Providers are also able to create predictive models to identify at-risk patients for early intervention.

However, to be useful, all of that data must be easily accessed, understood, and embraced by participants in the health care industry, and the use of common technical standards and specifications are necessary. The interoperable exchange of health information is equally essential so that health information moves seamlessly and securely among consumers, providers, public health departments and payers. Common standards and interoperability are proving to be major challenges as the industry continues to use technology, data and analytics to change the health care system.

Whether technology is a cure to reducing cost and improving the quality and access to health care in the U.S. is yet to be determined. One thing is certain: all of the stakeholders in this transforming industry are affected one way or another.

Jillian N. Jagling, Esq. Associate Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West LLC

e can derive many

re are challenges

mpletely transform

are industry. www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

29

How Many Security Threats Can You Name? cryptowall

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cryptolocker It Only Takes One Breach To Cost You a Fortune!

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Data Security And The Perils Of Doing Nothing | SMALL BUSINESS

A N D

T H E

P E R I L S

O F

by John Conway and Angela L. Carr, Esq.

With electronic records, social media, and the Internet facilitating a constant information exchange and seemingly unlimited data access, what steps should you be taking to protect the information entrusted to you by clients, vendors, or other third parties? Similarly, what risks are you exposed to when you fail to take those steps?

Many people are aware of the protections afforded to medical information as well as the restrictions placed upon health care providers and other covered entities, under HIPAA. However, these covered entities and their business associates are not the only organizations that should be concerned about compliance with federal and state privacy laws.

Realistically, if your business involves receipt of consumer information (names, credit card numbers, social security numbers, dates of birth, etc.), federal and state laws obligate you to take reasonable steps to secure and protect that information where it lies.

Breaches can occur through any series of unintentional or intentional actions including unintended disclosures, exposure to hacking or malware, credit card fraud or misappropriation, inappropriate insider/employee access to information, and access to information through lost or stolen devices.

The bottom line is that actions, and more importantly inactions, have consequences. In the context of privacy, failure to take reasonable and proper steps to secure and protect information can expose organizations to tangible and intangible costs that will far exceed what it costs to properly secure and protect the information in the first place, as well as: • • • • • • • • • •

•

government investigations enforcement actions and hefty fines media exposure that can cause irreparable damage to consumer confidence levels private civil suits from affected consumers increased exposure to additional direct and indirect attacks on your organization and your clients/ customers legal defense fees increased insurance premiums loss of credibility and client/customer confidence technology and security audit fees remediation fees for education, technology upgrades, security protocols, documented policies and procedures, and ongoing monitoring and audits PR and communication fees

D O I N G

N O T H I N G

information of 2,743 individuals. Following an investigation by the Office for Civil Rights, ACMHS entered into a Resolution Agreement whereby they agreed to pay $150,000 and to submit to a series of training initiatives for employees as well as enhanced technical security requirements.

In February 2015, Anthem was hacked, exposing over 80,000,000 of its customers’ data. To put that vast number into perspective, it is more than the populations of California, Texas, and Illinois combined. And what allowed for this massive breach to occur? It was a direct result of Anthem not taking the proper steps to protect the data where it lies.

Whether you are in the healthcare industry or you operate a small business with relatively few employees, it is your responsibility to protect the private information that you are given, whether it is in transit or being stored.

Regardless of whether privacy breaches result in monetary fines or settlements, cooperating with government investigations, defending civil suits, and attempting to rehabilitate an organization’s image all require the expenditure of time and resources that could undeniably be better spent furthering your stated mission and growing your organization.

There are steps that you can take to secure your private information, including:

1. Identifying risks 2. Securing information 3. Limiting user access 4. Using encryption 5. Updating technology 6. Training employees 7. Preparing a strategy to respond to a breach 8. Conducting periodic self-audits You are very busy and thinking about privacy is daunting, but the cost of not effectively protecting the information that is entrusted to you can be devastating. Take action today to properly identify and protect your data. You’ll be glad you did.

It all starts with engaging the proper security experts to guide you through this legal and technical process.

John Conway President & CEO Ananke IT Solutions

Angela L. Carr, Esq. Partner Barton Gilman LLP

Let’s take a look at some examples of recent breaches: In December 2014, a data breach occurred at Anchorage Community Mental Health Services, Inc. (“ACMHS”) that exposed electronic personal health www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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SMALL BUSINESS | Microsoft Windows 10 Is Coming! Will It Be Loved Like Windows XP?

M i c r o s o f t W i n d ow s 10 I s C o m i n g !

W I L L

I T

B E

L O V E D

by Eric M. Shorr

Last year, Microsoft ended support for an icon in the PC world, Windows XP. Is your office still running it? I hope not! Microsoft is no longer offering any support should you have an issue, and most importantly, they are no longer creating any new security updates. That means you are a ripe target for a hacker!

I know many of you were aware of this and have already upgraded to Windows 7, 8 or even 8.1. Whew – congratulations!

Microsoft is committed to offering support for Windows 7 until January 2020 and for Windows 8 until January 2023.

While Windows XP will go down in the history books as a revolutionary operating system, Microsoft’s attempts at offering the next evolutionary program have been lackluster at best.

Windows 7 is the closest bet to the look and feel of XP. However, Microsoft’s attempt at entering the tablet world alienated many loyal PC users with the introduction of the confusing tile world.

A main flaw in Win 8 was removing the start-up menu. Microsoft tried to make amends with users with the release of 8.1, but with little traction.

Once lauded in the arts community as the go-to computer, Apple started seeing a shift of PC users to their products. Apple offered the ease-of-use and seamless transitions between all devices, from desktop to smartphone, that consumers craved.

It seems Microsoft is listening to its 1.5 billion users around the globe and is taking action! Windows 10 is set to launch mid-2015 with, as Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President of Operating Systems, said at a recent launch event, a key focus on “personal computing” and enhanced mobility. He means business! He’s enrolled 1.7 million IT pros into the Microsoft Insider Program to test the beta version of Windows 10 to help shape the face of this new offering.

After 800,000 individual pieces of feedback on over 200,000 topics, here are some of the newest features of Windows 10: FREE UPGRADES – For the first year, current users of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

L I K E

W I N D O W S

X P ?

BACK TO THE “START” – Why, oh why did Microsoft do away with this in its release of Windows 8 in the first place? Windows 10 not only brings back the start menu, but also incorporates tiles for quick access to programs and apps.

TO TOUCH OR TO TAP – YOUR CHOICE! – Windows 8 and 8.1 were designed specifically for touch screen tablets or laptops. With Windows 10, users now have the option to toggle between touch screen or mouse and keyboard.

MICROSOFT OFFICE AND OUTLOOK ARE NOW MOBILE FRIENDLY, TOO! – Microsoft Office and Outlook Calendar will be automatically included on Windows 10 operating devices for not only PCs, but also smaller devices such as phones. This means greater collaboration on-the-go.

“CORTANA, CAN YOU FIND MY DOCUMENT?” – Cortanna, Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s Siri is currently only available on Microsoft mobile phones. The launch of Windows 10 will see this “personal virtual assistant” available on PCs as well. We could all use a helping hand reminding us of upcoming meetings, finding a quick recipe for dinner or even sending an email. Where have you been all my life, Cortana!?

A few other cool notable features are in the works for Windows 10, too: PROJECT SPARTAN – Spartan is the code name for Microsoft’s next generation web browser. Essentially, it is slated to replace Internet Explorer.

MICROSOFT SURFACE HUB – This is like a whiteboard on steroids!

This takes interactive meetings to a new level. Microsoft called it “Skype for Business.” Brainstorm with colleagues on a project in different offices, save your notes to One Drive and email them to all attendees. Talk about efficient!

WINDOWS HOLOGRAPHIC – Microsoft wants to meld your digital world with your actual world. Stay tuned for this latest development of wearable tech.

XBOX WINDOWS 10 APP – As a techie, I would be remiss if I did not mention that Windows 10 will offer the Xbox App. Let the gaming continue! Minecraft, anyone?

There you have it! Although still in beta, many of the reviews I am reading are positive. Seamless computing and collaboration is the focus here. PC users get ready.

Eric M. Shorr Secure Future Tech Solutions

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

4 Tech Trends You Thought Only Existed On Star Trek | SMALL BUSINESS

4 Tech Trends You Thought Only Existed On

by Adam Harvey

Things you saw on Star Trek: The Next Generation are coming to a business near you—maybe even yours!

Just before the new year began, Gartner, Inc., a major source for technology research and insight, highlighted the top 10 tech trends that will have the most potential to impact the way organizations do business within the next three years. While some of them are further off for most small businesses, there are a few that are going to be important for everyone to watch, as they have the potential to be major game changers very soon. Imagine living in an episode of Star Trek, only it’s not in the future, it’s now.

Computing Everywhere

By now you’ve probably noticed that computers are popping up everywhere. Go out to lunch at a restaurant and you may find a computer on the table where you can play games and even order and pay for your meal. Look around the gym and everyone is wearing a Fitbit or some other sort of wearable computer. Clearly, mobile devices are becoming quite ubiquitous and this trend is not slowing down one tiny bit. This means that our environments will have to adapt to the needs of mobile users. Businesses will have to start paying more attention to the user experience and try to be mobile-friendly in ways they have never thought of before. More security concerns will also start to present themselves and challenge IT professionals.

3D Printing

Shipments of 3D printers are booming and are expected to grow by 98% this year. That number is expected to double next year, and within the next three years it will have expanded significantly for industrial use. It will eventually become a cost-

Imagine living in an episode of Star Trek, only it’s not in the future, it’s now.

effective way to streamline prototype production, manufacture in small quantities and tweak product designs. The 3D printer can remove many limitations that start-ups and small businesses have when they’re trying to get new products on the market.

Soon, it will be far easier to bring innovative ideas to life than ever before.

Smart Machines

We’ve seen this sort of thing already in many places. The selfcheckout comes to mind right away when thinking about how machines are beginning to do the work of humans. But now, through the use of deep analytics and advanced algorithms, machines are able to understand context, learn for themselves and act on their own. Things like Google’s driverless car and virtual personal assistants are two great examples of how machines are going to become our helpers in a whole new way.

Imagine not needing to hire an assistant in a few years because your virtual one is working out just fine! Smart machines are going to be the most disruptive technology in IT history.

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things, also referred to as IoT, is a concept that describes the way everyday physical objects can be connected to the Internet and identify themselves to other devices. IoT is expanding quickly due to the growth in analytics of cloud computing, the increasing use of smart machines and the large number of applications that connect people, devices and things.

This is a big game changer because if an object can identify itself digitally, it becomes something more than just an object since it is now connected to other objects and databases. This turns the physical world into one vast information system.

An ultra-connected landscape holds lots of promise for businesses in that it can create more efficient, real-time operations, help create new business opportunities, and a million other things we haven’t even imagined yet.

Forward-thinking business owners and proactive leaders are thinking about and preparing to embrace these trends as they realize that their businesses need to be a part of the living and breathing digital fabric of a new era.

Adam Harvey GLAD WORKS www.gladworks.com

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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SMALL BUSINESS | The MBE/DBE Business And Its Unique Use Of Technology

THE MBE/DB A N D

I T S

U N I Q U E

U

I have at my fingertips today program had at NASA, a

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

The MBE/DBE Business And Its Unique Use Of Technology | SMALL BUSINESS

BE BUSINESS S E

O F

e more technology y than the Gemini and they launched a rocket!

T E C H N O L O G Y

by Michael Brito

I am utilizing technology to bring this piece to you today. I have chosen an app that allows me to create these articles on my iPad in any form I imagine, automatically save content, and send it in part or total to anywhere and to anyone!

Our day-to-day use of technology is so ingrained in our routine that most of us don’t even think about it—it is truly overwhelming. When this topic was suggested by RI Small Business Journal, I was anxious to connect with the MBE community to demonstrate how useful it can be to us all. Let’s look into this morning’s routine: what was the first order of business? I checked my schedule on my phone, replied to an IM, reviewed my emails, ran off an update on LinkedIn (which is shared with my Twitter and Facebook followers), checked the weather and obituaries on my WJAR10 iPhone app, sent reminders to two connections on Instagram and started notes for this article, all before 6:30am and while enjoying music through my TuneIn radio app!

On LinkedIn alone I belong to three groups that promote the MBE/DBE philosophy and mission. These groups offer free discussions and invite us to begin new ones. Most sponsor networking events focusing on the unique issues we face within and outside the minority community. By utilizing my devices to constantly promote my business and stay connected through the various electronic formats, I expose myself to opportunities I would never have known about! Think that marketing is only two-dimensional? Think again!

We have exposure to thousands of people when we link ourselves to

these very accessible avenues…and did I forget to mention that it’s all free?

We have use of a CRM (customer relationship management) system that allows us to send messages to our client base in the form of email greetings, special notices and even company newsletters. By staying in touch with our people, we build higherquality relationships all through the use of technology.

The thing is, our competitors will win if we don’t get and stay ahead. Our best use of the tools we already have will prove that we command our day and that we have what it takes to stake our claim on all fronts.

When I imagine what Rhode Island presented to my grandfather when he came to this country from Sao Vicente, Cape Verde, I am filled with gratitude at his achievements. I’m also filled with the wonders of how automated my world is now, while all he had was an office phone and a typewriter! I have more technology at my fingertips today than the Gemini program had at NASA, and they launched a rocket!

So if you’re using your smartphone just to make and take calls only, that’s like buying a house and living in only one room! Spend time learning about new and useful ways your electronic devices can work for you and your business.

Take a class at the Apple store, go online for tips on use and promotion apps. Most importantly, reach out to the MBE/DBE businesses in your circle, ask for advice and share ideas when you can.

Grow and be a source of value!

Michael Brito Team Member Managing the Road Ahead

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

35

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great legal teams working for you

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High Tech vs. High Touch | SMALL BUSINESS

vs.

N E E D I N G

B O T H ,

by Patricia Raskin

According to internetworldstats.com, the growth of the internet worldwide since 1995 is staggering, from .4% in December of 1995 to 42.3% in June of 2014.

Speed and time have been vastly accelerated through the instant global reach of the internet and technology. Nanoseconds are now in the past, with speed increasing daily. This has increased our need for on-demand information. News is reported and delivered seconds after it happens.

High Touch:

B L E N D I N G

B O T H

1. BROADEN TEXTING: Make a call, visit or video chat so that you hear the voice or see the person and can touch them in some way.

2. ADD CALLS TO EMAILS: Hearing the person’s voice, inflection and tone gives you a better picture than emails alone.

3. ENHANCE ONLINE RESEARCH WITH WEBINARS OR SEMINARS: It’s great to study and learn online, but gaining insights and knowledge from others stimulates creativity and connection.

Of course, this is not surprising to any of us, but it certainly has profound impact on the way we live our lives. On the plus side, we have access to information instantly and it helps us learn and make decisions faster. We can find anything we need on our smartphone. You can find your preferences, flavors, and beliefs and contacts easily. We are more connected than ever before in history.

4. CONNECT ONLINE LEARNING WITH MEET-UP GROUPS: Find groups online and then join them in person. Nothing replaces face-to-face connections.

With all of these convenient benefits, it’s easy to forget the importance of building personal, face-to-face relationships with coworkers and clients. Technology provides us with an efficient system that allows us to handle important matters quickly and with ease, but it lacks the personal touch. Here are five tips for adding some personal touches into your everyday technological activities in order to optimize your business practices.

I think that we need to be conscious about giving equal time to online activities and to the people in our life who make a difference. Let’s share and talk more face-to-face, and, most importantly, listen more. If we can balance technology’s instant access to information with face-to-face connections, we can live in a world that honors both the information and those who deliver it, personally.

5. TEXT OR EMAIL TO SET UP MEETINGS: It saves time, but be sure to keep the appointment or have a phone conference.

The written word is not enough.

Patricia Raskin Raskin Resources Productions, www.patriciaraskin.com

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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5

5 Reasons Not To Go Paperless | SMALL BUSINESS

reasons NOT

to go paperless

by Kristin MacRae

Many people struggle with paper management.

Some feel that if they go paperless, it will solve all of their problems. Disorganized people think that they will become organized overnight by going paperless.

It’s not going to be that easy. You’ll still have to create working organized systems to deal with scanning, processing bills, and files.

You hear about all of these productivity apps out there today. Most of them are creating more work for the person who is already overwhelmed. If you are overwhelmed and stressed due to your disorganization, some of these apps will complicate your life. Remember, keep it simple. If a good oldfashioned paper to-do list is keeping you on track, why switch?

Paper is going to be around for a very long time. Just because we are in this digital age, it doesn’t mean we have to get rid of all paper that flows through our life. Remember, there is still all of the mail that we deal with on a daily basis that isn’t digital.

Here are 5 reasons NOT to go paperless : Paper calendars are alive and well. Calendars on your phone and other tablets, computers, etc., may not work for you. If you are a visual person, you probably like writing appointments in your calendar and being able to see your weeks ahead planned out for you. This system may work really well for you, so why change it? You may find that you tried to switch to a digital calendar and it created more work for you and you weren’t as efficient as you were before. Are you creating more work for yourself because you find yourself writing it in your calendar and then adding it to your digital calendar? Don’t work with a broken system. If it’s not working for you, switch back to what was working.

Don’t give into peer pressure. Your co-workers and friends are telling you going paperless will make your life so much easier. Your systems are working perfectly fine, but you feel the need to jump on the bandwagon with everybody who is scanning and going paperless. If you are working at your top

efficiency level now, why change? Just because the system is working for your friend, it doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you.

You may be creating more work for yourself. How many times do you touch a paper before and after you scan it? You touch the paper when it arrives, place it in a pile, touch it again to scan it and then touch it again to make a decision about what to do with that paper. Add one more step if after you are scanning it you file it into a physical file. You want to be as efficient as possible and if scanning is making your life a little more complicated, it’s time to revert back to old ways.

How tall is the pile that is sitting, waiting to be scanned? This paper pile becomes a distraction for you and anybody working around you. Currently, it’s sitting in a bin on your desk and it really doesn’t serve a purpose. How long has the pile been sitting there? If it’s collecting dust, it’s time to re-evaluate this system. Have you hired an extra hand to tackle all of your scanning because you just don’t have the time to get to it? It may have just been easier to file the papers into a filing system as soon as they entered your office, and you wouldn’t be in the predicament you are in now.

Paperless statements aren’t always the answer.

Have you had to pay late fees because you missed the statement due date? If money was automatically withdrawn, did you have the money to cover the bill?

How long does the company keep statements on file? If your bills are online, are you taking the time to review them? Before you switch to paperless bills, really think about if it’s a good fit for you and your family.

Whether you go all paperless, half paperless, or you keep your paper, it’s your decision. You want to be as efficient and productive as possible at home and at work. Don’t continue to work with a system that holds you back from reaching your fullest potential.

Evaluate how you are functioning and decide what works best for you.

Kristin MacRae Founder and Owner Organizing in RI

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

41

REAL ESTATE

TIPS

The Importance Of

Being Proactive!

Tips On How To Properly Plan Your Real Estate Investment

by Craig DiPetrillo

The definition of proactive is creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen, rather than responding to it after it has happened. When it comes to your real estate investments, it is always better to start with a proactive plan.

Here are a few tips on how to proactively prepare when you start to think about investing in real estate: 1. Have a clear idea of what kind of property you are looking for, such as a multi-family, a mixed-use (commercial and residential), etc. and understand that there are different zoning restrictions in different municipalities.

2. Have a clear idea of what areas you’re interested in investing in and why. Do you want to invest in an upand-coming neighborhood? Or do you want to invest in a mixed-use property close to your own home, allowing you

the capability to work in a property that is also revenuegenerating, i.e., a mixed-use property that you can work out of but have rental income coming from as well?

3. Know the market value‌the real market value!

4. Understand the zoning restrictions in relation to your plans before investing.

Make sure you plan for the projected (and realistic) renovation budget and that you have a clear understanding and timeline of your projected (and realistic) ROI (return on investment).

Understanding and planning on how to go about taking this project investment and running it through the construction process to maintain your return on investment is key!

Craig DiPetrillo DiPetrillo Properties info@dipetrilloproperties.com

Understanding and planning on how to go about taking this project investment and running it through the construction process to maintain your return on investment is key!

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

REAL ESTATE

TIPS

Let the Professionals

Prep

The Top 4 Reasons Hiring A Cleaning Service Will Sell Your Office Space

by Martinha Javid

With the amount of work that goes into prepping a space for sale, you need a reliable and professional cleaning service to tackle the mess you do not have time for; a trustworthy and quality-assured service is imperative in cleaning the business, as their performance impacts yours… significantly. An unkempt business can be the deal breaker.

This is why it is so important to choose the right cleaning service the first time, and these are the top 5 reasons the cleaning service you choose will sell your office space for you!

1. The First Impression Is The Only Impression - Prospective buyers have already judged your office before they even step through the door. With so much riding on the walk up to the front door, it is tough to save face on a missed cobweb, clogged gutter, or mildewy shutter. Poof —the dream office disappears. The truth is, there is no such thing as too clean of an office. A good provider will understand this, and take the appropriate steps to ensure nothing is left untouched.

2. Spotless is Priceless - Problem areas in a business are stubborn—the worn down carpets, the marks on the tiles, and the mysterious scratches down the wall. They all take way too much time and effort to get rid of by yourself. A good cleaning

company will have the right environmentally friendly detergents and equipment to make these stubborn stains disappear.

3. They will Get the Funk Out - A “new” office should have a pleasant, yet enticing aroma that stimulates the senses of the buyers into feeling that this is the right space for them. Sure, 10 Glad plug-ins could work, but a conscious cleaning company will have the perfect natural scents and oils to deodorize the space, and breathe new life into the air.

4. There is a Difference between Neat and Clean – A business space can look neat, but still be dirty. Dust does a very good job of settling on flat surfaces…and just about everything else. A clean office is free from dirt and most likely neat and tidy.

When an office is pristine, the cleanliness of the office reflects back on you and your company. Choosing a trustworthy service that will not let you down is an essential step in prepping your building or office space for sale. A successful cleaning service will make your job easier, drawing your customers into the pleasant aesthetics and aromas of the space, as you guide them through their dream work environment.

Martinha Javid Owner and Principal Designer, MI INTERIORS

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

43

SMALL BUSINESS | Let’s Not Use A Selfie On Linkedin!

Let’s Not Use A Selfie On

The Importance Of A Professional-Looking Headshot

by Lisa Shorr

I have a little test for you. Scroll through your connections on LinkedIn and look at each profile picture. My question: What is the first impression or detail you find for each? I did this exercise while preparing for a workshop at Johnson & Wales University. Here is what I found and my impressions: 1. The Crop – Prospects, recruiters, and other colleagues want to see your entire face, not your face minus your chin! Impression: lack of attention to detail.

2. The Family Portrait – This is when you use that fun family shot taken with your kids and Mickey Mouse, and you crop yourself out to use the image as your profile picture.

Impression: Not taking stock in the importance of their personal brand.

In turn, people might not take stock in me!

3. The Distance Shot – “I think he is smiling?” or, “I am not quite sure what she looks like.” Impression: I am not sure whom I am doing business with.

4. The Grainy Mug Shot – The image is so grainy and discolored that the end result is a mug shot! Impression: YIKES! Even though our intention is to be friendly and approachable, others’ interpretations, as I mentioned above, can be anything but! We make quick nonverbal judgments on people before we get to know their character. On social media, it is crucial we make that quick impression a positive one.

Here is what I suggest: 1. Invest in the best image you can afford – Save the family photos for

44

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Facebook.

Allocate funds to invest in a professional headshot that captures your best self.

2. Dress for your industry – If you are in the banking/finance/ legal industry, wear a dark colored suit, such as navy or charcoal. If you’re in the creative sector, add a pop of color to your outfit. The idea is to match your look to your industry.

3. Don’t wear white or shiny shirts! - This is a good tip for TV appearances, too. White tends to wash out the skin.

Men: if wearing white, add a pop of color with your tie. Also, stay away from shiny shirts that glare in photos. Both of these are distractors from your face and your message!

4. Crisp Collars – Ironed and starched collared shirts and jackets send a very professional and commanding message in a photo. Wrinkles and unkempt collars and shirts pull focus away from your face.

Follow these tips to score 100% on your LinkedIn profile! Say cheese!

Lisa Shorr Owner/Image Consultant Shorr Style

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What Happens If The Track Outruns Your Horse? | SMALL BUSINESS

What Happens if the Track Outruns Your Horse?

by Stanley H. Davis

- The commitment needed to instead go outside to recruit the right expertise and fit;

As a business positions for growth, change, or succession, the people who have been good leaders may still be good leaders.

But they may no longer be the right leaders.

- The capacity of your business to endure, grow and change if these positions were vacated;

How do you know?

- Your willingness to risk no change at all.

1. Are business results hitting their potential?

There are hazards inherent in any choice, but in the face of critical needs, doing nothing carries the greatest risk. In assessing the options, there’s a tendency to focus on the potential obstacles. To put them into perspective, consider what will happen to you, to your business, to all the employees if you make no adjustment.

Consider the symptoms that indicate markets and competition may be outpacing your leaders.

2. Do current leaders need to be backstopped or excessively supported by other employees, or by consultants?

3. Can you comfortably delegate decision-making to them?

4. Have you restructured jobs or organizations to accommodate leadership shortcomings?

5. Are you more involved in their areas of responsibility than you’d like to be?

6. Are leaders blaming circumstances or others for business missteps?

7. Is your employee turnover rate too high, or too low? Are you keeping the best people?

8. Do your leaders know the current and evolving industry landscape, competitors, technologies, and customers? Do they act on that knowledge?

9. How does your business stack up against your competitors’ results and prospects, and against your own plans?

Finally, if you had to fill any of your company’s leadership positions today, would you hire the current incumbent?

Remember, in initiating any change, acknowledging the need is the most agonizing step. The decision to replace people is tough, especially when you know the affected people well, or they are long-term and loyal employees.

Companies that mature without refreshing themselves can breed a business crisis. One executive in a shrinking industry that’s facing potential extinction recently confided that “Failures of companies in this industry are often due to failure of leadership. The remaining people don’t want to change and/or they don’t want to manage change.”

Yet, if the modifications you plan and introduce come easily, you may be placating yourself by making a comfortable adjustment rather than addressing the need for substantive change.

As for you, you’re one of the leaders. Are you still the best person for your shifting role in a changing marketplace?

Should you revisit your own fit in the face of the evolving landscape?

Solution

If it’s time, or past time, for a change, you have alternatives.

The best choice for your unique business will hinge on:

You may be identifying challenges that are eluding you or your leaders. In the meantime, your gut will be telling you if something isn’t right. In the thick of the race, if the track is outrunning one of your horses, you’ll know when it’s time to make a change. You may elect to ignore it, but you’ll know.

- The time and resources required to transform the leaders you have into the leaders you’ll need;

Stanley H. Davis Founding Principal, Standish Executive Search, LLC

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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What Clams Taught Me Employers About SMALL CAPITAL BUSINESS CITY | Mayors’ || How To Manage FairA To Connect A Remote Worker or And Office Skilled Workforce SMALL BUSINESS DearJob Mom: Letter Home From ALeadership One Day Warrior

MAYORS’ JOB FAIR TO CONNECT EMPLOYERS AND SKILLED WORKFORCE

by Mayor Jorge Elorza

It has been an exciting first few months as Mayor. My administration is working closely with Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training to connect employers with people looking for work here in our capital city and throughout our state.

We are pleased to be hosting several job fairs in the coming months at the Roger Williams Park Casino. Companies will be accepting applications and resumes and preinterviewing attendees for a range of positions. With more than 35 employers actively seeking employees scheduled to attend, these job fairs are a great opportunity to connect businesses of all sizes with qualified workers.

Our upcoming job fair will be held on March 4, and will focus on recent and soon-to-be graduates from any educational program. College students and recent graduates in Providence represent one of our greatest resources.

As Mayor, I am committed to working with our institutions of higher education and all of our stakeholders together to keep these graduates in Providence.

Entitled ‘Keep Our Graduates in Rhode Island,’ this job fair is a great opportunity for employers to find skilled workers, and for those who are graduating this spring or who have recently graduated and are looking for work, it is an opportunity to connect with employers looking to hire.

Future job fairs will continue our focus on supporting industries important to our local economy and classes

WITH MORE THAN 35 EMPLOYERS ACTIVELY SEEKING EMPLOYEES SCHEDULED TO ATTEND, THESE JOB FAIRS ARE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT BUSINESSES OF ALL SIZES WITH QUALIFIED WORKERS. 48 48

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of employees in demand by local employers. In April, we will host a job fair for Rhode Island’s hospitality and tourism industry. In May, our job fair will be open to all industries. In September, we will target employers in all industries looking to hire managers. In October, our season of job fairs will conclude with a focus on retail.

To get more information about these job fairs, keep track of our schedule of events or register as a job seeker or employer, please visit www.providenceri.com/wspc.

Bristol Makerspace Seeds Success | SMALL BUSINESS

Bristol m a k e r s pac e S E E D S

S U C C E S S

by Chris Barnett

A manufacturing incubator and makerspace where East Bay entrepreneurs can tinker, innovate and create products in a collaborative environment is taking shape in Bristol’s historic manufacturing district.

Tinker|Bristol will serve manufacturers, entrepreneurs, businesses, hobbyists and makers of all stripes, offering affordable access to shared space, rapid prototyping equipment, tools, 3-D printers and technologies.

Drawing on an extensive network of makers and manufacturers, co-founders Todd Thomas and Andrea Rounds developed this concept with a committee of East Bay community leaders.

“Our plan is to embed a manufacturing incubator in the collaborative culture of a makerspace from day one, which is different from innovation centers that are launched exclusively as either business incubators or members-only workshops,” says Thomas. “We think this may be unique in New England, certainly in Rhode Island.”

the state’s growing innovation network,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s CEO and president.

The goal is to design a scalable, replicable proof of concept for stimulating grassroots manufacturing and applied product development in Rhode Island. Providing a streamlined pathway from R+D to the marketplace, the Tinker project aligns with strategic initiatives to revitalize manufacturing in Rhode Island and create jobs.

“Today East Bay is a center of excellence for the advanced composites industry and offers a fertile environment for piloting this initiative,” says Bristol Town Council Chairman Nathan Calouro. “Our town recently developed a detailed plan for growing our economy that encourages innovative and collaborative enterprises just like this.”

Tinker|Bristol will be a collaborative enterprise, and community engagement is critical to its success. Rounds and Thomas say there are many different ways to participate, from working on an innovative idea or sharing expertise

Our plan is to embed a manufacturing incubator in the collaborative culture of a makerspace from day one The organizers are already leveraging a $50,000 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation and mobilizing native talent, resources and assets to create a paradigm of innovation for all Rhode Island.

“Small business is the growth engine of the economy. East Bay’s concentrated marine trades and composites industries are a great starting point for expanding

to donating equipment or underwriting start-up costs.

“We look forward to working with you and our statewide partners to get Rhode Island tinkering again and ignite a new Industrial Revolution,” says Rounds.

Chris Barnett Senior Public Affairs Officer, Rhode Island Foundation

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SMALL BUSINESS | Embrace Corporate Culture As Part Of Your Corporate Vision

Embrace Cor

CORP

by Larry Girouard

It was 1965. I was a young mechanical engineering student at the University of Rhode Island. During my four years at URI (62-66), I was also on the varsity Track and Field team, focusing on the hurdles, long jump and triple jump. My track hero back then was Hayes Jones, 1964 World and Olympic Champion in the 120-yard high hurdles.

Back then, every year during the indoor track season, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) organized The BAA Invitational Track Meet held at the Boston Garden. The BAA brought in the best runners from all over North America, and they always sold out the Garden for this event. For the short indoor running events, like the 60-yard dash and 60-yard high hurdles, the BAA invited the better local collegiate runners to fill out the field.

Hayes Jones and three to four other world class hurdlers were attending that year, and I had developed enough skills to be one of the invited local hurdlers. By the luck of the draw, I was in lane three and Hayes Jones was in lane four.

Here I was standing next to my track idol in front of 13,000 people, in Boston Garden awaiting the starter’s command.

Good grief...talk about surreal!

Well, there is certainly no storybook ending here. Hayes crossed the finish line a good 5-7 yards ahead of me, but that is not the point of the story.

So few of us ever have the opportunity to see “world class” up close and personal. Whether it is on the athletic field, or in the business world, it is difficult to envision what world class looks like and feels like unless you can get close to it.

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Embrace Corporate Culture As Part Of Your Corporate Vision | SMALL BUSINESS

rporate Culture as Part of Your

PORATE VISION I talk with presidents every day about what the vision for their company is 5 years out, or more. They are fluent and enthusiastic when discussing capturing share, increasing the number of offices, and developing new products or services.

I talk with presidents every day about what the vision for their company is 5 years out, or more. They are fluent and enthusiastic when discussing capturing share, increasing the number of offices, and developing new products or services.

In many cases, they have already applied metrics to some elements of their vision.

When the conversation moves to a focus on the type of culture they envision 5 years out, I am often met with silence.

Corporate culture is rarely talked about in business circles much beyond informal cocktail conversations. You can put your arms around bricks and mortar, new products and the like, but for culture, how do you start that conversation with respect to culture’s application to your company or organization?

To initiate the thinking of corporate culture change, senior executives must be energized to do so. They need some

defining moment where the “ah ha” is possible. Where “being hit in the head with a two-by-four” can really happen.

For presidents to be able to get a good sense for the power of a higher performing business culture, and how this type of culture might apply to their company, they must seek out organizations that have reached a higher cultural plateau.

There are many high-performing organizations in the New England area that regularly invite guests into their world.

Baldrige companies (organizations that have earned the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award), and many other companies frequently have programs that allow you to see a new cultural world, which is foreign to most company presidents. Perhaps a visit to one of these companies could be the start of your company’s culture change. Every journey starts with the first step.

Larry Girouard President The Business Avionix Company

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FEATURED NONPROFIT | Polaris MEP

Goetz Composites’ installation in the Miami Design District

This Non

Rhode Island manufacturers are doing amazing things and Polaris MEP is hoping you will start to take notice. A business unit of the University of Rhode Island Research Foundation, and partially funded by NIST, Polaris MEP provides business improvement programs to grow RI’s largely misunderstood manufacturing industry.

“We live and breathe manufacturing,” says Christian Cowan, Polaris MEP’s Center Director. “We’re on the shop floor every day across Rhode Island and see some of this area’s best minds at work on innovative products that end up anywhere from the dinner plate to the Space X Rocket, to the stents used to keep our hearts pumping.”

Polaris MEP’s project managers have helped over 750 clients from the aerospace, biomedical, composite, food and beverage, jewelry, medical supplies, plastics, textile, wood and other industries achieve higher levels of quality and operational efficiency from the shop floor to the corner office.

One of the many successes in our state is the composites sector, which has risen out of Rhode Island’s strength in

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To Make Rhode

boat building. Bristol-based Goetz Composites and Hall Composites show how Rhode Island manufacturers leverage technology and innovate to expand their offerings.

“Polaris MEP is perhaps the most worthwhile of all business development organizations in RI with whom we’ve engaged,” said Chase Hogoboom, President of Goetz Composites, experts in weight saving, high-strength manufacturing techniques developed out of America’s Cup campaigns. Goetz Composites continues to transform innovative ideas into high-tech products making them accessible to visionaries in diverse markets.

“Polaris MEP has proven to be a great resource for us in achieving ISO 9001 Certification,” said Hogoboom. “We’re a small, growing company and Polaris has been extremely supportive, understanding of our needs, and accommodating of our schedule throughout the entire process.”

Another great example of a Rhode Island composites manufacturer who leverages technology and innovation, is Hall Composites. Traditionally marine-focused, potential applications for their high-strength, low-weight composite

Polaris MEP | FEATURED NONPROFIT

Hall Composites: Custom Carbon Fabrication

n-Pr of it Wor ks

e Island Manufacturers Profitable production capabilities are limitless and include everything from furniture to aerospace. Polaris MEP recently started work with Hall to help them meet the strict standards to satisfy DOD, NASA, and FAA quality requirements.

“Polaris MEP is helping us to streamline our systems and prepare for AS9100 certification, a necessary ingredient in expanding our offerings throughout the aerospace industry,” said Pete Levesque, Composites Business Development Manager.

High Purity NE, a leading supplier to the bio-pharma, pharmaceutical, microelectronics and food manufacturing industries for over 40 years, also engaged with Polaris MEP to support the ISO Certification preparation process for the design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of disposable assemblies. Polaris MEP’s expertise was critical to support the process in a highly efficient manner. This led to a $300K opportunity and future related growth opportunities for High Purity NE.

certification is a critical tool to achieve our targets,” said Mark Sitcoske, High Purity NE’s President. “We are now able to get the attention of larger prospects.”

“The people of Rhode Island should know the names Antaya, Bio-Detek, ChemArt, Colonial Mills, Day-O-Lite, Edesia, eNow, Groov-Pin, igus, Leedon Webbing, Murdock Webbing, Spectrum Thermal, Taylor Box, and other hidden gems,” said Cowan. “Our mission is to help these, and the 1,600 others like them, succeed. The result: more well-paying jobs and a more vibrant state economy.”

Polaris MEP provides one-on-one consulting, public workshops and in-house training in: Strategic Growth, Technology Acceleration, Lean Manufacturing, Innovation, Sustainability, Change Management, Supply Chain, ISO/ Six Sigma/Quality, Facilities Planning, and Workforce Development.

To learn more visit polarismep.org or call 401-270-8896.

“High Purity NE is focused on global growth, and ISO 9000 www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

local small bus APPAREL

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

J Hilburn Contact: Rae Medgyesy Rae.Medgysey@jhilburnpartner.com www.Jhilburn.com 3 Wagon Lane Attleboro, MA 02703 401-258-3656

Butler Realty www.butlerrealty.us jab@butlerrealty.us Contact: Jeff Butler 655 Main Street East Greenwich, RI 02818 401-884-6050

BUSINESS SERVICES The Business Develoment Company pdorsey@bdcri.com www.bdcri.com Contact: Peter Dorsey 40 Westminster Street, Suite 702 Providence, RI 02903 401-351-3036 Lyoness America (Local Loyalty Partners) www.lyoness.net/us Localloyaltypartners@gmail.com Contact: Ernie Pitochelli 130 Darwin Street Woonsocket, RI 02895 401-368-6911

COACHING & CONSULTING Redwood Environmental Group Gkaufman@redwoodenv.com www.redwoodenv.com Contact: Gary Kaufman 10 Elmgrove Avenue Providence, RI 02906 401-270-7000 The Growth Coach D.Marantz@thegrowthcoach.com www.thegrowthcoach.com/dmarantz Contact: Daniel Marantz 33 Urso Drive Westerly, RI 02891 401-612-4769

MG Commercial www.mgcommercial.com mike@mgcommercial.com Contact: Mike Giuttari 365 Eddy Street Providence, RI 02903 401-751-3200 Scotti & Associates www.scottirealestate.com pmbgs@scottire.net Contact: Peter Scotti 246 Hope Street Providence, RI 02906 401-421-8888

DESIGN & MARKETING Artinium, Inc. www.artiniuminc.com Darren@Artiniuminc.com Contact: Darren Marinelli 5 Division Street, Building D, 2nd Floor Warwick, RI 02818 401-729-1997 Big Fish Results www.bigfishresults.com Tony@BigFishResults.com Tony Guarnaccia 5 Division Street Warwick, RI 02886 401-484-8736

DISASTER RECOVERY Lynch’s Cleaning & Restoration www.lynchsrestoration.com

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Contact : Shawn Lynch 25 Starline Way Cranston, RI 02920 401-464-8937 PuroClean Disaster Restoration www.purocleanri.com Tabbruzzese@puroclean.com Contact: Terri Abbruzzese 5 Minnesota Avenue Warwick, RI 02888 401-633-5565

ENERGY Super Green Solutions www.supergreensolutions.com Robert Cagnetta 300 Quaker Lane, Box # 6 Warwick, RI 02886 401-932-1985

FINANCE J.P. Matrullo Financial www.jpmatrullofinancial.com jpmatrullo@matrullofinancial.com Contact: Jonathan Matrullo 10 Orms Street, Suite 410 Providence, RI 02904 401-276-8788 Morgan Stanley www.morganstanley.com Rick.Bellow@ms.com Contact: Rick Bellows 1 Financial Plaza, 19th Floor Providence, RI 02903 401-863-8400 The Ameriprise Financial Planning www.ameripriseadvisors.com/Eric.Coury Eric.Coury@ampf.com Contact: Eric Coury 1 Citizens Plaza, S. 610 Providence, RI 029O3 401-996-7660

Want To Get Your Busines Email sales@risbj.com fo

SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

siness directory FOOD AND BEVERAGE

HOSPITALITY

RENTALS

3rd Rock Coffee Company www.3rdrockcoffee.com Newell@3rdrockcoffee.com Contact: Newell Brown 21 Old Town Trail Narragansett, RI 02882 401-413-4925

Choice Hotels www.choicehotels.com Keastman@teamadvantech.com Contact: Kate Eastman 360 Airport Road Fall River, MA 02726 978-290-0515

Ocean State Rentals www.oceanstaterental.net Oceanstaterental@gmail.com Contact: Jim Baldwin 530 Wellington Ave Cranston, RI 02910 401-941-4002

HEALTH & WELLNESS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SIGNS

Aflac Allen Miller 29 Crafts Street Newton, MA 02458 617-658-1820 www.aflac.com Allen_Miller@us.aflac.com

Thrive Networks www.thrivenetworks.com npacitto@thrivenetworks.com Contact: Kevin Ellis 836 North Street, Building 300, S. 3201 Tewksburry, MA 01876 978-243-1432

AA Thrifty Signs www.aathriftysign.com mcahill@aathriftysign.com Contact: Linda Iannotti 221 Jefferson Boulevard Warwick, RI 02888 401-738-8055

Amethyst Biomat www.mindfulness-abundance-healing.com healingartsri@cox.net Contact: Maria Sorensen 1130 Ten Rod Road N. Kingstown, RI 02852 401-932-6820 Jennifer L. Wilkicki, LMT & Esthetician www.styleseat.com/jenniferwilkick jlw531@aol.com Contact: Jennifer Wilkicki 51 Sockanosset Cross Road, s. 204 Cranston, RI 02920 401-935-3549 Qivana www.blessedwithhealthandwealth.com Janetdeleo@gmail.com Janet DeLeo 66 Club House Road Coventry, RI 02816 401-524-2339

ss Listed In Our Directory? or more information

TIMIT Solutions, LLC www.timitsolutions.com tmontgomery@timitsolutions.com Contact: Tim Montgomery 100 Randall Road, Unit 93 Wrentham, MA 02093 774-307-0652

INSURANCE Allstate Benefits www.allstate.com Jeff.Davide@allstate.com Contact: Jeff Davide 98 Hollis Avenue Warwick, RI 02889 401-500-3748

PAYROLL Paychex www.paychex.com apachomski@paychex.com Contact: Andy Pachomski 501 Wampanoag Trail Riverside, RI 02915 401-663-6677

TELECOMMUNICATIONS Wireless Zone www.wirelesszone.com j.sorensen@wirelesszoneri.com Contact: Jason Sorensen 76 Gate Road N. Kingstown, RI 02852 401-886-8484

TRANSPORTATION A Airlines Express Limousine & Car Service, Inc. www.aairlineexpresslimousine.com cottongin@cox.net Contact: Virginia Coulley P.O. Box 222 Saunderstown, RI 02874 401-295-4380

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Rescom Exteriors www.iwantnewwindows.com Jrousseau@Iwantnewwindows.com Contact: Janette Rousseau 714 A South Bridge Auburn, MA 01501 508-832-5202 www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

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TAKE THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE

Special Thanks to our National Sponsors

O c ean S tate T o ur de C ure S und ay ,J une7 ,2 0 1 5 U niv e rs it yo fR h o d eI s l and K ings t o n,R I

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F i nd yo ur l o c alto ur and regi s ter tori de at

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Tour de Cure is thousands of people across the U.S. riding to stop diabetes.

Supported by contributions from thousands more, Tour de Cure participants ride for the nearly 30 million people living with diabetes, and the 86 million more Americans currently at risk. Join them for the ride of your life.

www.risbj.com | volume four issue three

57

The smallest state has the biggest dreams.

And health plans to fit every one of them.

Affordable Plans for Any Size Business No two dreams are alike. Which is why we offer affordable, flexible health plans to meet the needs of any business in Rhode Island.

Including yours.

For a small business plan that works for you, contact your broker or visit bcbsri.com/together

Let’s do this together 58

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.