volume seven issue ten
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October 25, 2018 3:00pm - 7:00pm Putnam Club East / Gillette Stadium Join us for the Multi-Chamber Business Expo and Support Local Business, face to face! MARKET YOUR BUSINESS AS AN EXHIBITOR
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Partner Chambers:
contents
volume seven issue ten
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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6 How To Improve Profitability 8 Small Business News 11 Technology Summit At Mccoy Stadium 12 RI Small Business Development Center 14 Transparency With Your Customers
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16 Secretary of State 17 Fall Home Show
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18 Monthly Learning Tips 20 Rhode Island Foundation 22 One Cycle RI
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ON THE COVER volume seven issue ten
The Ocean State’s
Most Powerful Small Business
24 Employer Life Insurance
Success Secret F E AT U R E D C O V E R S T O R Y
Featured
27 Planning For Long-Term Care
Rhode Island Small Business Development Center
29 Rhode Island Business Plan Competition
2018 Let’s Do Business Expo G E T
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SMALL BUSINESS | How To Improve Profitability
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Profitability by Bryan B Mason
Business Strategy and Marketing Strategy The first place to start figuring out how to improve profitability is to verify that you have a focused business strategy and a focused marketing strategy. I write about this frequently because they are fundamental to success. Your business strategy is what you are going to do to fill a need in the marketplace. Your marketing strategy clearly defines your target customer, and what points of differentiation you are going to use to convert your prospective customers to paying customers. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe you have these things worked out completely, you need to get these right first. The next question is to figure out why your company is not as profitable as you would like and more specifically what are the actions you can take to significantly increase profitability.
Need More Customers? Do you need more customers? What kinds of customers are the most profitable? What are their characteristics? How do I get more of these? Specifically identifying what kind of customers or orders you need is important.
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If you can answer the above, the next step is to turn that information into a Marketing Plan.
Are you Losing Customers? Are you losing customers? If so, why? Is it poor service or a bad customer experience? Be objective. I am sure you are fully aware that it is much more expensive to find a new customer than to retain one you already have. For many small businesses, the customer experience is all important. I have written extensively on improving the customer experience including in this column. In the age of social media, one angry customer can tell literally thousands of people about their bad experience. That is a lot of lost prospective customers. Conversely, a happy customer can become a brand evangelist for your company and spread the good word. You should track customer complaints, analyze them and do something about them.
Product and Service Delivery How are you at delivering your service or building your product? How do you maintain quality? Do you have a lot of defects? Do you even know? Do you have a lot of service do-overs or returns? Do you consistently deliver your product or service when you promised? If not, why not?
How To Improve Profitability | SMALL BUSINESS
In my experience, the reason many business owners have not been able to improve profitability is that they have multiple issues to solve and many are interconnected. Wow, that is lot of questions and each is important. Keep in mind that a problem may have many related issues. They can range from poor quality control, ineffective production scheduling, inaccurate estimating, the lack of systems to provide transparency into operations, inefficient work flows, etc.
Efficiency Are your production or service processes efficient? Are they carried out at the lowest possible cost for the quality and timeliness you want? The last part of that question is most important – for the quality and timeliness you want. You are not going for the lowest possible cost but the lowest
possible cost that meets your customers’ needs for quality, service and timeliness.
Summary In my experience, the reason many business owners have not been able to improve profitability is that they have multiple issues to solve and many are interconnected. When they attempt to solve one problem they inadvertently aggravate another problem they have. This interconnectedness can lead to inaction because they don’t know where to start. I also find that solving some problems, while operationally important, may not significantly increase profitability. The key is to figure out what actions you can take to have the biggest impact on profitability. Mr. Mason founded the Apollo Consulting Group in 2008 to help small and mid-sized companies in solving their challenges. Mr. Mason brings over thirty years of corporate, consulting and entrepreneurial experience in a variety of industries. He possesses skills in general business management, analysis, strategy development, marketing, finance/ budgeting, operations, pricing optimization, workflow optimization, process reengineering, project management, and information technology. Mr. Mason has two degrees in Economics and was a Volunteer Mentor for the Rhode Island Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RI-CIE). He writes a weekly blog on his company website at www.apollogr.com/blog.
Bryan B Mason
Principal | (401) 862-6339 The Apollo Consulting Group LLC
Are you a small business owner who is tired of working too hard without achieving the business results you want? Join us for a free seminar to achieve improved business results presented by Bryan Mason. Tuesday, November 13th | 7:30AM — 8:30AM Providence Chamber of Commerce 30 Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI 02903.
www.risbj.com | volume seven issue ten
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SMALL BUSINESS
NEWS
PLDO Joins Compass IT Compliance FOR THE 2018 CYBERSECURITY SYMPOSIUM
RHODE ISLAND – Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O’Gara LLC (PLDO) Partner Brian J. Lamoureux, a national authority on social and digital media law, and Senior Counsel Joel K. Goloskie, who provides privacy and security counsel to a range of privately-held and publicly-traded companies, will be featured speakers at the 2018 Cybersecurity Symposium, hosted by Compass IT Compliance, on Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Meehan Overlook in North Providence. The symposium is being held in recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness and educate individuals and businesses about how to prevent and protect against the threat of online attacks by cyber criminals. U.S. Congressman James Langevin will headline the event’s speaking program, along with prominent federal and state law enforcement officials and cyber security professionals in business and academia. The program includes multiple panels with industry-leading presenters covering topics such as “The Art of the Attack,” a review of cyber initiatives and concerns at the federal and state level, “cyber liability insurance 101,” business continuity planning and resiliency, and social and digital media legal issues and data protection strategies to minimize online cyber attacks. Joining PLDO attorneys Lamoureux and Goloskie as speakers during the day-long symposium are Mark Weatherford, the nation’s first Deputy Undersecretary for Cybersecurity for
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the Department of Homeland Security and presently the Senior Vice President and Chief Cybersecurity Strategist at vArmour; Captain John Alfred of the Rhode Island State Police Cyber Crimes Unit and Fusion Center Commander; Lt Col Christopher N. Allen, the Detachment Commander and Director of Operations, 102d Cyberspace Operations Squadron in North Kingstown; Jesse Roberts, Professor of Cybersecurity and Network Engineering at the New England Institute of Technology; Brian Kelly, CISSP, CISM, CEH, MSIA, Chief Information Security Officer at Quinnipiac University; Mike Barry, VP of Information Technology at Coghlin Companies, Inc., and Warren Smay, Chief Technology Officer at Clear Harbor, LLC. Registration is open to the public. Tickets are $50 and includes breakfast and lunch. All proceeds will go to The Sargent Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island. For more information about the symposium, speakers and to register, visit 2018 Cybersecurity Symposium. For information about how PLDO can assist with your organization’s cyber security compliance planning and strategies and other related legal or business issues, please contact attorneys Lamoureux and Goloskie at 401-824-5100 or email bjl@pldolaw.com and jgoloskie@pldolaw.com. For information about PLDO, visit www.pldolaw.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
SMALL BUSINESS
NEWS
President Trump’s Gift Underscores HIS COMMITMENT TO A STRONG, GROWING ECONOMY
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 4th, 2018, Linda E. McMahon, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, made the following statement upon receiving President Donald J. Trump’s salary donation to boost programs aimed at partnering with veterans and growing our nation’s workforce: “President Trump understands the needs of our nation’s small businesses, and he is committed to putting forward strong policies that promote meaningful and innovative economic growth. The SBA is proud to use this generous gift to further our programs that focus on partnering with small businesses, so they may confidently create or expand their business. Specifically, this gift will assist the SBA with creating a seven-month intensive entrepreneur training program for veterans. On behalf of all of our nation’s entrepreneurs, I thank the President for this wonderful gift.” These funds will go towards aiding and strengthening our veteran business owners, a community which received 18 loans for $3.3 million in Rhode Island over the course of fiscal year 2018. “Our veteran small business community will greatly benefit from enhanced training programs designed to better their entrepreneurial skills,” said Mark S. Hayward, Rhode Island District Director. “This gesture by the President will enhance training to our American heroes.” In Rhode Island, there are several resources for veterans who either own or want to start a small business to utilize. The SBA funded Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England, headquartered in Providence, provides veterans and their spouses with one-on-one business counseling, workshops and mentorship for those already in business or looking to start.
ABOUT THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
www.risbj.com | volume seven issue ten
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Technology Summit At Mccoy Stadium | SMALL BUSINESS
Technology Summit At Mccoy Stadium We are pleased to announce that the Technology Team at Automated Business Solutions are hosting the third annual Technology Summit at McCoy Stadium on November 15th, and you are all invited! The Technology Team at Automated Business Solutions is prepared to deliver an interactive learning experience that will help you understand how technology can enhance your business outcomes, improve your productivity, decrease your costs, and protect your valuable data from being hijacked or stolen. Our Keynote Speaker, Pawtucket Red Sox Chairman Larry Lucchino is also expected to deliver a memorable address to the Technology Summit attendees. So, if you want real answers to your most important technology questions or just want to see some of the best business technology solutions available today, make plans to come to McCoy Stadium, 1 Columbus Ave, Pawtucket, on Thursday, November 15th. The doors will open promptly at 4:00pm, and the Automated Business Solutions Technology Team along with selected experts from national providers of IT Security, Document Management, Work Flow, Cloud Solutions, Unified VoIP Communications will be available to share their knowledge and answer your questions until 8:00 pm. This event will specifically address how today’s technologies can address the most pressing issues facing businesses today, including productivity, shrinking margins, work flow, communication, corporate security, email and Internet exposure to ransomware and malware. They will also exhibit some of the newest state-of-the-art technology software, application and equipment solutions from today’s best technology companies. You will quickly see why we focus on being the business community’s Partners in Productivity. Automated Business Solutions President Alan Albergaria said “It gives me great pleasure that this year’s Summit will give our
attendees the ability to get excited by hands-on experiences with all the newest technologies, and more importantly give them the means and methods to use these technologies without fear of being the next victim of a malicious attack on their data or their entire network. Now, that is a Summit that worth attending!” Attendees will be treated to food and refreshments, giveaways, and the opportunity to win several prizes, including a 2019 season 20-person Paw Sox Suite (valued at $1,500.00), gift cards, a high definition flat-screen television, and much more. In addition, the first 100 people who register and attend the event will receive a free gift. Automated Business Solutions is proud to be a Rhode Island based Tri-State Regional provider of business solutions that solve real business problems. Our goal, first and foremost, is to be your office solutions Partner in Productivity. We offer our customers the best office solutions using state-of-theart technologies, sold at fair prices, combined with superior service. When you meet our Team, you will see that we also strive every day to be the “Employer of Choice” in the markets we serve. Our employees take training seriously and aim to be experts in their field. Our collective goal is to always be the best customer support team in the industry. Our culture is built on trust, respect, and personal responsibility. Our Team also believes in corporate responsibility, and we are very proud of our Team’s commitment to donate both their time and financial support to those in need. More details about this event and/or the suite of office solutions they offer, please contact Jennifer Thomson at 401-732-3000 or e-mail her at jthomson@absne.com. Additional information about the company may be found by visiting www.absne.com. www.risbj.com | volume seven issue ten
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The Ocean State’s
Most Powerful Small Business
Success Secret by Diane Fournaris
The world is full of great ideas. But how do they get to market? How do the dreamers and the inventors, those with a passion to bring something new to the world, give birth to-and grow--their ventures? With a little (or a lot) of help! Unless you’re a serial entrepreneur, many aspects of starting or growing a business are going to feel challenging at best, and bewildering on the rough days. That’s where the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center comes in.
BUCKTOWN PVD
The RISBDC is part of a national network of nearly 1,000 business assistance centers that provide counseling and training to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in every community in RI. Partly funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, all our services are offered at no cost to our clients. And being headquartered at the University of Rhode Island gives us access to additional resources that our clients might not otherwise be able to afford. “One thing I’m most proud of is the depth of our team, their strength and expertise, and how hard they’ve worked with the small business community in order to help them succeed and have an impact on the state’s economy,” said Ed Huttenhower, RISBDC State Director.
BLANCH AUTO
To date in 2018, we have provided more than 4,300 hours of consulting with 472 clients, and worked with entrepreneurs to secure $10.3 million in capital from a wide range of sources to start or grow their business. The heart of our service is our one-to-one, confidential business counseling for existing and prospective small business owners, providing the unbiased expertise needed to tackle individual challenges on the path to launch or growth. We also guide our clients to the appropriate resources and training programs, working with them as they navigate financing, business plans, state and local regulations, marketing, and much more.
RI MUSHROOM COMPANY
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Training programs include our small business startup workshop, The Right Foot, offered in rotating locations monthly. Our recently launched Growth Hub venture focuses on existing, non-tech companies in Rhode Island that want to take the next step, including expansion, launching a new product line, increasing staff or production, pursuing new
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sales channels, exporting internationally, and more. We also have several bilingual counselors on staff and annually offer our intensive, six-week startup training, Primer Paso, to serve Spanish-speaking clients statewide. What do you need to qualify for our no cost services? Just have a business--or be launching one--in Rhode Island. We have helped hundreds of Ocean State small businesses open, thrive, and expand. Here are a few of their stories.
Blanch Auto
Following 20 years working for established automotive repair shops and dealerships, owner David Blanch sought help to navigate all aspects of planning a small business, including market research, making financial projections, compiling investments, and obtaining regulatory licensing. Blanch Auto opened in 2017 and is steadily building clientele based on a business model of quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction.
Bucktown PVD
White Dog Distilling
With a craveable menu of authentic southern favorites and a laid-back atmosphere, Bucktown PVD became a quick fixture on the Providence restaurant scene. Owner Adam Mir is grateful to the RISBDC for its “unlimited support and guidance on marketing, financials, and other elements of starting a restaurant,” as he put in consistent work checking through his to-do list prior to launching this neighborhood eatery that’s already earning rave reviews.
Kentastic Cakes
HeARTspot Art Center and Gallery
RI Mushroom Company
Fine artist and educator Jennifer Gillooly Cahoon received assistance in developing a solid business plan, preparing for lender interviews, and integrating all the diverse facets she hoped to bring under the umbrella of one small business. Today the HeARTSpot Art Gallery unites a robust arts community in East Providence, making art accessible to all residents of the region.
Kendall Reiss Gallery and Studio
Jewelry craftswoman Kendall Reiss obtained support from the RISBDC to formulate a solid business plan and obtain financing for the purchase of a commercial storefront. Today, the Kendall Reiss Gallery and Studio augments the Bristol arts community while serving as a combined studio space, retail gallery, and classroom for community workshops.
One thing I’m most proud of is the depth of our team, their strength and expertise, and how hard they’ve worked with the small business community Ed Huttenhower, RISBDC State Director
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When the perfect retail space opened nearby, Ken Kramer leaned on the RISBDC for help turning his passion for exotic, custom cakes into reality through development of a solid business plan and realistic assessment of many aspects of running a small business. Ken is now living his dream, supporting his wife and four children through creative baking endeavors and bringing joy to community celebrations. The established specialty mushroom grower and distributor reached out for support to expand operations to meet growing demand. The RISBDC helped them put together an accurate financial model and prepare documentation to solicit financing in a challenging agricultural funding landscape. RIMC has now expanded into a new, 10,000-sq.ft. facility, with roughly 25 employees and more than $5M in sales as they fulfill their goal of providing the highest quality products to restaurants, specialty markets, and institutions in RI and beyond.
Shaidzon Beer Co.
What started long ago with a friendship and a home brew kit eventually led Rhode Island native Chip Samson and his partner, Josh Letourneau, to the RISBDC. With support from a business counselor who helped Chip and Josh develop accurate financial projections and prepare a solid application for financing, the duo have parlayed their mutual love for craft beer into a successful West Kingston craft brewery.
White Dog Distilling
High school science teacher Carlo Catucci’s small-batch distilling hobby was begging for a wider audience. Catucci and his co-owners turned to the RISBDC for critical support navigating the tasks and regulations required to bring his product to market--including business planning, permitting, code compliance, financial counseling, marketing, and more. White Dog Distilling opened this year as the first distillery in northern RI and the only one (of three) to manufacture rum, whiskey, gin, and bourbon.
Diane Fournaris
Assistant State Director of RISBDC
D E V E L O P M E N T www.risbj.com
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SMALL BUSINESS | Do You Understand The Power Of Transparency With Your Customers?
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Being transparent with customers is not optional. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hyper communication world, customers are much savvier than ever before because massive amounts of data is just a few strokes of the keyboard away.
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Do You Understand The Power Of Transparency With Your Customers? | SMALL BUSINESS
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I recently discussed the value of trust within an organization, and the power that trust has in motivating employees in driving a winning value proposition. Trust is the result of transparency within an organization which is essential in lowering the walls between management and the rank and file. While transparency starts within the walls of a company, and is the cornerstone for driving performance, it also has a leveraging effect on your customers. Transparency is all about telling it like it is, and not sugarcoating the reality of a situation. Clear and unhindered honesty in the way you do business, including the lack of hidden agendas, is the foundation for transparency. Transparency with your current and future customers will solidify your sales base because it improves the customer experience. Large and small companies that suffer from the lack of transparency with their customer base, has cost them dearly. Being transparent with customers is not optional. In today’s hyper communication world, customers are much savvier than ever before because massive amount s of data is just a few strokes of the keyboard away.
higher, once they leave, it will be very difficult to ever get them back.
What are the most common B2B problem areas? • • • • • • • • • • •
38% .... Billing and Invoicing Issues 31% .... Quality of Deliverables 28% .... Met My Expectations 23% .... Communication with Team 22% .... Responsiveness with Team 21% .... Timeliness of Delivery 19% .... Availability of Team 16% .... Clarity of Specifications 14% .... Expertise/Knowledge of Team 12% .... Friendliness of Team 11% .... Professionalism of Team
As you review this list, take inventory of the elements of your company’s customer experience. How is your company performing on each of these items listed? Regardless of whether you make a product, or provide a service, the items listed are the foundation for differentiation.
In today’s highly competitive world, other competitors are just waiting in the wings for your company to mess up. This cracks open the door for them to fly in with a cape and offer service like they have never seen before. While many may oversell and underperform, giving them this opportunity poses a threat to your company.
How can you become more transparent? This is simple if you have the courage to step out of your comfort zone. Admit to your mistakes, answer customer questions honestly, openly discuss the difficult areas that could arise from a change in the way you do business (policies, pricing etc), and drive transparency from the top down. The president and upper management cannot do it all. Transparency must be part of a company’s internal culture, if it ever expects to be transparent with its customers.
Ask yourself this question .... How often does a customer call in asking for the status of an order, or an issue with quality, or there is an internal issue with an order, and you pull out the “smoke and mirrors mumbo jumbo” to try and buy yourself another few more days? I have been there! The stress it adds to a company to put out the fire and cover your tracks is often significant.
Trust with employees and customers becomes problematic without transparency, and stated again, trust is the key ingredient in developing a high performing workforce. Transparency is not a buzzword with an empty suit behind it. Everyone knows when they are not being transparent with no exceptions.
Everyone makes mistakes and, unless it happens on a regular basis, these mistakes can be opportunities to strengthen the customer/company relationship through their solutions.
A Few Facts
1. 85% of customers are willing to give you a second, or third, or more chances if you are seen as being open and honest with them. 2. 85% of people think companies are not telling the truth because they aren’t. If you do consistently tell the truth it can be another great differentiator. 3. 86% of Americans, according to a 2018 Sprout Social, say that transparency from companies are more important than ever before. . 4. 15% of people will not give you a second chance. If your customers are companies, while this percentage is
Transparency is an overused word in our day-to-day communication. We all know what it means, but real transparency is rarely practiced. We grow up learning that “honesty is the best policy”, but then get trapped into the “little white lies” that supposedly will not hurt anyone, and it grows from there. Clear unhindered honesty with customers and employees is rarely practiced. From the customer’s standpoint, a lack of transparency from a supplier is a direct reflection on the character of a supplier’s owner and upper management. If you are really serious about your company becoming more transparent, revisit the B2B problem areas, then meet with the responsible managers and employees for each item listed and brainstorm improvement.
Every journey starts with the first step.
Larry Girouard
CEO of the Business Avionix Company, LLC, A Business Consulting Firm www.risbj.com | volume seven issue ten
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SECRETARY OF STATE | Nellie M. Gorbea What Clams Me About SMALL Manage A Remote Worker or Office SMALL BUSINESS BUSINESS || How Dear To Mom: A Taught Letter Home From ALeadership One Day Warrior
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UPDATES IN OUR BUSINESS SERVICES DIVISION by Secretary Of State Nellie M. Gorbea
The Department of State’s Business Services division has seen significant improvements over the past couple of years, all aimed at making it easier to do business in our state. From a new, easier to use regulations search engine to new notary resources and updates to our online business assistant, my office continues to focus on making government work better for Rhode Islanders. While I am certainly proud of those higher profile improvements, my office has also made some smaller updates in our Business Services division to make your experience more convenient and pleasant when dealing with us.
Updated Online Refund Policy
Refunds are a part of any transaction. In our office, refunds are provided to those who have either overpaid, duplicated their filing payments or failed to correct a filing within 30 days of submission. Until recently, our refund process was paper-based, requiring multiple steps for approval and could take weeks to process. After undergoing Lean process improvement, our refund policy was redesigned to include online processing. We also identified opportunities to expedite the approval process in
IT’S IMPORTANT TO CONNECT WITH YOU WHERE YOU ARE, AND THAT INCLUDES BEING ON THE RIGHT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS 16
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order to get refund requests to the Treasury for faster payment and now communicate updates to filers instantly by email instead of by mail. What once took weeks to process, now takes days.
original content. Check out our latest interview with Alan Stachura, from CT Corporation about registered agents, service companies, and trends in starting a business.
Bringing our refund policy into the 21st century is the first effort of its kind in Rhode Island government and represents an important step towards improving your customer experience.
You can also hear from William Anderson of the National Notary Association, discussing the latest in the notary industry including Rhode Island’s new notary public law.
New Point of Sale System
Business owners who are taking time out of their day and away from their business to visit our office expect the same level of service and ease of transaction they experience in the private sector. That’s why we have implemented a new Point of Sale system that integrates today’s payment options, including Apple, Android, and Samsung Pay as well as the usual cash, check, and credit card options. In addition to these new payment options, customers can choose to have their receipt printed, emailed or texted to them. This new system helps keep waiting times low and transactions quick so that business owners can get back to running their business.
We’re on LinkedIn
You’re busy enough running your business, so it’s important to connect with you where you are, and that includes being on the right social media platforms. Recently, we launched our LinkedIn page with updates from our Business Services division, helpful tips, and deadline reminders. We’re also generating interesting and relevant
We’re here for you - Contact us!
Please feel free to contact me directly with any thoughts or suggestions you have on these or any other topics at secretarygorbea@sos.ri.gov or visit our website sos.ri.gov. We look forward to working with you to grow your business or non-profit in Rhode Island.
RISBJ
www.risbj.com | volume seven issue ten
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SMALL BUSINESS | Monthly Learning Tips For Rhode Island Small Business Owners
Monthly
Learning Tips for Rhode Island Small Business Owners
by Ronald G. Shapiro
This month’s learning tips come from Kelly Anne White and Abigail Leigh White, a mother and daughter team who decided to open their own business. Kelly and Abigail have always been the best of friends, doing everything together. They love customer service and enjoy making memories rather than gathering things. Kelly was thinking about a second career and Abigail a first when they decided to go into business together. First, they discussed their passions: dogs and travel. Kelly wanted to exercise her technical strengths and Abigail her creative strengths. Abigail researched dog related businesses and Kelly the travel ones. Travel won! Since neither Kelly nor Abigail have formal business training they decided that a franchise would be best for them. With further research they decided on Cruise Planners, a division of American Express – and have been delighted with their decision.
and Abigail’s experience comes from planning big family reunion vacations (which include family pets). They would not consider taking a family vacation without their dogs, Copper (a shih tzu) and Toby (a rescue). An ideal vacation includes Kelly, Abigail, Kelly’s spouse David and Abigail’s boyfriend David, Abigail’s sister, Emily, from New Hampshire (who also serves as the business’s attorney), the dogs and as many family members as they can gather together. Work with them to determine who is going, when and where you want to go and how much you want them to do for you (including arranging delivery of dinner, if you want them to). They will do the rest.
While Kelly and Abigail are pleased to arrange any of the Cruise Planners package vacations for you, they do so much more. They know how to get everyone together in one place and would love to arrange your family reunion and offer recommendations so that everyone has a good time. Kelly
Kelly and Abigail love people. They have always lived in or near Rhode Island and love it here. Thus, they want to help you bring people here. Share your ideas for a golf event, a beach party, a family reunion (including the family pets,
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Monthly Learning Tips For Rhode Island Small Business Owners | SMALL BUSINESS
Establishing a Family Business
of course) a birthday or a dog show. They will arrange travel for your guests as well as plan the Rhode Island event. Our mother – daughter team suggests having ground rules when working with family members: • Rely on each other and maintain open lines of communication. • Respect each other’s schedule. Check that your partner will be available for business meetings. • Have ground rules such as “No business on Sunday.” Remember, other family members who are not in the business don’t want to feel like they are at your business meeting all the time. Suggestions for business owners: • Get out in the community and network at formal events, and even when walking with the dog!!!
• •
Enjoy meeting people and helping them!!! Delight “small customers.” They may become “big customers.”
Suggestions for everyone to bring the world together: • Immerse yourself in the local culture when travelling. Talk to the hotel staff (gardeners, servers, maids), performers, and whomever else you may meet. • Look for similarities between people. • Tell management about local employees who made your travel memorable. Kelly and Abigail would be delighted to offer you some tips on travel, help you plan your next event or vacation, talk about opening a small business in Rhode Island and send you a copy of their latest fact sheet titled Why Use a Travel Agent. Please contact them via their website NextTripTravel.Com, email Info@ NextTripTravel.com or telephone 401.932.9066.
I would like to thank Industrial Consultant Dr. Margarita Posada Cossuto for helpful comments. Upper Center photo of Kelly and Abigail by Aaron Usher Photography .
Ronald G. Shapiro, PhD
Consultant in Human Factors , Learning & Human Resources www.risbj.com | volume seven issue ten
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RHODE ISLAND
FOUNDATION
Rhode Island Foundation R T H E E CO N O M Y A N D E D U C AT I O N A R E C A L L E D R I ’ S
PROVIDENCE, RI – The economy and education are among Rhode Island’s biggest opportunities, according to a statewide survey by the Rhode Island Foundation. The balance of the top five opportunities are the natural resources, the state’s sense of community and the state’s small size, according to surveys completed by nearly 1,000 participants in the Foundation’s Together RI initiative. “Together RI’s goals were to find out, first-hand, about where residents see opportunities and challenges, and to create a neutral place to discuss topics that they think are critical to our common future,” said Neil D. Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO.
heard, to listen, to reconnect and to engage in civic and civil dialogue at a time when they are more ‘connected’ via social media, yet more disconnected from each other personally than ever,” said Steinberg. Many participants singled out the farming and fishing industries as ripe for economic expansion, particularly farmer’s markets and farm-to-table models of food delivery. Others cited tourism’s potential. “…tourism is a clean industry. We should promote it very aggressively,” one asserted.
Over the course of six weeks, the Foundation invited Rhode Islanders to share family-style meals and talk face-to-face at schools and community centers across the state. More than 1,700 pounds of baked ziti, 2,000 meatballs and 47 gallons of marinara sauce were served.
A number of participants said Rhode Island should position itself as an incubator of business concepts that could go national. One participant said “Our problems are the nation’s problems. If we can come up with solutions, we can lead the way Our small size makes it doable.” Others called for the state to focus on attracting medium-sized businesses and to diversify the economy through the promotion of “renewable energy and wind farm expansion.”
“These neighborly get-togethers gave folks a place to be
Many saw economic opportunities in partnership between
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RHODE ISLAND
FOUNDATION
Releases Results Of Survey B I G G E S T O P P O R T U N I T I E S I N S TAT E W I D E S U RV E Y
sectors, such as high tech and STEM with tourism and design with the maritime industry. Some participants suggested developing medical and technical businesses in partnership with Rhode Island’s educational institutions. Nearly 75 percent of the survey respondents reported they are now more likely to get involved in community issues after participating in Together RI and more than 72 percent said they better understand the issues their community faces. Ninety-nine percent reported meeting someone new. “Participants of all ages had productive civic and civil dialogues at the proverbial kitchen table. There was definitely a desire for the opportunity to talk with each other and listen to each other,” said Steinberg. Survey respondents said the state’s top five strengths were its natural resources, small size, sense of community, particularly how well people seem to know each other; diversity and culture, and history and the arts, focusing on historical preservation and the wide range of performances
that are available here. The five most cited challenges were social issues, such as the brain drain and the opioid crisis; government and politics, particularly taxes; transportation, programs and services, particularly the cost of health care; and elementary and secondary education. Produced by the University of Rhode Island’s Social Science Institute for Research, Education, and Policy, the full report is posted at https://web.uri.edu/ssirep/files/Together-RI.pdf. The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Working with generous and visionary donors, the Foundation raised $38 million and awarded $43 million in grants to organizations addressing the state’s most pressing issues and needs of diverse communities in 2017. Through leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping Rhode Island reach its true potential.
For more information, visit rifoundation.org. www.risbj.com | volume seven issue ten
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SMALL BUSINESS | One Cycle RI Celebrates First Anniversary With Open House
ONE CYCLE One person’s vision of changing the fitness landscape combined with a chance meeting two years ago culminating in a partnership that led to opening ONE Cycle RI, located on 9 Cedar Swamp Road in Smithfield, in 2017. With Co-Owners Beth Ucran and Ashlee Barton gaining valuable experience from their opening 12 months ago, they are thanking the community by holding an Open House on Monday, November 12. The event takes place in their studio from 8:00 AM until 11:00 AM. This event features an endurance ride beginning at 7:00 AM, followed by a variety of classes running every hour on the hour. Classes include cycling, HIIT-high intensity interval training, and TRX. There will be prizes, including a grand prize of one free month of classes, along with other activities. Ucran and Barton are asking local businesses and organizations to donate gift certificates, gift baskets and other items as door prizes. Ucran said both she and Barton have donated to various causes ranging from area food shelters to holding endurance charity rides. Barton added that they would both want to begin hosting monthly events featuring a variety of charities. “Every month, Ashlee and I look to help a local organization,” said Ucran. “We are looking to ‘Adopt a Family’ for the December holidays. We strive to give back to this community. Ashlee grew up here, went to school (Smithfield High School) here and now runs a business here in a continuing effort to support others in need and offer the community a positive, healthy lifestyle activity.” That meeting happened close to where ONE Cycle RI currently operates. Ucran said the initial business relationship began between Barton and her husband, Jonathan, an Accountant who owns a CPA firm in Greenville. Barton mentioned to him about her interest in opening a new spin indoor cycling (boutique indoor cycling and strength training studio) based facility in Smithfield. Beth Ucran said a light went off in her husband’s head and got the process moving. “(Jonathan) mentioned the meeting to me, and he said there is someone who I think would be a good business partner with you,” Beth Ucran said, noting that she developed a love for cycling as a way of staying in shape; not so much as a career move. “He made the connection between us. All of this really all happened by happy coincidence.” Barton, who also works as the Smithfield High School’s Psychologist, said she has been involved with the fitness industry for 16 years. As a long-time resident,
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
One Cycle RI Celebrates First Anniversary With Open House | SMALL BUSINESS
RI
CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY
WITH OPEN HOUSE Barton saw opening this company as an opportunity to stay fit and to encourage others to do likewise. “My reason for opening this company was based on pursuing my dreams of sharing and building a love for health and fitness with as many other people who were interested,” Barton said. “Growing up an athlete, sports and fitness has always been a huge part of who I was. I enjoyed being a part of sports teams and engaging in physical challenges. I wanted to create a Team and Community oriented studio that offered accessible and highly motivating fitness for everyone.” Barton said once the idea to start a new exercise training facility began, the process went fairly quickly. She said it took about five months for everything to fall into place. By Labor Day, last year, the pair opened their doors for business. Beth Ucran said with her family living and working in town enables them to become active in the community. She also enjoys helping other begin their journey in to foster healthier lifestyles. Their classes are designed for anyone, regardless of ability or experiences, to maximize their potential, she said. ONE Cycle RI offers spin classes (indoor cycling), strength and conditioning classes, TRX Suspension Training, yoga, High Intensity Interval Training (a combination of cycling and strength/conditioning), and the newly-formed NamaCycle class, which uniquely combines yoga and cycling into a beautiful mind-body experience that enhances not only one’s fitness but overall well-being. Barton said there is something for all ages and abilities to try and achieve. “Our clients gain more than just wellness here. They gain lasting connections with others and a deeper love for self-care. “We cater from anyone who has never done these types of activities to those have been doing them for years,” Barton continued. “We range in age from teenagers to those in their 70s. The most unique and important aspect of their indoor cycling class design is that each class mirrors outdoor, real-road cycling.” Ucran added, “If it’s not done on a real bike, then it’s not done in the studio. Our rides are created to be authentic and true to outdoor cycling.” ONE Cycle RI is committed to leading and revitalizing minds and bodies through real world indoor cycling classes and group fitness classes. Their team at ONE Cycle RI believes that the number “1” represents Courage, Ambition, Positivity, Raw Energy, and Unity. Through these beliefs, their team of instructors strives to ensure they know each individual, understand their goals, create a fitness journey that is progressive and fun, and build an inclusive fitness community. The company’s class schedules, times and pricing are found on their website at www. onecycleri.com. Additional information about this upcoming event and other programs may be found by contacting the studio by calling them at (401) 757-0276 or e-mailing them at info@onecycleri.com.
www.risbj.com | volume seven issue ten
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SMALL BUSINESS | Does Your Employer Offer Adequate Life Insurance?
Does Yo
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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal
Does Your Employer Offer Adequate Life Insurance? | SMALL BUSINESS
our Employer Offer Adequate by Ted Donnelly
If your workplace offers life insurance at a low cost (or no cost) to you, you may assume it provides sufficient coverage for your family — and not bother to give the subject a second thought. But you owe it to yourself, and your family, to make a more careful assessment. You may find that the coverage offered by your employer, welcome as it is, won’t actually cover your family’s future needs. Here’s how to figure out whether your employer offers adequate coverage for you:
Find out how much coverage is offered. Your workplace’s group life insurance may be included in your benefits package — and you may be automatically enrolled — which makes it very convenient. However, it’s worthwhile to do a careful review of the coverage. The amount your employer offers may start at $25,000 and range up to your annual salary. But a 2015 study by the Life Insurance and Market Research Association (LIMRA) reveals that 65 percent of employees with employer-sponsored group life insurance feel they need more insurance than what their employer provides. Assess your family’s long-term needs. Once you get married — or if you have dependents — you will probably want to increase your coverage. So that $25,000 policy may not seem like much once you sit down to do the math and figure out your needs five, 10, or 20 years down the
You may find that the coverage offered by your employer, welcome as it is, won’t actually cover your family’s future needs.
line. You’ll probably want to make sure there’s enough coverage to pay off a mortgage, send your kids to college, or help your spouse comfortably retire. (It is often recommended that insurance coverage be five to 10 times your annual salary.) Even if you’re single, the group policy through your workplace may not be enough after you consider the potential total of your final expenses. Furthermore, if you have a co-signer for a mortgage, car loan, or student loans, remember that the burden will probably rest with your co-signer should something happen to you.
What happens if you change jobs? Long gone are the days when people expected to stay at the same job for 30 years. A recent survey by LinkedIn found that younger workers change jobs, on average, four times in their first 10 years out of college. If you job hop, you’ll lose your workplace insurance when you leave the company. And while you may be able to convert the group life insurance policy from your old employer into an individual policy, the cost of that coverage could go up significantly.
Look into options to supplement your coverage. If you find your employer’s group life to be insufficient, you may want to add supplemental coverage. Concerned that you can’t afford it? According to LIMRA, people estimate that life insurance will cost three times as much as it actually does. You’ll need to balance your family’s needs with the cost of insurance. But if you look into your options for a supplemental policy, you may find that life insurance is more affordable than you think. This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Ted Donnelly, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Ted Donnelly at 401-276-8728 or efdonnelly@ ft.newyorklife.com
Ted Donnelly
Financial Services Professional Agent, New York Life Insurance Company
www.risbj.com | volume seven issue ten
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Planning
Planning For Long-Term Care | SMALL BUSINESS
F O R
L O N G - T E R M by Diana Desjardins
According to my parents, their long-term care insurance plan consists of several options. These include the use of both starvation and suffocation. They smile when they say this, so I assume they are joking. However, just in case, I advise them that in order to maintain their independence in the setting they want and to protect their assets, they should consider long-term care insurance as a realistic and smart plan. According to the Medicare & You 2018 Guide published by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “long-term care includes non-medical care for people who have a chronic illness or disability. This includes non-skilled personal care assistance like help with everyday activities including dressing, bathing and using the bathroom. Original Medicare and most Medicare health insurance plans don’t pay for this type of care sometimes called ‘custodial care’. You may be eligible for this type of care through Medicaid, or you can choose to buy a private long-term care insurance policy.” Not everyone is a good candidate for long-term care insurance. While Medicaid will assume the cost of this care for lower income individuals without any assets, those who have significant assets are eligible for long-term care coverage through Medicaid only after they spend down all their resources. At this point, the options become limited as not all facilities accept Medicaid patients, and only in very limited circumstances can long-term home care be provided under Medicaid. This may necessitate having to call upon family to help with the activities of daily living.
C A R E
Recently, the federal government acknowledged the benefits of long- term care and decided that in 2019 it will allow private health insurance companies to offer this style of benefit in their Medicare Advantage products. Of course, this will be at the insurance company’s discretion, and it will be interesting to see if anything will be covered in Rhode Island under the new law. It will not be surprising if, as is the case with most Medicare Advantage products, these benefits are limited. The need for long-term care insurance will continue as those covered under Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement are not part of the new ruling. Ironically, the best time to buy long-term care insurance is when you are strong and well. According to AARP, “Policies cost less if purchased when you’re younger and in good health. If you’re older or have a serious health condition, you may not be able to get coverage – and if you do, you may have to spend considerably more.” Financial advisors, estate attorneys and certified long-term care insurance agents are the best resources in helping to make this important decision. My parents have decided to have a serious conversation regarding this valuable benefit that will insure their comfort in the future. I am relieved.
Diana Desjardins
Medicare Health Insurance and Long-Term Care Insurance Agent in RI
www.risbj.com | volume seven issue ten
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