Rhode Island Small Business Journal Volume 5 Issue 3

volume five issue three

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SMALL BUSINESS SUCCEED

rHode island’s new Business porTal www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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“A lot of my employees have

chosen Neighborhood because it’s affordable and has what they need.”

– Natasha Harrison, Executive Director, Norman Bird Sanctuary

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

1-855-321-9244 • nhpri.org

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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Women 3rd Annual

E NT R E P R E NE U R I AL

to Watch

It’s Back!

Rhode Island Small Business Journal is excited to announce the return of the Entrepreneurial Women to Watch Awards.

The 2016 winners and nominees will be honored at a celebration event in Pawtucket at the Historic Slater Mill. The event will take place on Thursday, April 28th, starting at 6pm.

RISBJ created the Entrepreneurial Women to Watch Awards over three years ago to honor the most confident, tenacious, professional and sophisticated women industry leaders in our state. This year, the awards again will be divided into five categories: Community Champion, Minority-Owned, Small Business, Solopreneur, and Startup. In each of these categories, three winners will be selected, adding up to fifteen winners total.

Review of 2015 Award Winners: Community Champion

Elizabeth Cunha, The Center for Dynamic Learning Kathleen Moren, Healthy Babies, Happy Moms Inc. Jen Silbert, Learning401

Minority-Owned

Kappy Bois, Royal Health and Wellness Yemi Sekoni, Donahue Models and Talent Maria Denizard, La Femme Salon

Small Business

Anne Aldridge, Ocean State House Cleaning Ava Anderson, Ava Anderson Non Toxic Michelle Collie, Performance Physical Therapy

Solopreneur

Kristin Niessink, Kristin Niessink MS, RD, LDN Lesli-Ann Powell, Little Birdie Papercraft and Design Studio Dr. Kate Siner, Dr. Kate Inc.

Startup

Stephanie Additon, Java Skincare Jan Dane, Stock Culinary Goods Maria Tocco, The Providence Flea

For More Information and news regarding the event, continue to visit our website, www.risbj.com, or follow us on social media.

Thursday April 28, 2016 | Starting at 6:00 PM Slater Mill | 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket, Rhode Island

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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from the founder MENTAL AND VISUAL CLUTTER

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Automate There are many regular tasks that we can automate to save time and improve efficiency. I use a tool called Zapier to automate some of our business process tasks on a regular basis. One example is a “Zap” I’ve created to automatically add contacts from my Google Contacts list to my Mailchimp list every time a new contact is added. By doing this, I don’t have to remember to add people to my email list every time I send out a message or a newsletter. I have another “Zap” that automatically creates a project in Basecamp (our project management software) and creates a Google Drive folder for clients automatically every time I add them into our CRM. This not only saves me time, but it prevents me from forgetting those important steps.

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Eliminate When you’re overwhelmed with things to do, there is no better feeling than crossing items off your list. If you find yourself struggling with some larger tasks, identify a few quick tasks that you can address and eliminate immediately.

By crossing those items off our list, we feel an immediate sense of accomplishment.

Throughout the day, we’re inundated with phone calls, digital messages, printed messages and other “noise.” Combined with our daily roles and responsibilities, it can be difficult to focus on our top priorities. Even though many of these messages are important, if not managed properly we can categorize them as clutter. There are two different types of clutter, Mental and Visual, both of which can prevent you from being effective, efficient and can ultimately derail you from what’s most important throughout your day.

Mental Clutter

Mental Clutter is the stuff that’s in your head. For some people it’s voices. I can’t be the only one that hears “This is your mother. Don’t forget to call your brother today and wish him a Happy Birthday.” For others, it’s the mental list of the top 10 things that need to be done, remembering to pick-up the dry cleaning and the two parties on the weekend you’ve RSVP’d to. Whatever it is that is in our head, this Mental Clutter will ultimately get in the way of remembering everything that needs to be done and can prevent us from performing at our highest level. Luckily, there are many ways to manage Mental Clutter.

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Make a List As a newly converted user of “all things Google”, I recently switched from Evernote to Google Keep. Both are great apps that I use on my phone to make a list of everything that would usually be in my head. From things I owe my clients to work that needs to be done at my office to what I need to buy at the grocery store, I make a note of everything. Now it’s out of my head, and stored somewhere that won’t overwhelm my thought process.

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Prioritize While everything may seem important, not everything is important TODAY. Typically, only the top third of our to-do list actually needs immediate attention. Full disclosure, this article has been on that list for the past week.

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Put it on the Calendar I use Google Calendar to keep track of all staff meetings, client meetings, personal appointments and family responsibilities. When a client confirms an appointment with me, I immediately send out a meeting request to that client so we both have the date, time and location in our calendars.

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Delegate Not everything on our list needs to be done by us. Take a look at what items you can pass on or share with colleagues. Delegating tasks can help to empower others, while helping us cross items off our list.

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Visual Clutter

Equally as distracting as Mental Clutter is Visual Clutter. Being visually distracted can disrupt our workflow, and often make us overlook important items. Take a look at your refrigerator. Is it filled with children’s artwork, family photos, invitations from weddings that happened 3 months ago and a flyer for an upcoming event? So what happens to the flyer that has an important upcoming date? It tends to get lost in the shuffle. This is what I call Visual Clutter. Visual Clutter is anything that visually prevents us from focusing on what’s really important or the current task at hand.

I have a simple process I follow throughout the day that helps me to avoid Visual Clutter. When I get to my office in the morning, I take out only the notes and printed materials that I need to address immediate tasks. Throughout the day, other things come up and other items end up on my desk, which I promptly set aside. At the end of every day, I address every item on my desk and only leave the items that will need to be addressed the next morning. The result? Every morning I come into my office with either an empty desk, or a desk with one or two notes in a pile set off to the side. By starting every day “fresh” and without Visual Clutter, I feel energized to start each day and can focus on my most important tasks.

Oh, and about that birthday? It’s in my calendar for April 2.

Happy birthday, bro.

Gil Lantini Founder Ralph Coppolino Co-Founder Mike Casale Senior Designer Amanda Repose Managing Editor Marketing Lauren Bansbach Julia Cianciolo Alison Dupuis Samantha Gosper Nick Lovett Kelly Sobolewski Hannah Spain Marketing Assistant Kassandra Petrocelli Interns Georgio Elian Keegan Hernandez Yessenia Jaime Leeana Nito Sandra A. Ristau Contributing Writers Michael Brito John V. Carvalho III Jamie Chatel Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea Michael Leshinsky Kristin M. MacRae Lt. Governor Daniel J. McKee Paula Mottshaw Partner Gary R. Pannone Attorney Benjamin L. Rackliffe Governor Gina M. Raimondo Karyn Rhodes Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Ph. D. Lisa Shorr Angel Torres

www.facebook.com/risbj twitter.com/risbj 401 831 7779 info@risbj.com www.risbj.com

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©MMXIII Rhode Island Small Business Journal

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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UPCOMING EVENTS

APRIL

Lunch, Link, and Learn Ocean State Higher Education Economic Development & Administrative Network 12:00 pm 6946 Post Road, North Kingstown

Out of the Box Networking Social Uno’s Smithfield 12:00 pm 371 Putnam Pike, Smithfield

26 th

24 th

Growing Your Business by Leveraging the Full Potential of Your Workforce Polaris MEP 8:30 am 315 Iron Horse Way, Providence

Marketing Tools That Every Rhode Island Hospitality Association Manufacturer Leverage East Bay Chamber of Commerce 7:30am 16 Cutler Street, Warren

30 th

A Women in Technology Event: The Practice of Making Clear Choices Tech Collective 5:30 pm 166 Valley Street, Providence

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Leading Edge Networking Greenwich Farms 7:00 am 75 Minnesota Avenue, Warwick

6 th

23 rd

Lunch N Learn: Employment Issues for Small Businesses East Bay Chamber of Commerce 12:00 pm 16 Cutler Street, Warren

5 th

MARCH

The Right Foot: Start-Up Assistance Newport Chamber of Commerce 9:00 am 35 Valley Road, Middletown

20 th 14 th 13 th

22nd

NETWORKING & WORKSHOPS

ISO 9001:2015 Lunch & Learn Polaris MEP 11:30 am 315 Iron Horse Way, Providence Capital City Connection Networking Corner Bakery Café 8:00 am 140 Hillside Road, Cranston

For More Events Visit

www.risbj.com

contents

volume five issue three

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 8 Small Business News

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13 A Message from Gina M. Raimondo 14 Office of the Lieutenant Governor 15 Office of the Secretary of State 17 Why Social Media Matters 18 Why A Business Should Outsource A CFO 20 Presentation Skills

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22 Generational Marketing 24 Seven Qualities Employers Look For 26 A Primer on Corporate Governance 29 Start-Up Websites

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30 Introducing the Self-Driving Small Business 32 Professional Growth 34 Prepare to Prevent Workplace Violence

ON THE COVER volume five issue three

36 Human Resources

Tips To Help Your

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCEED

Tips To Help Your Small Business Succeed

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37 MBE/DBE Utilizing Technology 38 Local Eateries Come to the Rescue

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Rhode Island’s New Business Portal

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SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

State, Congressional Leaders Celebrate North Atlantic Distribution’s Newest Auto Processing Facility

QUONSET, RI – Rhode Island’s State and Congressional leaders gathered to celebrate the opening of North Atlantic Distribution’s (NORAD) newest auto processing facility at the Port of Davisville. Consistently one of the Top 10 auto ports in North America, the Port of Davisville has experienced growth of 547% over the past 20 years and recently announced its sixth consecutive record breaking year for automobiles imported at the Port of Davisville in 2015. Many of Rhode Island’s elected leaders attended the event, including: Governor Gina M. Raimondo, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Representative Jim Langevin, U.S. Representative David Cicilline, State Senator Bill Walaska and others.

Governor Raimondo included a $90 million proposal in her state budget this year to modernize and upgrade Pier 2 at the Port of Davisville. Built in 1956, the pier had a design life of 50 years. This investment would solidify Davisville’s position as the premiere marine commercial gateway to New England and add an additional 50 years to the pier’s useful life. It would also preserve hundreds of jobs in the maritime sector, create 975 construction jobs, and keep Rhode Island competitive with other ports in the region.

“The Port of Davisville is one of our state’s most important assets. One of the Top 10 auto importers in North America,

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the Port marked its 6th consecutive record breaking year of auto imports in 2015,” Governor Raimondo said. “Davisville is showing the world that Rhode Island may be small, but we are a major player in the global economy. By leveraging our assets, we can attract more successful companies like NORAD to grow their businesses here, create jobs, and invest in Rhode Island.”

Vehicles arriving at the Port of Davisville are processed, finished and distributed across the United States by North Atlantic Distribution, Inc. (NORAD), a long-time Quonset tenant. NORAD has invested more than $40 million dollars at the Park since their arrival in 1986, employs almost 400 full and part-time workers, and now has approximately 230,000 square feet of building space at Quonset.

“The Port of Davisville has been our home for more than 30 years,” said Michael Miranda, President and CEO of NORAD. “We are investing here and creating more jobs here because state and federal leaders have done an incredible job in positioning this Port for more growth. We recognize their commitment to this unique asset, and we are committed to being here at Quonset and the Port for many years to come.”

Pictured: (L to R) Steven King, QDC; Michael Miranda, NORAD; Congressman David Cicilline; Governor Gina M. Raimondo; Senator Sheldon Whitehouse; Senator Jack Reed; State Senator William Walaska; Congressman Jim Langevin

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Rhode Island Foundation Awards A R e c o r d $ 4 1 . 5 M i l l i o n I n G r a n t s L a s t Ye a r

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Foundation awarded a record $41.5 million in grants last year. More than 1,600 nonprofit organizations across many sectors received funding.

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

The Foundation also raised $43 million in new gifts from individual, family, organizational and corporate donors last year, the fourth-highest total in the Foundation’s 99-year history.

“We are indebted to our committed donors for joining with us for 100 years to address on the state’s challenges and opportunities,” said Neil Steinberg, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “Their extraordinary generosity made it possible for us to make investments 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.

Day One of Providence received $72,030 to support its work fighting the commercial sexual exploitation of children and to provide victims with counseling and other services.

Hope & Main in Warren was awarded $100,000 to support its work helping culinary start-ups. The nonprofit business incubator offers assistance with quality control, product testing, distribution and marketing among other services.

Miriam Hospital in Providence received $52,203 for its Food is Medicine program. The hospital will help people reduce their risk of chronic diseases like type-2 diabetes by implementing healthy diets.

“From investing in programs that ensure young people can have productive lives to helping people lead healthier lives, our grants take on the issues that will move Rhode Island forward,” said Jenny Pereira, director of grant programs.

Hundreds of nonprofits received discretionary grants, which are awarded by the Foundation’s staff and directors. The awards include:

More than $322,000 was awarded to organizations that provide services to people who are visually impaired, including the J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center in Warwick and Meeting Street School in Providence.

Operation Stand Down received $15,000 to provide food and transportation to homeless veterans at its facilities in Johnston, Newport and West Warwick.

Another $325,300 was awarded to food banks, homeless shelters and free clinics that provide services to needy Rhode Islanders, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport, Welcome House of South County and the Saint Mary’s Home for Children in North Providence.

In addition to grantmaking and fundraising, community leadership is central to the Foundation’s activities and business. In 2015, the Foundation raised a record $354,247 in the fourth year of its annual Civic Leadership Fund (CLF), 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 Buy Local RI economic development initiative and Community Conversations, a series of presentations on crucial issues.

In addition, the Foundation plans to create a $5 million endowment that will provide a permanent source of funding for the Roger Williams Park Conservancy, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to ongoing stewardship of the park. www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Community Health Grant South County Food, Fitness and

PROVIDENCE, RI – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is awarding one of six 2016 BlueAngel Community Health Grants (BACHG) to South County Food, Fitness and Fun (SCFFF). SCFFF was awarded $6,000 to enhance its successful intervention program that provides overweight and obese young people and their families with fitness and nutritional counseling in a fun and friendly environment.

SCFFF, offered through the University of Rhode Island, supports children between the ages of 6-10 years old.

A 16-week program, SCFFF engages overweight and obese children and their parents in hands-on lessons and discussions about nutrition and fitness. The families work closely with pediatricians, dietitians and fitness specialists to learn how to eat healthy and become physically active as part of their daily routine.

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The occurrence of childhood obesity in America has tripled, and today nearly one in three children between the ages of 2 and 19 years old are obese or overweight. Children and adolescents who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, sleep apnea, joint pain, along with several other acute and chronic health problems. Aside from obesity’s physical consequences, obese children and youth are susceptible to unique social and psychological problems like stigmatization, bullying, and low self-esteem. Childhood obesity also costs up to $14 billion per year in direct healthcare costs.

For the third year in a row, the BlueAngel Community Health Grant program will focus on this critical issue. This year, six new grants and six transitional grants totaling $286,000 will be awarded to 2016 BACHG recipients.

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

f Rhode Island Awards 2016 to d Fun

“Blue Cross recognizes that the health of our state is largely dependent on the health of our children, and believes that all children should have the opportunity to grow up healthy, happy and safe,” said Carolyn Belisle, Managing Director of Community Relations at BCBSRI. “Our BlueAngel Community Health Grant program provides us a vehicle to continue to have a meaningful impact on our community and we look forward to partnering with SCFFF to further this work.” SCFFF is operated through the University of Rhode Island.

December 2015 with funding beginning in January 2016.

The BACHG program was launched in 2002 and since then has invested more than $3 million into quality programs that have touched the lives of more than 257,000 people in the state. The program is a key component in BCBSRI’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for Rhode Islanders by increasing the quality of and access to healthcare services. The BACHGs are made possible by the BCBSRI Community Health Fund, a corporate donor-advised fund of the RI Foundation.

The BACHG program awards local organizations that teach and support healthy habits, from better nutrition to increased physical activity. BCBSRI accepts and reviews proposals for the BACHG program once a year. Each letter of intent received is reviewed to determine compliance with eligibility and funding priorities. Grant award winners were notified in

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the state’s leading health insurer and covers more than 450,000 members. The company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit www.bcbsri.com, follow us on Twitter @BCBSRI, and like us on Facebook at fb.com/bcbsri. www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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Gina M. Raimondo | GOVERNOR

A Message From

Gina M. Raimondo

Encouraging Girls to dream big

by Governor Gina M. Raimondo

Women and girls are our nation’s most under-utilized resource.

As our state’s first woman governor, I find myself saying that a lot. You know the statistics- women make up approximately half of the population, yet far more than half of our leaders are men.

The Washington Post noted last year that only 24 of Fortune’s 500 most influential companies in the nation are led by women.

And according to The Atlantic, only about 30 percent of small business owners across the country are women.

In government, the numbers are no more encouraging. In Rhode Island’s General Assembly, only 31 women are currently serving out of 113 total seats.

I’m proud to be one of six female governors currently serving across the country, but only six women acting as statewide executives across all fifty states is far too few.

When I became Governor, I pledged to make Rhode Island a place of opportunity for all. There are certainly a number of very talented women doing amazing things in our state. But when half of the population doesn’t see enough people like them represented in business or government, it’s a sign that we still have work to do.

So how do we get more women in leadership roles? We start young. Girls need role models in order to succeed. That’s why I created the Governor for a Day essay contest in honor of Women’s History Month last year. I invited middle school girls

I’m proud to be one of six female governors currently serving across the country, but only six women acting as statewide executives across all fifty states is far too few.

from all over the state to write in, telling me what they would do in my shoes, for a chance to come visit me at the State House and meet with women leaders. The response was overwhelming; the submissions were incredibly mature and passionate. We received almost 600 essays, focusing on everything from the foster care system to climate change.

Michaela from Scituate wrote about making all schools handicap-accessible, saying, “all kids should have the ability to attend their local school with their neighborhood friends.” Riley from Chariho proposed starting an anti-bullying campaign, writing, “Wouldn’t it be really amazing if every school in Rhode Island had a day when not a single hateful or hurtful word was uttered?” And Ibiolatiwa from Pawtucket wrote about helping single parents, saying, “We should never forget women who are in tough situations involving violence or neglect.”

My staff and I were so impressed by the issues that Rhode Island girls chose to tackle in their essays. We had so many talented essayists that it was a challenge to choose a winner.

But in the end, we decided to invite Khatima Bulmer from Newport to become Governor for a Day. Khatima visited the State House on Earth Day last year. She met with many women in leadership roles, including Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, Senators Erin Lynch and Gayle Goldin and Representatives Anastasia Williams and Deborah Fellela.

We planted a tree at her school, attended a groundbreaking ceremony and helped to announce Water Quality Protection and Restoration Grants at an event in Roger Williams Park. I had so much fun with Khatima last year, and I know she’ll go on to do great things. And, I’m happy to report that my office is now accepting submissions for this year’s Governor for a Day contest.

I can’t wait to meet this year’s contest winner and spend another eventful day together.

For more information on this year’s Governor for a Day contest and how to enter, please visit http://www.governor.ri.gov/ newsroom/essay/. www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR | Daniel J. McKee 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

Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Daniel J. McKee

INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE FOR

EMPOWER RI

by Daniel J. McKee

Too few Rhode Islanders realize they can buy their electricity from suppliers other than National Grid. Those who have tried to take advantage of competitive offers have often struggled to find the right information to make an informed switch.

Some who switched have been slapped with hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unexpected charges on their bills – negating any savings they would have enjoyed.

We can do better, and now we are, thanks to a new website called Empower RI. In partnership with the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers and RI.gov, my office launched the site, www.ri.gov/empowerri, in January to help Rhode Islanders shop for the best electricity prices for their businesses and homes.

Empower RI allows customers to compare electricity prices and contract

RATEPAYERS IN RHODE ISLAND FACE SOME OF THE HIGHEST ENERGY COSTS IN THE COUNTRY. 14 14

RISBJ | |rhode island small RISBJ rhode island smallbusiness businessjournal journal

terms from competitive suppliers to the current “Standard Offer” from National Grid. With its usage calculator and menu of plan offers, the site makes the process of selecting an alternate supplier easier and more transparent.

I know firsthand the benefits Empower RI can bring homeowners and businesses.

After we launched the site in January, I myself clicked through and chose a plan that will save my family about 20 percent over the next five months.

Ratepayers in Rhode Island face some of the highest energy costs in the country.

For businesses, high energy costs can stifle expansion and innovation, and serve as an obstacle to a thriving business climate. For residential ratepayers, high electric bills can stretch hard-earned dollars to the limit.

I urge you to try Empower RI as well.

It’s a valuable tool to help small businesses and residential ratepayers get the best electricity prices. Already, it is doing exactly what its name says: empowering ratepayers to make the most cost-effective decisions on their electricity supplier.

Empower RI was modeled after competitive energy sites in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, where a much higher percentage of customers are taking advantage of third-party suppliers. The Division of Public Utilities reviews and approves all suppliers’ offers for inclusion on the site. And if you choose a competitive supplier, National Grid will still deliver power to your home or business and respond to service calls, outages or other emergencies.

When electricity rates spiked by double digits a year ago, some customers took advantage of lower third-party rates only to see their savings eaten up by a “Standard Offer billing adjustment.” As of July 2015, customers will no longer face a billing adjustment when they switch. Last year, I intervened before the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission, along with Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, in favor of eliminating it. The commission agreed the billing adjustment was a barrier to a robust competitive market.

Nellie M. Gorbea | SECRETARY OF STATE

Your New Business Portal at the RI Department of State

by Secretary Of State Nellie M. Gorbea

During the redesign of the Rhode Island Department of State website, we strived to create a Business Portal that would serve as an easy-to-use hub for businesses. Our mission is to engage and empower all Rhode Islanders, so we made sure we spoke with many of you in the business community about the sorts of tools and resources that you need to manage or start your business in our state. Those conversations have resulted in the Business Portal you see today at http://sos.ri.gov/divisions/ business-portal.

The Business Portal is a great place to find out what deadlines are coming up and what forms need to be completed for your business. One of the more useful tools within the Business Portal is the online filing system. Online forms and accounts make it easy for you to renew your paperwork. We want Rhode Island business owners to spend less time worried about paperwork and more time managing a successful business.

Every year after your first year of incorporation, business corporations must file an annual report with our Business Services Division. The annual report filing period for Business Corporations is from January 1 to March 1. Filing fees are $50 by person or by mail and $52.50 if filing online. The additional $2.50 for filing online is for payment to the state’s private vendor for online services – RI.Gov or Interactive Rhode Island. This is not

We want Rhode Island business owners to spend less time worried about paperwork and more time managing a successful business.

revenue for the Department of State or the state’s General Fund.

Instead, the fee covers the cost of creating and maintaining the state’s online services. My office is in conversation with the Governor’s Office to address this fee disparity. All filings recorded on or after April 1 are subject to a late fee of $25.

Of the 30,224 Business Corporations on file last year, nearly two-thirds (19,133) filed electronically. Online filing is safe, easy, and available 24-hours a day. It has the same requirements as paper filings, but can save you valuable time because the forms are pre-filled on the screen with the data we already have on record for your corporation. Last year, our staff and summer fellowship intern, worked on simplifying and redesigning all of our business forms so that they are easier to use.

We also understand that managing a business takes time, and there may be many deadlines and important calendar dates to keep track of. We encourage business owners to use our Business Portal to verify whether or not they have filed their annual report. If your entity name contains the words Limited Liability Company or LLC, your annual report filing period is September 1 to November 1.

As Secretary of State I am continuously looking for ways to connect Rhode Islanders and their government. Working alongside the talented team in our Business Services and eGovernment & IT Divisions, we are dedicated to working with Rhode Island business owners to move business forward in our state.

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 newly redesigned website sos.ri.gov. We look forward to working with you to grow your business in Rhode Island. www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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Important Social Media Key Points & Stats And Why It Matters For Your Small Business | SMALL BUSINESS

Important social media key points & stats

a n d w h y i t m at t e r s f o r y o u r s m a l l b u s i n e s s

53%

of Americans who follow brands on social media are more loyal to those brand

The #1 cited reason

for a user“unfollowing� a page is the presence of too much promotional content

Facebook is the fastest growing network, passing Twitter for a third year in a row

80% of consumers say they do online research before making significant purchasing decisions

Video drives 62%

more engagement than photos, social shares increase by 43%

Let the digital media marketing experts at

Integrated Media Group

free you from your fear of social media. From initial strategy, to content creation, daily posts and monthly reports, IMG produces real results that help your business grow. Visit growwithimg.com for more information. www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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SMALL BUSINESS | Why A Business Should Outsource A CFO

Why a Business Shou

As a startup, it is very difficult to raise capital and juggle other financial responsibilities on your own while successfully maintaining the rest of the tasks that come with starting a business.

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Why A Business Should Outsource A CFO | SMALL BUSINESS

uld Outsource a CFO

by Michael Leshinsky, President at Leshinsky Finance

Start-ups are faced with an overwhelming amount of tricky decisions, including which positions to staff and which positions to outsource. The key is to know your strengths as a business owner and hire externally to handle less familiar affairs. In many cases, this unfamiliar terrain is finance, hiring, or marketing. According to Statistic Brain Research Institute, over 30% of companies fail because their management lacked experience in one of these fields.

Outsourcing Chief Financial Officer (CFO) duties is a safe way to ensure that your finances are in capable, experienced hands.

time allowance, your interests, and your budget. Here are some questions to consider when deciding if you are capable of handling your own finances:

• • • • •

Do you have expertise in any financial areas?

How much time do you have to devote to financial monitoring and evaluation?

Do you have a fair knowledge of investments?

Do you enjoy reading about investments and doing research?

What financial assistance does your budget allow for?

WHAT EXACTLY IS A CFO?

BENEFITS OF OUTSOURCING YOUR CFO

A CFO, or Chief Financial Officer, handles all financial operations for the business, sometimes working with a team. Duties will vary from small to large businesses, but some major components are:

FINANCIAL MAINTENANCE The CFO will develop financial practices, write a pro forma, produce reports, implement an effective system for accounts records, and control a budget. Monthly after book closing, they will review performance to evaluate what can be improved and what may have caused discrepancies. All officers should meet monthly; this is critical for the CFO to voice how financial operations should be completed going forward.

OPERATIONS The company’s capital structure will be evaluated for the best combination of debt and equity to calculate the best cost.

The CFO will decide which revenue channels to concentrate on, based on returns.

VALUE With an outsourced CFO, you tend to get a lot more for your money in terms of skill and experience vs. salary. The median wage reported in 2015 for an in-house CFO was $122,000 per year. An outsourced CFO on the other hand often brings a team of advisors who are up to speed with financial developments, new ways to do things efficiently and new investment opportunities. Many times, the outsourced CFO will have other services that your business can take advantage of, including capital raising and tax work. They will also have an extensive network of helpful contacts.

INVESTMENT The best investment strategy will be determined for the capital of the company. The CFO will also handle risk management, weighing risk and different liquidity ratios.

FORECASTING/PLANNING The CFO is responsible for seeking continuous improvement by suggesting more ways for the business to capitalize and presenting multiple options for avenues of growth.

SUSTAINING & BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS It is important for the CFO to stay up-to-date with all third party relationships, including banking, commodity exposure and interest/ exchange rate exposure.

KNOWING WHEN YOU NEED A FINANCIAL ADVISOR Start-ups, small businesses, and franchises alike will find themselves in need of financial advising. Knowing when you need to call in experienced help for your business is crucial. It comes down to a combination of your knowledge, your

TIME Hiring someone to do the financial work for your business will free up time for handling daily tasks, plans for growth and other prime business concerns. If your business is experiencing a high growth period, the increased volume of responsibilities makes this a more important consideration than ever. As a start-up, it is difficult to raise capital and juggle other financial responsibilities on your own while successfully maintaining the rest of the tasks that come with starting a business. As a franchise, you may be overwhelmed with crossteam management and it will be more important than ever to have your finances in experienced hands.

VISION Above all, an outsourced CFO will share a strong vision for the future of your company. Proven business models, perfected portfolio theory and cross-industry experience help them to achieve this vision. With a strong background in investments, they will be able to optimize your company’s funds. Collaborating with them will give you a clear picture and help to keep your finances aligned with your goals.

ABOUT LESHINSKY FINANCE Leshinsky Finance is a boutique consulting firm that works mainly out of Providence, Rhode Island, Boston, Massachusetts, New York, New York, and Palo Alto, California, but will assist businesses globally. Their recent projects include the launching of Isle Brewers Guild, conducting a Pawtucket, RI land feasibility analysis, catalyzing an expansion for PODS Swimming, and beginning a new position as the CFO of Founders Blog. They are known for their expertise in real estate investments, and host a popular informative blog on their website www.leshinskyfinance.com. They also offer free financial consultations for businesses. www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

19

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH | Take Your Presentation From Blah To Brilliant

Take Your Presentation from

B

7 SUCCESSFUL SKILLS T

by Lisa Shorr

How many presentations do you give on a daily basis? This is a trick question. The answer: all day! Whether we are at the office delivering the quarterly numbers, sitting across the table in a heated negotiation, teaching about Newton’s Law in Science class, or networking at a Business After Hours, you are giving a presentation.

Have you ever thought about presentations that way? We are trying to persuade people to buy, learn or foster relationships with us every day. Our ability to connect with our fellow team members, colleagues, students, or prospects is crucial to building that trust, respect and credibility.

Recently, my 6th grade daughter was assigned the fun project of delivering a presentation on TV of the 1960’s. We researched TV personalities such as Dick Van Dyke and Ed Sullivan, the coverage of the Civil Rights Movement, and the introduction of new cartoons including The Flintstones and The Jetsons (Are you singing their theme songs right now?). She gathered her information, organized very simple yet colorful slides including images of each subject. Finally, she said, “Mommy since you do this for a living, can you help me with the presentation?” I was happy to help!

While not all presentations require a fancy PowerPoint and accurate Scientific data, they all have a special recipe to success. These are the tips that I shared with my daughter:

1. Know Your Audience (Audience Analysis) – When

preparing for a meeting, presentation, negotiation, it is crucial to

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know who your audience is. Once this is discovered, be sure to tailor your conversation so others will understand your message.

Ex. If you are presenting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of a company, then your terminology can include technical jargon.

However, if your audience is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), then you will need to deliver your message in non-technical terms. This is the same for all audiences. Some want numbers, other just end results. Creative folks typically like a visual presentation. You get the picture!

2. Hand Gestures – Many people are visual learners. Hand

gestures are a wonderful tool to “reinforce” your message. If you are going through a list of items, use your fingers to demonstrate point 1, 2 and 3 and so on. If you are describing someone tall, show the hand gesture for tall. Note: Be careful not to fidget with your hands! This very useful tool can easily become a major distractor. The end result: I can’t remember his/her message because I watched them fidget the entire time!

3. Slowly Walk the Room to Make Eye Contact – So many

people find solace behind a podium. A strong presenter liberates him/herself from this confining spot and knows how to “workthe-room.” Resist the urge to pace quickly back and forth! This looks and feels like a Tennis match of one! Instead, slowly walk across the stage (and back) making eye contact with audience members. They will feel acknowledged and connected to your message.

4. Watch for Verbal Pauses – “I “ummm” want to tell you “ummm” about 1960’s.” Immediately the audience perceives that you are not prepared with your subject

Take Your Presentation From Blah To Brilliant | PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Blah to Brilliant!

TO WIN YOUR AUDIENCE matter. Even though you may have done your research and practiced your speech, perception is reality! Verbal pauses such as “um, ok, like, you know” divert the listener away from your message. Try very hard to catch yourself and take these out of your vocabulary.

5. Deliver Concise and Credible Information – Human

fact #1: We all have very short attention spans! Do not bore your audience with “Death by PowerPoint.” Even better, incorporate more visuals into your workshop to support your message. Take the time to really learn your material to decrease your dependence of “reading from the slides.” Your audience knows how to read, it’s up to you to elaborate using examples and stories.

Technology has given us the ability to instantly “fact-check” anything we want. Be sure to site sources and double check your figures before offering statistics and or quotes. I once caught someone I hired plagiarizing! Yikes, my reputation was on the line being associated with this person.

Needless to say, our relationship ended quite abruptly!

6. Dress for Your Audience – I told my daughter, this is the

most important tip of all. Human fact #2: The minute you walk into the room or on that stage, your audience is making a judgment of you all within 3-7 seconds. Sounds harsh I know.

However quite true. What you wear sets the tone as to whether you are viewed as a trusted, detail oriented authority figure or someone who just woke up and threw clothes on. You will have a much harder time breaking that negative image of you and selling your audience on your subject matter than if you just took the time to put on a “tailored” yes, well-fitting outfit.

7. Don’t Forget the Fun – The goal of any meeting or

workshop is to leave your audience with a new idea, solution, feeling and most importantly a connection. Ensure your audience leaves with a great impression of you by adding games and/or interactive questions into your meeting or workshop. Rather than you talking the entire time, get them involved too!

Next time you prepare to speak, give your presentation an upbeat tweak. Nothing worse than being a bore, instead, leave your audience wanting more!

About Lisa Shorr

Shorr Success: Lisa has spent over two decades in the sales and marketing arena. She owns two businesses, Shorr Style and Secure Future Tech Solutions, and has delivered Professional Development and Corporate Branding workshops and seminars across New England. Her numerous articles on style, career development and IT, have been published in notable magazines and newspapers including PC World, Providence Business News, Rhode Island Small Business Journal and Trade Secrets Magazine.

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

21

MARKETING | Generational Marketing: Creating Content That Clicks

GENERATIONAL MARKETING Creating Content That Clicks

by Jamie Chatel

Content is king in the world of marketing.

Generational marketing is the art of crafting your content to appeal to a target market that is within a certain age group. Messages are targeted based on cultural experiences and perceived values for each generation. The goal is to use precise language in the appropriate medium to communicate with the right person at the perfect time. Let’s take a look at different generations and how they interact with branding messages.

“Gen Z” is the youngest generation, under the age of 21. Gen Z experienced the financial woes of the Great Recession as children. They grew up in an age of technology, with computers, tablets and smartphones available to them as toddlers. This group is using the latest, most up and coming social media apps and they use less traditional media like Snapchat and Instagram. Snappy, shareable content with visual appeal and videos will resonate better than pushy sales tactics.

“Millennials” are between the ages of 21-35.

As teenagers, Millennials experienced the rise of the Internet, 9/11 and the wars that followed. They were the first college students on Facebook and many had cell phones in high school. However, for the first time in America’s history, this generation of her citizens are poorer, more indebted and less employed than the preceding generations. The Great Recession stymied economic growth, halted job creation,

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kept older Americans in the workforce longer and encouraged younger Americans to continue debtfinanced schooling. Millennials are consumers of content.

Quality, snackable content that they can share is the best way to connect with them. They are more interested in life experiences than material possessions.

“Generation X” is between 35-47 years old.

As teenagers, this generation experienced the AIDs epidemic and the fall of the Berlin Wall. As adults they faced the dot-com bust, 9/11 and the housing crisis. Generation X is in the work force, most likely wishing they had better benefits and a deeper savings account.

Generational Marketing: Creating Content That Clicks | MARKETING

Messages are targeted based on cultural experiences and perceived values for each generation. The goal is to use precise language in the appropriate medium commercialism. These hippie teenagers experienced Woodstock, protested against the Vietnam War and participated in the civil rights movement. Baby Boomers practice extreme brand loyalty, buying the brands that they have used and trusted for years. Your marketing efforts should use language that alludes to the advantages of being established, the opportunities of retirement and beyond, and the authority that comes with seniority. Facebook is their social media channel of choice. Most of this generation does their web surfing on a computer, not on a mobile device. Fewer than half of baby boomers use a cell phone to check their email.

Generation X is savvy enough to use social media and hunt for deals online, but they engage more with coupons and sales than content. Most of the Gen X crowd work to live rather than live to work. Use social media channels to show them how your product or service makes their lives easier and more fun.

They are interested in news, politics and current events, try to tie your content into relevant news topics. “Baby Boomers� are between the ages of 48-60. They were the first generation to be raised mainly in the suburbs, and were affected so much by the boom in consumerism that as teenagers they felt a compelling need to rebel against their parents, politics and

Generational Marketing is effective because it takes a deeper look at how cultural influences motivate the purchasing decisions of an individual. However, it is said to be equally ineffective because it is impossible to stereotype unique individuals into one category. One person might be born a millennial but identify more with Generation Y. Either way, with the ultimate goal being to send your target audience content with the right tone at a point in their life that it will appeal to them the most, taking a look at generational points of view surely doesn’t hurt.

Jamie Chatel is a Marketing Adviser and a Talent Magnet at Silverman McGovern Staffing in Providence. For more information, contact Jamie at Jamie@silvermanmcgovern. com. Connect with her on Linked In or visit SilvermanMcGovern.com.

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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7 Qualities SMALL BUSINESS | 7 Qualities Employers Look For In An Administrative Assistant

Employers Look For In An Administrative Assistant

by Kristin M. MacRae

I’ve worked with many business owners and many of them are looking for great support staff. They are looking for people who are organized, efficient and can effectively handle multiple facets of a business. If you prove yourself, there are incentives and bonus opportunities available in these positions and there is also room for growth in these companies. These business owners may have some disorganization issues, but they are looking for an assistant who can handle the day to day operations in an organized and efficient manner that will take the pressure off of them so they can focus on their workload.

Instead of talking to the business owners today, I want to talk to all of the support staff out there or anybody that is looking for a position as a support person. There are definitely job opportunities in Rhode Island if you are looking for administrative positions.

Here are 7 qualities employers look for in an administrative assistant:

Goes above and beyond. Sometimes you will be asked to

follow through with tasks that you might not think are in your job description as a support person. Maybe your employer wants you to make dinner reservations, or purchase tickets online, or they give you an easy task that you think they could do themselves. Make it your job to assist your employer in any way that will make their job easier. You are there to support them.

Go above and beyond, go the extra mile and do what it takes to assist your employer.

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Treats the business as if it were their own. Take pride in your work. If this were your own business, how would you work?

Why would you work any less for your employer? Give this job 150% and you will be noticed for your hard work and dedication.

Impeccable time management skills. When you are in an

administrative position and really any position for that matter, time management skills are very important. If you must, keep a time management grid until you get acclimated to this new skill set. Don’t bounce around from task to task. If you have a project you are working on, set a time limit and don’t check your emails during that time. Let others know you are working on a project and not to disturb you. Limit the social conversations in the office if you are crunched for time. Take the time to evaluate how you function and how you utilize your time.

Streamlines processes and procedures. Once you start working in the office, if you notice that the office is disorganized, or there isn’t a flow to the office, take the initiative and think about how you can make the office more efficient and productive. Sometimes there are disorganized people in the office who can’t vision how an office could have a better flow.

7 Qualities Employers Loo

nistrative Assistant | SMALL BUSINESS

When you are in an administrative position and really any position for that matter, time management skills are very important.

If you are organized and have the drive, take it upon yourself to make changes. Any situation I find myself in, I always ask myself if there is a simpler, more efficient way to tackle a task. Start developing ways to streamline procedures.

Don’t make a task more complicated than it has to be.

Streamlines work spaces. Keep office desks streamlined

and organized. Physical disorganization is a distraction and causes unwanted stress. When a workspace is disorganized, information gets lost and efficiency is hampered. When management is looking for a file, you should be able to place your hand on it immediately, pass it off and go about your day. When clients visit your office, they don’t want to see a disorganized workspace. It doesn’t present well. Opinions will be formed about how you function as a company.

Expands their skill set. Challenge yourself and grow within

your position. Depending on the type of office you are in, are you

able to jump into somebody’s seat if they are on leave or out sick for the day? Make yourself expendable and flexible to be able to jump in if somebody needs coverage.

Offers superior customer service. In the majority of offices, the administrative assistant is the first person you deal with in an office setting. Whether it’s on the phone or in person, the administrative assistant sets the tone of how the office functions on a whole. You don’t want the customer to have a bad experience on their first visit or phone call. Make it an experience that they will never forget.

An organized, efficient, and hard-working assistant is a valuable asset in any company. Take pride in your work and brush up on the skills above and you’ll find yourself in a very rewarding position. You’ll also develop skills that you can take with you throughout your career.

Kristin M. MacRae is an Organizing & Efficiency Expert and Owner, Organizing In RI, LLC.

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

25

LEGAL | A Primer On Corporate Governance For Business Ownership

A Primer on Corpo F O

R

B

U

S

I

N

E

by PLDW Managing Partner Gary R. Pannone and Attorney Benjamin L. Rackliffe

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the U.S. with millions of businesses created each year. Some will survive and others will vanish. Those that flourish and grow are most likely to have established the corporate governance structures that are essential to thrive and survive. These critical keys to success are described below as a primer for start-up business owners and entrepreneurs to consider implementing as best business practices.

Corporate Governance

What is “corporate governance” and what does it mean for my organization?

Corporate governance refers to the manner in which a corporation is directed, and laws and customs affecting that direction. It includes laws governing the formation of firms, by-laws established by the firm itself, and the structure of the firm. A company’s corporate governance refers to the relations, distribution of rights and responsibilities by and among four primary groups of participants: the board of directors, managers, employees and shareholders. Corporate governance includes rules and procedures for making decisions and provides structure through which company objectives are established. Corporate governance also includes the means by which stated goals are achieved and how performance of those objectives is monitored. In short, the corporate governance system of an organization is the structure by which a company’s directors and managers act

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S

A Primer On Corporate Governance For Business Ownership | LEGAL

orate S

O W

N

Governance E

R

S

H

in the interests of the firm, its shareholders and employees. The corporate governance system is also how the company holds the board of directors, managers and employees accountable to capital providers and third parties who rely upon the value of the company’s assets. Fiduciary duty and accountability issues are often discussed within the framework of corporate governance.

Articles of Incorporation

How do I go about forming my corporation and what lays the basic framework for proper corporate governance?

A corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, when filed with the Secretary of State, serve as both the formation document and primary source of a corporation’s governance system. A corporation’s Articles set the par value for the corporation’s stock as well as cap the number of shares a corporation is authorized to issue to shareholders. Individuals forming the corporation, called “incorporators,” have the option to set forth additional language pertaining to governance structure of the corporation such as the size and manner in which a board of directors may vote in relation to various business decisions, although these provisions are also frequently found in a corporation’s by-laws (discussed below). Articles frequently define a corporation’s corporate purpose and provide for the indemnification of directors and officers acting in good faith for the benefit of the corporation. Articles of Incorporation are supreme to any other corporate governance documents, and therefore, critically important to corporation’s governance.

By-Laws

What are “by-laws” and how do they benefit my corporation?

Only second in supremacy to a corporation’s Articles, a corporation’s By-Laws are the essential outline of a corporation’s governance structure. They define the general authority of corporate shareholders, the election and removal of directors and officers, and the division of authority among these subsets of corporate decision makers.

By-Laws define standards for meetings including the constitution of a quorum for purposes of corporate action and set forth instances where actions by decision makers may be had in the absence of formal meetings.

I

P

Other Governance Policies and Procedures

When setting up my corporation, are there any other polices or procedures my corporation should consider adopting?

While there are certainly corporations which operate without supplemental policies and procedures, it is a “best practice” for corporations to adopt additional policies and procedures to supplement the basic governance framework set forth in corporate Articles and By-Laws. Some of the most common supplemental policies are as follows:

• Conflict of Interest Policy: The purpose of a Conflict Policy

is to protect the corporation’s interests when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer, director or high level manager within the corporation. The Policy defines what constitutes a conflict and provides a framework by which conflicts are identified and addressed in order to facilitate the healthy operations of a corporation and stymie abuse by corporate decision makers.

• Whistleblower Policy: A Whistleblower Policy is intended

to deter corruption and abuse within a corporation by setting forth guidelines for directors, and officers and employees to raise concerns regarding the rogue practices of individuals within a corporation while assuring that such individuals will be safeguarded from harassment, victimization and/ or retaliation for reporting. The basic concept is that with assurances and protections afforded to reporters, malfeasance taking place within the corporate setting will diminish.

• Document Retention Policy: Document Retention policies set forth corporate-wide standards for the retention and destruction of physical and electronic records received, created, and stored by a corporation in connection with its business operations. These policies are intended to remove the guess work of corporate employees in terms of how long to keep records and to comply with various governmental and industry laws and regulations.

In addition to the foregoing, it should be noted that industry specific laws, regulations and practices may require the development of additional policies and procedures. If you have questions about your business or are planning to start a business, and would like to speak with business attorneys Gary R. Pannone or Benjamin L. Rackliffe, please call 401-824-5100 or email gpannone@pldw.com or brackliffe@pldw.com.

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

27

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IN PROVIDENCE. The commercial banking team at BayCoast Bank in Providence will take care of you and your business like no other bank. That’s because we’re local and empowered to provide solutions — and yes, even get “creative” to help your business succeed. We think that’s ‘just right.®’ Whether you are looking for a loan for expansion, a term loan, construction, new equipment, a business checking account or a line of credit — we’ve got it.

Joe Sheehan 401-274-2106

Mike Paiva 401-273-2539

Call us. Let’s talk about what we can do for your business.

Providence Commercial Loan Office 10 Dorrance Street, Suite 101B, Providence, RI 401-273-0475 • BayCoastBank.com

Member FDIC Member DIF

<IMG> integrated media group

YOUR LOCAL PRINT AND DIGITAL SPECIALISTS SOCIAL MEDIA & EMAIL STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT PRINTING AND PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION 28

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401-837-0239

Start-up Websites | TECHNOLOGY

Start-up Websites THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CREATING YOUR WEBSITE

by Paula Mottshaw

Potential clients and customers conduct research before purchasing goods and services. They read articles, talk to friends and colleagues, review Google search results, and visit company websites. Having a website is part of doing business.

As a start-up business, you likely have a lot of work that needs to be done. Stress intensifies even more if you are a one-person business and are responsible for everything, including your shoestring budget. Even if you have limited funds, you can still have an online presence with a great website.

Make the most of your budget: Purchase a domain name (www.yourwebsite.com). The

name should make sense for your business, and be as short as you can make it because you will be using your website name on your business card, letterhead, and promotional items. Purchasing your domain name is something you can do yourself.

Wait to purchase hosting. The company where you purchased your domain name may sell hosting services, but don’t feel pressured to purchase. Just because a hosting company is cheap, doesn’t mean that they are good. You get what you pay for --you really do!

Plan. Take time to think about what you need. Maybe all you need is a basic site with a few pages. Or, if you are selling a product, you may need an e-commerce site to enable you to sell your product online. Look around at different websites (including competitor sites) and take notes about what you like and don’t like.

Work with a professional. Work with someone

who knows what they are doing who can deliver a well-designed site that can help you meet your business (and sales) goals. You need a website that is easy to navigate, easy to read, and contains all needed elements.

Start small. Start with a site that has a few pages (a smaller

site costs less to build), and add more pages as your business grows. Maybe all you need right now are a product (or services) page to talk about what you are selling, an about page (to talk about you and your business), and a contact page. Ask yourself if you really need a custom website (custom sites are usually expensive to build), or can your designer customize a template instead?

Ask for an open-source content management system. An

open source system will allow you to take control of your site and do many of your own updates. Open-source systems (e.g.

Joomla and WordPress) are in the public domain so anyone can download and use for free. Watch out for those proprietary content management systems that can tie you to a specific company and/or cost money.

Create meaningful content. Think about what you need. You may have much of what you need right now. Take a look at anything you have written for your company (e.g. PowerPoint presentations, Word documents, etc.). It might be a matter of editing and re-formatting for the web. No one knows your business better than you do, and creating some of your own content will help you to keep control of your budget.

Take the process one step at a time, and you will get there.

Paula Mottshaw specializes in web design and graphic design (print materials) for healthcare and nonprofits. She can be reached at pmottshaw@mysimpledesignsolution.com.

Work with someone who knows what they are doing who can deliver a well-d esigned site that can help y ou meet your business (and sale s) goals.

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

29

SMALL BUSINESS | Introducing The Self-Driving Small Business

introducing the

Six years ago, when Google announced their self-driving car project, most people thought it was a pipe dream. After all, who could get into a car, enter a destination, and trust software to get them there safely and securely without ever touching the steering wheel? Yet just a few years later, self-driving cars are a reality.

Today, in the face of ever-growing administrative burdens taxing millions of small businesses across America, it seems equally unbelievable that business owners could step away from the steering wheel and put their back office on autopilot.

Who could believe that running payroll, tracking time,

Self-D

managing health insurance, staying compliant with state and federal laws, and handling filings to the IRS could all drivethemselves? No budget or extra headcount needed.

Had you asked me a few years ago, I would have never believed it was possible. As a previous business owner myself who grew a team from zero to a staff of 50, I knew from firsthand experience how time consuming and frustrating no-value business administration tasks could be. Always worrying about the newest compliance regulations (now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Affordable Care Act), constantly filling out employee paperwork, administering benefits, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the start.

Today, in the face of ever-growing administrative burdens taxing millions of small businesses across America, it seems equally unbelievable that business owners could step away from the steering wheel and put their back office on autopilot.

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Introducing The Self-Driving Small Business | SMALL BUSINESS

Driving small business

That’s when I asked myself, “What if you could run a business without having to deal with all the administrative work it takes to run a business?” The answer was Zenefits.

Zenefits integrates your payroll, benefits, time, talent, and management into a single online dashboard so you can manage all your HR in one place. But the real magic happens behind the scenes. Like Google, we’ve created software that actually does the work for you. Take Zenefits Payroll, for example, which we just launched a few weeks ago.

Zenefits Payroll is the only free, full-service payroll service that offers businesses and organizations in all 50 states an automated, integrated payroll experience that runs completely in the background. When you hire an employee in Zenefits, they’re automatically set up in payroll. Employee deductions for health, retirement, and other benefits flow directly from Zenefits into payroll, too. The same thing happens with employee compensation as hours worked, vacation, and sick leave data flow from the Zenefits platform right into payroll. Previously, these changes had to be made by hand each pay period, and the data had to be taken from various, disconnected systems.

Parting ways with an employee? We automatically remove them from payroll, calculate their PTO and allow you to print their final check, and even administer COBRA. Again, all without you ever touching the wheel.

Like converts to self-driving cars, customers say that using our software has helped them better use their time, improve efficiency, and save money. The proof is right around the corner – with one of our customers, NuLabel Technologies of East Providence, which has pioneered the next-generation of package labels for manufacturers. NuLabel is using Zenefits to self-drive their business and loves the results. The company’s controller, Kristen Gengenbach, says using the Zenefits platform enables her to spend less time on HR and more time on other important tasks at hand, such as financial and accounting matters.

Kristen’s experience isn’t the exception; it’s the rule. At Zenefits, we think that the best possible HR and payroll system is one that’s nearly invisible, operating in the background, quietly compensating your employees, keeping you compliant, and remitting taxes to the government. The ideal system is one you almost never touch – it drives itself.

So if you are tired of wasting hours administering and running payroll and want to spend time instead running your business or doing the other parts of your job, take Zenefits for a spin.

Once you try it, you will never look back.

For more information or to contact Zenefits,

call (888) 249-3263 or visit www.Zenefits.com www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

31

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH | Professional Growth For The Entrepreneur

Always be thinking about what you can do to improve learning and education for yourself, your family your business and your community.

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Professional Growth For The Entrepreneur | PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

by Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro, Ph. D.

As part of a series focusing on Rhode Island small businesses whose mission includes helping organizations, their owners and employees grow throughout 2016, I’ll be profiling my own business, Ronald G. Shapiro, PhD, LLC this month. I am a speaker and consultant in career development, leadership development, learning and designing systems to be safe, easy and fun for people to use. I offer Education by Entertainment TV game show style programs which are applicable, educational, entertaining and a ton of fun! My programs are for professionals to Grade 4.

Based on my experience as a manager and consultant I would like to offer the following recommendations to business leaders aspiring to grow professionally.

•

Develop your employees, all else will follow. As you find new projects and new clients, think of innovative ways to perform work, and ways to better serve your customers always think about how you can use these opportunities to help your employees develop.

•

At least once a year work with each of your employees to identify their aspirations, discuss your business objectives for the next year and beyond, identify skill gaps which need to be closed for the employee to achieve their aspirations and for the business to meet its objectives.

Develop a detailed plan to meet these objectives including monthly target dates. Meet periodically to be sure everyone is making progress on their development and to asses any changes which may need to be made due to shifting business climate, employee aspirations, etc.

•

Participate in programs such as Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day®2 (April 28, 2016) to involve you employees’ families in your business. It is a way to demonstrate commitment to your employees. Additionally, your employees may be more attentive to what you are

saying to their children than if you were speaking to them directly. Never know, you may be training a future employee, too!

•

After you complete every project, document the title of the project, a brief description of the project and your individual accomplishments on the project. Keep this document in a safe place. You never know when you may need this documentation for a future bid or a resume if applying for a new job.

•

Always be thinking about what you can do to improve learning and education for yourself, your family your business and your community. For example, you may wish to participate in a career night at your high school or help to lead a youth group.

I also wanted to share one of the community projects which my business led. I secured a grant to organize a networking event for High School Psychology Teachers in Rhode Island. (There are possibly 1, 2 or 3 high school psychology teachers in schools which offer Psychology Programs, thus the teachers may not have much opportunity to network with other psychology teachers.) At the event teachers had the opportunity to network with other teachers. The teachers present really enjoyed the event and want to have future events two to three times per year. Since we offer Education

by Entertainment programs, we also included a few of our favorite activities in the program for teachers to use, and also to see an example of what we might offer in our programs.

Need a professional recommendation? To arrange a fun business relevant educational program and for personalized recommendations for your development needs feel free to contact Ron Shapiro by email, DrRonShapiro1981@SigmaXi. Net or by phone, (401) 272-4664. For more information, visit www.EducationbyEntertainment.com.

I would like to thank Industrial Consultant Dr. Margarita Posada Cossuto for helpful comments.Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work® is a registered trademark of the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation.

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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SMALL BUSINESS | Prepare To Prevent Workplace Violence

Prepare to

Workplace

Prevent

Violence Zero Tolerance

by Karyn Rhodes

With approximately two million victims in America each year, workplace violence has become an increasing concern among businesses, especially after several recent high-profile situations – ranging from aggrieved shootings to terrorist acts. As companies struggle to proactively prepare their offices and employees for worst-case scenarios, the key is to understand today’s new reality and recognize possible threats that may have previously been overlooked.

Workplace Violence Defined

Workplace violence doesn’t just encompass behavior that results in injuries. It includes a wide range of negative conduct by employees, customers, and unsolicited visitors at the workplace, including: • Verbal threats • Aggressive acts • Intimidation • Harassment • Menacing gestures • Stalking • Physical abuse • Coercion • Brandishing of weapons • Disorderly conduct

Threats Inside and Out

Acts of violence committed by employees in the workplace can happen at any time, but often, precipitating events in the office occur that cause upset workers to act out, such as: • Layoffs or downsizings • Discipline or termination • Failure to get a raise or promotion • Job insecurity • Poor relationships with supervisors or other employees In addition, situations outside of work like domestic violence, psychological problems or substance abuse can spill over into negative behavior at the business.

But perpetrators of workplace violence aren’t limited to those within the organization. Often, employees encounter threats from those outside of the company, such as customers, patients, vendors, employees’ family members or criminals without any connection to the workplace. As a result, certain positions are at a greater risk of threats from these outsiders, including those who: • Exchange money with the public • Deliver passengers, goods, or services • Work alone or in small groups during late night or early morning hours in high-crime areas, or in community settings and homes where they have extensive contact with the public • Retail workers

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

The best protection employers can offer workers is a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence against or by employees that is incorporated in an accident prevention program, employee handbook, or manual of standard operating procedures. That means an organization should minimize the risk of injury to employees by tolerating no threat of violence, talk of violence or act of violence.

But it’s not always easy for managers and employees to identify behavior that may turn violent – and prevent it. However, some common behaviors exhibited before workplace violence incidents include: • • • • • • •

Outward hostility or angry outbursts Withdrawal or moodiness A decline in hygiene or appearance Ominous threats Increased absenteeism or deterioration in performance Sudden irrational or inappropriate behavior Discussion of access to weapons or brandishing a weapon

Preparation is Key

Often, employees sense something is wrong but don’t notify a supervisor. Employers should offer workers safety education training so they can understand indicators of potential violence, what conduct is not acceptable, what to do if they witness workplace violence and how to protect themselves if they are victims. For example, employees should be taught how to diffuse potentially violent situations by taking a number of steps, such as: • • • • • •

Keep a safe distance Speak calmly Listen and understand Identify an exit Be agreeable Discuss the consequences

Once an incident is over, employees should be instructed to report it so the company can promptly document, investigate and react to the situation, including notifying the police. It’s important to let employees know that their reports will be treated with confidentiality and discretion.

But worker preparation is not all that’s required. An organization must take a number of other steps to prevent workplace violence.

Careful employee selection during the hiring process is critical.

In addition, managers should maintain a fair workplace and attend trainings on progressive discipline, conflict resolution and terminations. Lastly, the organization should ensure the workplace is secure by, depending on the setting, installing video surveillance, extra lighting, and alarm systems and minimizing access by outsiders through identification badges, electronic keys, and guards.

Karyn Rhodes

Director of Human Resource Consulting The Hilb Group in Warwick

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www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

35

SMALL BUSINESS | Five Reasons Why You May Want To Consider Hiring On An HR Professional

Human Resources FIVE REASONS WHY YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER HIRING ON AN HR PROFESSIONAL

by Angel Torres

Small businesses wear many “hats” and for the small business owner, human resource professionals may seem like overhead that you simply do not have the budget for. Sure, you could take the time to read up on the most recent laws and regulatory matters, but do you want to? Do you have the time to take on this important part of your business? Here are five reasons why you may want to consider hiring on a human resource professional to oversee your organization’s human resource needs:

1. RECRUITMENT TAKES TIME

The time that it takes to plan, source and attract top talent to work for a small organization can be very difficult to find. As small business owner you know that wearing multiple hats (i.e. sales, marketing, finance, management, front-line employee) is very common and recruitment may not be as easy as we initially think.

Talent acquisition is not just “filling the job with a warm body.” It takes finding the right candidate who will get the job done properly, is a good organizational-fit, and has an entrepreneurial work-ethic to work well in your organization. Remember that candidates have legal protection beginning as early as the initial recruitment or screening phase.

2. HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS ARE THE CULTURE KEEPERS!

Everyone seems to think that human resource professionals are the “work police” or “terminators” of the workplace. While we do occasionally participate in the employee separation process, this does not define us, nor is it ever an easy task.

HR professionals work

hard to keep a work environment filled with fun, creative, and passionate employees. Studies have shown that happy employees are productive employees. So it is important that your business is actively and continuously engaging employees in efforts to remain a balanced and healthy workplace.

3. ARE YOU AN EMPLOYMENT LAW EXPERT?

Laws are ever changing. For small businesses, it can be difficult to continually stay abreast on new regulations and rulings. Do you want your employee handbook to be a monotone listing of rules, or would you prefer a guide on how to have a harmonious workplace? Human resource professionals are able to maintain rules and regulations while having a method to do so.

4. MAINTAINING HEALTHCARE REQUIREMENTS

Benefit and leave of absence administration can be a tedious challenge. As part of the Affordable Care Act, your small business of 50 employees may be considered a “large employer” where offering health insurance is mandated. The list of requirements can be daunting for business owners, and this may expose you to fees and fines that you may have not been prepared for – not to mention how it will affect the image of your organization. Did you also know that 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius is the Family Medical Leave Act requirement of the size of eligible employers that must offer federal job protected time away from work for their employees? That’s right! Having a human resource professional, or outsourcing your human resource function to a knowledgeable human resource consultant may save your organization the time and money from legal ramifications. We know what we are doing – trust us.

5. COMPENSATION

Small businesses may not have the budget to pay their employees competitive market rates. Human resource professionals are completely aware of this and become important contributors on developing a total rewards package for top talent. Small businesses are using flex-time, contract work, and intuitive and fun spaces to attract their best employees.

It’s the people that truly matter in launching your small business from good to great! Top employers have all find the value in experienced human resource professionals which allows them to have outstanding workplaces, benefits, and continuously increasing revenues. Perhaps it’s time that you too reconsider the idea of working with a local human resource professional.

Angel Torres President & Owner AMT HR Consultants

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Utilizing Technology In MBE/DBE Businesses | MBE/DBE

Utilizing Technology IN

MBE/DBE

by Michael Brito

I am utilizing technology to bring this piece to you today. I have chosen an app that allows me to create articles on my iPad in any form I choose, allow me to edit, insert files or attachments, automatically save content, and send the article in part or total; all from within the app.

Our day-to-day use of technology is so ingrained in our actions that most of us don’t even think about the frequency in which we are utilizing technology. We use technology every day on our phones, it can be truly overwhelming. For example, today my morning routine consisted of checking the weather and schedule for the day on my phone, replying to an IM, reviewing my emails, sending an update on LinkedIn (which I then shared with my Twitter & Facebook followers), checking the weather (again), sending reminders to two connections on Instagram, and starting notes for this article all before 6:30 am; all while enjoying music through my Tune-In Radio app!

On LinkedIn alone I belong to three groups that promote the Minority Business Enterprise and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MBE/DBE) philosophy and mission. These groups offer free discussions and invite members to begin new ones.

Most groups sponsor networking events focusing on unique issues faced within and outside the minority community. By utilizing devices to constantly promote my business and stay connected through various electronic formats, I expose myself to opportunities I would never have known about! If you think that marketing is only two dimensional, think again! We have exposure to thousands of viewers when we link ourselves to very accessible online platforms. Oh, did I forget to mention?

It’s all free.

We have use of a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software that allows us to send messages to our client base in the form of email greetings, special notices, and even company newsletters that is all managed through every device

BUSINESSES we have. By staying in touch with our people, we build higher quality relationships all through the use of technology. Larger companies we look for opportunities require us to know about and how to use the latest IT programs, language, and devices.

However, we have to get into the technology “groove” and make the most of it. The thing is, our competitors will win if we don’t grasp and stay ahead of technology. Our 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; while also filled with wonder of how automated my world is now. All my grandfather had was an office phone, truck, and a typewriter. I have more technology at my fingertips today than the Gemini program had at NASA --and they launched a rocket! All I am doing is running a small business.

So if you’re using your smart phone just to make and take calls, it’s equivalent to buying a home and living in only one room! Spend your time invested in 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 how to utilize apps, and how to expand your business using technology. Most importantly reach out to the MBE/DBE businesses in your circle and ask for advice and also share ideas when you can. You are always welcome to contact me as well. See at the job site!

Michael Brito Team Member, Managing the Road Ahead managetheroadahead.com

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

37

SMALL BUSINESS | Local Eateries Come To The Rescue Of Pets In Need

Local Eateries

“Eat, Drink and Bid Your Tails Off” is what the Providence Animal Rescue League’s (PARL) signature fundraising event, The Rescue is all about, and local fare is key. In its 6th year, The Rescue features some of the best local restaurants and culinary companies who put their best bite forward and compete to be the Top Dog in the “Top Dog” Culinary Competition. PARL strives to celebrate and share in the support of locally owned businesses.

“Building solid relationships with local businesses and organizations is important to PARL; connecting with our community and elevating their efforts is key to the success of our fundraising efforts,” said Fundraising Manager Connie Kile.

“We are always grateful for the amount of support we receive from the local restaurants and companies in our community for this event.”

It’s our goal to showcase some of the most delicious and diverse food our state has to offer. With that in mind, two categories are in the competition and each restaurant has the option to compete in one or both categories - vegetarian and carnivore.

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Previous entries such as Duck & Bunny’s Ruby Red Latke, a Beet Latke topped with Shy Brothers cloumage and scallions and Ten Steak & Sushi’s Ten Slider, Wagyu steak sliders with candied bacon, special sauce and aged cheddar on a brioche slider bun and Poco Loco’s Poco Donut, cheddar cornbread donut, with apple masala jelly, braised pork shoulder and a smoky bacon dust were just a few that were entered last year.

Confidence is high that this year will showcase just as much taste and creativity!

Competitors this year will include Ten Steak & Sushi, Julian’s, Poco Loco, The Duck & Bunny, The Thirsty Beaver, Dave’s Marketplace, Boneheads, Say Cheese, Gastros and Whole Foods Market.

Celebrity judging will be in the capable hands of Al Matthews from the popular ‘Paul and Al’ morning radio show at 94HJY and Super Bowl Champion, Logan Ryan from the New England Patriots.

The Rescue includes a VIP Lounge with a reception at 6:00pm.

Local Eateries Come To The Rescue Of Pets In Need | SMALL BUSINESS

Come to The Rescue

of Pets in Need

Exclusive to the Lounge is open bar, and bourbon tasting by Bottles Fine Wine, passed hors d’oeuvres by Millonzi’s Fine Catering, fresh shucked oysters and craft beer from Revival Brewing Co. The main event kicks off at 7:00 pm and will be emceed by Michaela Johnson and Will Gilbert from The Rhode Show and will also feature live interviews by Brendan Kirby, also from The Rhode Show.

Many local businesses sponsor and donate their products and services to this event, from incredible professional lighting and sound by JDI Productions to the snazzy leather tufted furniture pieces by Party by Design. Support comes in many different ways that PARL is extremely thankful for.

Our collective efforts are to better the lives of the people and animals in the community. Proceeds from The Rescue help fund many critical programs and services such as Pets For Life, a program that provides ongoing neighborhood outreach and free services such as vaccinations and spay/neuter in under-served neighborhood’s of Providence.

Another cornerstone program is its adoption program.

Thousands of animals are placed in loving homes every year through its efforts. PARL strives to create a judgment-free and caring environment for all community members and their pets in need of services.

“Fundraising events such as The Rescue, is a way for PARL to connect with its community and raise the necessary funds to support our programs and services,” said Executive Director Carmine DiCenso. “Community support is crucial for PARL to succeed in its mission.”

PARL has been dedicated to improving the lives of companion animals since 1913; committed to continuously working to find solutions that help individuals and families with information and resources they need. With the on-going support from the community PARL will achieve its goal of a more humane future for the people and animals in the community.

And it all comes back to the animals, “Why we do what we do.”

For more information please visit www.parl.org.

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

39

SMALL BUSINESS | Changing The Face Of Safety

CHANGING T H E FAC E OF SAF E T Y

by John V. Carvalho III

Picture this scenario, you are a building manager for a large company or university with hundreds of good people working in your building. You have spent a significant amount of time and resources on making sure that both your employees, and the building are kept safe. You took appropriate measures from making sure your first aid stations are well stocked, to having carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate locations, and a hazardous gas detection system for areas of your building where these types of gases may be present, etc. In the middle of a long Monday, an alarm goes off and an evacuation of your building is necessary.

The fire department shows up, money from production is lost and people feel uneasy. If you’re a large company, perhaps you end up in the local news.

Thankfully, it was simply a false alarm but, could it have been avoided? Should it have been avoided?

In the ever changing world of hazardous gas detection and safety products, being reactive is no longer a viable option; it is necessary to be proactive, not only to protect those for whom the safety systems are in place, but to save time, money and resources --not to mention your company’s or university’s reputation.

Being proactive in the world of safety means not looking back at how things have gone wrong, but looking

40

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

ahead on how to keep things running correctly. In other words, being proactive with safety means focusing on how everyday performance usually succeeds instead of why it occasionally fails.

For years in the game of hazardous gas detection and safety management, it has been a cat and mouse game of making adjustments when an unacceptable outcome arises or even worse, a tragic event takes place. It was running around to meet imposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and regulations and spending vast amounts of money in short amounts of time. No successful business model or even family financial planning takes place in this way, so why would we risk safety on this faulty model?

Yet, to this day, this is what happens in many organizations. The reasons (or in many cases, excuses) for this can be numerous: there is not enough money in the budget for all that needs to be purchased or done; there is not enough time in a busy workday to spend time on something which only “may” happen; there has never been a problem before so we all feel safe “enough.”

Consider the model which meteorology (albeit it is certainly not perfect) has endorsed. You cannot turn on a weather forecast without numerous warnings of impending

hazardous weather being shown as soon as a significant storm such as a blizzard or hurricane is forecasted. There becomes a media hype that envelops the attention of the public. Again, while we can easily debate the exactness of the science of meteorological forecasting, the model has become quite simple: have as many people as possible be prepared for the worst situation to limit the liability and loss.

This must be the model in the current day world of gas detection and safety.

Being proactive in safety management means adjustments to procedures are made before something happens. As technology improves almost daily in many aspects of our lives, it is also the case in the realm of safety, particularly with hazardous gas detection. No longer should a building owner or manager, a safety officer or facility director have to wait until an alarm goes off to be able to know there is a problem. Being on the cutting edge of safety technology now means that your computer, laptop and mobile devices are monitors of your gas detection equipment. It means that you can see that your equipment is trending toward a possible false alarm or even failure and it can be inspected and rectified before anyone in the community or your building knows that there was a problem because the problem never actually takes place.

In a much less technological way, but still important to daily safety, it means that you spend the small investment up front to be well stocked in your first aid needs in an office or school building or safety gear for your worksite crew. Being proactive means that instead of scrambling to get your workers trained for OSHA safety regulations, you trust a safety company to keep your workers trained annually and keep you up to date on any changes which may effect you, your workers or your business. In the end, any investment made to be proactive will greatly outweigh

Changing The Face Of Safety | SMALL BUSINESS

For years in the game of hazardous gas detection and safety management, it has been a cat and mouse game

Dealing with Deadly Gases?

Depend on Gas Detection Experts

the cost of reacting to a safety issue.

Here are a couple practical suggestions on how to begin being more proactive in safety rather than reactive: 1. Look more at what goes right on a dayto-day basis. Learn from what succeeds and continue to improve on that.

2. Always seek to improve communication. This can be communication between your workers and facility manager or office workers and office manager, etc. In all cases, knowing what the daily and big picture safety needs are for the people you are charged to keep safe will make planning much easier.

3. Trust the experts. Find a safety company that takes safety seriously and can provide you with all your safety needs from band aids to high tech gas detection.

With a new year upon us, looking forward and being positive is at the forefront of our minds. Keeping everyone safe is a great resolution to make by looking forward, planning and being proactive.

John V. Carvalho, III

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To schedule a FREE review of your gas detection! www.apollosafety.com www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

41

senior

SIGNATURE SERIES

Diabetes Resources for Older Adults

In the U.S., there are currently 29.1 million people living with diabetes and more seniors have diabetes than any other age group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11.8 million, or 25.9 percent, of all people age 65 and older.

The American Diabetes Association and Blue Cross & Blue Shield Rhode Island are pleased to be launching the Diabetes Educational Boot Camp for Seniors this fall. The half-day events are designed to help seniors learn more about diabetes self-management and engage in cooking demonstrations and physical activities, and will be offered at senior centers throughout the state.

Please consider joining us at this FREE event!

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 9am-12:30pm

FREE LUNCH

Salvatore Mancini Resource and Activity Center 2 Atlantic Blvd North Providence, RI 02911

Registration is required.

for all attendees!

Please call to reserve your spot today!

401-231-0742

Note that the event begins promptly at 9am and continues through lunch.

Brought to you by

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

for more information call 1-800-DIABETES

or visit www.diabetes.org/seniors 42

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www.riďŹ tmag.com | volume one issue one

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Because questions don’t take the weekend off.

Introducing weekend customer service. At Blue Cross, we understand Rhode Islanders know the value of hard work. That’s why we offer customer service seven days a week. So if your employees need answers at work or at home, our team is here for them. It’s not what you’d expect from a health plan, but maybe you should.

Find out how our team can help your business: Call your broker or BCBSRI sales representative at (401) 459-5959

Click bcbsri.com/employers

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

Come by Your Blue StoreTM in Warwick, Bristol and Lincoln

www.risbj.com | volume five issue three

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