Volume 3, Issue 7 by Rhode Island Small Business Journal

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volume three issue seven

Tips for Summertime Marketing Success

Protect Your Greatest Business Asset

YOUR EMPLOYEES

Are you too busy to get

organized

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from the founder WILL YOU MARRY ME? Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to have both partnerships and work alone in my business. While working alone may seem easier to some, there are advantages and disadvantages to both scenarios. I’ve had a few very challenging partnerships that didn’t end well, and I’ve spent time as a “solopreneur” wishing I had a partner to bounce ideas off of and help share in the company growth (and stress). I’ve always been someone that enjoys learning from each experience, good or bad, and there has been plenty of both over the past 15 years. What has helped me in my business partnerships was to look at it in a similar way to how I look at my marriage (minus a few obvious things). Both marriage and business partnerships are strong relationships that require mutual trust and respect. They both rely heavily on finances to make decisions. With business partners and spouses we continue working towards a common goal with someone else’s best interest in mind. While both partnerships and marriage can be difficult at times, partnerships end at an astounding rate of nearly 80%, compared to 50% of marriages ending in divorce. Here are the main factors that need to be addressed to ensure a lifelong, happy partnership: How committed are you? Are you as committed to your relationship as your partner? In order for your business to be successful, each individual must be doing what’s in the best interest of the company first. That commitment to each other, and to your business, will help guide you to success. Where’s the money? Do you understand your financials and know the numbers?

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Regardless of whether you handle receivables and payables, you should know where your company stands at all times. Have financial discussions with your partner, make decisions on how to best spend the money, and look for new streams of revenue that you both agree on. R-E-S-P-E-C-T One thing that I’ve definitely learned from past partnerships (and relationships) is that you must have mutual respect for each other’s strengths and shortcomings. They say opposites attract, and the same holds true for business. Find someone that excels in areas that you’re weak, and vice versa. Respect the strengths that each person brings to the table. Does your passion still burn? You never want to hear that “the passion is gone.” Losing the passion for your business can be a deal breaker for any company. Always make sure that you and your partner still the same drive, motivation and love for what you’re doing. Without passion, it’s very difficult to grow a business. Are we compatible? Do you and your partner get along? While being friends first and then going into business can often be a difficult task, it’s always good to be compatible with your business partner. Having similar values is always a great place to start. While in marriage, we often like to start as friends, business partnerships can often work in the reverse: start as partners who respect each other and a friendship can evolve. While both partnerships and marriages can have their challenges, going in prepared helps us enjoy the benefits of both. Not every day is easy, but in the end I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve been fortunate to have business partners, and a wife, that I admire, trust and respect. I put in my heart and soul every day, and know I will get the same in return. That’s what helps drive us to success.

BE IN DEMAND.

Gil Lantini Founder Ralph Coppolino Co-Founder John Resnick Marketing Coordinator Mike Casale Senior Designer Pam Walsh Managing Editor Sara Celano Production Assistant Intern Keri Biron Brighid Donnelly Brianna Duffy Amanda Silverman Contributing Writers Katherine Bacino Chris Barnett Sierra Barter Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Ted Donnelly Dana D’Orsi Susan Esposito Jeremy Girard Seth A. Goodall Lisa S. Griffith Adam Harvey Peter W. Lang, MBA Dave Lubelczyk Mia Lupo Secretary of State Ralph Mollis Frank Motta Matthew R. Plain, Esq. Gina Raimondo Tim Sullivan Mayor Angel Taveras Kristen M. Whittle, Esq.

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

AUGUST

Monday, August 4 East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce 15th Annual Golf Outing Metacomet Country Club 500 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence 11:30am Tuesday, August 5 CORE Collaborative RI Hatch Entrepreneurial Center 244 Weybosset Street, Providence 10:00am

Wednesday, August 13 Marketing on a Shoestring: How to Grow Your Business with the Tiniest Budget Centerville Seminar Center 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5, Warwick 6:30pm-8:00pm AUGUST

Friday, August 8 Central RI Chamber of Commerce RI Chamber Block Party Champlin’s Hotel, Marina & Resort, Block Island 1:00pm-5:00pm AUGUST

AUGUST

Tuesday, August 12 CORE Collaborative RI Hatch Entrepreneurial Center 244 Weybosset Street, Providence 10:00am Wednesday, August 13 East Bay Chamber of Commerce Intro to the 8(a) Business Development Program Bristol Visitors Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room 400 Hope St., Bristol 9:00am-11:00am

AUGUST

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Sunday, August 17 Charity Classic Car Show Benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project Euclid Financial Services, LLC 225 Newman Ave., East Providence 12:00pm-5:00pm Monday, August 18 Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Networking at Night 618 George Washington Highway, Lincoln 5:00pm-7:00pm Monday, August 18 Cranston Chamber of Commerce Taste Of Garden City – Business After Hours Garden City Center 100 Midway Rd., Cranston 5:30pm-7:30pm

AUGUST

Tuesday, August 19 CORE Collaborative RI Hatch Entrepreneurial Center 244 Weybosset Street, Providence 10:00am

Wednesday, August 20 South Kingstown Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted by Distefano Brothers Construction and Fresh Nest DiStefano Brothers Construction 119 Main St., Wakefield 5:00pm-7:00pm Wednesday, August 20 Newport County Chamber of Commerce Frolic at the Fortress Fort Adams State Park 90 Fort Adams Dr., Newport 5:30pm-8:30pm

AUGUST

Thursday, August 21 East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce Free Coffee Break Washington Trust 587 Taunton Ave., East Providence 8:00am-10:00am Thursday, August 21 Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce City of Woonsocket Workshop Series: Understanding Financial Statements Woonsocket Harris Library 303 Clinton St., Woonsocket 9:30am-11:30am

Thursday, August 14 North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce August Business After Hours 143rd Air National Guard 1 Minuteman Way, Quonset ANGB, North Kingstown 5:30pm-7:30pm

Wednesday, August 13 East Bay Chamber of Commerce Lobster Dinner and Sunset Sail Meet & Greet Networking Event The Regatta Place at Goat Island Marina 5 Marina Plaza, Newport 4:30pm-8:00pm Wednesday, August 13 Westerly Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Frank Crandall Horticultural Solutions 3949 Old Post Rd, Suite 101, Charlestown 5:00pm-7:00pm

Thursday, August 14 Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Business Before Hours Generations Comprehensive Health & Rehabilitative Services 267 Jenckes Hill Rd., Smithfield 8:00am-9:15am Thursday, August 14 East Bay Chamber of Commerce Legal Structure for your Business Small Business Workshop Series Bristol Visitors Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room 400 Hope St., Bristol 4:00pm-6:00pm

Friday, August 8 Cranston Chamber of Commerce Networking Coffee Hour Allied Mortgage Group 105 Sockanosset Cross Rd., Cranston 8:00am-9:30am

AUGUST

Thursday, August 21 East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce Second Annual Great Taste of Summer Squantum Association 947 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence 5:30pm-8:00pm AUGUST

AUGUST

28 SEPT

Friday, August 22 Developing Your Company’s New Products Pipeline Centerville Seminar Center 875 Centerville Road, Building 2, Suite 5, Warwick 12:00pm-4:00pm Thursday, August 28 Newport County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours All Island Landscaping 2829 East Main Rd., Portsmouth 5:00pm-7:00pm Thursday, September 4 Newport County Chamber of Commerce Business Before Hours Orange Leaf Yogurt 198 Thames St., Newport 8:00am-9:00am

contents

volume three issue seven

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

8 Secretary of State Ralph Mollis

9 Spotlight on Startups 10 Small Business News 18 Capital City 19 Rhody Design and Manufacturing Win National Notice 20 Wellness on the Shop Floor 23 Do You Really Value My Opinion? 24 Protecting Your Business from Cyber Threats 26 Protect Your Greatest Business Asset: Your Employees 27 Working Too Hard in Your Sales Conversations? 28 Tools to Help Keep Your Manufacturing Business Efficient 30 How Do You Get Started on Your Business Continuity Plan? 31 Getting More Loans into the Hands of the Underserved

32 Four Organizing Traps and How to Avoid Them 35 12 Signs You Might Be a Business Owner 36 5 Things You Should Look for in a Cloud Provider 38 6 Tips For Summertime Marketing Success 40 Preventing and Addressing Workplace Harassment 42 Build Employee Strengths to Maximize Results 46 The Lady Project 49 The Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Fund 50 Successful Future for More RI-Area Students 52 Tips for College Students on How to Use LinkedIn 56 Are You Too Busy To Get Organized?

ON THE COVER

Featured

Tips For Summer Marketing Success

Non Profit The Lady Project

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SECRETARY OF STATE | Ralph Mollis

Rhode Island’s Steady Economic Recovery by Secretary Of State Ralph Mollis

First off, I hope everyone is enjoying a great summer! I am pleased to release the second quarter numbers for 2014, which shed light on the improving state of the economy here in Rhode Island. I am glad to report the number of new businesses registering with our office has increased significantly. New business creations are on the rise compared to the first quarter of 2014, as well as a year ago, according to our office’s most recent data. This is great news for all of Rhode Island! To quantify this, the second quarter of 2014 is up 6.91% from the second quarter of 2013. From April 1, 2014 to June 30, 2014, 2,041 new business entities registered with our office; this is up over 6.91% compared to the second quarter of 2013, when 1,909 registered. In the second quarter of 2012, 1,976 new business entities registered. The second quarter numbers for 2014 show the economy here in Rhode Island is steadily recovering, and things are

In addition to its work with start-ups, our office also oversees recording commercial liens, registering notaries public and protecting corporate trademarks. 8

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

looking brighter for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Ocean State. The data shows Rhode Islanders are optimistic for Rhode Island’s long-term potential and are not hesitating to place business roots right here in Rhode Island, where they are confident they can grow and be successful. Our office tracks quarterly business filings because most newly formed business entities in Rhode Island choose a corporate structure that requires registering with our office. More than 70,000 limited liability companies and for-profit and non-profit corporations are currently registered. In addition to its work with start-ups, our office also oversees recording commercial liens, registering notaries public and protecting corporate trademarks. It’s also important to note for entrepreneurs and small business owners that the Secretary of State’s office also offers free interactive workshops, both in English and Spanish, to anyone interested in learning how to start, grow, manage and market their businesses. I believe business owners need to be educated in all areas of business in order to be successful and maintain their success. Our workshops are also a great way to network with other business owners and potential customers in our state. For more information about the programs and services offered to Rhode Islanders from our office, please visit our website at www.sos.ri.gov. As your Secretary of State, I am committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, making it easier to do business in Rhode Island and making government more open and accessible. For more information, please do not hesitate to stop by our 148 West River Street location in Providence. Our regular office hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and our phone number is (401) 222-2340. Someone is always present to help you in any way.

Spotlight | STARTUPS

Spotlight on Startups

Stillwater River Publications Company Name: Stillwater River Publications Open Date: 2013 Employees: Two. However, we work with local contract editors, photographers and artists as needed per project. We’re planning to hire sales staff in 2015. Website: www.StillwaterPress.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/StillwaterRiverPublications

Profile: Stillwater River Publications provides services to aspiring writers and independent authors of both fiction and non-fiction, and helps them navigate the confusing maze that has become modern publishing. Stillwater works one-on-one with each writer to ensure their goals are met, budgets are maintained and success is assured. Stillwater expects to produce 10 to 12 books each year. Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenges are twofold. First, the book publishing industry is in a rapid state of change, and staying on top of almost daily innovations is a tremendous challenge. And second, with every technological innovation, there seems to be another scam that sets its sights on unsuspecting authors-to-be. Steering new writers clear of these too-good-to-be-true offers can be frustrating. Despite the adversity, publishing opportunities are exploding. It is a very exciting time to be an author. Founders: Dawn and Steven Porter are both award-winning independent authors: Dawn’s “Searching for Rhode Island” children’s puzzle book was a winner at the first-annual IPNE Book Awards this past April. Steven’s historical novel “Manisses” (set on a fictional Block Island) was named one of the top books of the year at the New England Book Festival in 2012. Steven is also the president and founder of the Association of Rhode Island Authors (ARIA.) http://wwwRIAuthors.org.

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Ocean House Ranked No. 1 Resort In The Continental U.S. And No. 5 Hotel In The World In The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2014

WATCH HILL, RI – Ocean House, Rhode Island’s first and only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond hotel, is ranked No. 1 on the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2014 list of Top Resorts in the Continental U.S. Ocean House also earned the No. 5 ranking on the overall list of best hotels in the world according to the list, a huge leap from No. 95 in 2013. “We are overjoyed to learn that Ocean House is receiving this tremendous honor,” said Daniel Hostettler, President & Group Managing Director, Ocean House Management, LLC. “This accolade is especially rewarding as it is voted on by travelers themselves, and this means that those who have visited our hotel truly see Ocean House as a special place and consider us to be the best in the nation, and even world.” As the youngest hotel to ever achieve this honor of top resort in the continental U.S. (Ocean House was rebuilt and reopened in the spring of 2010), Ocean House earned the top spot based on traveler votes. The 2014 lists mark the 19th year of the annual poll which reveals readers’ favorite hotels, cities, cruise lines, spas and more. In 2013, Ocean House earned the No. 10 spot on the list. “Being selected as the best hotel in the continental United States is both gratifying and humbling, as we know the

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

expectations of our guests will rise even higher,” said Hostettler. “I am sure our committed team will rise to the occasion and achieve even greater levels of success.” The full results of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2014 can be found on their website, and in the August issue of the magazine, on newsstands July 18. About Ocean House The Ocean House, one of New England’s last grand hotels, re-opened its doors in June 2010 after a $140 million rebuild and restoration. The 136-year-old property, originally built just after the Civil War, is perched high on the bluffs in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Guests enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, Montauk and Block Island from the resort’s 49 guestrooms and 15 signature suites. Farm-to-table casual and fine dining, the 12,000-square-foot OH! Spa and more than 10,000 square feet of event space make the Ocean House ideal for mid-week business retreats, close-to-home family vacations, weekend luxury escapes and destination weddings. This stately property is the only AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star rated resort in Rhode Island. For more information, please visit www.oceanhouseri.com or call 401-584-7000.

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Pelé Demonstrates

Revolutionary G-Form Shin Guard Technology At The World Cup Host City PROVIDENCE, RI - Why is Pelé, widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, seen dropping heavy bowling balls onto fragile glass bottles in Sao Paulo, the host city for the World Cup? According to the legend of the sport, it’s to demonstrate the most significant improvement in player protection since the last time the World Cup was played in Brazil back in 1950, when he was just 10 years old. “I have obviously played a lot of football in my day, and taken a lot of knocks along the way”, says Pelé, showing off some of the many scars he bears on his own shins, “but the traditional hard shin guards with foam and tape just don’t protect that well, and they aren’t that comfortable for the player either. Finally there is new technology to protect better, and they even feel like you are wearing nothing.” The new shin guard technology he demonstrates is the creation of G-Form LLC, a company out of Providence, RI, USA, that is famous for having used the same technology to revolutionize protective gear in Extreme Sports such as BMX and Mountain Bike, Skateboarding, BASE Jumping and many others. G-Form, having partnered with Bauer Performance Sports, can also be found in the best helmets and gear in hockey and lacrosse and is also the hidden protection for many of the top movie stunt professionals around the globe. The company has previously showcased their technology in extreme demonstrations, such as protecting an iPad and iPhone that were dropped from over 100,0000 feet – from space, literally. G-Form, founded less than five years ago, is on a mission to use new technology to create products that provide superior protection for athletes without the bulk or stiffness that is usually associated with protective equipment. “G-Form’s products are already covered by more that 80 filed and issued patents,” says Dan Wyner, the Company’s CEO and one of its founders, “and we are on a mission that’s really just at its beginnings to completely revolutionize protective gear in sport. We are here to change the way people think about protective gear and are driven by the needs and well-being of the athletes. The technology now exists to make products that are comfortable, yet actually can protect better than the usual hard plastics, carbon shells, and traditional foams.” G-Form has quietly been testing its football/soccer products on thousands of international professionals, and the results are universally positive. “The professional player unions of over 20 countries around the globe have already made commitments and been outfitting tens of thousands of their players with new G-Form shin guard technology,” added Sean Veck, Managing Director of Global Sport, “and many national team players can be seen this year wearing them at a World Cup for the first time.”

Pelé was so impressed with the new technology and the improved protection it offers for players that he agreed to help the company spread the word, to benefit as many players as possible. In a simple demonstration, he stands with G-Form’s VP of Innovation, Thom Cafaro, as the two of them drop bowling balls on glass bottles, comparing the soft, flexible G-Form shin guard to a traditional hard shell shin guard. In drop after drop, the bottles protected by the G-Form shin guards remain undamaged, while bottles protected by the hard shell shin guard readily shatter. The company and Pelé have just released this video footage of the dramatic demonstration. “Much of the protective gear athletes are wearing today is extremely outdated, from a materials science perspective,” said Cafaro. “It’s easy to see in the demonstration is that the G-Form shin guards are soft, flexible, and comfortable – like compression sleeves – until they are struck by the bowling ball. At the moment of impact they stiffen for an instant, actually absorbing and redistributing the energy from impact. It’s an entirely different way of protecting the body and defies all preconceived notions about protective materials. You can even throw them in the washer like socks after the match”, added Cafaro. “They are very, very comfortable, but the most important thing to me,” added Pelé, “is they can protect the player better at the same time.” While G-Form shin guards have been available to professionals in testing now for over a year, they are now being made available for sale to football/soccer players around the world and meet NOCSAE and CE standards for sales throughout the USA and EU. The products are made 100% in the USA – from the design, to the chemistry, to the molding, to the cut-and-sew. More information about where to buy them can be found at www.g-form.com. www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Narragansett Beer

Re-Releases 1975 “Jaws” Can And Gives Fans A Chance To Name A Shark PROVIDENCE, RI – Back by popular demand, Narragansett Beer announces the re-release of the Narragansett 1975 “Jaws” can just in time for the anniversary of the iconic film’s debut on June 20. For the summer months, all 12-, 18- and 30-packs of 12-ounce cans of Narragansett Lager will replicate the 1975 can famously crushed by Robert Shaw in the shark-infested thriller. In conjunction with the relaunch, Narragansett Beer is supporting shark conservation efforts in the Atlantic Ocean and giving ‘Gansett fans a chance to name and track an adopted shark. In partnership with the R.J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Narragansett Beer will sponsor the adoption of a shark through the purchase of a satellite tag, allowing researchers — and ‘Gansett fans — to track the giant fish and learn more about shark behavior. ‘Gansett fans will have the chance to name the adopted shark by submitting name suggestions through Narragansett’s social media channels now through Shark Week, beginning August 10, using the hashtag #NameTheShark. Additionally, Narragansett will sponsor the purchase of a tracking buoy off the coast of Cape Cod through the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, based in Massachusetts. Narragansett’s retro can became permanently tied to the iconic thriller Jaws, filmed in Martha’s Vineyard, in the scene where Captain Sam Quint, played by Oscar-nominated actor Robert Shaw, famously crushes a can of Narragansett Lager to intimidate Richard Dreyfuss’ character. At the time, ‘Gansett was prevalent throughout the Northeast, producing over one million barrels of beer per year. The 12-ounce limited-edition throwback can is available for purchase throughout New England and beyond, including New York, Philadelphia, North Carolina, D.C. and Florida. (SRP: 12-packs: $9.99 – $11.99; 18-packs: $12.99 – $14.99; 30-packs: $18.99 – $20.99). Visit narragansettbeer.com, facebook.com/ narragansettbeer, and follow @Gansettbeer on Twitter for updates on the shark conservation efforts and naming contest. About Narragansett Beer Narragansett Beer…Brewed since 1890. ‘Gansett is a straightforward, quality beer that has been a New England tradition for generations, producing a classic family of awardwinning American lagers & ales. Today, ‘Gansett is produced at top-rated breweries in Providence, R.I.; Rochester, N.Y.; and Westport, Mass. and is one of America’s top 50 regional brewers and the fastest-growing in the Northeast. Narragansett is available for purchase in local restaurants, bars, and liquor stores throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, North Carolina, Florida, Wisconsin and Nashville, Tenn.

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SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

8 Panera Bakery-Cafes in RI Donate $6,384 To Feeding America Partner, RI Community Food Bank

PROVIDENCE, RI — Through Panera Bread’s partnership with Feeding America®, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief agency, all eight of its bakery-cafes in Rhode Island (Cranston, East Greenwich, Lincoln, Newport, Providence, Smithfield, Wakefield and Warwick) announce a donation of $6,384.80 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, a Feeding America® member food bank based in Providence. The donation, which represents funds raised from last fall through Panera’s National Volunteer Month in April, was collected as part of the cafes’ ongoing Panera Cares Community Breadbox™ Program, which gives customers the opportunity to provide cash donations at the register, with half designated to help fund Panera soup procurement for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and the other half donated as cash to support the Food Bank’s efforts to provide quality, nutritious food to Rhode Islanders in need. The eight participating Panera Bread bakery-cafes are owned and operated by Panera Bread franchisee, Howley Bread Group, LTD based in Cumberland, Rhode Island.

Panera Bread/Howley Bread Group’s Ruth Devitt, a General Manager at the Warwick bakery-cafe and member of the franchise’s Living Consciously Committee, presented the check to Lisa Roth Blackman, Chief Philanthropy Officer and Cindy Elder, Director of Communications, both with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The Living Consciously Committee includes a general manager from each Panera Bread/Howley Bread Group district who helps execute ideas and integrate programs that give back to the local communities Panera serves. “Thanks to our relationship with Feeding America, we’re so excited that half of this donation will supply the Rhode Island Community Food Bank with the same soup served in our cafes so they can, in turn, make it available it to their partner organizations that are providing assistance to those who are hungry,” said Panera’s Devitt.

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Providence Named One of the “M PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Angel Taveras today accepted the 2014 Outstanding Achievement Award in City Livability from the U.S. Conference of Mayors on behalf of the City of Providence.

Awards Program, and for the opportunity to showcase the innovation and commitment of mayors and city governments across the country.”

The award recognizes mayoral leadership in developing and implementing programs that improve the quality of life in America’s cities, focusing on the leadership, creativity, and innovation demonstrated by the mayors. Providence received the award for its PopUp Providence project, a three-year-long urban space initiative launched by the Providence Department of Planning and Development in the fall of 2013 to enliven neighborhoods and engage residents with interactive artistic and cultural projects.

“Congratulations to the Mayor and City of Providence,” said Christopher Collins, Senior New England District Manager of Waste Management. “Waste Management is proud to partner with the nation’s mayors in celebrating innovation in all our cities. We’re especially pleased to recognize the City of Providence with its interactive PopUp Providence Program today, and honor Mayor Taveras as a leader in engaging Providence residents, workers and visitors in the City’s vitality.”

“The U.S. Conference of Mayors has confirmed what many of us in the Capital City already know: that Providence is one of the most livable cities in America,” said Mayor Taveras. “This recognition celebrates the creative ways we are boosting the quality of life for all residents of Providence.”

In addition to the two top awards, which went to New Orleans, LA and West Sacramento, CA, Outstanding Achievement Awards were given to four other cities with populations of 100,000 or more including Arlington, TX; Philadelphia; Phoenix; and Mesa, AZ, and five cities with populations of less than 100,000, including Beverly Hills, CA; Braintree, MA; Roanoke, VA; Tamarac, FL; and York, PA.

This year’s winning cities were selected by former mayors from a pool of hundreds of applicants. The annual U.S. Conference of Mayors’ City Livability Awards Program is sponsored by Waste Management, Inc.

Award winners were selected at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in June 2014.

“Our City Livability Awards Program gives us the opportunity to highlight mayoral leadership in making urban areas cleaner, safer, and more livable,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of the Conference of Mayors. “We are grateful to Waste Management for its many years of support for the City Livability

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

PopUp Providence 2014 and The Providence Polaroid Project Today’s award announcement took place at the site of the Providence Polaroid Project, an initiative to install a temporary Polaroid camera shop, instant film gallery, and participatory portrait studio in Downcity as part of the second round of PopUp Providence. Project creators Devan Durante and Brandon Lane

SMALL BUSINESS

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Most Livable” Cities in America designed the installation as a forum for Providence residents to celebrate the Capital City’s people and places. Participation is free and residents are encouraged to use the Project’s instant camera collection to photograph Providence’s residents and cityscapes for inclusion in a gallery exhibition scheduled for late August. The Providence Polaroid Project is located at 235 Westminster Street through August 22. “We are looking forward to a successful second season of PopUp Providence installations,” said Bonnie Nickerson, director of long-range planning for the City of Providence. “As evidenced by the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Outstanding Achievement in City Livability Award, PopUp Providence is highlighting the best of what Providence has to offer and bringing our community together in unique and interesting ways all around the city.” The Providence Polaroid Project is one of eight temporary PopUp Providence installations scheduled to take place in Providence this summer. In the coming weeks, look for: •

Providence Putt Putt – a nine-hole miniature golf course at Armory Park.

•

I Am Providence Project – a series of fence-mounted wooden frames in public parks inscribed with the text “I am Providence.” Users are encouraged to take photos in the frames and share the images on social media.

•

Air Gallery – a collection of canvas paintings illustrating traditional folktales from diverse cultures displayed on utility poles in the Elmwood neighborhood.

•

Corrugated Community – a collaborative art project that will bring cardboard construction, fort building and public performances to neighborhood parks.

Other 2014 projects include an outdoor film series, a traveling Lego table and a new permanent mural in the Reservoir neighborhood. Projects from PopUp Providence’s initial round last fall included the interactive “Before I Die” chalkboards downtown, music instruction and performance, Adirondack chairs along the Riverwalk, street signage for self-guided tours of the city, and the installation of a miniature park. PopUp Providence is administered by the City’s Department of Planning and Development with $50,000 in funding annually from the Providence Redevelopment Agency. A third round of the project will take place next year. About the United States Conference of Mayors The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are nearly 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor.

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS

NEWS

Speakers Revealed for Taste Trekkers

The Food & Travel Expo Is Returning To Providence

PROVIDENCE, RI – Taste Trekkers, the nation’s premiere Food and Travel Expo, returns to Providence, Rhode Island this fall for a second year. Taking place Friday, October 3rd through Sunday, October 5th, the event will unite adventurous food lovers who share a passion for travel. Tickets for the Expo go on sale Wednesday, July 2nd at noon (EDT). Tickets start at $50 and are available at http://tastetrekkers.com/expo. Taste Trekkers has revealed the first ten speakers of the Expo, with many more to be announced in the coming weeks. The starstudded lineup includes: Myra Alperson is the owner of Noshwalks. She has been leading food tours in New York City for over 30 years. She currently offers unique food tours in all five boroughs. Christopher Bakken is the Director of Writing Workshops in Thessaloniki and Thasos, Greece, where he teaches a food and travel writing course each summer. He is also the author of Honey, Olives, Octopus: Adventures at the Greek Table. Gail Ciampa has been the Food Editor of The Providence Journal for eleven years, where she produces a weekly newspaper section dedicated to food and dining. Cesin Curi is the Chef at Los Andes Restaurant, where he serves authentic Bolivian and Peruvian cuisine with Mediterranean ingredients and flavors. Grace Della founded Miami Culinary Tours ten years ago to provide both locals and visitors a taste of the different cultures that make up the city’s neighborhoods, including South Beach, Little Havana, and Wynwood. Richard Gutman is the Director and Curator of the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales. Gutman has written four books on the journey of the American diner and is known as the nation’s leading diner expert. Shane Kost is the President of Food Tour Pros. He launched

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Chicago Food Planet Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tours in 2006. Since then, it has become the nation’s largest, seasonal food tour business. In 2009, he founded Food Tour Pros to give aspiring food tour operators the benefit of his first-hand experience. Marina Marchese is the Founder of Red Bee Artisanal Honey and the American Honey Tasting Society. A leading authority in the world of honey tasting, Marina has dedicated her life to honeybees and educating chefs, foodies and beekeepers about the culinary delights of single-origin honey across the country. Cindy Salvato is the owner of Savoring Rhode Island, where she leads behind-the-scenes tours of New England’s quintessential Italian neighborhood, Federal Hill. Before that, Cindy taught pastry arts at Johnson & Wales University and in the Culinary Special Program at Boston University. Meghan Sheridan is the Executive Director of the Vermont Fresh Network and a member of the Vermont Agriculture and Culinary Tourism Council. Through her work at the Vermont Fresh Network, she aims to link Vermont’s culinary arts with Vermont’s agricultural bounty by connecting farmers, food producers and chefs, an authentic expression of eating the landscape. This year’s Expo will feature an Industry Day on Friday, October 3rd, with talks and a panel discussion aimed at professionals in the food and travel verticals. It will be followed by a networking cocktail reception. The events of Saturday, October 5th, will take place at the Providence Biltmore and be open to all food lovers. Foodies will hear short talks on a variety of cuisines and destinations, before diving in deeper with longer sessions. The afternoon will wrap up with the Tasting Pavilion in the Grand Ballroom. On Sunday, October 5th, the Expo will conclude with the Eat & Run Scavenger Hunt. Participants will compete for hundreds of dollars in prizes by following clues to their favorite eateries around the city.

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

What Clams Me About SMALL CAPITAL BUSINESS CITY | Kennedy || How Plaza Manage A Remote Worker or Office SMALL BUSINESS Dear To Mom: A Taught Letter Home From ALeadership One Day Warrior

KENNEDY PLAZA A VIBRANT PUBLIC SQUARE by Mayor Angel Taveras

Earlier this month, I was joined by representatives of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA); the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy; city, state and federal officials; and other community stakeholders to break ground on the renovation of Kennedy Plaza. Shovels in hand, we broke the ceremonial ground on site and marked the transformation into a vibrant public square that will take place over the next several months.

Project, a multi-year project aimed at making a more vibrant downtown for passengers and pedestrians. Kennedy Plaza is the heart of transportation in our city and state, and its success is essential to the economic vitality of our Capital City. I am thrilled to begin work on this project and make the Plaza a safer, more navigable civic destination for pedestrians, bicyclists, passengers and motorists. Just over 50 years ago, President John F. Kennedy— for whom this area is named—spoke from

KENNEDY PLAZA IS THE HEART OF TRANSPORTATION IN OUR CITY AND STATE, AND ITS SUCCESS IS ESSENTIAL TO THE ECONOMIC VITALITY OF OUR CAPITAL CITY The reinvention of Kennedy Plaza is designed to improve the pedestrian and bus passenger experience, boost safety in the area and transform the Plaza into a lively destination for residents, commuters and visitors to the Capital City. It has been a top priority of my 20-point economic development action plan, Putting Providence Back to Work, and part of Phase III of the Downtown Circulator

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here on the eve of his historic election as America’s 35th President. In the years that have passed, other notables and lesser-known individuals have used this site as the public square it was destined to be. Its redesign comes as part of a multi-year collaboration between the Providence Department of Planning + Development,

RIPTA, Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy, the Providence Foundation, the Kennedy Plaza Working Group, and other community stakeholders. The end result will support a balanced transportation system for pedestrians, bicyclists, passengers and motorists. When complete in late fall of this year, look for more open space, new plantings and decorative lighting; and with our partnership with the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy, you can expect to see new and exciting programming there. The redesign includes new berths for buses and covered wait stations for passengers. Some bus berths will be consolidated and several will be relocated to the perimeter of Greater Kennedy Plaza. As part of the overall Downtown Circulator Project that began in summer 2013, expect to see new two-way traffic along Dorrance Street, between Washington and Sabin Streets, and Exchange Terrace, from Dorrance Street to Exchange Street. Empire Street between Broad and Fountain Streets and a segment of Greene Street will also be changed to accommodate two-way traffic. New bike lanes and signage downtown will better accommodate bicyclists. Sidewalks will be widened and crosswalks shortened in Kennedy Plaza and LaSalle Square to make downtown safer for pedestrians.

Rhody Design And Manufacturing Win National Notice | SMALL BUSINESS

Rhody Design And Manufacturing

Win National Notice

by Chris Barnett

Two national magazines say a Portsmouth company is making some of the best office furniture in America. Buildings magazine awarded Focal Upright Furniture’s Mobis seat the Product Innovations Grand Prize in the Seating category. The announcement came at NeoCon, North America’s largest design exposition and conference for commercial interior designers. And Inc. magazine did Buildings one better, honoring two of Focal’s products in its annual Best in Class Design Awards. The Locus Sphere Workstation took top honors in the Office category while the Mobis seat was named a finalist. Both products are designed and built in Focal’s Portsmouth facility. “Inc. knows a few things about innovative product design. That said, we are honored that the Inc. editors have recognized both Mobis, our new seat, and the Locus Sphere Workstation, our executive standing desk, as outstanding in the office design category,” says Focal founder and CEO Martin Keen. Inc. looked for products that demonstrated exceptional functionality, a top quality design ethic, superior workmanship and an innovative approach to solving problems. The Locus Sphere has everything that Focal’s original Locus Desk offers, with a 40 percent larger desktop so users can tackle multiple spreadsheets, reports or blueprints with ease. This height- and incline-adjustable desk is the perfect stand-up workstation on its own, or it can be paired with the iconic Locus Seat, which allows users to lean in comfort as they work. From the curve of the expansive desktop to the buffed aluminum legs,

Sphere’s sleek, streamlined design looks great and performs beautifully in any setting. “Your most valuable, high-productive hours are spent at your desk. Our products offer far more comfort, function and utility than traditional office furniture,” Keen explains. Mobis is the latest addition to Focal’s line of upright leaning seats. The seat is designed to work as a dynamic extension of your body, pivoting and flexing to respond to and support every move you make. The Mobis seat cushion turns 360 degrees, always returning to center. Height adjustable from 25” to 35”, the Mobis leg flexes 6 degrees in all directions, which allows your body to find its perfect balance. “It’s more of a perching seat, halfway between sitting and standing,” says Keen. “The idea is it’s keeping your pelvis rocked. A little bit closer to standing, but not all the way towards standing. So, you notice instantly that your back becomes straight.” It is the lighter, grab-and-go version of Focal’s original “stand or lean” Locus Seat, which offers upright support for those at the office, medical facilities, retail, or anywhere it’s important to keep your energy up and your thoughts focused. Designed to be a perfect partner for any standing desk, the lean-into, adjustableheight, pivoting stool was designed for people who need to have as much energy at 4 p.m. as they did at the start of the day. These weren’t the first times Focal has taken home the gold. Its flagship product, the Locus Workstation, won the 2012 Attendees Choice Award at the ErgoExpo and received the Grand Prize in Product Innovation from Buildings magazine last year. Chris Barnett Senior Public Affairs Officer Rhode Island Foundation

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS | Wellness on the Shop Floor

Wellness

on the

by Tim Sullivan

Keeping people healthy in a manufacturing environment presents unique challenges. I had the pleasure of meeting with David Grof, the Safety & Environmental Director at the headquarters for Taco, Inc. in Cranston, RI, and I couldn’t help but come away from the tour absolutely impressed with the facility, company, attitude and professionalism at Taco, Inc. Any business can learn lessons as to how to design a wellness program from the example of Taco. A successful wellness program starts with buy-in at top levels of any company. It is apparent that President John Hazen White, Jr. and the White family treat their employees as if they are an extension of their family. The company encourages fitness through active ShapeUp programs, as well as Greenway Challenges, to name a couple. Taco’s commitment to wellness is highly evident in the layout and organization of the shop floor and the monitoring of safety procedures involved in running a successful manufacturing operation. The shop floor appears to be freshly painted and immaculate. Work spaces are nicely laid out to ease assembly and inspection of products in the manufacturing process. Attention is paid to seating and work bench heights for the best ergonomic results. Each work section was analyzed by an ergonomist in 2007 who helped them design a unique pre-shift stretching routine. Each working group gathers with their section’s “stretching leader” before work and engages in several exercises that are tailored to help them perform their jobs in that particular work area. Exercises are alternated based on whether the date is even or odd, which keeps the

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Shop Floor

exercises from taking too much time and prevents them from becoming too repetitive and boring. Some groups emphasize core body stretching, and some concentrate on exercises that assist manual dexterity. It also serves to assist groups in team building and gives the company an additional point of contact with the workers to emphasize safety, or make announcements regarding new policies, scheduling changes, or other announcements that might be best delivered to a smaller group of employees. Such innovations are not only good for morale, they are also good for productivity, provide for a safer work environment, and ultimately make the company more successful.

A safer work environment in manufacturing is of paramount importance from not only a moral standpoint, but it also affects a company’s bottom line in terms of workman’s compensation insurance rates, which vary based on the number of claims a company experiences over time. The safer the company, the lower the insurance premiums. I didn’t get to tour the Taco facility in Fall River, but I was told that its cleanliness and orderliness is equal to the Cranston facility, despite the fact that it engages in a much heavier form of production, in that it is largely a welding and metal fabrication plant. Paying attention to the details of cleanliness, safety, stretching and wellness have helped the Fall River plant go over SIX YEARS without a day of work lost due to a workplace accident! An OSHA inspector recently commented that it was the cleanest welding operation he had ever inspected. Even though Taco is not a small business, much can be emulated by small businesses to make their operations safer, healthier and, by extension, more profitable places to work! Tim Sullivan Life-Panel www.well-track.com

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Do You Really Value My Opinion? | SMALL BUSINESS

Minding Your Own Brand:

Do you really value my opinion? by Dave Lubelczyk

I have been unhappy with my “big bank.” My main criticism of this bank is that despite their advertising campaigns that say that they are not a big, uncaring bank, over the past few years they have grown to a point where they treat their customers more like a number than a person. They no longer provide the personal service they once did and now do not consistently live up to their marketing promises. Therefore, when I received an email with the subject line “We value your opinion,” I expected this to be a way for me to communicate my recent frustrations and provide them with some constructive feedback. You can understand my disappointment when I clicked the survey link and a page came up which simply read “This survey is closed.” I felt as if the bank said, “Well Dave, we value some opinions but NOT YOURS.” I tracked down and called the person who had sent me the email to give him my perceptions. He quickly dismissed me, saying he had gotten the 200 responses he needed. So I asked him why the email didn’t say how long the survey would be open, or why the link didn’t say something like “Thank you for your interest. Unfortunately the survey is now closed. If you would like to contact us with any important comments, please call or email us at….” I told him that his message really was “We value the first 200 opinions, and then we don’t care.” His response was that if I “really wanted to take the survey” he could make that happen. He had missed my point, and made me feel even less important. This is a perfect example of how companies can set up expectations that ultimately lead their customers to frustration. A brand is reflected in everything a company says and does. Consequently, something as “insignificant” as this survey page can send a strong message about how an organization values its customers. That coupled with unfulfilled advertising promises can quickly turn a potential loyal advocate into an annoyed adversary who will spread the story of their unfulfilled expectations to anyone and everyone who will listen.

When delivering a brand message, the important factor is not what you say, but instead what matters is how they perceive it. Therefore, it is necessary for organizations to take a critical look at all aspects of their business and consider that every point of contact between their company and potential audiences is affecting the status of the brand. Just stating that you provide personal service and value your customer relationships is not enough. Companies must understand the expectations that these statements are creating and use that information to build an organization that provides experiences that strengthen a customer’s relationship with the brand and does not erode it. As a small business, if you provide your customers with consistent experiences that go beyond the expectations you create with your marketing promises, you will be able to recruit loyal advocates. However, this means that you must actually listen to what your customers have to say. Building a successful brand means building a lasting relationship with people who become your advocates. One way is to give them the proper tools to provide you with valuable feedback about your company. This will allow you to make changes in your business and offer customer experiences that create a positive brand perception. So with that in mind, I ask you, do you really value your customer’s opinion? Have you given them the proper tools to provide you with this valuable feedback? Are you actually listening to what they have to say? Dave Lubelczyk Image Identity imageidentity.com

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS | Protecting Your Business from Cyber Threats

P r o t e c t i n g Yo u r B u s i n e s s F r o m

Cyber Threa by Frank Motta

In a matter of a few years, the Internet consolidated itself as a powerful platform that has changed forever the way we do business—and the way we communicate. There’s been a dramatic escalation of business computing environments, and the sheer volume of information has exploded. Today, data is being stored across a wide variety of servers, PCs and portable devices. As companies have embraced the Internet, it’s proven to be a profitable frontier for cyber criminals. It’s no secret that cyberintrusions are on the rise. High-profile hacks on military computers and corporate domains like Google and Microsoft have illustrated that new cyber-security challenges are emerging as fast as experts can combat them. While it’s tempting to see cyber security as a problem unique to government agencies, large enterprises, or e-commerce players, cyber criminals are increasingly paying closer attention than ever to so-called “soft targets” such as small- and medium-size businesses (SMBs). Why? Because bad guys have learned they have more success attacking unguarded small businesses than comparable, enterprise-size companies that employ security fortresses. What Types of Cyber Threats Are There? There’s a range of information security threats. Some of the most common are website tampering, denial-of-service attacks, and malicious code and viruses. Website tampering takes many forms. Simply defacing your website is one option, but criminals can also sabotage web pages with code that downloads spyware to your computer. The spyware is usually capable of performing a range of nefarious tasks. A denial-of-service attack is an attack on a computer or website which locks the computer or degrades the system to the point where it is rendered un-usable. Data theft comes in several forms, including theft of laptops and

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computer files, inappropriate access to computer accounts, interception of emails or Internet transactions, phishing emails that trick you into giving away personal information and Trojan software, such as the recent ransomware attack, called CryptoLocker, which encrypts your data (scrambles the data using a unique algorithm) then presents a payment program for you to send a ransom to in order to decrypt the files. Another infamous attack, called Heart Bleed, allows hackers to steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information from ‘infected’ websites. Although major social sites like Facebook and Tumblr have applied the necessary patches, many others might still be vulnerable. Threats can be internal and external. External threats are most often perpetrated by experimenters and amateur hackers, hacktivists who have personal or political agendas and cybercriminals who are just trying to steal your money. Yet, despite the broad range of external threats, internal threats—whether intentional or unintentional—account for 80% of small business security problems. Employee Training Is Critical to Cyber Security Cyber security is the comprehensive effort to protect computers, programs, networks and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access through technologies, processes and best practices. It’s important to remember that while there are costs involved in protecting information—there are also costs involved in NOT protecting information. Business interruption and downtime can be expensive. The first step to protecting your business information is to establish security policies as well as an Acceptable Use Policy that outlines proper use of company-owned IT assets. It’s very important that security policies are comprehensive and up-to-date and that employees know and adhere to them. Employee training is also critically important and should begin on their first day at work. Training should address safe Internet, email and desktop practices, and everyone should understand basic security do’s and don’ts.

Protecting Your Business from Cyber Threats | SMALL BUSINESS

Heart Bleed, allows hackers to steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information

ats

The Viruses and Malware Menace To protect against viruses and other malware, all devices including servers, PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones should have upto-date antivirus software. Security patches should be updated on a regular basis to keep pace with emerging schemes. Businesses should also lock down their Internet connections with the latest software firewalls, and secure all wireless access points to prevent unauthorized access. Finally, companies should remember the importance of proper and safe disposal of old computers and media. A Word About Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Data backup procedures are essential for information security. If the unthinkable were to happen, you’ll be glad you took time beforehand to test your backups and make sure they actually work. On more than one occasion, businesses have been in situations where they need to go to their backups only to find the backup is unusable. Finally, you should copy information offsite for safe keeping. Consider ‘Hiring’ a Managed Service Provider When it comes to cyber security, there’s a lot to consider. Whether because of budgetary constraints, lack of internal resources and expertise or the escalating number and sophistication of threats, SMBs should think about outsourcing the day-to-day management of their IT infrastructure to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) who has more sophisticated tools. Recently, Gartner Research reported that 80% of IT spending is invested in simple systems maintenance. Consider the benefit of aiming your internal IT resources at projects that contribute to increased revenue and leaving the important, but repetitive daily housekeeping tasks to your MSP partner. Frank Motta EVP CAI Managed IT

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SMALL BUSINESS | Protect Your Greatest Business Asset: Your Employees

Protect by Ted Donnelly

As a small business owner, you know how important your employees are to your success. You depend on their knowledge, experience, talent, and loyalty to keep your company running smoothly and efficiently. But, like many businesses, you may have been hit hard by the recession, and trying to keep expenses down—

your greatest business asset: your employees.

making cuts, freezing payrolls, and streamlining operational costs—means your employees may be assuming heavier workloads, longer hours, and broader responsibilities, often for the same paycheck. So, in these tough economic times, how can you show your workers just how much they’re appreciated? Small gestures, like movie tickets or a night at a local restaurant, can help improve

your employees may be assuming heavier workloads, longer hours, and broader responsibilities, often for the same paycheck 26

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morale, but if you’re looking to offer something more substantial, consider supplementing your employees’ benefits package with life insurance through a voluntary payroll deduction program. Voluntary payroll deduction is one of the simplest ways employees can purchase permanent life insurance to protect their loved ones, and it’s a smart way to supplement the benefits you already offer them. It can usually be set up using your existing procedures for payroll deduction, and, best of all, there is virtually no direct, out-of-pocket costs to the employer. Remember, when you invest in your employees, you invest in your business. That’s just good business sense. Note: Employee participation in a payroll deduction insurance program is completely voluntary. Since this program is not intended to be subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), employers cannot contribute to, or endorse, this program. This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Ted Donnelly, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. Ted Donnelly Agent New York Life Insurance Company

Working Too Hard In Your Sales Conversations? Shift The Dynamic With The “Un-Sell” | SMALL BUSINESS

WORKING TOO HARD IN YOUR SALES CONVERSATIONS?

SHIFT THE DYNAMIC

WITH THE “UN-SELL”

by Dana D’Orsi

What is the “un-sell”? It’s where you pull back and take the pressure off your prospect, giving them the space they need to come back toward you. It’s a funny thing…the more you step back, the more likely you are to pull your clients in. (And yes, ladies — I’ve found this technique to work really well with men, too!)

coach them through their fear, trying to help them see that unless they get support, they’ll inevitably continue to stay stuck where they are. But you never want to feel like you’re convincing them. If you catch yourself feeling pushy, stop immediately. Energetically lean back, take a deep breath and begin to agree with them. Say things like, “I think you’re right. Maybe this isn’t the right time to work together,” or “It sounds like this isn’t the right program for you.” Possibly one of my favorite suggested responses comes from The Queen of Sales Conversion herself, Lisa Sasevich: “You know what, maybe you’re right. Maybe this isn’t the right time for you. Maybe it’s best that you struggle with XYZ a little longer. A lot of growth can come from staying in the struggle.” Genius, right?!

Ideally, you want to remain detached from the outcome of your sales conversations. Your role is to ask good questions so you better understand your prospects’ current challenges and future goals. If it’s the right fit, you can share how you can help them get from where they are to where they want to be. You want to empower them with the information they need to come to a decision—whether that decision is yes or no.

In many cases, by shifting the dynamic, it sort of shakes your prospect up. They realize that they’re sabotaging their success with their excuses and begin to convince themselves that working with you is in their best interests. At the end of the day, if it’s truly right for them, they’ll move forward. And if it’s not, they won’t – and it will simply leave room on your calendar for a truly ideal client to come your way.

Have you ever been in a sales conversation and found yourself working too hard? Like you’re more invested in your prospect getting help with their issue than they are? If so, shift the dynamic with the “un-sell.”

But in reality, sometimes it can be frustrating when you know that you have the solution your prospect needs, but they’re making excuses as to why they can’t move forward with you. They move into “yeah, but…” mode and begin to talk themselves out of getting the support they need. I’m sure you’ve heard all the typical excuses before: “I can’t afford it,” ”I don’t have the time right now,” or “My husband/ wife won’t let me.” (And quite possibly, you’ve used these excuses yourself when on the other end of sales conversations.) Sometimes they’re valid concerns, but often it’s really just fear holding your prospects back from making a commitment to improve their situation.

Dana D’Orsi Business and Marketing Coach Dana D’Orsi International

When you’re faced with this situation, you certainly want to take a stand for your prospect and gracefully

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

Too Your Ma by Peter W. Lang, MBA

Today, the manufacturing industry faces many challenges. There is global competition, the economy is still rocky and technology is constantly changing. On a positive note, lawmakers are working to find ways to revive an industry (manufacturing) that once fueled our local economy.

of processes and continue to challenge your organization to reduce the product to customer lead times. The better you get at identifying and eliminating these “time wasters,” the more efficient you will become. •

Stop trying to find temporary solutions to a problem. Instead, identify and address the root cause of that problem. We see it all the time – quick temporary fixes that mask bigger problem areas in manufacturing operations. In many cases, management is focused on addressing the symptoms of the problem and not the problem itself. For example, if an operation or piece of machinery is constantly breaking, some companies will stockpile inventory so that production is not impacted. The company may become so focused on reducing the inventory that it fails to address the root cause of the problem: the reliability of the process or piece of equipment. The bottom line: tackle operational problems as they happen. Do not hide them, or focus on the symptom; address the root cause and fix it!

•

Make an effort to understand your customers. To sell your product, you need to know what your customers value and what it will take to meet their expectations. We have all heard the words, “Value is in the eyes of the beholder.” In this case, the beholder is your customer. Have you ever asked your customer what he or she is willing to pay for? Some customers may value quality above all else, while others may value delivery time reliability or product cost when deciding whether they want to do business with your company. Sit down with your customers, learn their priorities and reorient or reconfigure your operations as necessary.

As a business owner, it is important to be proactive and find ways to keep your manufacturing business running efficiently. Below are a few steps that can help your bottom line: •

Identify wasted time and effort and make changes. Typically, the longer it takes to produce and ship a product, the more costly it becomes. If a product sits unfinished or is held in staging areas, the clock keeps ticking and costs are accumulated.

Did you know that, on average, the actual processing or conversion time to produce a product is approximately five percent of total product lead time to the customer? The remaining time and effort can be considered non-value added or wasted time! By identifying and eliminating the non-value creating tasks in business operations, your business will become more efficient, which should result in a reduction in product cost. Work to create protocols to drive time out

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Tools To Help Keep Your Manufacturing Business Efficient | SMALL BUSINESS

ols To Help Keep anufacturing Business Efficient •

•

It may sound cliché, but never underestimate the power of the team. Empowered teams that leverage brainstorming and problem-solving techniques are the engine for the most successful and sustainable continuous improvement efforts. We see the results time and time again: a single team member with an improvement idea or solution presents it to his teammates and, through a brainstorming activity or problem solving technique, the team produces a breakthrough for the organization—an approach to a problem or a solution that no one person could ever have imagined! With minimal investment, an empowered team can be unleashed and become the hub for out-of-the-box thinking and innovation within your organization. Empowered teams can be your ticket to a new and improved method of doing business that is innovative, cost effective and critical to efforts in exceeding customer expectations. Act. Identifying improvement opportunities may be the easy part. Everyone has ideas, especially in our workplaces, but how many good ideas ever get implemented? Unfortunately, implementation of productivity improvement ideas is not as common as it should be. Regrettably, many organizations have a graveyard full of great ideas and solutions that were never implemented, including some that may have saved failed businesses. It is much harder to implement change than one would think. Why is that?

People are slaves to routines, creatures of habit, perhaps unwilling to change or may not see the benefit of change. To overcome complacency, you must act quickly when you have good ideas and solutions, as time can be your enemy. Organizations that are leaders and innovators in their fields or industries do not let good ideas and solutions die or sit too long, they act. •

Continuous improvement is not a program. It is a culture and a philosophy that must be embedded in the DNA of an organization. Programs come and go. They typically start with a lot of momentum and some excitement, but then run their course, people get tired of them, resources are diverted elsewhere, and they die a slow death. An effective continuous improvement culture requires an ongoing effort to improve products, services or processes. These efforts may involve small improvements over time or a larger improvement all at once. Either way, it is dependent on diligence and a team effort in which each member is held accountable.

These tips are a guide to improving your business through efficiencies. They will assist in dealing with today’s constantly changing technology which, in turn, will lead to greater profits. Peter W. Lang, MBA Partner BlumShapiro

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SBA | How Do You Get Started On Your Business Continuity Plan?

How Do You Get Started On Your Business Continuity Plan? Tips Shared at Free Webinar Hosted by SBA and Agility Recovery You’ve gone online to get the checklists, read the articles, and join the webinars, and you’ve gathered some really good disaster preparedness tools for your business. But what should you tackle first? Is it the financial protection that comes with good insurance coverage? Should your priority be protecting your employees? And how do you find the time to work on a disaster recovery plan? Get help with those first steps toward building your plan at a free webinar on Tuesday, August 5 hosted by Agility Recovery and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The action you take to protect your business can make the difference between surviving a crisis and losing your hard-earned assets. SBA has partnered with Agility to offer business continuity strategies at its “PrepareMyBusiness” website. Visit www. preparemybusiness.org to access past webinars and get additional preparedness tips. The SBA provides disaster recovery assistance in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/ disaster.

WHAT:

“Start Building Your Disaster Recovery Plan TODAY!” A presentation followed by a question and answer session

WHEN:

Tuesday, August 5, 2014 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT

HOW:

Space is limited. Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/445589536

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Getting More Loans into the Hands of the Underserved | SBA

Getting More Loans

into the Hands of the Underserved by Seth A. Goodall

As the New England Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, it’s my job, and the job of the agency, to try to help as many small business owners and entrepreneurs as possible access the capital they need to start or grow their business. We know we’ve made gains in expanding our programs, but there is still more to do to make sure SBA loans are available to every business owner who needs one to start or grow a business. Underserved communities in particular still have trouble accessing the capital they need to achieve their dreams. When Administrator Maria ContrerasSweet started on the job in April, she made clear that improving access to capital for the underserved would be a top priority. That’s why we’re pleased to announce that under her leadership, starting this July, we’ll be transforming our guarantee process to serve America’s small businesses—and the entrepreneurs behind them—better. In an effort to streamline and simplify our loan application process, we’re streamlining our underwriting by making a total credit scoring model we’ve been testing and refining for over a decade available to all of our lending partners on loans of $350,000 or less. The SBA total credit

score combines an entrepreneur’s personal and business credit scores and makes it easier and less timeintensive for banks to do business with the SBA. This model is cost-reducing and credit-based. It ensures that risk characteristics—not socio-economic factors—determine who is deemed creditworthy. Along with this simplification, we’re eliminating requirements for timeconsuming analyses of a company’s cash flow on small loans under $350,000, a step that can delay loan decisions. Additionally, at the beginning of this fiscal year in October, we set fees to zero on loans of $150,000 or less, another way to reduce the costs for lenders making small-dollar loans. Why does this matter? Because oftentimes, the smaller or newer the business, the smaller the loan. And as these businesses grow, they will come back for additional loans, creating jobs along the way. So encouraging lenders to make more small-dollar loans is good for the economy, it’s good for businesses, and it’s good for our communities.

Underserved communities in particular still have trouble accessing the capital they need to achieve their dreams.

will simplify and streamline the lending process, which will incentivize banks to make more small-dollar loans in order to get more loans into the hands of traditionally underserved entrepreneurs. We know that the key to a strong and lasting middle class is opportunity for all. The president has made clear that we must grow our economy from the middle out. Key to that is access to the American Dream of starting and owning your own business. By making SBA loans easier and more affordable, more lenders will join our program, more small businesses will have access to our lending products, and more entrepreneurs will succeed.

These changes make sense. They are another step in our efforts to modernize our lending process and bring it up to pace with the high-tech era we live in. They will make it easier and less time-intensive for banks to do business with the SBA. We’re making these changes knowing that it Seth A. Goodall New England Regional Administrator U.S. Small Business Administration

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

4 four

organizing traps and how to avoid them

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Four Organizing Traps and How to Avoid Them | SMALL BUSINESS

There is no bin, folder, drawer organizer, shelf unit or cabinet that will get you organized. The solution lies in the process, not in the product. by Lisa S. Griffith

Have you started an organizing project with the best of intentions, only to lose steam before the project is done? Does your beautifully organized space deteriorate into its previous state more quickly than you’d like to admit? Or do you never really get going at all, and wonder why it’s so difficult to get started? Over the years of working with clients to get their homes and offices organized, I’ve encountered four common mental traps that can derail even the most well-intentioned of organizing projects. I don’t have time to get organized! This is the lament I hear often from the overwhelmed and overworked. They are well aware of the fact that getting organized requires an investment of time, and have decided that they can’t spare any to get things under control. What they don’t realize is that being disorganized costs them time and money on a regular basis. Taking the time to get your spaces organized can be difficult in the short term. However, being able to find what you want when you need it, and functioning more efficiently in your space pays off in the long term. It saves time and money, but more importantly it allows you to operate at your full capacity, reducing your stress, and making it possible for you to focus on whatever is most important in your life—work, family, or leisure. I’m getting organized—let’s go shopping! Piles of designer baskets, plastic bins with the labels still attached, the latest organizing gadgets, and enough office supplies to open their own office supply store piled in the corner, filling closets and taking up space. That’s often the scene when I arrive at my clients’ homes or offices. For many, running out to the store to buy organizing supplies seems to be the obvious first step in any organizing project. However, often those supplies end up just creating more clutter. Until you make the effort to sort through what you have and to decide what stays and what goes, you will have no idea where, or how the stuff that remains will be stored. You won’t know what kind and how many containers you need. Many times, my clients have found that they already have plenty of organizing supplies that they can use or re-purpose without purchasing anything new. There is no bin, folder, drawer organizer, shelf unit or cabinet that will get you organized. The solution lies in the process, not in the product. It has to be perfect! Are you a perfectionist? Does everything have to be done to exacting standards—all labels perfectly aligned, all folders in a specific color, all containers matching your decor to designer standards? If you can’t do it perfectly, it’s not worth doing, right? So the project never gets finished because you can’t bring yourself to follow through. It’s never good enough, so why bother trying? And the clutter builds, you spend your time spinning your wheels because you can’t find what you need, your frustration climbs, and you’re still wasting time, money,

and fighting stress. As a reformed perfectionist, I have a mantra that I’d like you to repeat when you find yourself sinking into the mire of perfectionism: “Done is better than perfect.” Half-finished organizing projects will not gain you more time or relieve your stress. In fact, they may cause you more stress, because having half-finished stuff hanging over your head will just make you feel worse. Perfectly printed labels on empty file folders sitting in an unused filing cabinet next to a desk piled high with papers won’t help you find anything any time soon. Scribble the file names on the folder, sort through the paperwork, get it into the files and into the cabinet. Someday you will have time to print out those perfect labels. But if someday never comes, at least you can function efficiently and get stuff done in the meantime! “I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence I can reach for; perfection is God’s business.” (Michael J. Fox) Once it’s all done, I’m all done. So, you’ve managed to get all the way through your organizing project. Your papers are filed, your counter tops are clear, your closet is full of only the stuff that fits and looks good. It’s been a challenging journey, but you made it through, and things are hunky dory. You’re saving time, making more money, spending more time with your family, pursuing that long-awaited hobby. With a giant sigh of relief and a pat on the back, you pick up the pattern of your life again. But slowly, inexorably, over the course of a few weeks or months, your spaces begin to clutter up, it gets harder to find stuff, and you begin to spin your wheels again. Before you know it, you’re back where you started, or perhaps in even worse shape than when you began. Why? Because organized spaces don’t maintain themselves. There are plenty of great systems to implement that will help you get organized. There are no magic systems. Getting organized is great, taking action on a large-scale basis. Staying organized is a different matter. It requires changing habits, making little decisions and taking small actions on a daily basis. Five minutes a day going through the mail instead of plopping it down unread on the counter. Or five minutes hanging up those clothes in your newly organized closet. Ten minutes putting things back in their homes at the end of the day, whether it’s on your desk, or in your family room. Fifteen minutes every week filing away those papers that need to be saved. An hour a month checking through spaces to pinpoint stuff that you don’t use or don’t need anymore and getting them out of the house for donation, or to recycling, or the trash. Maintenance is the key to long-term organization, and it doesn’t take hours. It takes just a few minutes each day. Every day. Don’t get trapped by thinking that lack of time keeps you from being organized. There is no perfect gadget, no magic system that will do it. And perfection is not only unrealistic, it’s exhausting. Make small decisions and take small actions on a daily basis, and you will reap the benefits that being organized can bring. Lisa S. Griffith Organizing & Productivity Specialist The Organized Way

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

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12 Signs You Might Be A Business Owner | SMALL BUSINESS

Signs You Might Be A Business Owner by Adam Harvey

Business owners are a unique group of people. We have to think and act differently than everyone else to keep our edge. We are bosses, coworkers, vendors, clients and salespeople all at the same time, so our minds are always spinning in a million different circles, teetering on that thin line between brilliance and total mental breakdown.

Are you living the life of a true business owner? Read on and find out if you’re doing it right! 1. Vacation? What is this “vacation” you speak of? Your idea of a vacation is watching an episode of Game of Thrones without interruption. No jetting off to enjoy some sun and fun unless you bring your laptop, cell phone (with waterproof case), iPad—basically 90% of the equipment in your office. You know there’s going to be some kind of emergency only you can handle. My staff called me once because we were out of paper towels. Honestly?!? 2. Your office is everything and everywhere: your car, your bedroom, your kitchen table, and your kid’s soccer game. You name it, you’ve worked from there on many occasions because for you there is no such thing as “work” and “home.” It’s all one, baby. 3. You and your phone are inseparable. If nobody can reach you, the zombie apocalypse will happen. True story. 4. Your passion in life is to take the box, tear it to pieces and turn it into a trapezoid. 5. Your blood is actually coffee. I’m not kidding. If you were to get a blood test, it would come out looking and smelling like coffee. But that’s OK because without it, those 3 am working sessions would not be possible!

VACATIO N

6. Sleep is for babies. (See #5 above for details) 7. You live by the words “nobody ever remembers who finished second.” You have a strong competitive side and even though winning isn’t everything, you will never go down without a fight. 8. You see opportunities everywhere No matter where you are or whom you’re with, you’re always looking for your way in so you can make that connection with someone. You never know if the person sitting next to you at a dinner party could be your next customer or your strongest business connection. 9. You spend less time doing what you actually set out to do and more time trying to communicate effectively with others. Speaking with customers, directing employees and communicating with vendors are all a huge part of your job and they take up a large portion of your day. 10. You quote Walt Disney and Steve Jobs just to keep yourself from losing it. 11. You have unrealistic expectations and you don’t care. If you don’t dream big for your business, who will? Shooting for the stars is the only way to get there! 12. You have a “schmoozy voice” and you know how to use it. We are a crazy bunch, aren’t we? I don’t mind because I’m proud to be in such good company with other crazy, smart, hardworking and passionate people. Adam Harvey GLAD WORKS www.gladworks.com

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www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS | 5 Things You Should Look For In A Cloud Provider

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR IN A

CLOUD PROVIDER

by Jeremy Girard

More and more organizations are moving pieces of their infrastructure and critical services to the cloud. The benefits of this move are many, including increased security and availability, improved disaster recovery options, and reduced management time required. Still, for all these benefits, there are many companies that are reluctant, or downright scared, to move to the cloud. Often, this is because they want to maintain a certain level of control over their infrastructure – a level of control that is a challenge to achieve with many cloud providers. To put it simply, sending critical services and infrastructure to the cloud scares many companies because they do not know where that cloud is or what happens when something goes wrong and they need additional assistance. Cloud services typically abstract humans from the equation, which is a problem when you need to speak with someone about your specific concerns and needs. These concerns are understandable and legitimate, but they should not keep you from making a strategic business

RISBJ island small business RISBJ | rhode | rhode island small businessjournal journal

decision to embrace the benefits of cloud computing. As with anything in business, if you allow your fears to drive your decisions, you will be left behind while your competition moves forward and claims a competitive advantage. Cloud computing can revolutionize your IT infrastructure and the way that you do business, but you need to make sure that the provider you partner with for your cloud initiatives is a right fit for your business. Here are a few things you should be looking for in a cloud provider. 1. A Local Option – Partnering with a provider that is local to you has a number of advantages. Perhaps you have been hesitant about a move to the cloud because you are fearful of “where” that cloud is or you do not want to give up complete control of your infrastructure. If this is the case, then a local provider whose facilities you can visit, and whose team you can work alongside when needed, may be the answer for you. A local provider is also likely to be a group that knows you and your organization and takes your business success personally. That type of relationship is very difficult to find when you work with national or even global providers to whom you are little more than an account number.

5 Things You Should Look For In A Cloud Provider | SMALL BUSINESS

2. Cloud Services, Not Just a Platform – Many cloud providers offer a compelling platform, but that is all they offer – a platform. Most organizations, especially those who are new to the cloud, need more than just a platform. They need a provider who has services to complement their platform and ensure a successful transition to those cloud services. When considering cloud providers, weigh their platform alongside their services to get a sense for what the whole package looks like. 3. Cost Predictability – One of your driving factors for moving infrastructure to the cloud may often be cost savings, but contracts whose prices fluctuate based on usage can quickly negate any savings you had planned. For instance, you may have one month where your usage is much higher than normal. Perhaps you are doing some critical development and testing and you need to spin up a number of VMs (virtual machines) as part of that process. That one month of additional usage could push you to a higher contract level, and cost you more money each month going forward if your plan does not have a way to accommodate these special circumstances. In other cases, you may pay for what you use, which means that one month may be one price and another may be wildly different. That unpredictability makes budgeting very difficult, so you should be looking for a contract with predictable rates and a way to account for those aforementioned special circumstances. 4. Flexibility – Every organization’s needs are different, so a “one-size-fits-all” cloud solution may not suit your needs in the way that your business requires. The ability to work with your cloud provider (again, this is where a local option can be very helpful) to shape the solution to your needs can be critical to its success. Whether you are moving all of your infrastructure to the cloud or going with a hybrid cloud/on-premise solution, a provider who can work with you to find the right solution for your needs is important. They should have the flexibility to make your plans happen today, and also the scalability to grow and adjust as your needs change in the future. 5. Compliance and Security – Security and compliance considerations are at the top of almost all companies’ concerns when it comes to the cloud. If you are handling sensitive data or personal client information, you want to be sure that your cloud provider has the necessary proper compliance credentials to meet any regulations your company or your industry may be subject to. You also want to be mindful of physical security and disaster readiness. How access to the actual facility is handled or what the plans are in case of natural disasters, power outages, and more are important considerations to look at when selecting a cloud provider. The cloud should not be a scary place for you or your organization. By being mindful of the points covered in this article, and selecting the right cloud provider, you can realize all the benefits of cloud computing for your business. Jeremy Girard Director of Marketing Envision Technology Advisors | www.envisionsuccess.net

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www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

Tips 6

SMALL BUSINESS | 6 Tips For Summertime Marketing Success

For Summertime Marketing Success

It’s summertime in Rhode Island. The time of year that we hit the beaches, eat our clam cakes and chowdah, drink our Del’s Lemonade and shop on Thames Street in Newport. It’s nice to have the opportunity to unwind this time of year and enjoy much of what makes Rhode Island one of the best places to live. But what about the businesses that look at this time of year as their “busy season?” As a business owner of any seasonal business, how do you maximize your business this year, while building towards an even better season next year? Here are my top 6 tips on ensuring summertime success: 1. FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIPS Even with a short season, a seasonal business should value the relationship they build with each customer. While summer business is made up of two distinct groups—tourists and native Rhode Islanders—both of these groups have the potential to buy from us multiple times this season. If we market our business properly, they will come back in future seasons. While thinking about the short-term sale, we must make sure to focus on the long-term relationship and the value that brings to our business. 2. PLAY NICE WITH OTHERS Seasonal businesses often have a similar audience that share similar interests. Look to partner with other businesses that offer a different product than you, but target the same customers. We often see restaurants partnering with hotels and theatres,

RISBJ island small business RISBJ | rhode | rhode island small businessjournal journal

and retail shops giving out beach passes. If you’re a jewelry store, what about partnering with a clothing store? Or if you offer bike rentals, why not partner with the kayak rental shop? The possibilities are endless. 3. GIVEAWAYS AND PROMOTIONS The summer months offer a large number of festivals and outdoor activities. We have the Newport Folk Festival, The International Film Festival, The Summer Comedy Series and WaterFire, along with numerous outdoor concerts and movies. Drive people to your store by offering tickets to summertime events. Running a promotion that will give free tickets based on how much a customer spends will incentivize shopping at your location over a competitor’s and will also help to increase spending. You can also offer tickets in an online contest using email and social media to drive more visibility to your store and build brand awareness. 4. REFRESH YOUR MARKETING MATERIALS Every customer that walks in your store should be able to leave with something promotional. The more memorable you are, the more likely people will come back, and even better yet, they will bring a friend. •

Give away business cards that have your information on the front, and a special offer on the back. The offer could be

6 Tips For Summertime Marketing Success | SMALL BUSINESS

The more memorable you are, the more likely people will come back, and even better yet, they will bring a friend

good for a discount on their next purchase or a free gift. •

•

Print postcards with a calendar of upcoming events. If your business has pre-set sales, print those out for people so they know when to come back. If your business doesn’t offer this type of promotion, print out postcards with area events and festivals listed. This is more likely to make the cut of items to be placed on the refrigerator next to all the kids’ drawings and family photos. Give away summer-related promotional items that have your logo and website on them. Items like Frisbees, water bottles and t-shirts will get a lot of use and create great brand awareness for your company.

5. GATHER CUSTOMER DATA Building a strong list of previous customers is a great way to stay top-of-mind year-round. At your register, try collecting email addresses on a signup form, or have your staff ask each customer for their email address at checkout. If you’re a restaurant, you can keep feedback forms at every table to capture customer data. You can also put signup forms on your website to collect email addresses. Also, be sure to ask for customer feedback. It’s easier to collect this feedback while their experience is still fresh in their mind,

rather than wait until time has passed. Collecting customer feedback is not only great to help you understand how your customers perceive their experience with you, but also to promote through social media, emails and on your website. Share those positive experiences every chance you get! It’s ideal to gather all of this data when you have plenty of traffic, so while it may seem challenging to add this task to your list of peak season to-dos, your off-season and next season success depends on it. 6. STAY SOCIAL While at times social media is too heavily replied upon, it’s still a great way to stay connected to your audience. Social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Google+ can help you stay in front of your audience year-round. You should be using social media to offer special discounts, gather (and share) reviews and testimonials, run contests and polls, and generate a buzz for the current season and for next season. Try posting at least once each day on something that will excite your audience and keep them engaged. So this summer while you’re enjoying your busy season, make sure to set aside time for marketing to your customers to ensure your seasonal success.

www.risbj.com www.risbj.com| | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS | Preventing and Addressing Workplace Harassment

Personnel Practices

Preventing and Addressing Workplace Harassment by Matthew R. Plain, Esq. & Kristen M. Whittle, Esq.

Although conflict is bound to arise from time to time in every workplace, conduct that rises to the level of unlawful harassment can subject employers, and potentially individual supervisors, to liability. In several recent lawsuits in Rhode Island and neighboring states, employees have been awarded up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts where employers have failed to appropriately address harassing behavior and/or failed to prevent harassment from occurring in the first place. Although employers should always seek to prevent harassment on any basis, harassment on the basis of the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s membership in a protected class is prohibited under federal and state law. Specifically, federal and state law prohibit workplace harassment on the basis of an employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status, or genetic information. In addition, Rhode Island law prohibits harassment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. According to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

(http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/harassment.cfm), harassment becomes unlawful where 1) enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or 2) the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Gentle teasing and minor annoyances, particularly in isolated incidents, are not typically considered unlawful. However, conduct that would be intimidating, hostile, or offensive to the average person is not permissible. For example, harassment can be verbal (epithets, derogatory statements, slurs, and unwelcome jokes or teasing), physical (assault or physical interference with normal work), or visual (posters, cartoons,

Preventing and Addressing Workplace Harassment | SMALL BUSINESS

conduct that would be intimidating, hostile, or offensive to the average person is not permissible drawings). In addition, unlawful harassment may take many different forms. For Example: • Unlawful harassment can be perpetrated by an employee’s supervisor, a supervisor who does not directly supervise the employee, an agent of the employer, a coworker, or a non-employee. • An employee who is not directly subjected to harassing behavior, but who is otherwise affected by offensive conduct, may pursue a harassment claim. • Unlawful harassment may give rise to a claim even where the employee is not terminated from employment or otherwise economically injured, but where the employee is subject to a hostile work environment. Although harassment claims are analyzed on a case-by-case basis, typically employers can be held liable for harassment by a supervisor where the harassment results in an adverse employment action, such as suspension, termination, or loss of a promotion. Where a supervisor’s harassment of an employee creates a hostile work environment, an employer will be liable for such harassment unless the employer can prove that it implemented reasonable efforts to prevent harassment from occurring in the first place; that it took prompt action to correct the harassment; and that the employee failed to avail him or herself of corrective opportunities offered by the employer. Where a non-supervisory employee has harassed another employee, an employer may be held liable if it knew (or should have known) that the harassment was occurring and it failed to quickly take appropriate action thereafter. In order to address, and ideally prevent, unlawful harassment in the workplace, employers should implement and consistently enforce non-harassment policies stating that workplace harassment will not be tolerated and that individuals who engage in harassing behavior may be subject to immediate discipline. In addition, employers should encourage employees to be on the lookout for instances of harassment and to report such issues swiftly. Employers should inform employees that no adverse action will be taken against them as a result of their participation in an investigation of workplace harassment. Employers should also designate several different people to receive complaints of harassment, not just employees’ supervisors, in case an employee’s supervisor is perpetrating the harassment. Such efforts will help create an environment in which employees feel free to voice concerns about workplace harassment without fear of retaliation or other adverse employment action, and will help employers avoid liability if harassment does occur. Matthew R. Plain, Esq. Partner, Barton Gilman LLP

Kristen M. Whittle, Esq. Associate, Barton Gilman LLP

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www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS | Build Employee Strengths to Maximize Results

Build Employee

by Susan Esposito

During the 2008 Great Recession, the mentality of “do more with less” became all too familiar. It was the mission and mantra of almost every employer out there—and the key to even staying in business. Unfortunately, as the recession began to recede, this way of running a company did not follow suit. In response to an unstable market and increased government regulations, doing more with less seems to be gaining an even greater foothold.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

What’s an Employer to Do? Whether it’s due to health care changes, wage worries, lack of skilled workers, or a multitude of other reasons, the reality is that businesses still have to do more with less. That’s not easy, but it’s not impossible either. Rather than focusing on reductions and doing without, one solution is for businesses to take advantage of what they already have. By maximizing current employees and utilizing them to their full potential, businesses can grow without increasing their size. Recognize your employees when they do an outstanding job and you’ll likely see an increase in not only retention, but engagement and overall job satisfaction from your team. Capitalize on Strengths There is no perfect employee; everyone has his or her own unique strengths and weaknesses. So which one should your business’ leadership focus on? According to Gallup Business Journal, “building employees’ strengths is a far more effective approach to improving performance than trying to improve weaknesses.” By shifting the focus onto what each employee does

Build Employee Strengths to Maximize Results | SMALL BUSINESS

Strengths

o Maximize Results Recognize your employees when they do an outstanding job and you’ll likely see an increase in not only retention, but engagement and overall job satisfaction from your team. well and then assigning tasks and projects accordingly, a business can greatly increase its chances of success. In fact, Gallup revealed that “people who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged on the job.” And Gallup’s research has shown that more engaged workers also perform better and are less likely to leave, which in turn means more profits and higher quality work for the employer. Empower the Passions There is more to an individual than just that person’s strengths. While there may be several strengths an employee has, they also have passions that can positively impact your long-term success. Those passions are what employers need to tap into. Specifically, Harvard Business Review recommends giving employees some freedom in choosing their projects and tasks. There are certainly limitations to this, but the journal found that because employees will usually choose what they are interested in doing, they have a higher chance of success. Gallup’s 2013 State of the American Workplace Report echoed the same sentiment, saying that the most highly engaged, successful organizations “get the most from their employees by tapping into their passion, potential, and discretionary efforts.” Google’s 20% rule is a perfect example. Employees are allowed to put 20% of their time and efforts into “passion projects.” And, reportedly, those result

in half of all Google’s new projects. Passionate employees are the root of an innovative company. Respect the Limits Understand, however, that maximizing your employees’ potential does not mean working them to death. Research from Gallup has shown that “those who use their strengths for 10 hours or more each day are more likely to say they have enough energy to get things done.” And, Inc. Magazine reported that there are short-term benefits for brief, infrequent bursts of overtime. But that must also be balanced with other realities. The article from Inc. went on to say that consistently clocking more than 40 hours per week results in unproductive, tired employees, and the increased hours worked is not equivalent to an increase in production. Employees are a business’ single greatest asset. They are also often the least utilized, which makes them the most likely solution for the “do more with less” conundrum. Every business owner wants to see their company succeed. In today’s business world, that means maximizing what you already have by recognizing and capitalizing on the strengths of your people, while providing them the opportunity to become leaders and be creative. Susan Esposito Business Developer Express Employment Professionals of Warwick, RI

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

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Locally Family Owned And Operated Since 1946

1425 Park Avenue Cranston, RI 401-942-4411

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(401) 432-7000 The RI Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law. The court does not license or certify any lawyers as experts or specialists of any field of practice.

THE LADY PROJECT CONNECTS, INSPIRES AND SHOWCASES AMAZING WOMEN DOING AWESOME THINGS THROUGH EVENTS, MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

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The Lady Project | FEATURED NONPROFIT

” E L P O E P R U O Y “ T FIND C E J O R P Y D A L E H T H T I W by Sierra Barter

The Lady Project connects, inspires and showcases awesome women doing amazing things through events, membership and community engagement. I started The Lady Project almost three years ago in late 2011 with Julie Sygiel of Dear Kate. We both came to Providence to go to college, and later stayed post-grad to start separate businesses. Julie and I met in the fall of 2011, and the first thing she said to me was, “Oh my gosh, you’re my people.” It was our Oprah “Aha” moment for something much bigger than that moment. We realized that we both knew lots of amazing women who were starting something awesome here in RI. These women came from all different aspects of our lives—college, internships, past jobs, etc. We thought that all of these women should not only know each other, but work together, too. We knew that there were other women like them in Providence, and that by getting them all together in one room, it would only help us all succeed. The first PVD Lady Project event was February 16, 2012 at The Dorrance in downtown Providence, and we had about sixty people in attendance (we now average around 100-120 women at each event, and often sell out). Since our first PVD event, we have hosted two annual Lady Project Summits in Providence, bringing in hundreds of women from all over the country (and featured in both Lucky Magazine and Entrepreneur) for a day of professional workshops, fun networking and inspiring keynote speakers. Next year’s Summit will be April 18 at The VETS Auditorium. Last October we launched our first extension chapter in New Haven, CT and then Boston this past January. NYC Lady Project launches this October and Nashua, NH will launch later this fall. We often hear from our members how they appreciate having events and opportunities for “me time” to connect with other amazing, driven women in a fun and unintimidating environment. We have monthly events ranging from our “signature” events with

speakers and cocktails at fun event spaces. We also have active nights where our members try out new fitness classes together, like aerial yoga or Crossfit, and we also have a quarterly book club. We also have a formal membership (www.pvdladyproject.com/ join) where memberships are $35-50/year with a ton of different benefits. Each Lady Project event also benefits another non-profit or charity in Providence that benefits women or girls. We’ve raised over $1,000 this year alone for charities like Girls Rock, Girls on the Run RI and the Girl Scouts of RI. It’s really important to us to keep events and membership affordable for our members, and we make sure they always get more “bang for their buck.” Lady Project is only for women or those who identify as a female. Most of our events are ladies-only, too, but we do have some events where everyone is able to come. It’s important for our members to have a place where they feel 100% comfortable and can connect with like-minded ladies over a glass of champagne. Providence has been so good to us, and we’ve been fortunate to be recognized for our work through different organizations and publications. We were named “Class Cheerleaders” (and cover stars) by Providence Monthly and won Best of RI’s “Best Niche Networking Event” by RI Monthly in 2012. In 2014, I was named “10 to Watch” by Providence Monthly and I’m accepting the “Women of Achievement” award by the YWCA later this year. Our goal is to create a national (or worldwide!) network of likeminded women with chapters all over the country and continue to bring them together to reach their goals and achieve their dreams. We also hope to make Providence THE city to start a business if you’re a woman. Lady Project Org, our umbrella organization that manages all of our chapters, will always stay in RI. We’re on the right track, but we need your support to help us get there. To learn more, visit www.pvdladyproject.com/join or hello@ pvdladyproject.com. Sierra Barter CEO/Co-Founder The Lady Project

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The Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Fund | SMALL BUSINESS

The Municipal Road and Bridge by Gina Raimondo

By working together, we can accomplish so much for Rhode Island. The Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Fund is an example of an innovative program developed in part by Treasury that was overwhelmingly supported by the General Assembly in their FY 2015 budget. During this legislative session, the Fund received two separate appropriations for $5 million and $3.3 million respectively, for a total of $8.3 million. This adds to the $6.9 million that was allocated last year, and has already been put to use across the state. East Providence, Pawtucket, Newport, Burrillville, New Shoreham, Westerly and Warwick are all planning projects thanks to this fund. The Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Fund provides Rhode Island’s cities and towns with a reliable funding source for long-range planning at a lower interest rate to avoid future debt payments and provide local budget relief. The Fund was quickly implemented by the Rhode Island Clean

Water Finance Agency and the Department of Transportation after its creation in the 2013 legislative session, and continues to build on the success of the Clean Water Finance Agency. The Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Fund will help to improve our state’s economy and create more jobs, while supporting Rhode Island’s locally maintained roads and bridges. We expect more projects will be announced in the upcoming months. My goal in helping to establish this program is to take direct action towards solving the issues that impact Rhode Islanders daily. The implementation of this fund will create new jobs in the building trades, which will help to compensate for the drop in available construction jobs over the past few years. The low interest rates attached to the loans will create savings for our cities and towns as they work to repair Rhode Island’s aging roads and bridges. Our infrastructure is the backbone of our state. By working together, we are taking the steps necessary to make Rhode Island stronger. Gina Raimondo Rhode Island General Treasurer

The low interest rates attached to the loans will create savings for our cities and towns as they work to repair Rhode Island’s aging roads and bridges. www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS | Strong Collaboration Promises a Successful Future for more RI Area Students

Strong Collaboration Promises a Successful Future for more RI-Area Students by Katherine Bacino

This Friday afternoon in the front room of the Academic Advantage Warwick office, a student and tutor are engaged in compelling dialogue. They are reviewing the text of Jane Eyre and identifying key themes of the novel to prepare for an English test this student will take next Tuesday. This week, it is British Literature; tomorrow it may be AP Physics or Algebra II. Regardless of the day, Academic Advantage’s Warwick office is bustling with dynamic tutors and attentive students eager to take their academic performance to the next level. In another office, founder of this premier tutoring company Rick Deutsch is busy answering phone calls from new clients interested in experiencing this innovative approach to tutoring for themselves. Deutsch, a “double alum” of Rhode Island College, received his bachelor’s degree in 1970 and a master’s degree in Secondary Administration six years later. He has been an active member of the education community in Rhode Island for over 40 years, and has a keen sense of what students need to reach their full academic potential. Clients of this company range from five to 58 years old and the services that Academic Advantage provides range from academic enrichment programs for elementary school students, to mathematical skills training for adults preparing for a new career. Each client is paired with a tutor qualified to teach in the subject area in which he or she is having trouble. Once a tutor is paired with a student, this instructor reaches out directly to the family in need of services to determine a convenient time, location and frequency to meet. Some pairs meet once a week, while others meet once a day. Some even meet virtually through online tutoring via Skype. These in-person tutoring sessions take place at the most convenient location agreed upon between tutor and client. Some meet at the local library, others at the student’s home, and some meet in the office in Warwick. “We tutor 150 students a week and have over 40 qualified tutors on staff,” shares Deutsch. “We have helped a large number of students with everything from increasing fifth grade reading comprehension, to preparing for AP exams, to writing college essays. We want our clients to know that no matter how a student is doing in school, he or she can improve.” The combination of a company culture that strives to promote academic excellence and the relationships that develop between a tutor and student have produced remarkable results. Math and reading enrichment services provided to elementary

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Strong Collaboration Promises a Successful Future for more RI Area Students | SMALL BUSINESS

school students foster an early love of learning. Foreign language students develop a more complete understanding of the material in oral and written interactions. High school seniors have significantly improved their SAT scores from the initial exam, which has led to acceptances at notable universities, such Boston University, Northeastern University and Catholic University. The college prep services Academic Advantage provides are incredibly hands on: the client and tutor develop a customized plan to accomplish goals in test taking, essay writing, and application completion. While this business continues to be a growing success, Deutsch has just struck a partnership that will extend his services beyond college preparation and adult academic services. This past January, Academic Advantage joined forces with Workforce Performance Solutions, a skills training company that prepares students for careers in computerized manufacturing and assists with job placement. The trainings offer guidance for job placement and a completed certificate translates to transferrable college credit. This collaboration will allow Academic Advantage to not only work with high school students preparing for college, but also students who are not going directly to college at this time, and may be interested in career training opportunities. “We are excited for the opportunity to help more students,” explains Deutsch, “there are so many different paths to academic success…assisting students reach their full academic potential, that has always been our motto, no matter what that path may be.” The benefit of this particular skills training program is that it cuts right to the point. As company founder, Barbara Jackson explains, “We give people what they need for this job market. Our goal, from the very first day of the course, is to provide the training, show companies the individuals who are well trained for these positions, and get those who are involved with a program a job…it’s a no-frills, no-nonsense approach to career success.” With free placement assistance and established relationships with many local manufacturing companies, Workforce Performance Solutions has been extremely successful in maintaining a remarkably high rate of job placement upon graduation from the program. The twenty-six week Intro to Manufacturing and CNC Machining course not only provides a number of certifications necessary for positions in computerized manufacturing, but also offers two MSSC courses that come with three recommended college credits that are accepted at some Rhode Island universities. Overall, the collaboration will help both companies achieve the mutual goal of helping individuals succeed and thrive, no matter their academic goals, skill level or career aspirations. The partnership between Academic Advantage and Workforce Performance solution is a strong partnership helping all students achieve a strong future. Katherine Bacino Digital Marketing Manager at Academic Advantage www.academicadvantageri.com

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS | Tips For College Students On How To Use Linkedin

Tips For College Students

on How to Use by Mia Lupo

I joined LinkedIn my sophomore year of college after attending a career development workshop. At the time, I didn’t fully understand why I signed up for the professional social networking site—I knew my dad used it a lot for work, but only a handful of my peers had profiles. I have benefitted greatly from developing my LinkedIn profile early on—I connected with alumni for informational interviews, I kept a record of the professionals I met at networking events, and I even got a few clients for my freelance social media consulting business. Now, as a college graduate, I have noticed there’s a lot more activity on LinkedIn from my peers than there was two years ago. For digital natives, the platform is not difficult to use—Millennials know the concepts of an online profile, groups, and a newsfeed—it’s just that a considerable number of college students delay in getting their LinkedIn profile until they graduate. Regardless of when undergraduate students and young professionals become active on LinkedIn, there are some things you should know in order to use LinkedIn to its full advantage: LinkedIn isn’t a job search engine (Monster, Indeed, etc.) - The point of LinkedIn is to build and maintain relationships with professionals, which may lead to opportunities in the future. Although the “Jobs” section of LinkedIn continues to develop, the job search engine is only a small component to the greater online networking experience LinkedIn has to offer. LinkedIn “connections” aren’t like your Facebook “friends” - The relationships between you and your LinkedIn connections

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are more professional. Your connections help establish your network in your local community and, in some ways, legitimize your professional profile to potential connections down the road. In addition to connecting with your peers, professors, and supervisors, I highly recommend searching for alumni on LinkedIn who are currently working in a field that interests you. The LinkedIn blog gives good advice on how to find and connect with alumni. Choose and accept invitations to connections with a purpose - Did you get an invitation to connect with someone you don’t know, outside of your industry, in a place you have no desire to move to? Don’t hesitate to press “ignore.” However, if you receive an invitation from a 2nd degree connection, or someone who works in a relevant industry to you, check out her profile. If she demonstrates strong expertise and social presence, I would then recommend accepting her invitation. Remember, LinkedIn is not a popularity contest—it’s okay to say no. Share content on a regular basis - Mashable found that 90% of Fortune 100 companies use LinkedIn to identify future hires. Take advantage of LinkedIn by showing your

connections how active you are in your field, whether it’s participating in “Group” discussions or offering commentary on an article you’ve read. I have seen people post inspirational quote images or even work-related memes, but do this sparingly and in conjunction with thoughtful articles. Searching for content to share immerses you into your industry on a deeper level than reading your textbook because you learn current information, which ultimately builds your knowledge base. Be honest when you create and update your LinkedIn profile - Think of your profile as your online resume. Fill out as much as you can (courses, internships, study abroad, etc.), but avoid inflating and exaggerating your experience—About. com has some tips on how to keep your resume honest that also carry over to your LinkedIn profile. It’s okay if you’re not an accounting prodigy, a club organization president, or an intern at one of the hottest startups in New York City, because when you’re a college student or a recent college graduate, everyone knows you have to start somewhere. Mia Lupo Communications Assistant Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy

AVA I L A B L E P RO P E RT I E S

400 South County Trail, Exeter: Great location!! Design Award of Excellence. Private baths. Centrally located 6 minutes South of Home Depot in North Kingstown. Easy access at the gateway to South County. Taxes are approximate. Assessment as unfinished. 900-4,000 sq.ft. available. From $105,000

1755 Smith Street, North Providence:

Former Dunkin Donuts for over 30 years (they bought & moved across the street). Seats 30+. Has a drive-thru. Parking for 20+. GREAT for ANY fast food concept. 2000 sq. ft. $2,500/mo.

1950 South County Trail, East Greenwich: 20,000 SF warehouse space with 5 dock height doors, 24’ clear height. Ample Parking, Located off Route 2, Great Access to Route 4. Lease at $5 psf.

6 Jefferson Drive, Coventry:

Attention: Investors and 1031 facilitators... Solid National Tenants in this like new office, production, and distribution space. Lead tenant is Neptune-Benson, a leading supplier of commercial water filtration systems. Ryan-Herco is secondary tenant who is a major supplier of parts that support Neptune-Benson. Synergistic relationship adds to already stable companies and likelihood for long term tenancy. Approx. 9% CAP, $4,250,000.

963 Victory Highway, Mapleville:

111 Hopkins Hill Road, West Greenwich:

2220 South County Trail, East Greenwich:

2240 South County Trail, East Greenwich:

Post Office. Great investment opportunity!; stand alone building, with long-term USPO lease and other income units with upside potential. The front of the building has been divided into a retail/ studio, garage, and apartment.. The entrance to the post office is in the back of the building, where there another garage, and large parking lot. Approx. 9% CAP, $579,000

One year lease offers buyer(s) time and income to space plan & seek permits. Close to Exit 7 on Rte 4 across from Stanley Bostich and adjacent Stork’s Nest Child Academy. Lease at $14 psf.

Commercial • Investment • Residential

½ acre – 16 acres Very fast growing area off Exit 6A near GTech, Amgen & Centrex. Front pad is busy Dunkin Donuts, balance of site permits office, retail, warehouse & light industrial. Traffic count 15,000 and growing! Multitude of possibilities- 6 other avail. lots. From $150,000

All spaces include utilities except warehouse. Warehouse space includes 1,200 SF of office space and shared loading dock.Located in expanding business park with ample parking. Quiet, wooded site. Direct highway access to Route 4. On Route 2, near intersection of 402 (Frenchtown Rd.). 6-12 sq ft warehouse from $6 psf. Call for details.

111 Airport Road, Warwick:

Very nice 2nd floor office space near Hoxsie 4 corners. Tastefully decorated, good paint & carpet, possible office furnishings (nice stuff!) Three offices, conference, reception, lav., plus large basement storage. $180/month condo fee. $77,500

222 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick:

Class “a” law office includes conference room, 4 private offices, lavette, reception, storage, kitchen. over 1450 sq ft, plus 500 sq ft storage! Reduced $179,900

N CTIO EDU R E HUG

7265 Post Road, North Kingstown:

7.82 acres on US Rt.1. Zoning permits apartments/office/medical/retail. Many possibilities!! Will build to suit, sale or lease, or land only. Great location. Dozens of acres and walking trails behind property. Adjacent 5+- acres also available. Call For Details!

39 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich:

2,000 to 20,000 sq. ft. flex space for lease. Warehouse, office, classrooms, thearte, recreational, 6 acre site with 500’ front on route 3 land lease available for outdoor storage, nursery greenhouse, ect. Only 1.2 mile from Exit 6. Next to retail plaza. From $5 psf.

Many more Commercial Properties

www.RemaxCommercialRI.com or email Jeff Butler at jab@ButlerRealty.us Trusted Real Estate Service Since 1977 Looking to Buy or Lease? Call the Butler!

www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

local small bus APPAREL

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

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

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

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

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

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

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

DISASTER RECOVERY Lynchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cleaning & Restoration www.lynchsrestoration.com

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

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

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

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

SMALL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

siness directory FOOD AND BEVERAGE

HOSPITALITY

RENTALS

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

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

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

SIGNS

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

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

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

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

ss Listed In Our Directory? or more information

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you too busy to get SMALL BUSINESS | Are You Too Busy To Get Organized?

organized?

by Kristin Carcieri-MacRae

At least once a week, I will hear a business owner say, “I’m too busy to get organized. I can’t take time out of my day to get organized!” Are you running around telling people there aren’t enough hours in the day? Are you disorganized? If the answer is yes, then you have to re-evaluate how you function on a day-to-day basis. If you want to work on your time management skills and become more efficient and productive, you have to declutter, get organized, and streamline processes. Your time management skills will improve once you do this. If you think getting organized is a waste of time, you are wasting time by not being organized. If you continue to say you are too busy to get organized, you will continue to be overwhelmed, stressed out, frazzled, and paralyzed due to your disorganization. If your business hasn’t been affected by this yet, wait a little longer and it will hit you like a brick. How long have you been operating this way? Has it been weeks, months, or years? It’s time to carve out some time in your day and make a plan to get organized. The people that state they are too busy to get organized are usually the same people who are doing the following: Wasting time and energy searching for files. If you filed it when you initially received it or finished working on it, you will have no problem grabbing it when you need it. It will take you seconds to put your finger on it. How much time have you wasted searching for a file in a stack of papers? Not billing clients in a timely manner. Do you have a process for billing your clients? Are you consistent with following through with that process? Are you losing money? Your clients will take notice, especially if they are organized, and your business will begin to feel the effects. Paying bills late. Are the bills you need to pay underneath a mound of paper on your desk? Do you forget to pay them? If you pay these bills late, you are going to be paying late fees, your interest rates will increase, your credit score will drop, and collection agencies will be hounding you. Also, the company that you owe money to may drop you as a customer. I have seen the latter happen many times. Don’t return calls in a timely manner

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

and/or show up late to appointments. Do you always sound frazzled and distracted when speaking to customers? If you are distracted, clients are going to question if you will handle their business in an efficient and productive manner. Clutter in the office. If you have a client visiting your office, they will be distracted by the disorganization in your office and it will be difficult for them to focus on what you are saying. Bottom line, you are losing time, money, and clients due to your disorganization. The majority don’t have working systems in place. There aren’t any processes and procedures in place. If you are disorganized, stop saying you don’t have time to get organized. Carve out a few hours in your day and make that change. Does your business have a slow time of year when you could tackle this project? Can you take one Saturday or evening to tackle this? Are you giving the excuse that you don’t have enough time? Do you think the real reason you don’t want to tackle this is because it’s going to be too overwhelming? Maybe your organizational skill set hasn’t been developed and you don’t know where to begin or how to go about getting organized. Break this project down into small tasks. After you finish reading this, make a plan and tackle this or reach out and call a professional to help you. You won’t believe the amount of free time you will have once you get organized. Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Owner Organizing in RI, LLC

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www.risbj.com | volume three issue seven

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

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