Issue 8 of RISBJ Featuring All About Homecare by Rhode Island Small Business Journal

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Gil Lantini | FROM THE FOUNDER

from the founder Welcome to issue 8 of RISBJ! As we move into the Fall season, we bring you yet another content packed issue with great articles from some of your favorite local entrepreneurs. As we put together our issue each month, I am fortunate to work closely with business leaders from across our state. Their passion and knowledge are such a valuable part of what has helped RISBJ make a big impact on the small business community in such a short amount of time. This past month, I was able to speak with many successful business leaders from across the country. On October 9th I had the opportunity to attend the Startup America Regional Champions Summit in Chicago. The quarterly summits are always inspirational. While at the summit we were able to share stories from within each of the entrepreneurial ecosystems throughout our country, learning from other region’s successes and failures. The highlights of the summit were meeting successful serial entrepreneurs Steve Case, co-founder of AOL, Brad Keywell, co-founder of Groupon and Jason Fried, co-founder of 37 Signals. Each entrepreneur provided valuable insight that they have learned over their decades of experience. Brad Keywell shared stories of his successful business ventures that started in college and continued on after his graduation. In order to successfully build scalable companies, Brad realized early on that he needed an easy way to determine how much money his companies were making at any given point in time. With Groupon and other companies that Brad is involved with, he can tell at any moment during the day how much his companies have made. The impact of having full access to how much money your business has made today, this week, this month and this year at your fingertips at all times goes well beyond profitability. It helps to make a business more efficient and more attentive to cash flow. Jason Fried’s story was much different. What I heard from Jason is something that I believe in and try to practice as an entrepreneur – the idea of reinventing yourself and your business as the market changes. Jason started a web design company in 1999 and

created project management software for internal use to help streamline projects. The software was so powerful that in 2004 the company released its software, known as Basecamp, which became so successful that the company left the web design business and instead became a web application company. By identifying a need in his own company and then identifying a widespread use for his software, Jason found a niche that ultimately lead to greater success as an entrepreneur. As part of our summit, we were also invited to Chicago Ideas Week, which is the brainchild of Brad Keywell. Chicago Ideas Week is a weeklong program of panel discussions, speakers and demonstrations. We sat in on the session “Disruptive Innovation: Reinventing Our World” which featured Steve Case. Steve shared his story about how he and his team set out to “disrupt” the world by launching the online giant AOL back in the 80’s. The part of the story we rarely ever hear about is the nearly 10 years it took to launch and the additional four years it took to get IBM to build a modem into the PC. Steve told us to “Be Patient. Transformative ideas rarely happen overnight.” Whether we begin our journey in college, reinvent ourselves after years of success or wait 14 years for our “disruptive” ideas to take shape, every successful entrepreneur has faced challenges and setbacks. It just goes to show us that persistence often does pay off in the end.

TAKE OUR HAND | Let Us Guide You Through This Issue

SECRETARY OF STATE

Ralph Mollis

STARTUPS

Mind Your Own Brand Think Like A CEO Professional Bookkeepers Importance Of Customer Service Five Tips For The Scared S**Tless Entrepreneur

SBA

Providing More Access & Opportunity

SPOTLIGHT ON STARTUPS

FEATURED TOWN

Narragansett

EVENTS

Networking And Events

SMALL BUSINESS

Buy With Heart Slow Down For Success Quonset Site Readiness Program 5 Myths About Verifications And References Exports, Exports! Get Your Exports Here! IRS Tip Of The Month Independent Retailers Is It Time To Take Your Business Online? Using Linkedin For Your Small Business Speaking In Public Should You Do It? A Map For Organizational Wellness What Will Separate The Winners From Losers... Lesson On Dealing With Disappointment Dieting And Detoxing For Optimal Workplace Wellness Never Underestimate The Power Of Thank You!

FEATURED STORY

All About Home Care

CAPITAL CITY

Why Providence

FEATURED NONPROFIT

Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation

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Local Moms Build Consignment Business Should You Use Do-It-Yourself Legal Forms?

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

I’m Going To Disney World How Teamwork Helps Us Win Feed Your Family First Do You Want Rhode Island To Grow? Paper Management

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All About Home Care

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Think Like Five Tips for a CEO the Scared S**tless Entrepreneur

Exports, Exports! Get Your Exports Here!

I’m Going To Disney World

Don’t Let Go www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SECRETARY OF STATE | Ralph Mollis

RHODE ISLANDERS ARE HEARING SOME GOOD ECONOMIC NEWS Secretary Of State Ralph Mollis

The number of new business entities created from July through September grew for the first time since 2007, ending four consecutive years of decline in the third quarter, according to Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis. For the period, 1,676 new business entities registered with the Secretary of State’s office. That is up nearly 9.5 percent compared to the 1,531 reported a year ago. A jump in the number of Rhode Island-based limited liability companies being created accounted for the majority of the increase. “There definitely are signs that the economy is beginning to catch some winds in its sails. How far it will take us is hard to predict, but I’m hopeful,” says Mollis. The latest results come after the state saw new business formations rise a modest 2.5 percent in the second quarter -- when 1,873 new business entities registered with the Secretary of State’s office – compared to the same quarter a year ago. But, through three quarters of 2012, the state is poised to have its first back-to-back years of growth since 2006 and 2007.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

“If we continue in this direction through the end of the year I think it will be safe to say that the state’s economy does seem to be going in the right direction,” says Mollis. Why does the Secretary of State’s office collect economic data? “Our office is often the first place Rhode Islanders stop when considering starting a business. Our First Stop Business Information Center provides custom packages that make it easier to apply for financing, obtain permits and cut through red tape,” says Mollis. Most newly formed business entities in Rhode Island choose a corporate structure that requires registering with the Secretary of State. More than 60,000 limited liability companies and for-profit and non-profit corporations are currently registered. In addition to its work with startups, the Secretary of State’s office also oversees recording commercial liens, registering notaries public and protecting corporate trademarks. The increase in quarterly corporate starts

is not the only good news for Rhode Island businesses, says Mollis. The state Department of Labor and Training reports that the number of unemployed Rhode Islanders—those residents classified as available for and actively seeking employment—fell for the fifth consecutive month to the lowest level since April 2009. Over the year, the number of unemployed dropped by 5,200. The number of working Rhode Islanders hit 499,400 in September, up 3,900 compared to August. This represents that largest monthly increase since the Bureau of Labor Statistics implemented the current methodology in 1976. In addition, the Rhode Island Foundation has pledged to commit $1 million to initiate and accelerate economic development as part of its “Make It Happen RI” initiative. The proposed uses include looking at creating a Rhode Island-based private sector equity fund for early or growth stage capital for local companies, creating an economic research consortium of higher education institutions and developing a marketing campaign that encourages every Rhode Islander to promote the state.

Gil Lantini

Frustrated?

President, Founder Ralph Coppolino

Vice President, Operations

& Business Development Danny Angeli

Account Executive

James Pardee Jr

Creative Director and Design Editor Mike Casale

Graphic Designer Aaron Cadieux

Video Production Manager Contributing Writers

Gail Ahlers

Peter Andrews Richard Austin Lisa Buben Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Christine Cunneen Adriana I. Dawson Jeffrey S. Deckman Mark G. DeVine, CPA Dan Fawcett

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Speaker, Gordon D Fox Steve Gareau Adam Harvey Jeanne A. Hulit Martinha Javid Dave Lubelczyk Donna Mac Linda Marini Aileen McDonough Briana McGeough Secretary Of State Ralph Mollis Todd Patkin Elizabeth Pierotti Patricia Raskin Tuni Renaud Schartner Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Lisa Shorr Tim Sullivan Mayor Angel Taveras

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Mind Your Own Brand | STARTUPS

by Dave Lubelczyk

Depending on which definition you use, the word “tips” originally stood for “to insure proper service”, “to insure polite service”, or “to insure prompt service”. These concepts were rooted in the age old idea that individuals should be rewarded based on the level of service they provide. Bartenders, wait staff, taxi drivers, chambermaids, and many other professions rely on tips to make a living. Many of these jobs are paid an extremely low base pay by the employer and the worker is expected to earn the remainder of their salary through tips. The idea is that the more extraordinary service they provide, the more the customer will compensate them for their effort. One would assume that the practice of tipping would insure an extraordinary customer experience. The main problem is that these days few people provide even adequate service, yet they still expect the full tip. As customers, we are made to feel guilty leaving a low tip knowing if we don’t tip well, these employees may not make a living wage. This phenomenon of providing poor service and receiving full reward is not reserved to only tip earning professions. From the top executives down to the receptionist, the level of service all employees provide to their “customers” (both internal and external) has steadily declined over the past few decades. This decline has increased while the level of wage entitlement has risen. Workers often feel they deserve top level salaries even if they provide mediocre service. In order to bring back extraordinary service, maybe we should revive the original tips concepts and use them to compensate all employees. From the top down to the front line employee, we should give everyone the same extremely low salary and let their “customers” both internal and external, determine the remainder of their compensation based on the level of service the worker

provides. It would take the reward system away from company politics and puts it back into the hands of the people who know best, their customers. Those who are receiving service from that individual could directly compensate their service provider based on how extraordinary their experience was. This would insure “Proper, Polite and Prompt” service at all levels of an organization.

workers often feel they deserve top level salaries even if they provide mediocre service Unfortunately, having everyone work for tips is not practical but even so it does not mean we all cannot work as if we are being compensated this way. If each of us asked ourselves “Am I providing a level of service that is so extraordinary that someone would want to tip me?”, maybe we would all provide our customers with a better brand experience.

Dave Lubelczyk Image Identity | imageidentity.com

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

STARTUPS | Think Like a CEO

think like a CEO by Steve Gareau

Why would you want to think like a Chief Executive Officer, unless you also are one? Simple. In my experience, the people who learn to think like a CEO are able to earn a good living. Those who don’t, can’t. If you just want to punch a clock, put in your time and just hang onto your job barely earning a living, you can skip this article. But if you want the financial and personal rewards that come from delivering more value, here’s how to do it. The skill of thinking like a CEO is something anyone can learn, it’s a step by step process. Thinking like a CEO means paying attention to detail and then applying what was learned from that. A CEOthinking salesperson learns in detail the customer’s situation – needs and opportunities – and then applies what she or he learned. Think about the big picture, understanding how your product or service helps improve efficiency and save money, as though it’s your own money you’re saving. You’re not just thinking like the CEO of the company you

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

work for, you’re thinking like the CEO of your customers’ companies too. If you can think of solutions to bigger problems for your customers, you’ll move past the “order-taker” situation in which you just get small sales and have to fight for every one of them. You’ll move up to the Big Leagues in which you get to wrestle with finding solutions to your customers’ problems, so you become an important part of their team. It’s more rewarding personally and financially. I’ve known people from all fields who are great at this. One was a dispatcher for a trucking company who was actually more of a “phonebased salesperson,” always thinking of innovative solutions to customer problems, or thinking of ways to save them money, or ways to get their loads delivered faster. In my own career, once while making a call on a large steel company during the late 1980s, I was asked if I knew of a warehouse where I could store 25 million pounds of steel. When I asked why – and who wouldn’t? – I was told that the President of the US (George H.W. Bush at the time) had recently signed an import tariff that would restrict the flow of steel into the United States. The Chinese were shipping as much steel as they could into the country before the tariff took effect. This bit of news opened up my eyes to three big opportunities.

Think Like a CEO | STARTUPS

One, I needed to increase the number of flatbed trailers in the area near the port in Connecticut where the goods would be shipped in. Two, there would be opportunities to provide storage space. But the third opportunity was the biggest, and it came from my question to the plant manager, “Where will you get your steel after the tariff takes effect?”

you get to wrestle with finding solutions to your customers’ problems, so you become an important part of their team. it’s more rewarding personally and financially Now this is the kind of situation where I really enjoy my work, and even more when pencil and paper are handy. The manager started to list all the steel plants in the US that would increase production. I needed that information so I could be sure to have equipment available in those areas. I also needed to know who would be in charge

Libations Restaurant

of ordering that steel, and would need to have the product transported. It was like Christmas in July. There was huge demand for steel transportation from plants that had been on reduced production and suddenly there was demand for their product. It got even more Christmas-like after I called my stockbroker to ask what would happen to the share price of steel companies – and it was like a Manny Ramerez home run as those share prices doubled and even tripled. It all came from understanding the details – the tariff and its effect on production at US steel plants – to see how this would play out in terms of demand for steel-carrying equipment (and stock prices).

Bridge-Building Steps: ONE Take the time to understand your customer’s business. Part of that comes from “secondary” research like reading

trade magazines and industry-related websites, and setting your Internet browser so you’ll receive news about the company and industry. Keep learning about the newest business trends that are affecting your customers. TWO Do “primary” research too – that means asking your customer the right questions and being observant when you call on a customer. If they recognize that you want to learn so that you can meet their needs better and faster, they’ll be only too glad to help you. People love to talk about their work and their business, so give them opportunity to do so over breakfast, lunch, dinner or just meeting in their office. THREE Apply what you learn. Always seek out ways to help your customers increase profits or avoid a loss. Get beyond being only an “order-taker” and transform yourself into a truly valued partner. That way, you’ll be able to hang on to that business for years to come.

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www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

STARTUPS |

Professional Bookkeepers Will Help Your Small Business Save Dollars

…with $ense by Linda Marini

The decision to start and run your own business is exciting and scary at the same time. All the decisions, as well as all of the work, are on your shoulders.

The day comes when you realize that you can’t do it all. There aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done and have time for yourself, your friends and your family. So you make the decision to hire someone. Which part of running your company takes up your time, frustrates you and drains you so that you can’t focus on what motivated you to start your business? Most business owners will say the bookkeeping. To keep up with vendors, receivables and balancing bank and credit card statements is a difficult job. If you are selling a product or service, your time is more productive in the field…cultivating customers, networking with people who can help you get in front of the people that will help you succeed. You find it difficult to share financial information with anyone. You can hire someone to answer the phones and write the checks, make deposits, but you want to hang onto the control.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

You, small business owner, are in need of a Professional Bookkeeper. There is no need to hire a full time employee to do the bookkeeping for your business if it takes you less than twenty hours a month to work on your books. A Professional Bookkeeper will streamline the process for you and provide financial information you can use to make sound decisions about the progress of your company. You will know your financial position in a timely manner to be able to cut your losses with things that aren’t working and improve your success with things that are.

A Professional Bookkeeper will also keep up with deadlines, filings and the forms that a business requires in case of an audit. Do you know the difference between an independent contractor and an employee? Do you know which forms you need to have for either of them? Of course you know about the W-2, but how about the difference between an I-9 and a W-9? Do you know when your Sales Tax, Payroll Tax and Estimate payments are due? Are you 1099 compliant and do you know what the penalty for failure to file 1099s is? A Professional Bookkeeper does.

The added benefit of a Professional Bookkeeper is that you will be able to provide accurate, clean records to your CPA at tax time. Instead of paying for a CPA to clean up your records, you can take full advantage of this valuable resource to

this will leave you the time and energy to focus on what you do best…develop your company develop budgets and long term planning for where you want your company to go. Bottom line, Professional Bookkeepers will save you money. This will leave you the time and energy to focus on what you do best… develop your company to its full potential.

Linda Marini Bookkeeper

Importance of Customer Service | STARTUPS

Importance of Customer Service by Peter Andrews

It is quite evident that many businesses, large and small, do not understand the importance of customer service. It only takes one bad experience and the once-possible loyal customer is lost. So what is there to do to stand-out from your competition? The answer is simple, stay attentive to your customer’s needs and they will return! A large part of becoming successful is understanding that every customer is different. When possible, cater to each customer’s needs individually. This yields an experience that can literally be given to no-one else; your clientele will notice this. Unfortunately, it is natural to remember the bad before the good. In almost all news reports, this is proven by the rates at which negative news overpowers the positive. So imagine the extent to which one poor experience could deter numerous customers away. With that being said, word-of-mouth is quite possibly the most important aspect to consider. According to a Mckinsey Quarterly article, A New Way to Measure Word-ofMouth Marketing, in developing markets, 46% of consumers use word of mouth at the moment of purchase. In mature markets, this number is shadowed by internet information. One can only imagine that internet information relates to consumer reviews as well as the company’s marketing strategy. Results such as these prove the extent to which great service matters. No matter the size of the company, the patron is quite obviously the most integral part of any business. In such a competitive market, where essentially any product is a

click-of-the-mouse away from being purchased at a cheaper rate, why else would the customer purchase a product that would cost them more? Good Service. For example, our philosophy, unlike most “package” stores in the area, is to cater to each customer’s needs and wants. We remember their names when possible and we remember what they like and dislike. Obviously size determines the effect to which this can take place. Yet, developing idiosyncrasies such as these, help customers know that you care about their desires without being abrasive or over-bearing. There are several steps to take in order to enhance your customer service levels. Yet, it all stems from the administrative level. It is essential that management is training their employees the levels of service that their customers expect. In this training it is essential that the level of service is fitting to their company’s position. For instance, a diner should not be training to give fine-dining service, the servers should be trained to stay attentive and cater to each customer’s needs. In the end, customer service is the single most important piece in every business’ operation. Whether the business is IT based, service based, or product based, make your customers feel appreciated from day one and they will be back. Remember this: You never get a second chance to make a first impression!

Peter Andrews General Manager Grapes & Grains

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

STARTUPS | Five Tips for the Scared S**tless Entrepreneur

five tips for the

Scared S**tless Entrepreneur tips from the trenches by Elizabeth Pierotti

One of the many rewards of an entrepreneurial venture is that it’s a new beginning, and regardless of the challenges to be faced from idea-to-launch, every task completed represents one step closer to success. At the same time, as we travel into unknown territory, and reach beyond our comfort zones, we may experience emotional swings that can fluctuate from terror to paranoia, from apprehension to elation – occasionally all in the same day. This article was inspired by an innovator who is about to launch a business around a new product and who asked, “Where is your chapter for the scared s**tless entrepreneur?” Fascinated by her question and wanting to respond, I called a number of start-ups. Each was asked about what triggered their “scared s**tless” moments, how these were resolved, and what tips they would pass along to other entrepreneurs. Following are the top five. 1. Remember the mission. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, just stop and reflect on why you started your project in the first place. You believe in the idea and all the people who will benefit by your success. This is not about you; it’s about the project. If this was supposed to be easy, it would already have been done. Keep going; this is your mission. 2. Avoid the naysayers. You will meet individuals who’ll say you’re wasting your time, that no one will buy it, and you’ll hear other critiques that can lack substance. For an entrepreneur facing

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

huge challenges, there can be moments of doubt and insecurity, but you’re not alone in this. When engaging others, seek out smart people who are objective. Do your homework and be prepared to back up your claims and you’ll be on a good track. 3. Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it is; and if it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t. If you have a good concept, everyone will want to tag along. There are sharks out there who’ll promise the world and tell you what you want to hear. Pay for performance not promises. Trust should be earned and not guaranteed to those who become part of your venture. If you experience discomfort with a situation, a partner, investors, pay attention... as this is probably a warning sign that something needs to change. 4. Take charge. You have been blessed with this venture and have accepted the challenge to make your innovative product or service all that it can be. While you want to surround yourself with good team members for their expertise, support and perspective, you can’t abdicate responsibility. Ultimately, you are responsible and accountable for your own success. 5. Pay attention to details. One good way to overcome fear is to concentrate each day on fighting the battles that are within your control. Actually, a little fear of being close to the edge has a way of keeping us on our toes and zeroed in on the need to make informed choices and in a timely fashion. As the saying goes, we’re never more alive than when we face the precipice. If all else fails, stop everything, turn on your favorite music and listen, or go outside and take a walk. It will clear your head, help you refocus and regain perspective. You’ll feel better… I promise.

Elizabeth Pierotti The Inventing Life www.theinventinglife.com

Providing More Access & Opportunity | SBA

Providing More Access & Opportunity to Hispanic-Owned Small Businesses by Jeanne A. Hulit

One of the Small Business Administration’s top priorities is to provide access and opportunity to small business owners in traditionally underserved communities. In fact, since 2009, SBA has supported $13.5 billion in lending to underserved small businesses. In addition, SBA has supported $100.3 billion in federal government contracting dollars to small disadvantaged firms since 2009. Locally, SBA has backed just over $37 million in loans to underserved communities in Rhode Island since 2009. As we see commercial lending improve across the country, we recognize there’s more work to be done and we know that challenges still exist. That’s why SBA is working hard to fill the gaps that remain in the market place and ensure that small business owners in underserved communities are aware of the assistance available to help them grow their businesses and create jobs.

• •

the Women-Owned Small Business Program; Up-to-date information and access to SBA’s extensive resource partner network; and International trade opportunities to achieve the goals of the President’s National Export Initiative.

In combining our efforts, we will work to increase lending to Hispanic small businesses; increase awareness of SBA programs and services among Hispanic-owned small businesses; increase participation of small Hispanic-owned businesses in SBA’s procurement programs, with a focus on women and veterans; and increase trade opportunities for small Hispanic-owned businesses. As a member of the USHCC network, this alliance holds great potential for your membership. We urge you to take advantage of the benefits of this partnership. The SBA team at the Rhode Island District Office stands ready, willing and able to help your members emerge from the recession stronger and more competitive than before.

SBA has backed just over $37 million in loans to underserved communities in Rhode Island since 2009

Minority-owned businesses are some of the fastest growing segments of the economy, with Hispanic-owned small businesses leading all other demographics. September 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month in America. At the SBA, we’ve joined forces with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) to help support thousands of Hispanic small businesses and entrepreneurs. We will pilot the partnership with eight city and state Hispanic Chambers: Austin, Texas; Calif.; El Paso, Texas; Fla.; Nashville, Tenn.; Ohio; Philadelphia, Pa.; and Utah. Through this collaboration, the SBA and USHCC will work to increase Hispanic-owned small business participation in SBA programs, including: • •

Loan programs and access to capital initiatives; Government contracting programs like the 8(a) program and

President Obama has said that when small businesses succeed, America succeeds. And the entire Obama Administration is committed to supporting our nation’s entrepreneurs, including minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities and those in rural areas. Working together, we can build growing vibrant communities, get people back to work and ensure that we have a 21st century American economy that’s built to last.

Jeanne A. Hulit Associate Administrator for Capital Access U.S. Small Business Administration

The Fastest Way To Learn What SBA Has to Offer Find SBANewEngland on Facebook & Twitter www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

tlight startups on

Recently, the cost of placing an obituary in a local newspaper has risen to an average of one thousand dollars. Our work in the Greater Providence area has been to provide affordable means for the public to view and submit Death Notices.

opened : January 2011

For a fraction of the cost of publishing a death notice, LocaLpassing.com can potentially list a person in any/every city they ever lived so that immediate family or friends of the deceased who live out of state can have the death listed in their hometown as well, at no additional charge.

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No longer will the most vulnerable be shut out from the ability to announce the death of a loved one. This defines the mission of Localpassing.com: A family should never pay more than $80.00 to announce the death of a loved one and the public should view the information for free.

professionals to first, realize the

number of employees : 1 www.localpassing.com

Greenville, RI 02828 biggest challenge : My biggest challenge has been breaking into the funeral industry and getting industry important benefit the website would be to clients and second, to get them to offer assistance in getting the message out.

opened : March 2012 number of employees : 2 www.omega3dressings.com 1305 B Kingstown Road, #7 Peace Dale, RI 02879 biggest challenge : The biggest challenge has been gaining publicity for our business.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

There are many health benefits from omega-3 essential fatty acids (particularly the forms in fish oil) -- for heart, eye and brain health. Since many people have difficulty with swallowing the fish oil capsules I decided that there had to be a better method to provide these health benefits. First, we started with tasty salad dressings and then incorporated a healthy, therapeutic amount of omega-3 fish oil. We have named the particular flavors after the many islands of Rhode Island or seashore places in RI. Our first 4 flavors are Block Island Balsamic Vinaigrette, Newport Honey Mustard, Rose Island Raspberry Vinaigrette and Plum Beach Ginger Plum. Our products have been very well received in South County and we are now expanding throughout the rest of the state as well as to other states.

tlight startups on

TouchVu is a mobile technology firm specializing in the production of mobile websites, landing pages and utilities for local businesses. After meeting and acquiring many local businesses, we learned most of their web engagement is taking place through their social media channels especially their Facebook pages. Due to this, we have built an innovative technology that converts Facebook business pages into fully functional, custom websites that work on all devices, desktop, mobile and tablet. We like to think of it as a hybrid approach between a social media platform and a standard CMS system.

Spotlight on Startups |

opened : January 2012 number of employees : 5 www.touchvu.com 68 Dorrance St. #220 Providence, RI 02903

Our technology is cost effective and very efficient for small businesses to now easily manage their social media and web sites. We are proud to have been accepted to join a local tech company start up incubator in the fall of 2012.

biggest challenge : Our biggest challenge has been positioning ourselves in an open space within the market that differentiates our products from other web technology firms.

opened : March 2012 number of employees : 2 www.drinkpremama.com 1 Davol Sqaure, Suite 203 Providence, RI 02903 biggest challenge : Our biggest challenge has been learning how to market to expectant moms and OB/GYNs while positioning ourselves in a niche industry dominated by pill manufacturers.

After interviewing over a hundred expectant mothers, we realized how real the discomforts of taking large â&#x20AC;&#x153;horselikeâ&#x20AC;? prenatal pills were due to difficulty swallowing them as well as the side effects of nausea and constipation that they often carry. While a majority of the women were aware of prenatal vitamin health benefits, many simply stopped using them because the pills became unbearable. Each year over 850,000 women in the United States suffer from pregnancy complications and birth defects â&#x20AC;&#x201D; largely due to nutritional deficiency. Premama gathered a team of obstetricians and gynecologists ( OB / GYNs ), pharmacists and health business experts and immediately delved into product development. They promised a prenatal beverage that was all-natural, complete, and easy-to-drink. Premama underwent refinement until everyone reached a consensus on nutritional effectiveness and taste. After winning the 2011 Rhode Island Business Plan Competition and receiving extremely positive feedback from healthcare practitioners and moms, the team is proud to finally present Premama to the market. www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

featured town The Town of Narragansett is widely recognized as one of the area’s classic vacation communities. Although a popular beach destination, the town is a year-round community, and is on a mission to let business owners know that they mean business. With commercial tax rates comparable to other cities and towns in the state, Narragansett provides not only a beautiful location, but great incentive...and businesses are beginning to take notice. T’s Restaurant recently moved to the Salt Pond Shopping Plaza on Point Judith Road and Centreville Bank is moving to the North End of town, to name a few. Not to mention businesses expanding their footprint in the area, like Narragansett Bikes (NBX) relocating to a larger space in town. “It’s not everywhere that you can stay in the center of town and grab a coffee, then walk across the street to grab lunch,” said Dean Hoxsie, Acting Town Manager. “If a business is looking for good consumer access and convenience, you have it here.” Narragansett is also now home to two charter schools, Middlebridge School and Quest Montessori School. The influx of new students to the area offers great opportunity for business exposure. With a variety of unique shops and restaurants around town, Narragansett is no stranger to small businesses. Everything you need to start a business in Narragansett can be found at the

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

local Town Hall. “We do our best to facilitate a smooth process for businesses by providing the information essential for new and existing business operations,” said Hoxsie. Businesses can onestop shop for information on the licensing process, regulations and zoning concerns. The town also maintains excellent working relationships with outside resources, like the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce, to help inform new businesses entering the area. In addition, Narragansett is the first town in Rhode Island to produce a comprehensive economic development plan with participation from all stakeholder groups. The process included stakeholder engagement with hundreds of residents involved. “Narragansett is challenged by supporting the local businesses with the number of full-time residents,” added Hoxsie. “The economic development plan will be used to guide the future economy and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.” With a new plan in place, Narragansett is fostering a healthy, sustainable community while keeping a strong balance for both residents and businesses. The town hired an economic development coordinator to focus on tracking and implementing the plan’s 5-action oriented objectives, including the development of the three identifiable economic centers of town: Galilee, the Pier area, and the North End. The Port of Galilee is a major asset economically for both Narragansett and the state alike. As the second largest commercial fishing port in New England, Galilee provides a fishing port, restaurants and shops, as well as a tourism hub to Block Island. The Narragansett Pier area, located in the physical center of Town, includes restaurants, quaint

Population: 15,868 Date of Town: 1888 Date of Incorporation: 1901 Total Area: 37.8 square miles www.narragansettri.gov

shops and bed and breakfasts. The North End of Narragansett is largely residential, and also features offices, restaurants and shops and also houses the University of Rhode Island School of Oceanography and Bay Campus. “Nine months out of the year we have 16,000 undergraduates in our neighboring community who frequent our local shops and restaurants,” said Hoxsie. “A normal daily population on any given summer day can reach to up to 60,000 people with residents, seasonal rentals and day commuters... and that’s not bad for business.”

with a new plan in place, narragansett is fostering a healthy, sustainable community while keeping a strong balance for both residents and businesses

What’s next for Narragansett? Current negotiations between Narragansett and Deepwater Wind, LLC for their proposed wind farm off of Block Island could ultimately create hundreds of construction jobs, both temporary and permanent in the area. If the proposal is passed, this will be the first commercial wind farm of its type in the country. “With all that Narragansett has to offer - the environment, coastline, and close-knit community, we truly have all the pieces in place for businesses to succeed.”

Thirteen different buildings and districts in Narragansett are listed on the National Register of Historic Places Central Street Historic District Druidsdream (1844) Dunmere (1883) Earlscourt Historic District Gardencourt (1888) Gladstone Springhouse and Bottling Plant (1899) Greene Inn (1887) Narragansett Baptist Church (1850) Narragansett Pier Life Saving Station (1888) Ocean Road Historic District Point Judith Lighthouse (1857) Towers Historic District The Towers (1883)

Three beaches in Narragansett that are most famous are: Narragansett Town Beach is located in the center of Narragansett, though it charges a fee—whereas other local (state funded), beaches charge for parking only. Unlike state funded beaches, it is self sustaining and is not supported by the tax payers’ money. There is a $10.00 charge to park ($15.00 on the weekends/ holidays) and a daily $6.00 admission fee to enter onto the beach. Scarborough State Beach: The Scarborough Beach Complex comprises two separate areas, the North and South. Each has a pavilion, showers, 75 picnic tables, boardwalk and observation tower. There is a small fee for parking if a spot on nearby streets can not be found. Parking on nearby streets can result in vehicles being towed (especially during the summer months). This beach sits next to a local sewage treatment plant. Roger Wheeler State Beach and Salty Brine State Beach are both located in Point Judith, which is the southern most point of Narragansett. Both beaches are protected by the breakwater that protects the port of Galilee. A new pavilion is set to open in Summer 2010 with a nominal parking fee. * wikipedia.org

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

EVENTS | Networking and Workshops

10/29/2012

Business before Hours Newport Chamber of Commerce

RIHA

8:00AM – 9:00PM

8:00AM – 4:30PM

Alex and Ani Inc.

New England Institute of Technology

One Bowens Wharf Newport

East Greenwich

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Business after Hours Narragansett Chamber of Commerce

Gloria Gemma Foundation

5:00PM – 7:00PM

Expose Hair Salon

The TowerHouse

5:00PM – 7:00PM

46 Earles Ct- Narragansett

11/2/2012 First Coffee at Sylvan Learning

10/31/2012

Center

RIEMA Business Continuity

Southern RI Chamber of Commerce

Conference

8:00AM – 9:00AM

8:00AM – 1:00PM

Sylvan Learning Center

Kirkbrae Country Club

36 South County Commons Way

197 Old River Road

#c2 – Wakefield

Lincoln

11/01/2012

Expose PINK OUT proceeds to

West Warwick

10/29/2012

289 Cowesett Avenue

11/01/2012

through Technology

1 New England Tech Boulevard

Marketing Summit: Profit Potential

11/2/2012

10/31/2012

First Friday Coffee

NRICC Eggs & Issues Breakfast

South County Chamber

Northern Chambers of Commerce

8:00AM-9:00AM

8:00AM – 9:15AM

Finishing Touches Custom Picture

Twin River, 100 Twin River Road

Framing

Lincoln

311 Main Street Wakefield

11/01/2012 NRICC Speed Networking

11/2/2012 First Friday Coffee

Central Chamber of Commerce

Cool Beans Café

8:00AM – 9:30AM

8:00AM – 9:00AM

Special Olympics Rhode Island

Cool Beans Café

370 George Washington Highway, Unit

18 Kingstown Road

1 Smithfield

Narragansett

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workshops

Cress & Company

facebook.com/agentemilio

Emilio DiSpirito IV, Realtor®

Cranston Chamber of Commerce

with Farmacy Herbs

Women in Business

Eastbay Chamber

12:00PM – 7:30PM

2:00PM – 4:00 PM

Hope Alzheimer’s Center

Eastbay Chamber

25 Bryton Ave Cranston

101 Ferry Road Bristol

11/5/2012

Ship and Save Workshop East Bay Chamber of Commerce

Morning Meeting

10:00AM – 11:00AM

9:00AM – 10:30AM

East Bay Chamber Community

Whole Foods

Room 16 Cutler Street Warren

11/5/2012

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the use of Accounting and &

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6:00PM – 7:30PM

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6:00PM – 8:00PM

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Johnson & Wales TACO Building 10 Abbot Park Place Providence

11/5/2012 QuickBooks: Enhancing Your Skills

11/8/2012

Providence Entrepreneurs

601 N. Main Street Providence

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11/9/2012 Chamber Connections

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6:00PM – 9:00PM

Commerce

RISBDC Training Center Xaviers

8:00AM – 9:15AM

Academic Center

Newport County Chamber of

259 Pine Street

Commerce

Providence

35 Valley Road Middletown

11/6/2012 Napa Valley Wine Tasting Dinner

11/13/2012 Business after Hours at Massage

6:30PM – 9:00PM

Envy

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5:30PM – 7:30PM

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www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

EVENTS | Networking and Workshops

11/13/2012

11/15/2012

An Organized Holiday: Tips for a

Exploring Self Employment

Stress-free Holiday Season

Pre-Venture Clinic

East Bay Chamber of Commerce

Northern Rhode Island Chamber of

7:00PM – 8:00PM

Commerce

East Bay Chamber of Commerce

8:30AM – 10:00AM

16 Cutler Street Suite 102

6 Blackstone Valley Place, Suite 402

Warren

Lincoln

11/14/2012

11/16/2012

NRICC Networking at Night

5th Annual Free Guidance

Northern Rhode Island Chamber of

Counselor Training Event

Commerce

East Bay Chamber of Commerce

5:00PM – 7:00PM

8:30AM – 12:00PM

Northern Rhode Island

East Bay Chamber Office

Chamber of Commerce

580 Main Street East Greenwich

1066 Diamond Hill Road Woonsocket

11/14/2012 Business after Hours Networking at School of ROCK East Bay Chamber of Commerce 5:30PM – 7:30PM

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www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | Buy with Heart

Buy with Heart by Briana McGeough

When Zaid arrived in Rhode Island as a refugee from Iraq, he didn’t know many people, he didn’t know much English, and he certainly didn’t have a job. It was 2008. The massive economic downturn had made it nearly impossible for anyone, let alone someone in Zaid’s position, to find work. Fortunately, through the International Institute of Rhode Island, Zaid met Keith, the cofounder of Providence Granola, a granola company that provides refugees with employment and job-training. So far, Providence Granola has provided jobs for more than twenty refugees and sustained its job-training program through granola sales. Providence Granola is just one of over 30,000 social enterprises, or businesses with social missions, that operate in the United States. According to the Social Enterprise Alliance, the number of social enterprises in the United States has multiplied by a factor of six since 2001. Despite this growth, many social enterprises lack the resources necessary to expand their consumer base and increase their sales. According to a study conducted by the Social Enterprise Alliance, Duke University, and Commonwealth Ventures, 27% of the 400 Social Ventures surveyed cited sales and marketing as the primary obstacle to growing their businesses. It is unfortunate that ventures with a social impact struggle to reach consumers because according to Cone Communications, 91% of consumers are likely to switch to a brand that supports a social cause if both brands offer products/services of comparable price and quality. In other words, there are many consumers that are interested in purchasing products/services from social enterprises, but existing social enterprises struggle to reach these consumers.

original incarnation of Buy with Heart was an online directory of Rhode Island Social Enterprises. The enterprises were sorted by product/service offerings, and each entry featured a description of the enterprise and a link to its website. This first effort received national attention and requests from social enterprise support organizations to replicate the model. As SVPRI considered the best ways to scale the Buy with Heart model, it became clear that a more robust platform could more thoroughly address the disconnect between social enterprises and consumers. The next incarnation of the Buy with Heart website will provide consumers access to social enterprises from across the country, enabling consumers to search for products and place orders. In other words, Buy with Heart aims to be the Amazon of social enterprises, providing an online marketplace where consumers can buy products with the knowledge that their purchase is supporting a social good. The key to Amazon’s success is its ability to enable consumers to quickly compare and order products without having to leave home. Unfortunately for the socially-conscious consumer, current online shopping options do not provide a simple way to make purchases that contribute to a social good. Additionally, finding social enterprises that provide the desired product and comparing products offered by multiple social enterprises is currently difficult, timeconsuming, and confusing. On Buy with Heart, consumers can easily search by product, cause, geographic region, and enterprise. Allowing consumers to compare products and social missions of different ventures enables consumers to buy smart and buy with heart.

social enterprises are great because of the people they help and the issues they support

Social Venture Partners Rhode Island, a non-profit organization whose mission is to catalyze social entrepreneurship, has launched the Buy with Heart campaign (www.buywithheart.org) to bridge the gap between enterprises and consumers. The

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

SVPRI is now working to make the Buy with Heart vision a reality. Buy with Heart was a finalist in both the Pipeline Innovation

Buy with Heart | SMALL BUSINESS

Fellowship Competition and the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition. SVPRI is currently raising the first round of capital, and the launch of the Buy with Heart Marketplace is tentatively scheduled for April 2013. The Buy with Heart Marketplace will ensure that Rhode Island continues to be a national leader in social entrepreneurship. Revenues generated from Buy with Heart will be used to fund SVPRIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programming that supports local social enterprises. The Buy with Heart Marketplace will provide social enterprises nationally much-needed access to consumers. Balancing the pressures of operating a business with the challenges of providing a social service leaves many social enterprises with limited resources for marketing and expansion. Launching an e-commerce platform is well beyond the capacity of many social enterprises. Buy with Heart will give social enterprises the opportunity to compete in the market and provide a new venue to reach consumers and sell products. To ensure that all purchases made through Buy with Heart have a social impact, Social Venture Partners Rhode Island will offer an online verification process for ventures interested in selling products on Buy with Heart. The verification process will provide enterprises with a credential that speaks to their social impact and give consumers confidence that their orders are contributing to the social good.

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Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget that entrepreneurs and consumers are not the only people that benefit from social enterprises. Social enterprises are great because of the people they help and the issues they support. Some social enterprises donate a portion of their revenues to support a social cause. Others make their contribution by providing training and work to people with barriers to employment. There are thousands of people, like Zaid, who have been given a chance because of social enterprise. Soon supporting social enterprises will only be a click away.

Briana McGeough CEO Buy with Heart

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | Slow Down for Success

ears ago, my speech mentor, Dr. Barry Guitar at the University of Vermont, put me through a rather rigorous series of treatments designed to slow down my speech in an effort to help me overcome my stuttering and become more fluent. This particular treatment is called “Delayed Auditory Feedback.” At that time, the treatment consisted of a large set of earphones with an attached microphone. When I spoke into the microphone, it re-played my speech into the earphones at a slower speed. The goal was to slow down my speech to match the speed, or rate, that I was hearing through the earphones. I started out speaking very slowly, and, over a couple of days, gradually built up to a “slow normal”. I was working in a lab at the time, so it made for a couple of interesting days. I think I drove my lab-mates a bit crazy with my slow talking, but everyone knew what I was up to and were very supportive. A particularly useful benefit of slowing down our speech is that it allows our brains a few extra moments to dig down into that large reservoir of vocabulary we all carry around with us. Using the correct words make you feel confident and your audience will pick up on that. Children often talk fast because they are trying to get the attention of an authority figure. When we talk fast, we can come across this way too. If you want to be taken seriously and be viewed with greater authority, slow down. People who speak slower often receive greater respect and credibility. If you are speaking to someone who is unfamiliar with the subject matter, speaking slowly will help them better understand what you are saying. You may even need to speak slower than what your normal “slow” rate may be. They will appreciate it, especially if the subject matter is complicated. Speaking slowly also allows you to “think” before you speak. How often have we gotten

into trouble by speaking too quickly? Slowing down gives you the chance to change “direction” if you sense your listener is not on board or losing interest. It also provides the opportunity to organize your thoughts on the fly.

SLOW DOWN

Nervousness can be controlled by slowing down. Adrenaline is directly by related to stress. The more Richard Austin stress we are under, the more adrenaline our body produces, which in turn increases heart rate and respiration. Elevated heart rate and respiration not only make you more nervous; it makes you look nervous. When we slow down, we are more likely to have lower adrenaline and be less nervous.

FOR

SUCCESS

people who speak slower often receive greater respect and credibility

So let’s review. Speaking more slowly makes us look and feel more in control, improves our vocabulary, enhances our credibility and allows our audience to better understand what we are saying. In addition, it helps us control our nerves and gives us time to think before we speak.

Richard Austin President The Learning Curve LLC

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

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Quonset Site Readiness Program Helps Create Jobs | SMALL BUSINESS

Quonset Site Readiness Program Helps Create Jobs by Dan Fawcett

With one indoor sports facility booming in North Smithfield and the pent up demand for another bursting at the seams in southern Rhode Island, it was as if the “Site Readiness” program instituted by the Quonset Development Corporation was tailor-made for Wide World of Indoor Sports. We are proud to be the first company to take advantage of the QDC’s innovative program, which streamlines and expedites permitting in order to provide pad-ready sites within the business park. Steven King, the QDC’s managing director and all of his staff, have done everything they can to create a business friendly atmosphere at Quonset. We can attest to the remarkable opportunity that the “Site Readiness” program extends to the business community.

there are still 35 parcels pre-permitted and ready to go at Quonset right now. Construction of the facility was the result of partnership between our company, QDC, DEM, the Rhode Island District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Bank Newport, and the Ocean State Business Development Authority. Our financial partners – the SBA, Bank Newport, and OSBDA – could not have been more professional. Their willingness to supply investment capital made this project a reality. From an economic development perspective, Wide World of Sports at Quonset Business Park represents the proverbial win-win situation. Indeed, we could not be more excited to call Quonset Business Park – a true engine of the state’s economy – home. 2,700 new jobs have been created there since 2005. We are thrilled to contribute to the job growth at the park and will do so immediately, by hiring approximately 85 full and part-time employees to run the facility.

here’s the good news – there are still 35 parcels prepermitted and ready to go at Quonset right now

The state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Coastal R e s o u rc e s Management Council (CRMC) worked with QDC to ensure that permits were already in place so that we could begin construction right away. In a climate where time is money, the speed with which the program allowed us to proceed represented a critically important cost-saving piece of the development process. And here’s the good news –

The goal of Wide World of Indoor Sports is to provide a state-of-the-art athletic training facility for all ages and abilities.

With our four, non-boarded fields over 76, 000 square-feet, we are able to do just that here in North Kingstown. Easily accessible from the highway, the complex showcases top-of-the-line turf within a climate-controlled building. We expect to draw thousands of Rhode Islanders to the area throughout the year. Since opening our North Smithfield in 2009, the demand that we anticipated has become a reality. People of all ages in northern Rhode Island have been flocking to the original Wide World of Indoor Sports facility. Now, those in the Ocean State’s central and southern communities will have the same opportunity. Seeing consistent population growth in southern Rhode Island, we identified a demand for a facility like ours. Across the region, youth soccer and lacrosse programs continue to grow. Adults too, are finding that indoor sports leagues the ideal way to quench their thirst for competition, and provide an outlet for remaining active year round. Among the most rewarding aspects of opening these athletic facilities is to see the wide range of individuals who want to get out and get healthy. From young children honing their soccer, lacrosse, and softball skills to adults who continue to be active in soccer, flag football, field hockey, wiffleball and volleyball games -- it is simply amazing to realize the importance people place on regular exercise. Our new facility has indeed been a team effort, with everyone at the QDC and our financial partners. It has long been our mission to put people first and opening this Quonset facility will allow us to reach even more of them. We take great pride in both of our facilities and in providing people of all ages and abilities a first-class sports experience.

Dan Fawcett Co-Owner Wide World of Indoor Sports

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | 5 Myths About Verifications and References

five Myths About by Christine Cunneen

There are many beliefs about background screening that make conducting one seem costly or time-consuming. However, what many business people don’t know is that these beliefs oftentimes are myths brought to light based on misconceptions. In truth, background screenings and verifications are a necessary investment that every company should make to protect itself from liability. Here are five of the most common myths that people have about performing verifications and checking references:

MYTH One

Verifying is Time Consuming or Expensive

REALITY one

Proper Verification Saves Time and Money in the Long Run

The cost of a bad hire, whether fraudulent or just a bad fit, is quite high. You will have spent money on training and compensation. Mistakes, missed deadlines, alienated customers, theft, damaged equipment, and trouble with other employees can be costly and lawsuits are a possibility. Solving these problems can use up valuable time. Then there are the costs associated with terminating employment, re-advertising and re-filling the position. Meanwhile, customers flee and profits dwindle. Hire Image has a network of resources, and a systematic process for verification and contacting and interviewing references with our team of skilled employment professionals. We verify through proper channels that all information provided by

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

the candidate is accurate and truthful, and that the reference they designated is legitimate. We know what to ask and who to ask and will conduct the reference checking process for you to make sure you get the information needed for the best possible hiring decisions.

MYTH two

References Won’t Tell Us Anything Useful

REALITY two

You Need to Get the Right Answers

fabricate skills and credentials. Some lie to hide criminal activities. Chicago University economics professor and coauthor of Freakonomics, Steven D. Levitt, cites research suggesting that more than 50% of job applicants lie on their resumes. Other sources indicate that at least 30% of all job applications contain lies. Imagine the repercussions if you hired a bookkeeper claiming to be a C.P.A who really wasn’t. How long would it be and how many mistakes would be made before the ruse was discovered? The damages, resulting stress, bad publicity and cost of legal liability could close the doors on your business for good.

You do need to know if the prospective employee was actually employed in the specified position, at the stated salary, and for the dates claimed. You also need to know under what conditions the candidate left and ascertain that there are no contractual stipulations that would affect their ability to perform at your company. Most references will provide these answers.

MYTH four

Hire Image is experienced at handling all of your verification needs, especially when a reference is not willing to volunteer information. Asking the right questions can often elicit helpful information. Did the reference truly work with the applicant, or is he family or a friend? According to HR.BLR.com, one applicant actually included her dog as a reference!

The National Credit Verification Service reports that 25% of the MBA degrees it examines on resumes are false. People often claim they have a high school diploma, undergraduate or even graduate degree that they did not get, or claim degrees from bogus institutions.

MYTH three

People Wouldn’t Risk Lying

REALITY three

Applicants Do Embellish & The Risk is Yours High unemployment and fierce competition are among the motivations for people to

Does Education Verification Really Matter?

REALITY four

An Employee’s False Credentials Could Get You Sued

You could be at risk of litigation for “negligent hiring” if your employee is one of them. Hire Image can make sure they attended an accredited school and were awarded the degree in the field specified. We contact educational institutions and student record clearing houses and confirm accreditation with the U.S. Department of Education and

5 Myths About Verifications and References | SMALL BUSINESS

other accrediting organizations to verify educational credentials. We check with state boards and licensing agencies and organizations to ensure any professional license claimed by the applicant is current and in good standing.

MYTH five

Verification Checks Can Be Done Informally

PERFECT HARMONY

REALITY five

Following Correct Procedures Protects Your Organization BroadSign added this FREE GOGOMOBILE DEAL OR AD

It is vital to keep proper records and to stay within legal guidelines when researching employee backgrounds. You could be sued for negligent hiring or for discrimination if you cannot document your process.

sources indicate that at least 30% of all job applications contain lies

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We keep meticulous notes of all phone calls and file all letters and records, as well as notes of any unsuccessful efforts to contact references or information – and we encourage our clients to do the same. This documentation should be retained for at least one year whether or not the individual is hired. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) considers reference check documents as legal records of hiring decisions.

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www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | Exports, Exports! Get Your Exports Here!

EXPORTS, EXPORTS! Gordon D Fox

Speaker, Rhode Island House of Representatives This year, the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Economic Development in Rhode Island exposed an area of our financial terrain that hasn’t received much publicity: exports. It’s true that our state isn’t exactly known for this sector of the economy – most of what we see in the news today is about the fluctuating unemployment rate and job startups. But with the volume of goods and products – not people – we’ve been sending overseas, it may be time to focus on expanding and improving that aspect of how we do business. Exports are no longer discussions for just the federal level of government – we are seeing this aspect of business trickle down to the state and local levels, especially here in Rhode Island. In the last two years alone, Rhode Island has increased its exports by 53 percent,

Get Your Exports Here!

from $1.5 billion in 2009 to $2.3 billion in 2011. To paint a picture of what that really means, the value of exports per job was $181,000 in 2010. So for every $1 billion in exports, Rhode Island sees about 5,000 new jobs being created. According to the John H. Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University, exports represent 31 percent of total economic growth in Rhode Island during the past 22 years. That is a large chunk of our financial health that we cannot ignore. Rhode Island received more than $496,000 from October 2011 to September 2012 to implement the three-year pilot trade and export initiative through the U.S. Small Business Administration. The State Trade and Export Promotion, or STEP, program is being used as the prime model for export development in this country right now. Several of my General Assembly colleagues and I would like to see that program expand. This year, the reapplication process began for year two of the STEP grant. This is not a process solely focused on creating new businesses with plans to export goods. It focuses more on targeting small business owners who are already well-established so that they can explore their options and grow in a way that makes the best financial sense. The state must continue to ensure existing businesses are aware of all of their growth options while also looking to incorporate new industries and businesses into the mix. An example of standout results from this program can be seen in Rhode Island’s November 2011 trade mission to Israel, which resulted in more than $5.2 million in

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

projected export sales, 28 new potential distributors and 146 potential jobs that may be created within the state’s manufacturing and service industries as a result of new exports. As lawmakers, it is most certainly our job to see this program through and continue trade missions in places like Japan, Panama and the Dominican Republic. This is part of our allencompassing plans to make it easier to do business – a sentiment I’m sure many of you have heard repeated since the recession took hold of our state. If we could increase the state’s funding with matched monies from the federal administration and private investors, we

SO FOR EVERY $1 BILLION IN EXPORTS, RHODE ISLAND SEES ABOUT 5,000 NEW JOBS BEING CREATED could see a major increase in productivity within the next few years. Imagine if we were able to double or even triple our exports within the next 10 years. I can assure you that this is something you will see embedded in the General Assembly’s vision for the future of Rhode Island’s economy as we continue to engage in discussions with our friends at Bryant University and the appropriate federal agencies. The key here is to not only inspire growth, but to create a sustainable future for all facets of industry and ensure stability in the job market.

IRS created a new credential: Registered Tax Return Preparer. Starting January 1, 2014, only Registered Tax Return Preparer s, Enrolled Agents, CPAs and attorneys will be authorized to prep are & sign individual tax returns. Next year, the IRS will launch a public listing for taxpayers and others to confirm prepar ers with professional credenti als and valid PTINs.

There are 2,500 return preparer s from Rhode Island registered with the IRS. Of those, 900 mus t still pass the RTRP test. For most of these the appropriate test will be the RTRP test. Mor e than 70 Rhode Island preparer s already have taken the test and become Registered Tax Return Preparers.

Rhode rging 900 ervice is u S e eir u n ve le e R schedu th he Internal mediately im n to Bostonâ&#x20AC;ŚT tio rs a pare or loc return pre a date, time g in d fin Island tax lty se u e of th k diffic For most y test or ris next year. competenc rs a e n x Return e Ta gistered m deadlin ill be the Re as the exa w st The test is a 2 Â˝ hour, time te te ria d exam. It must be taken at the approp a preparers, Prometric site for control pur . st te y c n pos te es. e The p re are m 120 o c que r stio ns Prepare which cover Form 1040 tax prep n available aration issues, individual tax st has bee te r re a p x re law issues and ethics. Prepare 00 ta turn P rs must pay $116 fee for the than 310,0 red Tax Re ide, more w r The Registe n e b tio exa m a m. CPAs, EAs and attorneys e N c e . 1 D 1 0 re 2 fo r e already must pass tests for e b b m e test since Nove to pass th their credentials. ertified d e C e , n ts n ill e st g A arers lled return prep ho are Enro the test, fessionals w ro p x xempt from Ta e . 3 re a ys e 31, 201 rn nd atto ho do not ountants, a d those w c n c a A rs lic re b a u p P ning pre ain non-sig as are cert series. Form 1040 prepare the ich ic, Inc., wh by Prometr d re te is in re prepa rs g adm if too many test is bein r, ve e w o H . The RTRP tionwide ing sites na has 260 test be scarce. le seats will b ila va a y, dela ess, duling proc in the sche g e b to r o e test s/tests. re about th s.gov/taxpro To learn mo .ir w w w to ould go preparers sh se IRS to increa effort by the r ea re -y lti su u m en fa help ne phase o dustry and in al n The test is o io tu ss profe d tax re rn f the tax who are pai se o th g n oversight o o ls am x preparer. petency leve ers use a ta m ay co xp al ta im f in o t m percen ore than 60 preparers. M

Under the new rules, all professional tax return preparers must register with the IRS, obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), and adhere to ethical standards. Certain preparers must also pass the new test and complete 15 hours of continuing education each year. For these preparers the

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | Offer the Unique and Personal to Boost Holiday Sales

Independent Retailers offer the unique & personal to boost holiday sales

by Adriana I. Dawson

While pumpkins, scarecrows and mums dot our fall landscape and we continue to enjoy brisk autumn days, it will be only a few short weeks before retailers are in the thick of the important holiday shopping season. This period - which can account for 25 – 30% of annual sales – is crucial to retailers, particularly small, independent stores that face deep discounting and greater inventories from their larger competitors. There are a number of steps independent retailers can take to boost their holiday sales, capitalize on their strengths and differentiate themselves from the competition. While customers enjoy having choices, the endless options presented by merchants can be confusing, overwhelming and impersonal. Independent retailers have an opportunity to capitalize on this by highlighting unique merchandise, emphasizing personal customer service and demonstrating the true sentiments of the season. Presenting a well-edited selection of distinctive items can be a powerful attraction to shoppers who are overwhelmed by a mind boggling array of choices. In the case of holiday shopping, more is not necessarily better. The Rhode Island Small Business Development Center (RISBDC) at Johnson & Wales University (JWU), works with many local retailers and reached out to Dr. Melanie St. Jean, fashion and retail professor in the marketing department at the College of Business and RISBDC consultant, for some ideas to boost holiday sales. She provided the following tips:

Purchase and display items that are unique. The consumer does not want to see the same thing over and over again. Select an item to display that is handmade, local or offers a connection to the local culture.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

2. Partner with a local artist allowing your store to act as a backdrop to their “gallery night” opening. This enables both your customers and the artist’s clients to see that you are invested in your community. 3.

Invite one of the designers or sales reps to come to the store for a private showing or trunk show, offering one-ofa-kind designs.

Offer special shopping nights for men, women and children. When a customer feels that they have been privately invited to a “special” shopping event, it encourages a sense of exclusivity.

Sponsor a charity night. Donate a percentage of your store sales to a local charity in the community and allow customers to make outside donations.

6. Offer gift wrapping. Ask a local senior citizens group, Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop to wrap for your customers. This added touch saves the customer time by relieving them of a tedious activity. These are just a few of the many things that the independent shop owner can do to generate sales for the holiday season and to continue building the client base throughout the year. It’s all about giving back to the community that supports your business during the rest of the year by offering unique merchandise and more personalized service. Consumers remember good will -- it is how the retail industry was founded and going back to one’s roots is always well received. Happy Holidays! Adriana I. Dawson State Director RI Small Business Development Center

Is It Time To Take Your Business Online? | SMALL BUSINESS

is it time to take your business online? by Adam Harvey

According to the U.S. Online Retail Forecast, 2011-2016, done by Forrester Research, Inc., 15% more consumers will be shopping online and spending up to 44% more when they do. Forrester also projects that online spending in the U.S. will increase by 62% by 2016. With improved retailer websites and the widespread adoption of smartphone usage, cybershopping is becoming easier every day. Taking your business online is no longer a question of if, but when. But how does a business owner even start to think about hopping aboard the e-commerce train? Selling online can take several forms, so how do you know which option is right for you? And what about folks who run service based businesses? How can they get on board with E-commerce? Explore your three basic E-commerce options When it comes to E-commerce, you have three basic options. The first option is to sell products through a third-party site like Amazon or eBay. The advantage here is that you don’t have to maintain your own site, and there’s already a built-in audience who finds your products through searching the sites. Look at it as a way to dip your toe in the water before committing to something more involved. Your next option is to add online ordering or a shopping cart to your existing website. This is a popular option among many small businesses and it makes a lot of sense for people with product lines consisting of a few basic products. The advantage here is that the technology is fairly simple and you can maintain the whole thing yourself. You can use a third party E-commerce site like Volution or Shopsite to get started. These are great, but they do have their limitations. If you find that you need something more robust, then you can take your third option and go for a fully integrated E-commerce site. A fully integrated E-commerce store is perfect if you have a large number of products and you need things like advanced reporting, a point of sales integration, system, real time inventory, order tracking, wish list or send to a friend capabilities, or you’d like to be able to suggest related products. The benefits of E-commerce Obviously having E-commerce capabilities is going to help attract new customers. That’s the hope, anyway! If you think about it, building an E-commerce site is like opening up a whole new location—a

cyberlocation that allows a new group of folks access to you. And of course, that also means that your site must be mobile friendly. If you’re gonna go, go big and make it easy for everybody to get to you! But that’s not the only benefit to going cyber. You also have a great way to collect customer contact information when people place an order with you. It’s also a way for customers to take a look at your products and get to know you a little better—in their own time and in their own space. What if you don’t want to actually sell anything? If you’re not really ready to go for it with an E-commerce site, but you think it’s important for customers to be able to take a look at your products before visiting your store, you can always have an online catalog. It looks like an E-commerce site, but doesn’t have a shopping cart. Popular clothing retailer H&M does this. Their site details all their products along with price tags, but does not sell anything online. A simpler option is to make a PDF made of your catalog and post it to your website. How service based businesses can use E-commerce If your business is based on a service like a personal trainer or a dog groomer, you’re not left out here! E-commerce is all about making life easier for customers, so why not make it possible for them to schedule appointments, check your availability, pay for services in advance, or purchase a gift card? Imagine how cool it would be if a customer booked your time and paid for it ahead of time? That would naturally lead to fewer cancellations! And, the convenience factor speaks for itself. No matter what kind of business you have or which E-commerce option is best for you, setting things up can be complicated and there are many pieces to put together. You need to set up domain names and email, establish a payment method and shipping policies. It’s a lot to pull together, so if you find yourself getting overwhelmed, make sure you ask for help. There are plenty of qualified folks out there who can help you make solid decisions and get you up and running smoothly.

Adam Harvey GLAD WORKS www.gladworks.com

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | Using LinkedIn for Your Small Business

Using LinkedIn for Your Small Business by Lisa Buben

LinkedIn is filled with a wealth of information and contacts. Every small business should have a presence on LinkedIn as well as contacts. LinkedIn has over 175 million users from more than 200 countries. A half of LinkedIn’s users are from the United States. LinkedIn can be used for many things including: • • • • • • •

Finding employees. You can search via keywords, names or companies. Many have their resumes on LinkedIn. Finding a job. You sign up for alerts from companies that you follow. Finding a business partner. Finding business related information. Finding out about another company. A place to upload and review resumes. Joining Groups – There are over a million different groups on LinkedIn. You can find several in your niche by searching through the groups. These are a great way to learn about new things in your industry or niche.

• •

Network – once you start making connections and contacts on LinkedIn you can start to network professionally. Answers / Questions – A place to practice your expertise by answering questions or you can ask questions when needed. Recommendations – A place to give and receive recommendations from colleagues. Polls – You can take a poll of colleagues or other connections on LinkedIn.

How do you start? First you start with a profile. Be sure to fill out your profile with keywords of your expertise and business. If you are looking to change jobs or businesses fill out the keywords for what you want to be or where you want to be with the experience in that field. That is how you can be found in the top of search (similar to a Google browser). Be sure to include a professional picture. If you can’t afford to have one done be sure it’s not a picture of you at the beach – use common sense on this professional network. People want to connect with those whose picture they can see (remember, the egg heads on Twitter? Not good). Start making connections. Start to connect with people you have worked with and have done business with. If you get a request from someone you are not sure

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Using LinkedIn for Your Small Business | SMALL BUSINESS

of – read their information and then decide if you want to accept their invitation. The more people you connect with the bigger your connections can become. If you want to communicate with someone at another company and are not connected you can ask to be introduced from a connection you DO have. That’s why it’s important to connect with as many people as you know. You never know when one day you’ll need to make contact with someone at another business. You may want to purchase from them or partner with them. LinkedIn is a very powerful tool for making connections. LinkedIn has a new feature now where you can create a page for your business just like on Facebook. You can set up a products and/or services tab. You can showcase your offerings including a full list of your products with images, descriptions and key features. You can then have customers recommend them and have other employers endorse them. Just like Facebook you can (as an administrator of the page) set analytics behind the page. This is a very nice tool to use on LinkedIn to see results. You can see how many click on which products, etc.

LinkedIn has over 175 million users from more than 200 countries. A half of are from the United States

You can also set up the pages for certain demographics or by geographic areas or other categories. You can also post updates about your company like on Facebook. (No cute cats here, please!) There is a tab where you can also add your products and/or services. You may even include videos for your products and the URL for them to purchase on your website.

Having the Right Network Makes All the Difference Cisco’s Borderless Networks and Atrion SMB connect anyone, anywhere, on any device, at anytime. By linking together users, devices, and applications, you can connect securely and communicate more effectively. Contact Atrion SMB today at info@atrionsmb.net or by calling (401) 825-4422 to learn more about how they can provide highly secure yet flexible access to your business needs to stay competitive.

If your small business is not yet on LinkedIn it is time to sign up, log in and start making your profile and connections. Commit to 30 minutes per day and within a week you’ll be on your way to see the power of LinkedIn for your business.

Scan or visit http://bit.ly/ Lisa Buben | Fancy Scrubs | www.fancyscrubs.com

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | Speaking in Public

Speaking in Public on Microphone or Camera by Donna Mac

Why is it that even some the most brilliant people crumble when you put a microphone or camera lens in front of them? It’s because they automatically take their focus off their subject matter and their audience and put it on themselves. The following is a list of guidelines you can follow when addressing a crowd whether it’s on microphone or on camera. Remember, in this day and age, you could be videoed or recorded at anytime (nervous now?) and uploaded to the likes of Facebook or YouTube

so it’s best to understand and practice these communications tips so as not to blunder if suddenly someone says, “You’re on!”

You have a great voice. How many times have you heard someone say, “I sound so strange when I’m recorded.” It’s not that your voice is “off” in any way it’s just that you’re not used to hearing it coming out of a speaker! Think about it...how many people do you know who truly have a strange voice? Most voices are in the “normal” range. Tip: The quality of well-selected words are much more important than the quality of your voice. Add a little color.

You can be calm. What’s the first thing someone does when they feel unnerved by a situation that’s out of their control? They speak too fast and begin elongating their stories. Why? Again, they’re putting the focus on themselves and are working too hard to impress the listener. But that action could actually be having the opposite effect especially if you begin to ramble. Tip: Improve your posture, slow it down...breathe....state your case and allow for silence. Silence signifies confidence and helps to make your point.

You have great energy. Why is it that when we’re asked to address a crowd we’re so focused on speaking perfectly formed sentences and not focused on being present? Could it be because we’re thinking too much about grammar and articulation and not enough

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

about our viewers? Tip: You haven’t gotten to where you are by being perfectly articulate and controlled. You got to where you are by being you. So BE YOU. Allow communication to flow.

You are intelligent. Why are we are often so concerned about how we’re being perceived even though we know our work inside and out? Often, we’re thinking about how we are looking or sounding as opposed to what we are saying. Most likely, you were chosen to speak because you are an expert on the subject matter. Tip: Viewers relate with those who are authentic. Remember: People want to hear what you have to SAY.

improve your posture, slow it down...breathe.... state your case and allow for silence The more practice you have speaking on camera or before a microphone, the more comfortable you’ll get doing it. If you’re being recorded, ask for a copy and watch

Donna Mac Founder DMacVoice Productions

Speaking in Public | SMALL BUSINESS

or listen back and ask others to critique your performance as well. Today, people are bombarded by messages all the time. It’s more important now than ever to be able to cut through the clutter to make yourself stand out from the crowd. It’s a fact, people remember others who not only teach them something new, but who are also uniquely authentic in their delivery. When speaking, it’s always important to remember that people are allowing you to take them on a journey. So we have a responsibility to get them there with clarity and to keep them engaged along the way. When presenting, think about the arc of the journey you’re taking them on. It has a beginning, a middle, an end and a purpose. Then when you are speaking, focus on that arc. In doing so, you will then not be focusing on yourself and how you look or sound, instead, you will be focused upon teaching and serving them! This seemingly slight shift in focus will significantly reduce your stress levels because our brains simply cannot focus on two things at once. It has to choose between what we are saying and how we are looking as we are saying it. So choose to make your talk about them and not about you. And everything will fall into place almost effortlessly for you. So by using these simple tips you will not only create and deliver terrific content but you will have much more fun doing so. Because I have to tell you, having the experience of engaging, helping and moving people in an audience is a terrifically satisfying experience for everyone involved; especially you!!

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www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

All About Home Care (AAHC) is a premier home health care agency that has been providing independence and peace of mind to hundreds of families since 2003. Located on Aquidneck Island, AAHC provides personal care services, homemaking, and companionship to Newport and Bristol counties.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Designed for people living alone in need of additional help with their everyday activities, AAHC offers the “choice” of staying relatively independent at home -- rather than moving in with a son/daughter, or into an assisted living or skilled nursing facility – while having the services of a private, personally-tailored assistant, chauffeur, and companion. Highly-qualified and trained caregivers are ready to help with a variety of daily activities and services

in managing everyday life. A home assistance program is created and tailored to each client’s personal requirements and might include light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation to doctor or hairdresser appointments, errand running, grocery shopping, meal planning, assistance with grooming and personal care, monitoring bathing safety, and always above-all the vital gift of basic companionship. www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

FEATURED STORY | All About Home Care

Beginning in a tiny home-based office with just Executive Director Kathleen Devlin, her vision, determination and expertise at the helm, All About Home Care, LLC started to grow. At its inception in January of 2003, AAHC received its Certificate of Organization from the state of Rhode Island, offering non-medical services that could be scheduled for a few hours, a whole day, a few days/week, or “24-7”. In 2004, Kathleen took on a one-room office in Middletown. One desk, a copier, a printer, and a file cabinet filled the space and two or three people had to take turns using the office. The company outgrew its confines in just two years and moved its operations to the convenientlylocated Irongate

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Building in Middletown in 2006. In May of 2007, Kathleen became a Certified Geriatric Care Manager (one of seven in RI) to expand AAHC’s services to include a health and human services professional with a specialized body of knowledge and experience related to aging and elder care issues. On January 1, 2009, the services expanded again with the acquisition of The Rhode Island Department of Health Home Nursing Care Provider license. This license allows AAHC to offer Certified Nursing Assistants and Nursing Services; both much needed to support the clients that started with the agency several years earlier, who need more personal and medical care than companionship at this time. The ability to offer a continuum of care led the company to move again in January 2010 to a suite double the size in the same building. Occupying 2,100 square feet, each member of Kathleen’s administrative team finally had their own office and they also gained a training room that seated 20, a kitchen, a file storage room, and two bathrooms!

care giving team that consists of thirty-four Certified Nurse Assistants and thirty-eight Homemakers. This is a staff of seventynine employees with thirty-two persons being full-time. The turnover rate for this industry is high, but many of the staff have been with AAHC for several years and the Administrative team has not seen any changes except growth.

AAHC has experienced consistent and significant growth in both sales and staff since inception. The company has seen double-digit growth in revenue for four out of the last five years with almost 17% growth in 2011. That being said, AAHC has also seen a steady growth of employees over the years and today is hiring three or four people each month for care giving. The current administrative team has expanded to include a Staff Coordinator, Accounting Manager, Human Resource Generalist, Office Manager, three Registered Nurses (2.0 FTE) and a

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Newport County Chamber of Commerce (NCCOC) have also played a big part in helping Kathleen through difficult times and adversity. SBA assisted Kathleen with classes, print materials, website information and counseling and also worked with Sovereign Bank to guarantee a loan to provide computer equipment for the first office expansion. As AAHC continued to grow, SBDC reached out to Kathleen and offered an opportunity to participate with ‘Professionals Available to Help’ (PATH). The impact the PATH Council Members made on the issues and problems that Kathleen brought to their attention mid 2009 were notable. The PATH Council identified areas that needed to be ‘fixed’ and better yet offered the solutions!

informative seminars and events held by the Newport County Chamber assisted Kathleen in attaining the skills and knowledge that she was lacking as a new business owner

All About Home Care | FEATURED STORY

SBDC has also fostered relationships with several Rhode Island colleges and universities. These relationships have offered a chance for Kathleen to take advantage of several unique opportunities from internships for student nurses to senior class projects. In October, 2009, Kathleen was approached by the SBDC to work with the MGT 490: Strategic Business Planning class of Salve Regina University. This senior project provided the students with an opportunity to develop a viable business plan including resources/operations plan, and financial plan based on actual data for AAHC. Kathleen was able to take this presentation and determine what information and changes would be pertinent for her to review as she made plans for the future of AAHC. Recently, a second opportunity presented itself to Kathleen and AAHC as she was again approached by the SBDC to participate with Johnson & Wales University. Lastly, informative seminars and events held by the Newport County Chamber of Commerce (NCCOC) assisted Kathleen in attaining the skills and knowledge that she was lacking as a new business owner (i.e., writing a press release, understanding state and federal tax regulations, social networking, etc.). Thanks to her determination and help from local organizations, Kathleen gladly accepted the award for Rhode Island Small Business Person of the Year for 2011 on behalf of AAHC as well as the Newport County Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Award. Kathleen has also succeeded in establishing a work environment at AAHC that sets it apart from other agencies. This goal was accomplished by creating a

team of caregivers and administrative staff that enjoy working together, are always ready to assist when needed, and yet keep their days rewarding and fulfilling by having the flexibility of defining their own schedules and work environments. AAHC

(FWA) which includes telework/ telecommuting, flex-time, compressed work week and banking of hours. These benefits have been found to increase job satisfaction, energy, creativity, and the ability to handle stress. They have also

these relationships have offered a chance for Kathleen to take advantage of several unique opportunities from internships for student nurses to senior class projects is able to offer such a benefit, by carefully weaving together the desires of both client and caregiver regarding location, timing, skill strengths, etc. As the staff recruiter emphasizes to prospective employees, “Tell us where you would like to work, what you like to do, and what hours you are available; and we will take it from there!” Even the administrative team has been offered a Flexible Work Arrangement

enhanced the company’s ability to attract, motivate and retain experienced, highperforming employees for both care giving and administrative positions. Due to the unrelenting motivation to keeping both employees and clients content, as well as through help from local government and the community, All About Home Care is sure to enjoy continuing growth and success in the years to come.

Kathleen Devlin [Left] | Kathleen Devlin and Katharine O’Brien [Previous Page] | Bonnie Smith and Peter Bitzileos {Above Right] www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

Should You Do It SMALL BUSINESS | Should You Do It?

a Prioritization and Decision Making Tool for You

With a limited amount of time each day, finite cash resources and so much to do, you may wish to see if you are doing what is most important to you. If not, you may wish to make adjustments to improve your productivity, profitability and/or quality of life. Start with a large sheet of paper (or four 8.5 by 11 sheets of paper taped together) and a sticky memo pad (or a pad of small pieces of paper and high quality clear tape which can be removed and repositioned without tearing the paper). Reproduce an enlarged copy of the chart shown in this article onto the paper, occupying the entire surface.

HIGH

by Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro

THINK CAREFULLY

MAYBE

DON’T DO IT

LOW

VALUE

DO IT

LOW

COST

HIGH

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Write everything that you do and everything that you would like to do, but don’t have time or money to do on the sticky paper, using one piece of paper for each thing that you do (don’t forget personal and family events). Double check to be sure that you did not forget anything. Now, take each sheet of sticky paper and place it on the chart where it seems to fit best. At this point, try not to focus on the meaning of the colors. We will review the meaning of each quadrant in more detail later on. The more important (due to enjoyment, sense of accomplishment, or income received) doing or completing the action is to you, the higher it goes on the chart (into yellow or green areas). The more cost (effort, time and/or money) it takes to complete the action the further to the right it goes (yellow or red areas). Once all of the sticky memos have been

placed on the chart review it and fine tune the placement of each item so that more important items are higher on the chart (green or yellow) than less important items (orange or red) and items which require more resources (time and/ or money) are further to the right (yellow or red) than less costly items (green or orange). Your major work with the chart is complete for the next few days. Keep the memo pad handy for additional action items which you think of throughout the day. Write a new memo for each new action item. Position it on the chart when convenient.

After a few days have elapsed in which you have not added action items, review the chart again. Is it an accurate picture for you? If not, adjust and then repeat the review cycle in another few days until you are satisfied that the chart is accurate. Now review the chart. Is everything you are doing in the green and possibly the yellow areas? If so, you are probably investing your time and resources appropriately, but check the relative placement of each of your sticky memos. Are you focused on what is the most important of these important items and completing all of the important activities which are not Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Independent Consultant in Human Factors Learning and Human Resources

Should You Do It? | SMALL BUSINESS

expensive to do? If not, you might wish to do a bit of fine tuning. Are you focused on items in the orange and red areas? If so, it is probably time to refocus. Perhaps, you can simply stop doing some of the items. If not, you might hire someone to do these activities or otherwise outsource their completion. You will then have more time to focus on the green and yellow areas and should increase your satisfaction and/or your income.

1 I would like to thank Industrial Consultant Dr. Margarita Posada for helpful comments

whenever you are thinking about taking on a new activity think about where you would place it relative to everything else on the chart If you have employees working with you, you might want to repeat this exercise as a business activity or suggest that your employees do a similar chart for themselves. You might encourage your family members to review your chart and do the exercise too. Whenever you are thinking about taking on a new activity think about where you would place it relative to everything else on the chart to determine whether you should do it. Once a quarter, update your chart and review it to help you remain focused on doing what is most important and of most benefit to you. If you have a major change in objectives or business circumstances begin a new chart.

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www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | A Map for Organizational Wellness

a map for

organizational wellness by Tim Sullivan

Changing workplace wellness is similar to the steps an individual goes through in order to free themselves of an addiction. Psychologist James O. Prochaska, PhD., at the University of Rhode Island and some of his colleagues have developed something called the Transtheoretical Model of Behavioral Change (TTM), which outlines the steps people take in their efforts to change behavior. TTM is generally applied to individuals from a psychoanalytical perspective mainly dealing in cases of addictions or depression. The TTM applies pretty closely to the steps that a business or organization goes through in developing or augmenting a wellness program.

six steps of ttm:

1. precontemplation 2. contemplation 3. preparation 4. action 5. maintenance 6. termination

Precontemplation - Both individuals and organizations fail to see that there is a problem. The organization probably doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize that wellness is affecting their staff one way or the

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other. Wellness programs might consist of minimal efforts like gym reimbursements and health and wellness emails from an insurance company, or a low priced wellness provider. If action is identified at all, the time table is probably 6-9 months away. Getting the organization beyond this stage is vitally important to turning around the ill effects of diminishing health and wellness. Contemplation - The individual is feeling the effects of their behavior in a negative way. The concerns are rising to the point of seriously considering the options in dealing with the affliction. In the business, management might be noticing rising health insurance costs, or has noticed delays in projects on account of a rising absenteeism. The identified wellness concerns are deemed important enough to require action within 6 months. More serious attention is spent of finding vendors, addressing areas of potential need, and determining the best forms of motivation for employees. Preparation - Individuals and businesses both finalize their plans for action within the next month. Individuals prepare for details of rehabilitation, and organizations work to establish metrics for measuring wellness, so that Return on Investment (ROI) calculations can be better measured.

A Map for Organizational Wellness | SMALL BUSINESS

Action - The program is kicked off. Individuals commit themselves to breaking their habits, and the organization has rolled out the wellness program. Employees are engaged in various levels of programs promoting more exercise, better diet, stress relief, and habits control. This period should be the period where the greatest changes occur, if the program is properly set up and supported. ROI should begin to show the results of the program in terms of group participation and satisfaction, improvements in biometric data collected, reduction in absenteeism rates due to illness, not to mention improvements in group morale and perhaps productivity and employee retention rates. Maintenance - After the initial “Action” stage has subsided, the hope is that lifestyles will have changed in a sustainable manner. If the goals have been reached, the program should enter a period that allows the program to be scaled back without serious changes in wellness. Assuring the sustainability of the progress attained is probably the most important part of the program. Termination - The final stage according to TTM is termination; because the program has been successful and people are no longer tempted by the poor habits that plagued them prior to the wellness program, it can end. For individuals, termination without relapses is possible. In a workplace wellness environment, achieving sustainable health and wellness for an entire group of people is unlikely. It is probably naïve to assume that any group of people could evolve (behaviorally) to the point that they ALL would no longer need wellness reminders to stay on a healthy path of good diet, exercise and restraint in habits. In a workplace wellness environment, Maintenance should realistically be the final step. Throughout these steps it is important that the organization support the wellness program at each step of the process in order to achieve the best results. It is also crucial for the organization to develop metrics by which they can measure the relative success of their program; this allows the organization to make changes in wellness service providers during the Action or Maintenance phases. It is wise for businesses to engage in some sort of wellness program, as profitability and productivity are tied to the level of health and wellness of the organizations’ employees. All other things being equal; productivity drops with a decrease in wellness, but productivity rises as wellness improves!

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www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | What Will Separate the Winners from Losers...

what will separate the WINNERS the LOSERS in the new economy? treating the workforce as talking libraries by Jeffrey S. Deckman

“Imagine if you had access to a talking library that collectively contained all the information you need to run, grow and innovate your business. Would you be excited to access that powerful resource on a daily basis and pick its brain? Would you be excited to go to where it was in your building and engage it? Of course you would.” The new century has ushered in a new economy that is very different from anything we have experienced in the past. The 20th century’s three most reliable and trusted models to increase profits are no longer available to today’s executives. You cannot raise prices No one will pay them You cannot cut prices You already have You cannot easily capture new clients Your competitors are fiercely competitive So this leaves business owners and executives in small, medium and large companies with two choices: 1. Accept the situation and deal with shrinking profits and growth 2. Innovate Obviously #1 is not appealing or even acceptable. But innovation is easier said than done! Innovate where, and how? If you are like me you get sick of the experts who tell you

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the answer to the pressing questions facing our companies is “to innovate” and then they walk away, offering no specifics. They should have saved their breath because their solution was a non-solution in that it is too vague to help solve anything. It is like if there were a tsunami coming in the distance and you were to ask a “tsunami expert” how to survive and they were to tell you to simply “build a boat” and then walked away. Well, without telling you how to build a boat and what tools to use their advice was pretty much worthless. While that may qualify as an answer, without specifics, it is no solution. What we need in todays challenging economy is solutions. So I am going to offer some. Where Should You Focus Your Innovation Efforts? The key to continuous and profitable growth in the new economy according to Gallup, McKinsey, the Harvard School of Business and countless other experts (plus my direct experience) is to do a better job of engaging the minds and activating the motivations of the people who work with and for you; at all levels. So, focus upon innovating in the area of increasing levels of employee engagement. Increasing employee engagement has been proven without a doubt to have a direct impact on profitability. It also has

the advantage of being largely within your control due to the fact that everyone you are trying to affect works with you. You are working with a “captive audience” who wins when you win. This is unlike the traditional 3 part profit generating model described above. In that model, for you to make more money, someone somewhere has to lose money. And anytime you can go from a win/lose model to a win/win model things happen much easier.

the key to continuous and profitable growth is to do a better job of engaging the minds and activating the motivations of the people who work with and for you; at all levels While many think of employee engagement as a touchy-feely tool born in the 80’s and 90’s modern executives realize that increasing employee engagement is the most effective way to increase profits in the post industrial, new “knowledge” economy.

Score Tip Of The Month | STARTUPS

Think about it these very simple terms: To increase employee engagement I must create an environment that results in people being intrinsically motivated to be more engaged in the act of working. They then work more. As they work more production increases - It can’t not! Then as production increases this often means efficiencies are achieved. The combination of higher production and greater efficiencies always results in more profits and more savings. - It can’t not! The formula is really that simple. And it is proven successful every time it is properly implemented. So the better you become at using your human capital the more financial capital you will create. In fact, as you become more proficient at maximizing your human capital assets your financial assets (profits) will increase almost automatically. Ok so that is the “What,” Now for the “How.”

that you are interested. But beware, they may be suspicious at first. But if you mean what you are doing and keep showing up, they will begin responding in powerful ways. However, you have to be willing to engage them not as a “boss” who tells them what to do, but as a person who is an empowered facilitator who can help them to get their work done. If you cannot make this fundamental shift and engage your workforce as people who are smart, have insights and would love to contribute more, then you cannot expect them to engage you. But if you do make that sustainable effort, not only will they repay the favor by engaging you more but the information and the satisfaction you get will motivate you to continue engaging them as the people they are.

of the month

Business Tips For security and peace of mind never have the person who writes checks reconcile bank statements Never pay an invoice without a purchase order number. Keep a log of purchase order numbers with date, expected delivery, and estimated cost Always keep your employees informed of new policies and procedures. Even better is to have employees be part of the decision making process

Another quick tip is to STOP seeing your organization as an Org Chart and begin viewing it, and engaging it, as a “knowledge network”.

Identify problems early, and ask your team for help

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It flatters the one from whom you seek advice. It implies they have superior knowledge, or skills

I think many in management expect the employees to engage us after we do some team building exercises or have a few company functions. But it takes more than that.

So, imagine if you had access to a talking library that collectively contained all the information you need to run, grow and innovate your business. Wouldn’t you be excited to access that powerful resource on a daily basis and pick its brain? Wouldn’t you be excited to go to where it was in your building and engage it? Of course you would.

Employee engagement happens when the “bosses” (a word I dislike) make a consistent effort to make a solid effort to engage the workforce initially at their level. One has to take the time to understand their world, seek their input and to show

Then once you engage that library you will see how willing it becomes to come to where you are and share its knowledge with you. And in that moment your entire business will begin rising to a whole new level. And so will your profits!

If we think of employee engagement in non-professional terms, all it is is creating an environment where people are not only comfortable working with you but they like working with you...as a person! This too is a pretty simple concept that, in my opinion, has been overly complicated.

Jeffrey Deckman Capability Accelerators www.capabilityaccelerators.com

Don’t confuse effort with results

When facing many, many tasks, do the smallest, quickest ones first When you have many bills to pay, and are short of cash, pay the little ones, and call the big ones to negotiate late payments

Rhode Island SCORE provides FREE, confidential counseling to small businesses in Rhode Island. For more information call 401-528-4561 or email info@riscore.org www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | An Olympic-Sized Lesson on Dealing with Disappointment

an olympic sized lesson on dealing with disappointment by Todd Patkin

I don’t know about you, but I was practically glued to my TV in the evenings during the two weeks of the Olympic games in London. I am fascinated by how skilled these athletes from all around the world have become through their hard work, focus and determination. Of course, it’s easy to have a good attitude when you’re happy with your performance. But what about the athletes who didn’t perform as well as they had hoped to? While you’ll probably never compete for a gold medal on the international stage, you will find yourself facing failure, dissatisfaction, and regret at various points in your life. And how you choose to respond to those negative circumstances will set the tone for the way others see you, and most importantly, for your overall quality of life. Here are my thoughts on how you can learn to be easier on yourself when you’re facing one of life’s failures. *Get some perspective. The next time you mess up, try to harness the power of perspective and force yourself to put your misstep into context. Often, you’ll realize that what you’re upset about is a mere drop in the bucket, and that you have a lot more to take pride in. *Put someone else in your shoes. If you’re like many people, you berate yourself for being so inept when something goes wrong – which is surely can do - you tell yourself that you were worthless, and become convinced that everything would go downhill from here. Take a moment and think about how you’d react to a friend in the same situation. Then try to extend the same grace to yourself. The voice and opinion you hear most often is your own, and what you tell yourself can make or break the quality of your life. *Make a list of your successes. Most of us do at least one hundred things right for every one thing we do wrong. But because we tend to focus on these failures, we magnify them in our own minds and reinforce to ourselves just how “subpar” we think we are. When you start to dwell on a mistake, force yourself to name at least five things you did today that were good. *Surround yourself with cheerleaders. The words you tell yourself are important, but what you hear from other people can also make or break your attempts to handle failures in a positive manner. That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with a team of personal “cheerleaders” who build you up and encourage you. *Remind yourself that you’re normal. In the midst of a culture obsessed with perfection, it may come as a shock to realize that failure, at least some of the time, is normal and

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

An Olympic-Sized Lesson on Dealing with Disappointment | SMALL BUSINESS

inevitable! Mistakes are a fact of life, and you have about as much chance of avoiding them as you do of being able to stop breathing. *Learn from the mistake and move on. It’s natural to go through a period of sadness, disappointment, frustration, and even grief after failing to realize a goal or dream. But eventually, for the sake of your health, your outlook, and your future, you have to find a way to forgive yourself and move forward. As I’m sure Olympic athletes are taught to do, channel your energy into shaping the future instead of lamenting the past. *Celebrate whenever you can. Make a habit of noticing and celebrating your successes. Look at your self-esteem and selfconfidence as a bank account, this is a great way to make deposits. And the next time you do mess up, you’ll be less likely to think you’re the most inept person on the planet. *Fake it ’til you make it. Yes, it’s important to acknowledge and process all of your emotions. Try to react to setbacks with dignity, composure, and even optimism for the future—even if you’re tempted to lash out or vent your frustrations. Strive to become not only a better loser, but also a better winner. Both are characterized by humility, empathy, and the knowledge that no one is perfect.

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the words you tell yourself are important, but what you hear from other people can also make or break your attempts to handle failures in a positive manner It saddens me that the lion’s share of Olympic accolades is reserved only for the gold medal winners, while the silver and bronze recipients typically receive very little coverage. Worst of all, fourth, fifth, etc. finishes are portrayed as losses. That’s fourth or fifth place in the whole world—a tremendous accomplishment! If you’re thinking that it’s just too difficult to change the way you think and react, and that you don’t want to put in the effort it will take to be easier on yourself, remember this: Your children will grow up to be like you. They will develop their attitudes and outlooks based on yours. So if you won’t change how you treat yourself for your own sake, do it for your kids…and for their kids after them.

Todd Patkin Entrepreneur And Philanthropist www.toddpatkin.com

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | Dieting and Detoxing for Optimal Workplace Wellness

dieting detoxing for optimal workplace wellness by Martinha Javid

We all diet and detox to lose weight and flush our systems for better health, yet we forget about doing the same within our INNER SPACE where we spend most of our time, usually, the workplace! For the sake of our health, the health of our employees, children in daycare and patients in medical offices we need to put ourselves on a “diet” and stop purchasing cleaning products that are laden with chemicals and “detox” out the carcinogens, formaldehyde and other ozone depleting compounds which are doing the exact opposite within our bodies causing DISEASE. Out of convenience we often go to big box stores and purchase these products in quantity not giving any thought to what we are purchasing other than it will keep the space “clean and smelling good.” Think again. You’ll unknowingly be bringing into your home and workplace products that can lead to respiratory problems, cause asthma and induce heart attacks and strokes, among many other ailments. Something else that we don’t give much thought to, my friends, is what we bring into our offices, and all other workplace environments…on the soles of our shoes!!! That’s right, shoes! Think about it. When we go to public places, such as a mall, gyms, restrooms, and restaurants for lunch, meeting with clients etc, our shoes are picking up germs and bacteria, which we then track into our environment of work and unwittingly expose to our patients, clients, employees and colleagues. The Middle East and Japanese cultures have been aware of this for centuries and have instituted rituals that are not only hygienic for the home and work place but also serve as a sign of respect. While, that may not be feasible for us to do here, we can perhaps have a different pair of shoes we walk around in- in our offices or at the very least, purge through your shelves at work and take a good look at all the chemicals you now purchase, do a DETOX for the sake of everyone and get smart clean products!!! You will feel like employer of the year!! Let’s recap for better ~ Workplace Wellness~ • Diet from purchasing cleaning products that are infused with so many chemicals. • Detox: Purge through your cleaning products cabinet and laundry detergent and dispose of the products you have that may be laden with harmful compounds. • When arriving back at work from lunch, errands, meetings try to remove your shoes by the door and slip into a different pair of shoes you many keep just at work. This is pertinent especially if you are a childcare or healthcare facility! Your clients, patients or customers will thank you!

Martinha Javid MI Interiors,LLC www.martinhadesigns.com

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Why Providence | CAPITAL CITY

Mayor Angel Taveras

WHY PROVIDENCE?

Every day, tens of thousands of people make their way into Providence – for work, for school, or just to visit our dynamic city. From an economic development perspective, that experience is important. Last month, Governor Chafee invited me to join him and others for a ‘familiarization tour’ with executives from Boston Consulting Group, a global management consulting firm and leading advisor on business strategy based in Boston and New York. A familiarization tour brings corporate executives and site selectors

Commerce, Dan Baudouin – President of the Providence Foundation and others. The founder of BCG, James Malik, and his colleagues shared a half-day of travel throughout Providence and Warwick, and offered their expertise on what we can all do as a region to retain companies and recruit new businesses that will create new jobs and build additional commerce in Providence and Rhode Island. Importantly, they suggested rather than trying to be all things to all people, we promote one or two best assets, “narrow-casting,” who

we have a talented and skilled workforce and a quality of life that can help businesses recruit even more talented people to our city together with state and local officials to look at what a community has to offer, so they may suggest it to clients when expansion or relocation opportunities present themselves. Joining us on that tour was Mayor Scott Avedisian of Warwick, the RI Economic Development Corporation, Jim Bennett – Providence’s Director of Economic Development, Colin Kane - chair of the I-195 Commission, Laurie White – President of the Greater Providence Chamber of

we are. We are all aware that if we do not distinguish ourselves for the specialness of our community, we make it harder on ourselves to convince corporate leaders to consider building and growing their business in Providence. As a Mayor, I know that we have as much – or more – to offer than any other city in the Northeast. We are strategically located on the Boston-Washington corridor and have easy access to all forms of transportation. We are home to

renowned colleges and universities, and the intellectual capital of their graduates. And among the most important factors to recruit businesses: we have a talented and skilled workforce and a quality of life that can help businesses recruit even more talented people to our city. But other cities tout these things, too. So what is it that really makes Providence the right place to locate? One common denominator is the great businesses we have here – and their willingness to come to our city. This shows they have taken a risk and succeeded. In Providence, we have some outstanding industry leaders, many international in scope: GTECH, HASBRO, Citizens Bank, Dassault Systemes Simulia, DellWorks, Univar, Umicore, Forensic Risk Alliance and CVS. These are corporate leaders creating new technology, breaking barriers in their respective fields, investing millions in highgrowth research and using hundreds of local workers to reach those goals. As Providence’s and Rhode Island’s business leaders, you are among the most valuable messengers. We are all working together to build a stronger economy and grow jobs. We invite your ideas and ask you to feel free to share them with us at jbennett@providenceri.com. Jim Bennett is ready and able to work with you, and you can join our effort by calling him at 401.680.8400. www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

SMALL BUSINESS | Never Underestimate the Power of Thank You!

Never Underestimate the Power of Thank You! by Gail Ahlers

While few business owners question the value of marketing and PR programs focused on external customers, many do not realize the power of strategic marketing plans focused on their most valuable resource, their employees. The amazing success of Zappos.com, Inc. is a perfect example of the power of employee satisfaction as part of corporate culture. Tony Hsiehs’ book “Delivering Happiness: A path to profits, passion, and purpose”, invites the corporate world to realize the importance of company culture as part of the path to profitability. (Hsieh, 2010). Employee recognition is an important part of this culture. According to a collaborative report by The Forum of People Performance Management and Measurement, The Incentive Research Foundation, and Human Capital Institute, “Acknowledgement or giving special attention to employee actions, efforts, behaviors, or performance, meets an intrinsic psychological need for appreciation for one’s efforts and can support business strategy by reinforcing certain behaviors that contribute to organizational success”. The report continues by emphasizing that recognition is directly correlated to improved employee engagement and motivation, resulting in improved job performance.

82% of the 2000 employees surveyed indicated that recognition and praise motivate them to improve performance

In a survey by Carlson Marketing Group (CMG) and the Gallup organization, 82% of the 2000 employees surveyed indicated that recognition and praise motivate them to improve performance, and in a recent Harris Poll, personal recognition was among the top three things employees said they want out of a job. In spite of this overwhelming data, a 2011 survey of 1000 Americans, 69%

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feel that they have not been recognized for personal efforts either at work or in community volunteer programs. (Stoga & Thomas, 2011). Why does this matter? It’s simple; employees who are recognized for their work are more engaged, motivated, and productive, leading to better performance and subsequently more business. Bottom Line, increased revenue. According to Gostick and Elton, “In the corporate world, recognition is used for one reason, to drive more business”. (The Awards and Recognition Association). Hence, awards are given to: • • • • • •

Reach Company or department goals and objectives Boost morale Recognize outstanding achievements Increase productivity and profits Drive more business Keep good employees

In “Make Their Day! Employee recognition that works” (BerrettKohler May 2009), an example of recognition the wrong way is given, telling of a company whose HR department generated an automatic list of recipients to receive a potted plant on the anniversary of their hire date, demonstrating a form of “outsourced” recognition that is cold, and impersonal. Employees respond better to recognition offered on a personal level. AIPSO, a national organization serving the auto insurance industry, in collaboration with Ahlers Designs is a good example of recognition the right way. Customizing their Employee Recognition Program with Ahlers emblem program enabled the company’s workforce to feel connected and valued by the organization. It’s clear that organizations actively seeking to improve employee engagement through the use of recognition programs financially outperform their competition, so maybe it’s time for your company to start an employee recognition program.

Gail Ahlers Ahlers Designs Inc. www.ahlersdesigns.com

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

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FEATURED NONPROFIT

“We have divided the state into ‘service areas’ to offer the highest possible quality of customized services and efficient delivery,” said Calvino. “We’re currently utilizing generous support from Taco/The White Family Foundation to implement a year-long effort in our Cranston service area.”

Business Community Engagement Key for Gloria Gemma Foundation’s Success The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation has a successful eight-year track record of providing free breast cancer and breast health support, programs, and education to Rhode Islanders. The Pawtucket-based nonprofit has consistently forged enduring relationships with the local business community and has empowered companies—large, small, and everything in between—to be proactive when it comes to social responsibility. “We are learning that both consumers and employees want companies to do more,” said Foundation Executive Director Maria Gemma. “Our goal is to not just build up our list of partners, but to develop ways to better engage them.” “With our small team of only seven employees, we are grateful for businesses that have stepped up to the plate and offered not only generous financial support, but their ideas, time, and energy,” Gemma continued. National Grid is one such example. The Foundation recently collaborated with the energy provider to launch a pink-based compact fluorescent light bulb and will receive a portion of sales.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

“We enjoyed the experience of working collaboratively with National Grid to design and implement a successful campaign,” Foundation Director of Development Calvino said. “Simply stated, National Grid gets it.” Other companies that “get it” include two local jewelers that designed and introduced products to benefit the Foundation— Cranston-based Alex and Ani introduced two charm bracelets in 2011, and Warwickbased Baxter’s Fine Jewelry introduced two pins and a necklace as part of their limited edition collection. The Foundation has also allied with companies in their hometown. For six years, Pawtucket’s ARS Restoration Specialists has provided operational and event sponsorship support. Restaurants and food establishments have also teamed up with the Foundation. Panera Bread featured a pink ribbon bagel in October while Gregg’s Restaurants and Pubs hosted “Cake For A Cure” to benefit the Foundation. Business sector collaboration has also positively impacted the Foundation’s programming and delivery of services.

The Foundation has also experienced success with engaging small businesses from different sectors. In June, Hattoy’s Nursery & Garden Center worked with the Foundation to offer a breast cancer awareness day at their Coventry location. During the last Saturday of every month, Shri Studio in Pawtucket offers free workshops to breast cancer survivors. The Foundation has also established a budding relationship with Warwick’s Heavenly Hugs, a small private practice in Warwick that offers free reiki classes to survivors. Whole Foods Market University Heights Marketing Team Leader Bonnie Combs provides an example of returns on investment for businesses that partner with the Foundation. “With our quarterly 5% Days, we donate five percent of the day’s net sales to local non-profit organizations,” she explained. “Shoppers are provided with an extra incentive of knowing that their purchases are going to support the local community.” The most recent 5% Day that took place earlier this month at all three Rhode Island stores raised $12,104.34 for the Foundation. “No business is too big to partner with us,” said Calvino. “Yes,” agreed Gemma. “But no business is too small either.” For more information on partnership opportunities, please contact Director of Development Gary Calvino at 401-8614376 or via email at gary@gloriagemma.org.

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

GoLocalProv.com is the “go to” local Web experience that breaks the biggest local stories, sports, high school sports, weather, news, politics, arts,

entertainment — and allows users to go as deep as they wish. Branded, credible, and respected contributors from RI create the stories and content. Information is delivered through multimedia, written, and video platforms. All at GoLocalProv.com.

Local Moms Build Consignment Business Two stay-at-home moms have put their heads together to make a small business pay not only for themselves, but for fellow Rhode Islanders who may be struggling in today’s tight economy. Their business? Consignment sale events, and Mary-Lyn Siderski and Christine Wilford have two that are coming up in Rhode Island later this month. Consignment on a large scale RI Kids Consignment Sale, billed as the state’s largest event of its kind, was the founding event these two women began three years ago, and it returns to the West Warwick Civic Center September 26-29. The semi-annual sale of new and gently-used children’s items includes “anything and everything for newborns to preteens.” And at prices, as they say, that “won’t break your budget.” The timing of this sale can really help local families with back-to-school necessities, said Siderski, adding that the items are consigned from more than 300 RI families. “In today’s economy, with many families cutting back on spending, this is an excellent way for parents to stretch their budget while also helping RI families earn a little money.” Siderski said she and Wilford expects as many as 50,000 consigned items. Growing the business Building on the success of the their children’s sale, Wilford and Siderski are now introducing a designer and high-end brand consignment event: Restyled RI, scheduled for the West Warwick Civic Center from September 21-22. “Our mom consignors asked us for an event just for them,“ said Wilford. “They loved cleaning out their children’s closets, and shopping for gently used treasures at our children’s sale, and they wanted to do the same for themselves.” The team already has about 100 women lined up to consign used clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories for women, all of which promise to be mall brand and higher.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Providence | GOLOCAL

Should You Use Do-It-Yourself Legal Forms? There is good reason the purveyors of do-it-yourself legal forms expressly tell you that they do not offer legal advice – it’s because they don’t and they can’t – but don’t be misled into thinking you don’t need it – no matter how simple something seems. As we always tell our clients – hope for the best, plan for the worse. It’s not a problem UNTIL it’s a problem but if and when it does become one you will have at least had an opportunity to address it. Do-it-yourself Wills Take do-it-yourself Wills, for example. It is anyone’s guess how many estates have been distributed in a manner inconsistent with the testator’s/signatory’s actual wishes. After all, by definition, when the Will is admitted to probate, the testator or signatory is no longer around to clarify anything about the Will.

Finally, read the disclaimers on the do-it-yourself legal forms. They specifically state they cannot provide legal advice, communications are not subject to attorney client privilege, they cannot provide explanations, opinions or recommendations about legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies. At best they can refer you to a lawyer It may sound self-serving for a lawyer to caution against the use of commercially pre-printed, do-it-yourself legal forms. That would only be true if such forms always met the needs and expectations of the consumer. Unfortunately, a number of legal document purchasers have discovered that the document did not meet their needs after a dispute or problem arose and then it was too late.

When an attorney drafts a will on behalf of a client, not only is the attorney’s professional judgment and skill exercised in creating the document to meet the specific needs and expectations of the client, but the information the client provided to draft the will can provide valuable insight into the client’s wishes. Business structures Another good example is business structures. Even if the legal form is completed and filled out accurately, there are numerous factors to be considered when it comes to corporations, partnerships, LLCs etc. The form of the business can have a direct impact on issues such as licensing, insurance, government filings, fees, taxes and qualifications for certain programs or benefits. Real legal problems can result from failure to understand these issues and a qualified attorney can assist you in uncovering those issues and addressing them.

From Rhode Islanders and for Rhode Islanders: See it. Read it. Share it.

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

WOMEN IN BUSINESS | I’m Going to Disney World

I’m Going to Disney World! How a Trip to Magic Kingdom Showed Me Some Magic for My Own Business by Aileen McDonough

There are people who go to Disneyworld every year. They never go anywhere else. I once thought these people were insane, but now I can’t wait to go back, myself! My marketing brain understands why. Here are three things Disney does to make people want to come back again and again. Build a new world—every detail of the world. At Disney, employees are not employees. They are Cast Members. You don’t ride a bus or a shuttle. You ride the Magical Express. Every detail is taken care of, because you are not in the real world anymore. You are in Disneyworld. One day, we got caught in a storm and ducked into the souvenir shop. We happened to be in China (not real China, Epcot China). We planned to buy Disney logo ponchos that were conveniently displayed when a sign caught our eye: “Umbrellas purchased here will be personalized with your name in Chinese letters.” Waitaminute, a souvenir that is practical, cute, and educational? We’ll take three, please! Umbrellas purchased, lettered, and unfurled, we made our way through the rest of the exhibit. As we left the area some fifteen minutes later, another Cast Member waved to us and called my children by name. She was reading their names off their umbrellas! It was a moment of authentic, spontaneous

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

fun—one that my kids talked about for the rest of the day. Which brings me to the Cast Members themselves… Create a culture of caring. At Disneyworld, the staff is happy. Cast members smile at you, even if they’re running by you with an armful of ice or tee shirts. And this is not an accident. Disney trains its employees to be this way. The buttons are a great example of this. You

kids decided they didn’t want after wearing them for 37 seconds, I had a chance to talk with a Cast Member about his job. I complimented him on his pleasant attitude and willingness to help me out with what had become a stressful situation (before you judge, that this was our second 12hour day and our kids were overdue for lunch. Yes, Disney is intense.) He told me, “We always keep in mind that people are here on vacation, and it’s our job to make

It actually got you excited about what was happening behind those walls. Everything they do is aligned with a purpose intended by the man who started it all. can celebrate anything at Disney, whether it’s your first visit or your honeymoon or your 90th birthday, and when you check in to your hotel, they ask you what you are celebrating and give you a button to wear so everyone knows. It provides Cast Members with an opportunity to personally engage visitors. Everyone is eager to help, attentive to your needs—and this is not an act. While returning some sunglasses my

it a great experience. We have fun helping you have fun.” Dream big and share your vision at every opportunity. On the

Aileen McDonough 3am Writers www.3amwriters.com

Positive Business | WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Magical Express from the airport to our resort we watched a film that contained footage of Walt Disney himself, explaining the plans for Disneyworld, beginning with, “We chose Florida because it has all the room we need for everything we want to do.” He made decisions based on what would allow big dreams to grow. And it keeps on growing. During our visit, several new attractions were under construction. Instead of typical “please excuse the mess” signs, there were brightly colored plaques emblazoned with Walt Disney’s quotations: philosophies on building, teamwork, and ideas. It actually got you excited about what was happening behind those walls. Everything they do is aligned with a purpose intended by the man who started it all. So now we’re back from Disney, back to real life. When the plane touched down in Providence (I mean, Warwick) I felt like I had a great big Mickey-ears-shaped hole in my heart. My son had been sighing all day, “I’m going to miss Disney.” My daughter was already planning “the next time we go.” And I have to admit, my husband and I were starting to agree with all those Disneyphiles we’d previously thought were crazy. In the words of an avid fan who makes the pilgrimage annually, “When you’re at Disney, you are truly in another world. You don’t worry about anything, you just enjoy every moment. There’s no other word for it except magical.” There’s a method behind this magic—try making some magic happen in your business today!

How Teamwork Helps Us Win by Patricia Raskin

Anyone who has been successful will say that they did not do it alone. We often forget the efforts of the team when we are focusing on what the person in the spotlight has achieved. In reality, none of us accomplish by ourselves. So many people contribute to our success – from the cab driver who brings us to important meeting to the board members in the room.

Being in an effective team means that each person works on the piece of the project in their area of expertise. We do best as what we love so having passionate people on the team accelerates the process and brings an exciting energy to the group. The old adage about how the “one bad

apple can spoil the rest” holds true in so many situations. One strong negative influence does affect the group.

I think that we have responsibility not just to do our part to best of our ability, but also to keep our attitude positive and hold our best intentions for the group as a whole. When one person values what they do more than the rest and works out of sync with the group, the process does not run smoothly and progress slows down. It also creates stress and friction in the group, even though it may appear to be subtle. Andrew Carnegie said, “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” It is so important to remember the team effort. Each person plays an integral part in the success of the results. Taking an inventory of those who have worked with us and supported us is part of realizing and honoring the gift that each person in the group contributes to the whole. Most importantly, we are never alone.

Patricia Raskin Raskin Resources Productions www.patriciaraskin.com Patricia Raskin, President of Raskin Resources Productions, Inc., is a radio talk show host, award-winning producer, media coach and speaker. She is the host of “Positive Business” on AM790 on Fridays from 3-5PM and “Patricia Raskin Positive Living” on WPRO -630AM & 99.7FM on Saturdays from 3-5PM. www.patriciaraskin.com

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

WOMEN IN BUSINESS | Feed Your Family First

why it is important to build and nurture an immediate and extended ‘business’ family... by Tuni Renaud Schartner

It makes sense today more than ever before to develop a “network” of professional friends that help you grow in business; whether that is solely through involvement in a business organization, such as a

teacher) of the importance of FOCUS... and I happened to translate that into a new awareness of how I need to focus on “who” my immediate family is and to continually nurture them.

and groups and have dozens (or 100’s) of life-long connections and friends! I got to thinking “WHO” is my immediate family, WHO is my extended family and WHO should I feed first? It wasn’t as

Chamber of Commerce or a networking group, or whether that is from involvement in a combination of business organizations, trade associations and social groups. I think we can all agree that building a robust network of people you know, like and trust is essential in life and in business but being mindful of “feeding” that family is something that can’t be overlooked. I was recently reminded (by my son’s 5th grade

Some of them are super easy to identify and I’m pretty sure my “friends” on Facebook (personal & business pages) could easily identify who my closest 5 or 6 “business family members” are just from the love/posts I give them but it can get a little tricky when you belong to multiple Chambers of Commerce (with different degrees of involvement), belong to or run/sit on boards of organizations

hard to identify them as I thought and it’s been very rewarding having this new awareness. We can all agree on the fact that there is only so much time and energy and how important it is to stay in balance--so being aware of the fact that we can’t help everyone all the time and knowing there have to be some boundaries is essential. Just giving myself the permission to identify who,

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Feed Your Family First | WOMEN IN BUSINESS

for different reasons, is my immediate and extended family makes it easier to balance my time and energy. There’s such a beautiful and rewarding satisfaction that comes from helping others and watching others helping others that I am now just more hyper focused on the whole process of how we are so much “more” when we consciously “help” each other rather than when we are living in silos. It seemed fitting to share a success story or two that exemplifies this “family” idea with the amazing RISBJ audience with hopes that you will be inspired to start focusing on building and nurturing your business family too! Success Story #1: Wildwood Catering! Sometimes our families overlap and in the case of Wildwood Catering there’s a lot of overlapping going on...we’ll begin in 2011 with an idea from a woman, mother, wife, poet, restauranteur, realtor,

she belongs to, the professional women’s networking group she belongs to, the DoJo she works out at, the multiple businesses her business partners with regularly, as well as dozens of friends & family came together to help promote, volunteer time and show up to support this idea that has now grown into a successful and very tangible business... Success Story #2: Sven Perspectives - Photography by M. Sven Oltedale! A realtor decides he wants to turn his photography hobby into a business... he hears about an opportunity from an extended “family” member and comes to a launch party/celebration of a catering company to capture the event and to officially kick off his photography company. He makes a deal with the startup catering company, does an excellent job and from that event he makes connections that develop and deepen into strong relationships...he adds to his

Point of Sale Solutions

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Call 401-255-6522 and friend of adding a catering business to their restaurant group that had a “hyper-local” mission. Fast forward to one year later and a celebration/launch party where the 4 Chambers of Commerce that

family and has his first photography show scheduled for next month, along with multiple jobs lined up.

for more information or visit www.POSinetPOS.com

Happy fall to all!

Tuni Renaud Schartner | tuni@deepblueti.com | 401.996.7822

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

WOMEN IN BUSINESS | Do you want Rhode Island to grow?

Do You Want Rhode Island to Grow? by Lisa Shorr

3 Ideas to turn rhetoric into action!

Since the recession hit in 2008, the mood in Rhode Island has been volatile. We talk about Rhode Island’s scenic beaches with nostalgia and fervor. However, when we talk about its economic status it is bleak and disheartening. How can we put a spark back into Rhode Island’s overall image and improve the Ocean State? On September 7, 2012, the RI Foundation (www.rifoundation.org) accomplished the heroic feat of gathering over 300 private-sector leaders throughout Rhode Island to help solve this pressing quandary. The forum was aptly named “Make it Happen RI.” Attendees ranged from University Presidents to leaders in the burgeoning arts community to small business owners like me! The gathering of such diverse minds and expertise fostered a waterfall of creative ideas that the private-sector community can implement. One key theme was to establish partnerships with each other. We cannot make change alone. Partnering together will enforce a much more powerful result! You do not have to be an attendee to participate in this effort. Here are 3 ideas that will help you grow your business and positively impact our state: Idea #1: Partner with Rhode Island Businesses Buy local, network local, “think” local! Motivate your employees, colleagues

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

and friends about the importance of supporting local businesses to stimulate the economy. You may get a better deal buying from a national company or a chain, but will you get the same personal customer service? Good value is worth a few extra dollars! Idea #2: Create Internships/ Apprenticeships for Students Youth are our future workforce. As employers, it is our obligation to be strong “role models” for them. PC Troubleshooters is proud to partner with area schools to provide experiential learning programs that not only teach technical skills but soft skills as well. With each intern we try to infuse a sense of pride in Rhode Island, promoting the various job opportunities available to them upon graduation. PC Troubleshooters’ commitment for the next year is to reach out to the career centers of new schools and seek ways to partner with them. We can all use help within our organizations - an internship is a winwin for all! Idea #3: Volunteer = a better you = a better RI! It is time to step away from your desk! Select an organization that aligns with your corporate values

and share your time, resources anything you can to improve the lives of those in need. Rhode Island is ripe with an abundance of non-profits excitedly awaiting your arrival! PC Troubleshooters is proud to partner with several organizations including RISE (www. risonline.org) and Clinica Esperanza (www.aplacetobehealthy.org). “Cause Marketing,” or promoting a “for-profit” organization’s partnership with a “non-profit” organization for a mutual benefit is a highly effective marketing strategy! It could mean the sharing of financial resources, employee resources or various services offered by your organization. Find ways to strengthen your relationships with your clients and colleagues. Ask them to tell you what organizations they are involved with. This is a great way to strengthen your relationship with your clients as well as making you feel like you’ve made a difference! To quote Neil Steinberg, CEO of the RI Foundation, “It is time to turn rhetoric into action!” There are so many gems within our state. Let’s partner together to promote and enhance each one! Together we can create an even brighter Rhode Island.

Lisa Shorr PC Troubleshooters www.pctrouble.com

t n e agem

Paper Ma

nagemen

t | WOME

N IN BUS

INESS

n a M aper

by Kristin Carcieri-MacRae

Ask a disorganized busy professional or business owner what their #1 issue is when it comes to being organized and they will tell you it is paper management. Even though most of our information is stored in our computers, paper is still around and it will be around for a long time. As long as it is around, you need to have a system to handle your paper. Are you working off piles on the floor? Do you have a mound of paper on your desk? Are you missing checks or cash? Does it take you more than 10 seconds to locate a file? Are you late paying your bills? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have paper management issues that need to be handled ASAP. You will be losing clients, time and money due to your issues with paper in your office. Get your paper under control! Every office is different, but the process to handle paper can be the same. Whether your paper is coming through the mail, email, fax, or through interoffice, have a system to process each and every paper that comes through your hands. The longer you let it pile up, the easier it is to continue to throw more papers into the pile and before you know it, you are in over your head. Here are 5 quick tips that might be helpful with some of the paper you are having difficulty with: 1. File your monthly receipts in an accordion file labeled with the months. Another option would be to have a monthly pouch and at the end of the month, match and attach receipts to your credit card statements and file in a designated folder. 2. Have a folder for any tax/insurance information that you acquire over the year. As soon as it comes in, file it away. 3. Don’t let money/checks/credit cards get lost in the mix. I guarantee if you

are drowning in paper, there is money in those piles. I have seen it too many times to count. Handle your money as soon as you receive it. If you aren’t able to handle it right away, dedicate a pouch to your money so you at least have a place to store it until you can get to it. 4. Don’t let business cards that you receive get thrown in the mix of the pile. Find a system that works for you to organize your cards. Deal with them as soon as you get them or depending on how many you collect a week, maybe set 5-10 minutes a week on a certain day to handle your cards. 5. Be sure you have file folders for your payables/invoices. As soon as you pay the bills, file them in labeled folders. Have a file folder for each company you pay bills to. Label and alphabetize these folders so they can be found quickly. I know everybody is busy and some may say it is difficult to file every day. It is ok if you can’t get to filing items on a daily basis, BUT at least have a folder that you can drop documents into and then at the end of the week re-visit the folder and file the contents away. Be sure that folder is empty by Friday afternoon so you can start your week fresh on Monday! It is not just about the systems you create. Maintaining the systems and creating routines is what is going to keep you on track and keep you organized.

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Owner Organizing In RI, LLC

www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

FEATURED

C H A East Bay Chamber

Mark G. DeVine, CPA, Chairman 16 Cutler Street, Suite 102, Warren, RI 401 245 0750 | eastbaychamberri.org

In 1958 the Warren Chamber of Commerce was incorporated. At that time the towns of Barrington and Bristol each had their own Chamber of Commerce. In 1972 our Chamber was organized and incorporated when the Bristol, Warren and Barrington Chambers merged to become the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce. In 1998 the name was changed to the East Bay Chamber of Commerce to reflect our wider vision, covering the towns of Barrington, Bristol and Warren and surrounding areas. Emerging from three small retail groups, our Chamber has grown in size and programming to meet the needs of our business community and to be proactive in the concerns of our businesses as well as the communities we serve. Our mission is to promote business as the foundation for community growth and well-being by being the most reliable resource and leading advocate for businesses throughout the East Bay and surrounding areas. We have many benefits for our members to take advantage of. Group health insurance, dental insurance, complimentary use of the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Room, and complimentary Notary Public services are just the beginning. We also offer Member2-Member discounts, which encourages our members and their employees to purchase the products and services of our local member businesses.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

M B E R

East Bay Chamber | FEATURED CHAMBER

our mission is to promote business as the foundation for community growth and well-being by being the most reliable resource and leading advocate for businesses We maintain partnerships with several other organizations in the community. Our members benefit from our cooperation with the East Bay Chamber Foundation, Mt. Hope Economic Development Corporation, Bristol/Warren Regional School District, RI Small Business Development Center, RI Chambers Health Care Coalition, RI Economic Development Corporation, RI Chambers Legislative Coalition, Workforce Partnerships of Greater RI, U.S. Small Business Administration, Roger Williams University’s Gabelli School of Business and Johnson & Wales University. We have also formed partnerships with Discover Warren, Barrington Business Association, Bristol Merchants Association and Explore Bristol. There are also marketing opportunities for our members. Only members have the privilege of submitting their flyers for insertion in our quarterly flyer mailing. All inquiries for referrals that come into our office are given exclusively to Chamber members. Our Chamber website and Tuesdays at 2 email blast also has advertising opportunities for our members. The East Bay Chamber holds many events that serve as networking opportunities for our members. Our monthly Business 2 Business Networking events are routinely attended by 60 or more members. We also have three committees that our members can get involved in. Our Business and Community Relations

Committee’s mission is to offer educational seminars and marketing opportunities for Chamber members to help in their continuation of business success. Through this committee we co-sponsor the four day Student Orientation and Merchant Fair at Roger Williams University with the Bristol Merchants Association; Women in Business seminar series; monthly Business 2 Business networking events; seminar series for specific industries; quarterly informational breakfast meetings; summer food drive; cell phone collection for domestic violence victims; and electronic waste and paper shredding days. Our Government Affairs Committee is the voice to our local, state and federal legislators. When warranted and supported by our Board of Directors, the Chamber will take an active political stand on issues that are important and that affect the majority of our businesses and our community at large.

on the Rhode Show on Fox Providence. This is a $1,000 advertising value! One of our new members featured on the Rhode Show is called Revival, at 227 Thames Street, Bristol. This gift shop is unique in that all profits go to establishing and supporting Grace & Hope Place, a longterm substance abuse program for women and their children to be established in Southeastern New England. There are also many more benefits to being a member of the East Bay Chamber that we don’t have room to list here. We welcome any business interested in becoming a member of our Chamber to give us a call. And remember to shop local – support small businesses.

New East Bay Chamber Members Alexandrina’s Floral Boutique Art of Good Health Nutrition Counseling

Our Membership Development Committee creates and implements incentive based discount programs for our members.

Bristol County Plumbing & Heating, LLC

Our Events Committee plans all of our events that members are invited to participate in.

Mount Hope Farm

We’re excited about a new incentive for new members that join the East Bay Chamber. We have a drawing each month for one of our new members to be featured

Central Payment

Natalia’s In the Sky Pure Salon Wise Guys www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

CHAMBER CHAT | What’s New

Cranston Chamber

East Greenwich

150 Midway Road, #178, Cranston, RI

580 Main Street | East Greenwich, RI | 401 885 0020

35 Valley Road, Middletown, RI

401 785 3780I | www.cranstonchamber.com

www.eastgreenwichchamber.com

401 847 1608 | www.NewportChamber.com

We are pleased to announce that due to our affiliation with the Small employer Health Task Force we were able to lobby for the lowest health insurance rate increases in over 10 years. Blue Cross was granted a rate increase of 1.65% in comparison to their requested rate increase of 4.15% for the small market which for an average small business saved them $3300 in new premium costs.

It is our pleasure to report the East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Restaurant Week last month was a success. Although we did not get a chance to get the results from all the restaurants, we did talk to many and also received anecdotal information on some of the others. Overall the restaurants were definitely busier during this period and many felt that the promotion brought plenty of new people to their establishments. We can also say that the Chamber’s web site received almost 4 times as many visits and page views in September as compared to other months. We plan on doing East Greenwich Restaurant Week again next year and we intend to make it bigger and better.

On Friday, November 16, the Newport County Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Dinner Dance and Silent Auction at the Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa on Goat Island in Newport, RI. Some of your best holiday shopping can be done at our Silent Auction, held between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Chamber Members have donated a diverse array of gifts and services. Cocktails will be served from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The chef plans a delightful dinner starting at 7:30 p.m. with an incredible dessert buffet. Dancing will continue until 11:00 p.m., featuring music by The Lois Vaughan Dance Band. The Hyatt has graciously offered a special room rate of $99 for guests who wish to make this a special night out. For more information, call 888-421-1442.”

Stephen C. Boyle, President

In addition I have been appointed by Health Insurance Commissioner, Christopher Koller, to the Health Insurance Advisory Board as a representative of the business community and I will represent the Chamber Statewide Coalition as well. We continue to grow and we are in the early stages of creating an entrepreneurship and incubator space in Garden City. This site will offer a more centralized and lower cost alternative to the Providence Area. New Members SpineTech Yo-Mix, Inc North Providence Primary & Urgent Care Ward, Fisher and Company, LLP Corner Café Exit Realty Platinum

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Stephen Lombardi, Executive Director

New Members Automated Business Solutions Provant Health Cranston Country Club Bernard Photography Red House Custom Building Luniac Glamour Jiggers Heritage Art Gallery Greenwich Credit Union Blue Chip Financial Advisors – Paul J. Long PWP by DeeDee

Newport

Jody Sullivan, Executive Director

New Members Billy Black-Photographer for Sail DR Communications Group Freeman Grey & Son Island Overstock, LLC Kopper Creative Rene & Son Carpet Rhode Island Student Loan Authority Roberts, Carroll, Feldstein & Peirce, Inc. Shimmer & Shine Cleaning Company Spice & Tea Exchange

What’s New | CHAMBER CHAT

North Central Chamber Deborah Ramos, President

Northern RI

John C. Gregory, President/CEO

Southern RI

255 Greenville Avenue, Johnston, RI

6 Blackstone Valley, Suite 301, Lincoln, RI 02865

230 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI

401 349 4674 | www.ncrichamber.com

401 334 1000 | www.nrichamber.com

401 783 2818 | www.srichamber.com

This month the culmination of our 30th Anniversary celebration takes place at our October “Business After Hours”! We hope that you will consider joining us for this FREE networking event at our Thirtieth Anniversary Celebration and Wine Tasting to be held at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, RI! The evening will offer complimentary Hors d’oeuvres, Wine Tasting, Music, Door Prizes & Raffles, Networking and Membership Recognition & Honors. Registration required at www.ncrichamber.com.

The Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce will host its November Eggs & Issues Breakfast to Introduce the Governor’s Newly formed Office of Management & Budget to Discuss Regulatory and Permitting Reform on Thursday, November 29 from 7:50 AM – 9:15 AM at Kirkbrae Country Club located at 197 Old River Road in Lincoln, RI. The Chamber will welcome guest speakers Peter Marino, Director of the State of Rhode Island Office of Management & Budget and Leslie Taito, Director of Regulatory and Quality Management, Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation and Chair of the Northern RI Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. To register for the event visit the Chamber website at www. NRIChamber.com or call 401-3341000. There is a fee to attend and preregistration is preferred.

The Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce supports and enhances the business community of Southern Rhode Island and promotes opportunities for the growth and development of its member businesses. Advocacy, connections, credibility, educational opportunities and referrals are some of the ways we foster that growth. We hold two networking events each month. The First Friday Coffee, on the first Friday of each month and our Business After Hours, usually the third Wednesday of the month. We believe that the best networking happens when you have a variety people at each event so we open all of our events to the general public. Visit our website www. srichamber.com to see a list of events.

Our 30th Anniversary celebration also gives us a reason to share some great stuff with our members and prospective members. We are welcoming new members with valuable promotions, such as -- complimentary and discounted advertising in local newspapers, $30 in Chamber Bucks (good for events), and a special for new businesses opened in 2012, a $30 membership discount. All those members that renew this year are also eligible for $30 back in Chamber Bucks – bucks to be used at any of our upcoming events.

Elizabeth Berman, Coordinator

New Members Chamber Connex Re/Max Cityside Aflac- Independent Agent Deb Daly JC Global Supply Mulligan’s Tap & Grille Orange Leaf

Be sure to visit RISBJ.com for all the latest Chamber News & Events Happening this month. www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

THE RHODE ISLAND

COMMERCIAL & APPRAISAL BOARD OF REALTORS® P RO P E RT Y F O R L E A S E

Several Prime Office Locations:

Providence, Warwick, Johnston, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, and Exeter. Call for details and address Several to choose from, Some For Sale or lease. Financing available. Call for details.

333 Main Street, East Greenwich:

635 Arnold Road, Coventry:

Great location at Exit 7 near Centre of New England. 800’ front retail/office- Rear 1700’ warehouse service area with 14’W x 10’L O.H. door. Fully air conditioned!! Recently TOTALLY RENOVATED!!! RILiving.com MLS #1024237

500 Callahan Road, North Kingstown:

776-782 Main Street, East Greenwich:

Best location on Main Street. Bright and open 2nd floor unit with high ceilings. Parking lot across the street. Great office or studio space! 1,250 sq ft, $12. psf/yr. RILiving.com MLS #1018391

Flexible space in Quonset Business Park. Major highway access, minutes from I-95. Rail, Airport, shopping and shipping. 3 phase, 400 amp service, 20 ft ceiling, loading docks, overhead doors. ONLY ONE SPACE LEFT ! 6,000 sq ft, 2 loading dock, $5.00 psf. RILiving.com MLS #1005917

Excellent visibility in the Greenwich Shopping Center by the Dunkin Donuts on Main. 825 square feet with full glass and rear entrance. Retail, medical or office. Can be combined for 1,650 Sq Ft. MLS #1018795 (Unit 776) & #1014642 (Unit 782) Ample parking in the rear. RILiving.com MLS #1014635

20 Centerville Road, Warwick:

39 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich:

74 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich:

Former school; solid brick construction. Very nice 2nd floor space; owner on 1st floor. Space plan attached. Great Apponaug location! Quick highway access and walk to Apponaug Village amenities! RILiving.com MLS #988739

100 Centerville Road, Warwick:

PRIME office space with great visibility!! 10ft. ceilings, very bright, like NEW inside. Located at the top of Tollgate Rd at Rt. 117, 1 mile to exit 10 and Rt.95. GREAT VALUEonly $1300/month. RILiving.com MLS #1012975

Great Rt.3 location just a mile north of Rt.95 Exit 6. Versatile building. 13,000 sq ft clear span with high ceilings, plus two offices/service areas, 2000 & 4000 sq ft. May divide. Other end of this 40,000 sq ft building is to be shared with Church. From $5,50 psf/yr. RILiving.com MLS #1022330

24 Quaker Lane, Warwick:

1,000 sf street level retail - $900 mo. 1,000 - 3,000’ sf (3 units) 2nd level, bright second floor space from $750 mo. with high ceilings and sky lights. Zoned general business. By Kent County Courthouse & “Miracle Mile” Rt.2/Rt.117. Great highway access & signage. RILiving.com MLS #987502

Butler

Realty Group

Commercial • Investment • Residential

401-886-7800 www.ButlerRealty.us 68

747 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston:

Great location near Rolfe Square. Three floors of office suites from 200 sq. ft. and up. Good income generator or large owner occupied office. Owner keeping several suites clear anticipating a larger use to buy/occupy and have income. 900’s

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Great Route 3 location just ½ mile from Rt 95 exit 6, nicely appointed office or retail suite with several offices and open area,was HQ for Bess Eaton & Tim Hortons. Fresh paint and carpets. 600-3600’, from $10 psf/yr. RILiving.com MLS #990071

6828 Post Road, North Kingstown:

Bright, light open floor plan. Signage on Post Road. Easy highway access, near Quonset Gateway Plaza. Own bath and shower. Great location, value and flexibility. Plenty of parking. Four units from $900-$1600. CHEAP SPACE, CALL NOW! RILiving.com MLS #986669

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

THE RHODE ISLAND

COMMERCIAL & APPRAISAL BOARD OF REALTORS® P RO P E RT Y F O R S A L E

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. $149,900 RILiving.com MLS #995461

1130 - B-203 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown: Very nice 1st floor office at sought after Meadows Office Park at Rt.4 & Rt.102. Two private offices, conf., reception, closets. Owner may hold 1st mtg. Condo fees are $265/ month. $113,500 RILiving.com MLS # 1012754

440 Drybridge Road, North Kingstown:

Light Industrial condo. 1,200 sq ft with 14 ft high bay door, 20 ft high ceiling, 200 amp 3 phase electric power. Gas heat, reinforced concrete floors, expandable. Contractors, warehouse, Light Industrial, Commercial storefront. $139,500

RILiving.com MLS#987517

111 Hopkins Hill Road, West Greenwich: 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 RILiving.com MLS #855989

81 West Industrial Drive, Cranston:

Flex space, office/warehouse very convenient off Rt. 295 at Rt. Up to 2,000 sq ft office, 1,000+ sq ft warehouse 14’ OH door, end unit on dead end street offers parking and vehicle flexibility. Great for contractors. $275,000

17 Sandy Bottom Road, Coventry:

Great location and set up for night club, restaurant or other food/entertainment venue. Very close to turnkey as night club. Lease, lease/option or buy. 326 capacity. $595,000 RILiving.com MLS #1022520

111 Airport Road, Warwick:

Very nice 2nd floor office space. Tastefully decorated, good paint & carpet, possible office furnishings (nice stuff!) Three offices, conference, reception, lav., plus large basement storage. $180/month condo fee. $89,000 RILiving.com MLS #1012762

0 - 59-1 Stilson Road Richmond:

Great exposure on Rt95, just north of Exit 3. Owner will divide,build to suit,sell or lease.Fast growing area of Richmond/South County. 9.995 acres, 418’ on Stilson Rd& 274’ on Rt95. An exceptional piece of land, many possibilities w/ proper approvals. $799,000 RILiving.com MLS #1019500

Butler

Realty Group

Commercial • Investment • Residential

401-886-7800 www.ButlerRealty.us

132 Meadow Street, Warwick:

Great location off Rt.117, 1 mile East of Exit 10. Office/ Mfg Wrhse combo. Great value for user. Nice, clean, bright space! This bldg has been substantially updated & is turn key ready to go. Owner can also modify to suit! Lease option available. $525,000 RILiving.com MLS #1013527

18 Highland Street, West Warwick:

RI’s oldest continually operating hotel. Rare opportunity, great cash flow possibilities, 15 room boarding house (could be 21) plus bar and function room. Bar is closed, owner is retiring, proven winner ready for new energy!! $475,000 RILiving.com MLS #994597

132 Meadow Street, Warwick:

Office/Mfg Wrhse combo.Great value for user. Nice,clean,bright space! This bldg has been substantially updated& is turn key ready to go.Owner can also modify to suit! Lease option available. $525,000 RILiving.com MLS #1013527

TION DUC E 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! RILiving.com MLS #856381

Many more Commercial Properties @ www.ButlerRealty.us .... 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 one issue eight

THE RHODE ISLAND

COMMERCIAL & APPRAISAL BOARD OF REALTORS®

Peter M. Scotti & Associates, Inc.

Inside Cover D October 12 - 18, 2012

Rhode Island

New England Real Estate Journal

Visit the paper online nerej.com

PeterBrokerage/Appraisal/Management M. Scotti & Associates, Inc. BArokerage /appraisal /ManageMent Full Service Real Estate Company A full Service Real Estate Company

wATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT SITE PARASCANDOLA wHARF, NEwPORT, RI

57,900 SF LAND SITE, 74,000 SF WATER- 1,000 FEET ON NEWPORT HARBOR WATERFRONT BUS zONE ALLOWS HOTEL, REST, MARINA, MUL FAM, MIX LAST WHARF DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY IN NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

AUTO DEALERSHIP FOR SALE 296 g. w. HIgHwAY, SMITHFIELD,RI

15,680 S.F. BUILDING WITH SHOWROOM, SERVICE, BODY SHOP, OFFICES 8.25 ACRE SITE WITH 300 CAR PAVED PARKING zONED PLANNED CORP. SELLER WILL CONSIDER OWNER FINANCING, PRICE: $1,975,000.00

FOR SALE, bELLA NAPOLI 96 ATwELLS AVE, PROVIDENCE, RI REDEVELOPMENT SITE LOCATED AT THE GATEWAY TO FEDERAL HILL TWO BUILDINGS, 5,400 S.F. & 2,354 S.F. ON TWO LOTS, 7,000 S.F. OF LAND zONED C-2 ALLOWING BROAD RANGE OF USES, PRICE: $995,000.00

DEVELOPMENT SITE FOR SALE 578 SOUTH MAIN ST, PROVIDENCE, RI

19,603 S.F. DEVELOPMENT SITE - PARKING LOT ON PROVIDENCE RIVER zONED W-2 ALLOWING MULTI FAMILY & COMMERCIAL & MIXED USES TOP LOCATION WITH VIEWS TO DOWNTOWN & BAY, PRICE:$1,300,000.00

RESTAURANT FOR SALE 248 ACADEMY AVE, PROVIDENCE, RI

3,400 S.F. SINGLE STORY BRICK BUILDING ON 5,713 S.F. OF LAND OPERATING REGIONAL FOOD SERVICE LOCATION WITH 8 CAR PARKING TURN KEY CONDITION, EQUIPMENT OPTIONAL, PRICE $295,000.00

OFFICE bLDgS FOR SALE EAST SIDE OF PROVIDENCE, RI

124 WATERMAN: 7,600 SF VICTORIAN ON COLLEGE HILL NEAR BROWN U. AMPLE OFF STREET PARKING, PREMIER LOCATION, $790,000.00 240 HOPE: 3,000 SF VICTORIAN ACROSS STREET FROM BROWN ATHLETICS FULLY RENOVATED AND MOVE IN READY, $430,000.00

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2,000 - 9,400 SF SUITES WET EXAM ROOMS, LABS WAYLAND SQUARE LOCATION

AMPLE ON SITE PARKING GROUND LEVEL H/C ACCESSIBLE COMPETITIVE RENTS

Peter M. Scotti & Associates, Inc. • 401-421-8888 Peter M.Hope Scotti & Associates, Inc.Island • 401-421-8888 246 Street, Providence, Rhode 02906 246 Hope Providence, Rhode Island 02906 VisitStreet, our web page at www.scotticommercial.com Visit our web page at www.scotticommercial.com RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

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www.risbj.com | volume one issue eight

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