Volume 2 Issue 3 by Rhode Island Small Business Journal

volume two issue three

Gil Lantini | From The FOUNDER

from the founder

Welcome to Volume 2, Issue 3 of RISBJ. You’ll find many familiar faces in this issue, along with first time contributors Michael Raspallo, Akanksha Aga and Jeanne Hulit. We’ve also featured four inspiring startups: Aircus, Ecotop, Petrocelli Marketing and RoMor Creatives. In addition to this new issue of RISBJ, we are hosting several upcoming events to help with business education and networking. Our partnership with NetworkingRI has been a huge success. Working together with Peter George, Jay White and Susan and Rick Lataille, our events held on the first Monday of each month have averaged over 300 business professionals from all size companies in a variety of industries. Our next event will be held on Monday May 6th. Check our website for more details and be sure to join us. From an educational standpoint, RISBJ is helping the SBA and SCORE to promote a series of workshops during 2013 Small Business Week in June. In addition to a weeklong celebration of Rhode Island Small Business award winners, several workshops will be held throughout the week including our lunch and learn series which will cover a variety of topics related to marketing, finance and technology. Also during Small Business Week, RISBJ has teamed up with our friends at GoLocalProv to host an event on Tuesday June 11th to recognize and celebrate this year’s award winners. This event will feature over 30 exhibitors as well as a series of short speaking segments from some of Rhode Island top business leaders. This free event is one you won’t want to miss! Be on the lookout for more details coming very soon. And last but certainly not least, I want to welcome the newest member of the RISBJ family Stacy Ambroziak. Stacy joins RISBJ as a client marketing consultant and account manager. In her role, Stacy is helping our clients gain maximum exposure to their market through our magazine, website and email. You’ll be sure to see Stacy at upcoming networking events.

Courses, Certificates, Degrees Downtown Providence and Online

RWU.edu (401) 254-3530 2

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Gil Lantini President, Founder Ralph Coppolino Vice President, Operations & Business Development Danny Angeli Account Executive Stacy Ambroziak Account Manager James Pardee Jr Creative Director and Design Editor Mike Casale Graphic Designer Aaron Cadieux Video Production Manager Contributing Writers Akanksha Aga Richard Austin Lisa Buben Jeffrey S. Deckman Gordon D Fox Adam Harvey Jeanne A. Hulit Douglas Jobling Carolyn Lavin Dave Lubelczyk Donna Mac Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Ralph Mollis Nick Pereira Elizabeth Pierotti Chris Poe Patricia Raskin Michael Raspallo Yemi Sekoni Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Chris Sheehy Lisa Shorr Tim Sullivan Angel Taveras

www.facebook.com/risbj twitter.com/risbj 401 831 7779 info@risbj.com www.risbj.com ÂŠMMXIII Rhode Island Small Business Journal

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

TABLE OF CONTENTS | What’s Inside This Issue

what’s inside this issue

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

What’s Inside This Issue | TABLE OF CONTENTS

Secretary Of State

How Low Can You Go?

Exporting Can Help U.S. Businesses Expand, Create Jobs

Spotlight On Startups

Of SEO and Whiskey

Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day

Hey Mr.! Is Your Wardrobe Selling You Short…?

The Three P’s Of Starting A Business

Networking And Workshops

From Idea-To-Product…It Gets Personal

Organize Your Home Office

Communication 3.0, Live & Virtual

Raise Your Bottom Line By Lowering Your Bmi

Working From Home: The Pajamification Of The Office?

Kill The Ums

Agents – The Business Kind

Transforming Big Obstacles Into Big Opportunities

Share If You Dare…

Support As A Leader

A Reinvestment In Rhode Island’s Economy

Focusing On Your Long-Term Personal Financial Goals

Featured Story Astonish

Social, Visual, Mobile, Virtual

Photos From Statewide After Hours

Chamber Chat

Lessons From Alice In Wonderland

Providence Talks

Substance & Style

SEEED Summit

Viktar Khamianok And Alicia J. Alexandra

Featured Nonprofit Boys Town New England

GoLocal

Commercial & Appraisal Board Of Realtors

Community Cornner

72 www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Secretary of StatE | Ralph Mollis

RI Government Owner’s Manual by Secretary Of State Ralph Mollis

“No matter which format you prefer, our directory is a one-stop resource for contact

The cover features the opening sentences of the historic document, which gave colonial

information for elected officials at every level

Rhode Islanders an unprecedented degree

as well as key staff,” says Mollis.

of self-governance and religious liberty. The

tool for connecting with local, state and

Mollis produced 5,500 copies of the 300-

which is on display outside the Senate

federal officials. The 2013 edition of the

page directory for distribution. Printed every

Chamber at the State House.

The Secretary of State’s office is offering Rhode Island business people a useful new

“Rhode Island Government Owner’s Manual”

back cover features a photo of the charter,

two years to reflect the results of November

includes contact information for the state’s

elections, the book has historically been

Mollis, Gov. Lincoln Chafee and the RI

Congressional delegation, municipal

popular with the public.

1663 Colonial Charter Commission are

leaders and key officials in all three branches of state government.

we are making it easier for people to connect with officials, express their opinions, contribute their expertise and learn more about the way public policy is made

planning a series of events this summer The new owner’s manual includes contact

to mark the 350th anniversary including

information for hundreds of officials

opening the State House to the public on

including every member of the General

Sat., June 22, and a lecture by U.S.

Assembly as well as city and town councils

Supreme Court Associate Justice Elena

and school committees. The directory

Kagan on Tues., Aug. 20.

even lists key staff for state agencies and municipal departments. “We are making it easier for people to connect with officials, express their opinions,

open and accessible. Town halls and the

more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode

says Mollis.

Islanders, visit sos.ri.gov.

The guide also continues a practice Mollis introduced six years ago – publishing the name of every registered State House That information is available on the Secretary of State’s website, too. “Rhode Islanders deserve a comprehensive

Rhode Islanders play and links them with

guide to the business of government. This is

the assistance that government offers,” says

a useful tool for making their voices heard,”

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis.

Mollis explains.

This year’s owner’s manual is available free

The guide also promotes the 350th

of charge at the Secretary of State’s Public

anniversary of Rhode Island’s Royal Charter

Information Center in Room 38 at the State

of 1663, which gave Rhode Island the well-

House. Reference copies are also available

known phrase “lively experiment” that has

at the state’s public libraries. In addition, a

been carved into the face of the State

searchable, electronic version is posted on

House and adopted as the title of RI PBS’

the Secretary of State’s website at sos.ri.gov.

long-running public affairs show.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

government more open and accessible. For

about the way public policy is made,”

State House belong to the public. Our guide acknowledges the important role that

do business in Rhode Island and making

contribute their expertise and learn more

lobbyist as well as the clients they represent. “My priority is making government more

Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier to vote, making it easier to

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Minding Your Own Brand | Startups

can’t get it through their thick skulls that a

being a low-cost provider and have a better

low-cost pricing strategy doesn’t work and

chance at gaining customer loyalty. By

does not build customer loyalty.

doing this, they are seen as a premium

competition at a local university, I noticed a

Big box store “low-price guarantees” are

advocates and builds a lasting relationship

pattern. Each of the student groups said they

creating a marketplace full of people who

with their customers.

were developing a premium brand, but they

are fixated on price. Customers are no

by Dave Lubelczyk

brand which attracts true passionate

While judging a freshman business plan

Customers will not become advocates if you

would use a low-cost penetration pricing

longer loyal to most brands and will switch

strategy. Even though they were often selling

from their “favorite” brand for a few pennies.

have lured them in with a low-cost pricing

at a loss, they explained that by entering the

These customers are loyal to low-price, not

strategy. The only true way to build advocacy

market as the low price leader they would

a particular brand. Because loyalty cannot

is to find a unique way to stand out from

gain market share, people would fall in love

be based on price, I

with their product and they could raise their

would much rather

prices once they had built customer loyalty.

see a company say that they were 10%

I could not think of any company that after

higher than their most

entering the market with low-cost pricing,

expensive competitor

went on to be a dominate premium brand

and then prove that

and could command an above market price.

they are well worth the

So, as a judge, I reminded them that “using

price. This is a better

this logic, they will develop a commodity

positioning strategy

customers are no longer loyal to most brands and will switch from their favorite brand for a few pennies the crowd by providing extraordinary

level brand with very little loyalty and being

than to bow to the unprofitable

a commodity is a hole few companies could

pricing practices that the current

brand experiences. Unless you provide an

ever hope to dig themselves out from.”

marketplace demands.

extraordinary brand experience, customers

I know what you’re saying, “they are

The only companies who have escaped

brand passion. Advocacy only comes from

freshman and have a lot to learn about

this madness are the ones that realized a

people who create a true relationship with the brand and that loyalty is priceless.

will see you as a commodity and will lack

business.” Hopefully these students have

low-cost pricing strategy will never lead

learned from this and will think differently

to long-term brand success. Once they

when it really counts. However, this flawed

stopped worrying about how competitive

thinking is not reserved for the business

their price is and started focusing on their

school novice because most companies

brand experience, they have now avoided

Dave Lubelczyk Image Identity imageidentity.com

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

SBA | Exporting Can Help U.S. Businesses Expand, Create Jobs

SBA wants to give small businesses the WORLD: Exporting Can Help U.S. Businesses Expand, Create Jobs by Jeanne A. Hulit

Business Administration (SBA) we provide counseling, training and financing to ensure that small businesses have the tools they need to

In today’s global economy, selling goods around the world can bring

tap into the global market—and we’re seeing results. Since fiscal 2009,

large rewards. It just makes good business sense to expand your

SBA has guaranteed 6,400 loans to small business exporters for over

prospective customer base to the more than 95 percent of the world’s

$3.3 billion and supported more than $6.3 billion in exports.

population outside our country whose demand for American goods is growing every day.

The SBA and other federal partners are all working toward the goal, set

Small businesses now constitute 34 percent of total export dollars, and

our exports by 2014. To help us reach that goal, the President recently

comprise approximately 97.8 percent of all exporters. At the U.S. Small

signed trade agreements with Colombia, South Korea, and Panama

by President Obama through the National Export Initiative, to double

to expand export markets for American companies. Additionally, in his State of the Union address, the President announced that we will do more by launching talks on a comprehensive Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union. This National Export Initiative is a win-win, because access to more markets means more customers, more sales of U.S. goods and more jobs here at home. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, export-supported jobs linked to manufacturing are approximately 2.7 percent of all Rhode Island private-sector jobs and 15.1 percent of manufacturing workers depend on exports for their jobs. Exports sustain thousands of Rhode Island businesses – 90 percent of which were small or medium-sized businesses with fewer than 500 employees. If you are a small business looking to export, U.S. Export Assistance Centers are a great resource. The mission of the Export Assistance Centers, which are staffed by professionals from SBA, Department of Commerce, the U.S. Export-Import Bank and other public and private organizations, is to provide the help that small businesses need to compete in today’s global marketplace. The export center in New England is located at the Office of International Trade in the JFK Federal Building in Boston.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Exporting Can Help U.S. Businesses Expand, Create Jobs | SBA

SBA has made it a priority to help small business exporters by providing a number of loan programs specifically designed to help develop or expand export activities. If you own or wish to start a small export business, the following SBA loans may be available to you: The Export Express Loan Program offers streamlined financing up to $500,000. It is the simplest export loan product offered by the SBA. Any business in operation at least one year that can demonstrate that the loan proceeds will support its export activity is eligible.

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The Export Working Capital Program offers financing up to $5 million as a credit enhancement. This program is delivered through SBA Senior International Credit Officers located in U.S. Export Assistance Centers. The International Trade Loan Program offers loan financing for fixed assets and working capital to businesses that plan to start or continue exporting, or that have been adversely affected by competition from imports.

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If you already export your goods or services around the world and have used a federal government program or assistance to get there, the SBA also has something for you. SBA and Visa have launched the “2013 Export Video Contest” that will offer current small business exporters the opportunity to educate other small businesses about the benefits of exporting and the government programs that can help. Winners can receive up to $10,000 in prize money from Visa. We’re accepting entries through April 5, 2013. Visit challenge.gov for more information on eligibility and contest rules. If you’re ready to explore the possibilities and challenges of exporting, SBA and the federal government’s trade promotion and export finance agencies are ready to help U.S. businesses meet the challenge. Whether your firm is new to exporting or in need of a refresher on the latest ideas and techniques, www.export.gov provides need-to-know information for small businesses on how to meet the challenges of the world economy.

Jeanne A. Hulit Associate Administrator for Capital Access and Acting SBA New England Regional Administrator

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www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Startups | Spotlight

manufactured a simple little Rhode Island invention which Open Date: December 2012

Open Date: Summer 2012

I hope will be a

Employees: 2

Employees: 0

contribution to daily life.

Address: Prague, Czech Republic

Address: Warwick, RI

Website: www.aircus.com

Website: ecotopusa.com

I am sure you have seen

Twitter: aircuscom

Facebook: ecotopusa

displays of mugs and cups in stores

Biggest challenge: discover

Biggest challenge: I have been

have in common? Well, if you pour

something people or companies

disappointed to find a wall of

coffee or juice in a mug and walk with

really need.

bureaucracy at the entrance to major

it, the drink might spill. Why does it

retail outlets. Even the best, most

spill? Because there has not been a

Profile: Aircus let business or

wonderful businesses (you can

cover/top to put on the mug or cup,

and souvenir shops. What do they all

individuals to create simple

guess several) are too big to consider

until now! My Ecotop has a pair of

responsive website for free. They

something new, even when they say

gaskets that let it set inside common

don’t need any technical knowledge,

they are creative and innovative!

mugs and cups. A rocking lid opens and closes the opening to the liquid.

they just follow simple wizard.

They all want emails and months to

Created website works on all

perhaps respond. No phone calls

Now anyone can use his or her

different devices from PC, tablets to

please. I am a champion of small

favorite mug as their travel mug, or

mobile phones.

business but even though local stores

just not spill around the house. Your

are more receptive they are afraid

cup, our Ecotop, fewer spills!!

Our platform is based on structured

to risk capital on new products or to

business data (location, contacts,

open up new vendors.

about, services, …) Profile: I am a resident of Rhode We are planning to help businesses

Island, where I am a 12th descendant

by connecting created website (and

of Roger Williams. I am now the

Open Date: November 1999

their structured business data)

President of our 6th generation family

Employees: 4 full time

with other Internet projects and keep

business, Palmer Spring Co, in

and 5 independent sales reps

them synchronized.

Providence.

Address: Bristol, RI & Merrimack, NH

We are also working on “stream of

About 5 years ago I noticed an

Twitter: @petrocellisport

business oriented data”, which will

amazing waste and inconvenience

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ rpetro1967

Website: www.petrocellimkt.com

help SME get better understanding

regarding simple home mugs and

what is going on the internet about

cups! I followed my inspiration and

them. We will enrich created website

now I have patented, produced, and

with data from other Internet projects and also enrich those project with data between each other. Examples: 1.

Business has a new photo on Google Places, we will allow them to add this photo on Facebook and their website.

Business has a new review on yelp, we will allow them to review it and add it to their web or Facebook.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Biggest challenge: As we look to

Spotlight | Startups

expand out business into the Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts markets we have two main challenges. First is how do we take a very successful business formula from our main office in Merrimack, New Hampshire and find ways to establish a business in

things, they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t left me or my products

a new geographical area in Rhode Island

that I create.

through a virtual office. Second, is finding ways to spread the word to businesses and

Open Date: January 2013

So, I am bringing to you my line of All Natural

organizations that they have a new source for

Employees: 0

Skincare Products that captures the essence

all of their Promotional Product needs.

Address: 18 Brailey Street

from the small farms to the beautiful beaches.

Website: www.romorcreatives.com Profile: Petrocelli Marketing was developed

Facebook: www.facebook.com/

to assist organizations with their branding

naturallybytoni

solutions through the power of promotional

If I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find healthy food or skincare items, I would try to make them from scratch. That is how my beloved

products and corporate apparel. These

Biggest challenge: The

hobby of mixing natural ingredients

products provide a unique branding vehicle

biggest challenge for me

in my kitchen turned into my All

to be used in everyday life from home to work

was after setting up and

Natural Skincare Line, starting with

and recreation. These products can be used

organizing my front & back

at countless events associated with a company

office, was cold calling and

or organization. They can even be used to

getting my foot out the door to sell.

reward loyal customers of your business and

the lip balms to body butters. I use all natural 100% Shea, Cranberry and Mango Butters whipped up using pure

as gifts for your employees. Promotional

I realized I was holding myself back because

products are one of the most powerful forms

of fear. Each time, it just got easier and I

touch of pure premium fragrant or flavored

of marketing and one of the least expensive!

gained a level of confidence and comfort

oils, and are all packed with their own natural

The ROI is tremendous because recipients

with my pitch, and with my products virtually

healthy and healing properties.

tend to hold onto these branded items for long

selling itself.

periods of time therefore creating repeated

essential oils, combined with an added

My Goats Milk Soaps are farm

brand exposure for weeks and months without

Profile: My name is Toni, I am a wife and

fresh and pure, which are

any additional cost. We have access to

mother of three now living in Cumberland,

gentle and creamy

over 600,000 products that we can put your

Rhode Island. I was born and raised in West

with lots of lather.

company or organizations logo on. We even

Wareham, Massachusetts. I can remember as

have clothing that we can embroider to outfit

a child, the large beautiful pine trees, finding

your employees or customers. If you can think

pine cones, jumping the cranberry bogs and

of the item we will find it for you!

picking blueberries. As much as I miss those

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Of SEO and Whiskey | Small Business

of SEO and Whiskey by Chris Sheehy

After tasting a single malt whiskey from

ranking for building long-term internet

Rhode Island’s Sons of Liberty distillery, I

marketing sustainability and relevance.

have developed an appreciation for the subtleties that quality ingredients and time make in crafting a top-shelf Whiskey.

SEOer’s are guided by a complex set of largely unpublished rules and standards that are learned in time - through failure,

Perhaps it was the aftereffects of the elixir,

success, and experimentation. Just like

but it occurred to me at some point, that

making whiskey!

search engine optimization shares a lot in common with whiskey making.

And then there’s time. The most important element to both SEO and whiskey making,

For instance - the search for the finest of

for without time, a master whiskey distiller’s

ingredients for whiskey making, is akin to the

only product is beer (not the good drinking

arduous selection process for picking out the

kind), and with a SEOer, rhetoric (not the

best key-words for your internet marketing

good reading kind).

strategy. Both are foundational elements that ultimately determine the end-result of your

Be it whiskey or SEO, it is the element of

efforts. Screw this up, and everything goes

Time that provides the maturity that results in

down the drain.

controlled and expected results. Successful

As a distillery will rely on its vendor-partners

and time are not compromised . . .

outcomes are only realized when ingredients in providing their ingredients in exacting and predictable quality, so too does SEO rely

And there you have it, a story of SEO and

on consistent authority ranking and link-

Whiskey, along with a list of ingredients for

attribution through its linkbuilding partners.

successful search engine marketing.

Whiskey makers create a mash by

Keyword Research | Website

mixing their ingredients, this starts the

Optimization | Linkbuilding

fermentation process in preparation for

So go ahead, take a shot at each - allow

the next step of aging. Similarly, search

9-12 months to ferment, and you’ll soon be

marketing integration interconnects a

tasting the sweet rewards of your efforts.

business’ website (on-page) and off-page digital assets (backlinks, social media, blogging), which strengthen a brand’s

Chris Sheehy Sidewalk Branding Co. www.sidewalkbranding.co

overall internet marketing authority and www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

select their parent from a panel of parents based upon asking work related questions. Students performed at chance. This year I repeated the activity with another group of mothers and daughters and they were 100% correct! I do not know why there was a dramatic difference in performance. Perhaps, the judges were more lenient on which questions were related to work. Perhaps, the parent’s careers were more diverse. Perhaps, the students knew their parents better. What may come as a surprise is that when this year’s daughters were asked to provide a one word description of 1) How their mother would describe them, 2) How they would want their mother to describe them, and 3) How they would describe their mother only16.6% of the mother-daughter answers matched perfectly and another 16.6% answers were synonyms. Two thirds of the descriptions did not match! by Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro

Additionally, in all cases, mothers correctly predicted that the way they would describe their daughters would not match the way their

Thursday, April 25, 2013 is the 20th annual Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® Day (TODASTWD). This year’s theme, work in progress, is most appropriate for small businesses which are constantly evolving, growing and seeking new customers. Encouraging your employees daughters and sons to spend a day at work, gaining an appreciation for what their parents do, and thinking about their careers will not only be of benefit to your employees and their children, but also to you. TODASTWD may also provide an excellent opportunity for students and parents to begin an ongoing discussion of what parents do at work as well as an opportunity to negotiate some work life balance issues which are of concern to daughters, sons, parents and employers alike. Employees may perform better knowing that their families are supporting them and that families will understand if they have to work a long day or work on a weekend. The intent of TODASTWD is to be a highly interactive day for parents, sons and daughters. A well run day would include an opportunity for students to shadow parents as well as to be engaged in some meaningful activities. The TODASTWD foundation provides numerous activities available at www.daughtersandsonstowork.org. You may, of course, develop your own activities, too! Last year my TODASTWD Rhode Island Small Business Journal (Volume 1, Issue 3) article featured a game titled Do Your Children Know What You Do at Work? in which mothers and daughters were to

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

daughters would want them to describe them.

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day | Small Business

employees may perform better knowing that their families are supporting them and that families will understand if they have to work a long day or work on a weekend The four fabulous mother-daughter Girl Scout pairs who participated

prices). Reservations are required and space is limited to 200, so

in the activity are shown in the photograph at the top of this page.

please contact me, DrRonShapiro1981@SigmaXi.Net, to reserve today.

Daughters (blindfolded with fabulous scarves) are holding white boards with their mother’s three descriptions. Daughters provided

Please do schedule a TODASTWD this year. If you decide that it is

their answers orally. The audience, comprised of other Girl Scouts

not practical to host your event on a school day, please schedule it immediately after school concludes for summer recess. If you have

judged the accuracy of the matches.

a successful program, please send a note and possibly some high On May 2nd, one week after TODASTWD, Uncle Jays Networking,

resolution photos to me and I’ll try to feature your experience in a

Out of the Box Networking, Marley’s on the Beach restaurant and I

future column.

will be hosting a business and family networking event. One of the objectives of the evening is to encourage students to learn about how their parents network, and to meet some of the people their parents network with. Hopefully, we will be able to discuss some great

Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Independent Consultant in Human Factors Learning and Human Resources

TODASTWD experiences. We may have a parent-student networking game. The event will be at 5:00 PM on May 2 at Marley’s at 885 Oakland Beach Avenue Warwick, RI and will include free pasta dinner (water is free; other beverages are available at normal restaurant

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Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work® is a registered trademark of the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation. I would like to thank Dr. Margarita Posada Cossuto for helpful comments and Ms. Arlene Harnett for arranging the Girl Scout event featuring the networking and other Education by Entertainment games.

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Hey Mr.! Is Your Wardrobe Selling You Short…? | Small Business

Hey Mr.! Is Your Wardrobe Selling You Short…? by Yemi Sekoni

For the guy who habitually skips over the

event, or meeting a new client:

fashion advice articles, this one’s for you

DO a pair of dark-wash jeans with a slim

fit or a straight cut leg and dress shoes

You don’t have to wear a suit and tie to

look professional. Unless your line of work

- have you ever bumped into a business acquaintance, potential client, or even,

requires it, that’s okay - we don’t want

possibly, the future Mrs. You, while you

you to look uncomfortable or pretentious.

with the lady you’re shooting to impress?

were out and about on a day that you didn’t

However, DO ditch the overalls, ripped

anticipate meeting with anyone. Did you

jeans or other work attire that you

pulling out all the stops and taking her

feel a tad awkward, or did you not give it

normally wear on the job and clean up a

to a really formal event, you’ll look like

or dark jeans are perfectly fine 2.

your carriage, your posture (or the lack

3. 4.

wristwatch or cuff links first - not to see how cheap or expensive they are, but how much

Either way, DON’T go looking like you

DO opt for a sports jacket or blazer, with a pair of dark denim pants and an

If you normally wear a business suit,

open-collar button-down shirt. 3.

DON’T do a shirt and tie – you’ll look too uptight

are out for a drink with ‘the boys’.

thereof) help people define who you are. Many a woman will check out your footwear,

DO ensure that it’s the right fit

you up; pigeon-holing you. Your apperance,

DON’T go for a full suit. Unless you are

you are trying too hard.

little - a clean, crisp dress shirt and pants

another thought? Like it or not, everyone you meet is sizing

And how about that date to seal the deal

DO ensure your hair is nicely trimmed

DO a sweater and shirt look

and of the appropriate length

And for your shoes, DO a pair of lace-

DON’T wear shoes that are scuffed

ups or loafers

and unpolished (this one applies ALL

attention you pay to detail.

the time)

Also, be aware that your individual body shape and type will dictate subtleties

Whether you are attending a meeting, a networking event or taking that lovely lady

If you are going Business Casual, you can

like the fit, cut and style of your clothing.

out on a first date, it is crucial that you take

still look dapper, yet professional:

Nevertheless, ask yourself this, “Am I

the time to choose the appropriate attire.

DON’T fall back on the standard

making a great first impression with my

Knowing how to put yourself together and

khakis, baggy pants, oversized polo

choice of attire?”

what wears well on you, are critical non-

shirts and sneakers

verbal cues telling the world a lot about how

you care for everything else. So let’s look at some DO’S and DON’T’S for the Men Folk.

DO try a tailored jacket or blazer over

If your answer is “No”, then you are most

an open-collar button-down shirt and

definitely selling yourself short. In which

slim cut pants

case, you’ve got some updating to do!

DO a V-neck sweater over an opencollar button-down shirt, or a dress shirt and tie under a button-down cardigan

If you are going to a business networking

Yemi Sekoni Director Donahue Models

or sweater vest

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | The Three P’s of Starting a Business

of Starting a Business by Douglas Jobling

I have made it a habit when conducting training programs for start-up businesses to ask them to identify the one, and only one, reason to start a new business. Few people get the right answer. They tell me that they want to be their own boss; that they want to make a lot of money; that they can’t find a job so they want to try something

There is a famous concept in the marketing discipline called the 5 P’s.

different. These may be good reasons but none of them is the reason.

It describes the five principles of marketing, including: The one, and only, reason to start a new business is because there is 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Positioning (the strategic position of the product

an opportunity in the marketplace. There are enough People who will

in the marketplace)

buy the product or service at a Price at which the company can make

Product (the qualities, features, and benefits of the item for sale)

a Profit. And those are the three P’s.

Promotion (advertising and other methods of communicating to the marketplace)

This sounds simple enough perhaps. But each of these P’s has

Placement (sales channels and other aspects of getting the

enough behind it to fill a book. The entrepreneur has to determine

product to customers)

whether there are enough People – customers. How to determine

Price (charging enough to be profitable considering the price

that? Market research is the answer, and a lot of work has to go into

of competitors)

determining what the right customer demographic is for a particular product or service; who is buying something similar now; how much

This is an oversimplification of the 5 P’s but I refer to it because I want

they are spending on it; how much of those dollars can be diverted

to suggest something similar – the 3 P’s of starting a business.

to the new product.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

The Three P’s of Starting a Business | Small Business

The entrepreneur has to know what Price to charge for the product or service. S/he can’t know how much to charge until s/he knows the costs of making the product or delivering the service, bringing it to the marketplace, making sure all of the costs are covered, making enough to produce a Profit. And that’s only one aspect of pricing – what is being charged by competitors for similar products? Can the new entrepreneur fit his/her price into the marketplace without charging such a low price that profitability is impossible or such a high price that no one will buy the product or service? There are so many questions to be answered that it is usually advisable to prepare a complete business plan which provides a standard format for thinking through, and answering, a lot of these questions.

the one, and only, reason to start a new business is because there is an opportunity in the marketplace By the way, a couple of paragraphs ago, I didn’t want to seem like I was insulting people who give me the wrong reason for starting a business. These are creative, independent, sometimes courageous individuals who are striking out on their own and deserve a lot of credit for that. But it is a new path they are following, one that requires

LocaLPassing.com

a lot of new learning. As hopefully has become apparent from this article, knowing the one reason to start a business is just one of many, many lessons that new entrepreneurs have to learn. If you are considering starting a business, turn yourself into a sponge! Soak up all the new learning you can get your hands on. Take advantage of training programs and other resources to learn about managing a business. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a number of such programs, either on their own or through one of the programs they support: the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center at Johnson & Wales University; the Center for Women & Enterprise; and SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Businesses. The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation offers programs and they are also offered by your local Chamber of

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Commerce and at various colleges and universities, as well as online. Take advantage of these programs and learn all you can about this exciting new venture you are embarking upon.

Douglas Jobling Regional Director, Northern Rhode Island Rhode Island Small Business Development Center

The most comprehensive and timely

Death Notice Listing in the greater Providence area

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Events | Networking and Workshops

Wednesday, April 10 Research and Innovation Showcase Memorial Union Ballroom URI Kingston Campus 11 am - 3 pm

Thursday, April 11 East Greenwich Chamber Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to the Ladies at Quidnessett Country Club 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Saturday, April 13 East Greenwich Chamber East Greenwich Wedding Walk Main Street, East Greenwich 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday, April 13 North Central Chamber of Commerce Earth Day 2013 -North Providence Clean-up Meeting Place -John E. Fogarty Center

Wednesday April 17 Business After Hours hosted by Twisted Throttle 5:00 pm -7:00 pm

Wednesday April 17 RI Small Business Recovery Program How to Attract an Instant Flood of New Customers Centerville Seminar Center 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Wednesday, April 18 Financing Your Small Business Workshop - Access To Capital Panel Discussion Center for Women & Enterprise 8:30 am - 11:00 am

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

From Idea-To-Product…It Gets Personal | Small Business

from idea-to-product… it gets personal tips from the trenches by Elizabeth Pierotti

they don’t.) On the bright side, it can also be a freeing experience if a project doesn’t prove viable. We can now move on to the next idea grateful not to have invested a lot of time and money.

Images of experiments and prototypes come to mind when we think of transforming ideas into innovative products. While these are

It gets personal when our development team weighs in and we

essential exercises, don’t believe for a minute that this journey is

have to keep our emotions in check to keep the project on a positive

solely an objective scientific one. In fact, the entire process is loaded

track. It’s not easy watching our ideas morph into something different

with emotional content and feeling that can be triggered at any time.

from what we originally intended, even if it means something better.

Bottom line… it gets personal.

Another emotional low point can be when our target consumers in focus groups do not respond well to the concept. On the other hand,

It gets personal from the moment the idea begins to take shape.

some great suggestions for improvements can result from these

We get advice warning us not to fall in love with our ideas. And it’s

sessions. A bigger test comes when it’s time to get the idea in front of

true that we need to make decisions based on objective criteria, but

a prospective customer or investor. Watch someone dismiss your idea

consider this: without the excitement that invariably accompanies a

after all the work you’ve done as “not ready for prime time” and you’ll

new idea, who would take any steps at all to pursue its possibilities?

understand pain.

Whenever I meet inventors who have come up with a new idea, they are full of enthusiasm and hope, as well they should be. If they’re not committed and passionate about their ideas, it’s doubtful anyone else will be. Passion at the earliest stages of a project is a gift if it leads to action. It gets personal the first time we speak about the idea and the naysayers chime in with “dream killing” comments. That negativity, if taken to heart, can raise doubts and be the end of a good idea. Of course, we need to reach out to smart people for constructive criticism,

the entire process is loaded with emotional content and feeling that can be triggered at any time This process from creative concept to innovation takes guts. We

but there is a time to engage with others and a time to nurture the idea

are not our ideas although we are invested in them. Be prepared to

until it can be articulated clearly and is ready to be tested.

get out of your own way. Even after all these years, I have to remind myself daily to leave my ego at home. As to your own personal

It gets personal at every stage of concept development since each

moments, and they will come, these are all opportunities to

can mean the end of the dream. And so with every success, a kind of

realize your passion by focusing on what matters most...

trepidation can set in as we become more emotionally invested in an

advancing the idea one step at a time.

idea that may actually work. It is said that testing celebrates failure, but when our own ideas are at risk, that’s hard to stomach. This is typically a time when mood swings can kick in ranging from elation

Elizabeth Pierotti The Inventing Life www.theinventinglife.com

(when things work out) to depression and abandoning the idea (when

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Monday, April 22 Resources Available to Start & Grow A Small Business Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Tuesday, April 23 North Central Chamber of Commerce Business Booster -Branding your Business Presented by Gil Lantini UNO Chicago Grill of Smithfield 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Tuesday, April 23 East Greenwich Chamber Business After Hour at Yardney Technical Products 2000 South County Trail, East Greenwich, RI 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Thursday, April 25 Business After Hours-The Newport Beach Club 22 Newport Harbor Dr. Portsmouth 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Thursday, April 25 Business After Hours-The Newport Beach Club 22 Newport Harbor Dr. Portsmouth, RI 02871 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Thursday, April 25 North Central Chamber of Commerce April “Business After Hours” Navigant Credit Union of Chepachet 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Friday, April 26 Central RI Chamber LEADS Luncheon Hosted by Basta Ristorante 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Tuesday, April 30 Central RI Chamber Young Professionals hosted by Potowomut Golf Club Golf & Networking 3:00 - 7:30 pm Networking Only 5:30 - 7:30

Tuesday, April 30 RI Small Business Recovery Program Crowdfund Your Way to Business Success Centerville Seminar Center 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Wednesday, May 1 Northern RI Chamber Affirmative Action: Plan Design Overview NRI Chamber Conference Room 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Tuesday, May 2 North Central Chamber of Commerce Business Booster Six Steps to Small Business Success Presented by David Lucier 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Friday, May 3 First Friday Coffee hosted by Orange Leaf 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Saturday, May 4 East Greenwich Chamber Arts on Main East Greenwich Town Hall 12:00 pm -3:00 pm

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

organ ize yo ur ho me of fice

Organize Your Home Office | Small Business

Try not to let your office paperwork spill into other areas in your home. You have an office; keep the information contained to that office. Purge all old files. At one time you may have saved something because you thought it might be of importance, but now a couple of years may have passed and you realize you really don’t need that information. Now is a great time to get rid of it and make room for new files. Try not to overload the top of your desk. Keep only what you are working on that day or week on your desk. If you don’t need it on a daily basis, get it off your desk. Do you really need 20 pens on the top of your desk? Downsize the top of your desk and find a system to house the items you don’t need on a daily basis. You will save time and money by keeping your office supplies organized. Keep them contained to one area and organized in that area. You probably have tons of business cards. Find a home for your business cards. Either purchase a system to scan them into your computer or develop a filing system. The key is to keep them off your desk if you don’t refer to them on a regular basis. When clients get ready to start an organizing project they want to go out and purchase filing cabinets, containers, book shelves, filing trays. Wait, stop! Go through your home office first and figure out what you actually have. Think about how you want to efficiently store those items so that you can be productive. Purchase according to what you have and the systems you want to create. There are so many great office supplies on the market. Find ones that best suit your needs in the most efficient and productive way.

by Kristin Carcieri-MacRae

Many people are working out of their homes these days. Get your home office organized so you can be efficient and productive while you are working. Have filing systems, procedures, and processes in place. Set up an area in your home for your office. Maybe you have a spare room, an area in the basement, or maybe you have a walk-in closet that isn’t being utilized. The key is to set up your office in an area in your home where you can focus and not be easily distracted.

most disorganized home offices all have the same issues; people are drowning in paper

Most disorganized home offices all have the same issues; People are

If you are in the developing stages of your business, the best piece

drowning in paper. Their filing cabinets are exploding because they

of advice I can give is to have a system in place on the back end.

haven’t re-visited their files in quite some time. Some businesses do

Once you start your business, you are going to be so focused on

not have working systems and processes in place. Most keep too

your clients, sales, marketing, etc., your back end operations will fall

much on their desk and are not housing their files in an efficient way.

apart if you don’t have those key systems in place. Make a plan now. Organize! Energize!

Time management is imperative when working out of your home. There is always something going on in the house. Map out your days the week before. Write a to-do list of everything you need to get done

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Owner Organizing In RI, LLC

so you stay on track with your tasks. www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Monday, May 6 RI Small Business Recovery Program Lunch & Learn Centerville Seminar Center 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Tuesday, May 7 Northern RI Chamber Communication Skills & Conflict Management NRI Chamber Conference Room, Lincoln 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Tuesday, May 7 Central RI Chamber Coffee & Contacts Start your day off right Hosted by Courtyard by Marriott 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Wednesday, May 8 Northern RI Chamber Affirmative Action: Performing the Statistical Analysis (2 Day Program) NRI Chamber Conference Room, Lincoln 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Thursday, May 9 East Greenwich Chamber Summer Stroll ”Just in Time for Mother’s Day! & Military Spouse Appreciation Night”

Friday May 10 Newport Chamber of Commerce Chamber Connections 8:00 am - 9:15 am

Monday, May 13 Northern RI Chamber Networking at Night @ Navigant Navigant Credit Union, Central Falls 5:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tuesday, May 14 North Central Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner “Night of the Rising Stars” Crystal Lake Golf Club

Tuesday, May 14 East Greenwich Chamber Business After Hours at Besos Kitchen & Cocktails 5:30 pm -7:30 pm

Wednesday, May 15 Northern RI Chamber Affirmative Action: Performing the Statistical Analysis (2 Day Program) NRI Chamber Conference Room, Lincoln 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

infant • toddler • preschool ages 6 weeks to 5 years old

learning center YOUR TRUSTED CHOICE IN CHILDCARE

401 764 0468 www.lollipoplearningcenterllc.com

QUALIFIED TEACHERS NURSE ON SITE DAILY DCYF CERTIFIED DHS ACCEPTED A CLEAN & SAFE ENVIRONMENT

be sure to visit isupportsmallbusiness.com to view all updated and current events and workshops for this month

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

NOW ENROLLING CALL TODAY!

Communication 3.0, Live & Virtual | Small Business

Communication

3.0 Live & Virtual Why it’s Imperative to Tap Into Both Left & Right Brains! by Donna Mac

Once you’re taken the time to figure out what your communication type is: left or right brained; introverted or extroverted, now ask

Ask yourself if you are a left or right brainer. Left-brainers are described

yourself another question: “What type of person or people am I

as more analytical and right-brainers more visionary. If you like to work

communicating with?”

with numbers, you’re more apt to be a left-brainer and if creating and designing come easily to you, you’re more likely a right-brainer.

When you determine that, you’re now much more able to move

On a similar note, ask yourself if you’re an introvert or an extrovert.

more about them. And that is the key to great communication in the

An introvert prefers quieter settings and craves solitude while an

21st century. If you can mirror your audience while delivering a well

extrovert thrives amongst people and often seeks them out for ideas

thought out piece of information, you’re much more apt to receive buy-

and social purposes.

in for your products and services—and even your ideas and vision.

forward with a conversation or presentation that’s less about you and

When it comes to great communication, it doesn’t matter whether you’re left or bright brained or an introvert or extrovert. What matters is that you’re aware of the type of person you are and that you’ve taken the time to be aware of which of your skills are innate and which skills could use some sharpening. When it comes to communication everyone is created differently and if we move forth with the attributes of both left and right brainers; both

when I get ready to talk, I spend two-thirds of the time thinking about what they need to hear and one third of the time thinking about what I want to say

introverts and extroverts, we’re much more able to ensure that our

Abraham Lincoln

insights and opinions are heard, and well represented!

If you think these communication techniques take a considerable For example, if you’re an introvert who’s more left brained, you might

amount of time, you’re right. But just like building a business, a plan

want to make sure you speak up when you have the opportunity.

and a foundation is imperative for a structure that’s sound, safe and

That’s because someone who prefers a quieter way of life is more apt

enduring. So take some time to tune in (to yourself and others) before

to shy away from communication, which can sometimes be described

your next big presentation and I promise, it will be an investment well

as painful. But if this happens, you may miss many opportunities from

worth the effort!

building relationships to garnering a raise or promotion. Communication 3.0 Formula: On the other side of the coin, if you’re a more extroverted person who

Understand Yourself

has big-picture thinking like a right brainer, it’s important to be aware

Understand Your Audience

of how you’re presenting your case. That’s because someone who

Understand Your Content

is more outgoing might forget that people need to be able to digest new information that’s being presented. And like our last example, this could also lead to lost opportunities like building relationships and

Donna Mac Owner DMacVoice & Media

garnering a raise or promotion. www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Raise Small Business | Raise Your Bottom Line By Lowering Your BMI

your Bottom Line

by lowering your

BMI by Tim Sullivan

holders experienced a higher rate of mortality.

“The Body Mass Index seems preferable

The calculation itself was originally developed

over other indices of relative weight…on the

by a Belgian Mathematician, astronomer and

simplicity of the calculation and, in contrast

Numerous studies that point to the

statistician named Adolphe Quetelet in 1832.

to percentage of average weight, the

phenomenon that a healthier workforce is

Quite simply it is the ratio of a person’s mass

applicability to all populations at all times.”

more productive, and therefore saves a

(kg) divided by the square of their height

Is hardly a ringing endorsement of BMI as

company money. The current mathematical

(meters); the formula in America translates to

the “be all end all” measurement for health

model for measuring the health of a group over time is to measure and average their

“703” times Mass (pounds) divided by height

and wellness?

(in inches) squared. A few examples illustrate how BMI might

“Body Mass Index” (BMI) over time. Although Ancel Keys is credited with

come up short as a method for comparing

The term BMI was coined by nutritional

coining the term BMI, his writings indicate

the wellness of individuals. Using BMI as

pioneer Ancel Keys in 1972, in response

a less than enthusiastic appraisal of its

the only benchmark, a body builder and a

to a phenomenon that was noticed by life

usefulness; in his paper “Indices of Relative

couch potato who are both 6 feet tall and

insurance actuaries that overweight policy

Weight and Obesity” (1972) he states that

250 pounds would each have a BMI of

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Raise Your Bottom Line By Lowering Your BMI | Small Business

33.9 Would anyone consider each of these people to be equally healthy? Both Tom Brady (6’4” 225# BMI 27.38) and Deion Branch (5’9” 195# BMI 28.79) of the New England Patriots would be individually considered overweight if BMI were the only measure of their wellness. I don’t think anyone would characterize either of them as overweight!

PERFECT HARMONY

Body shape, frame size, and muscle mass are all factors that can skew BMI numbers from being an idea measure of overall wellness.

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measurement for population studies over time than it is for static comparisons on individual groups or as a method for individual clinical evaluation. A simple way to measure group health is to take an average of their BMI and compare those values over time. The quality of the evaluation and the usefulness of the data improves, if you are able to factor diet, exercise and habits into the wellness picture for a particular group of people.

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from 6 August 12:01 AM to 6 Oct 11:59 PM from

Underweight BMI under 19 Normal BMI between 19 & 24 Overweight BMI between 25 & 29 Obese BMI between 30 & 39 Extremely Obese BMI between 40 & 54 Measuring BMI gives a business or organization a methodology by which it can gauge the savings associated with the implementation of a successful wellness program. If a company wellness program results in a reduction in average employee

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The Rhode Island Business Journal is excited to introduce our newest media partner, GoGo Cast. This Rhode Island based organiation is a leading on-demand, location based digital media company providing real-time HD digital news, information and advertising displays in hundreds of high traffic retail locations across the state. (GoGo Screens) In addition, RISBJ and GoGo Cast are proud to present GoGo Cast’s newest rewardingly addictive mobile platform, GoGo Mobile. GoGo Mobile provides business with a unique promotionl solution that delivers real-time highly relevant information directly to ther consumer when they want through a mobile BroadSign added this

application. GoGo Mobile complements GoGo Screens marketing solution by providing them with the ability to extend their reach from within the store, directly to the consumer. Businesses can easily create ads and deals on both the app and the screens, easily supply them to a market audience and/or target locations, and redeem all the benefits from advertising on these two advertising powerhouses. This partnership will provide RISBJ with additional reach in the digial media market statewide.

BMI by .2 over a given period of time, and their overall health related expenses also drop; it can be calculated that for every

.1 drop in average in the group BMI, the company saves X dollars. Tim Sullivan Life-Panel www.well-track.com

SEE YOUR PRODUCTS IN:

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | Working From Home: The Pajamification of the Office?

Working From the Pajamification Home: of the Office? by Adam Harvey

Being able to care for children while earning a living at the same time is a big deal for working parents. Others are keen on avoiding the

Quite often, you hear people joke about how nice it is to work from

environmental and financial costs associated with commuting to work.

home, citing that they don’t have to change out of pajamas to put in a

Some folks say that working from home is quieter and enjoy being free

day’s work. While not having to wear pants is certainly a huge benefit

of office politics and the distractions caused by coworkers.

for some, there are many other positive things about telecommuting that makes it a great option for both employees and employers. Let’s

Basically, working from home relieves a lot of different kinds of stress,

check it out!

which leads to happier, more productive workers.

Happier People

Yes, I did say “more productive.”

Perhaps the most positive thing about allowing employees to work from home is that it makes them happier. According to a recent survey,

Increased Productivity

the average employee says that telecommuting decreases their stress

It seems counter intuitive to think that people who work from home are

by at least 25%. Companies who allow employees to work from home

more productive, but they are! It would be easy to assume that since

at least a day or two per week report less absenteeism and a much

they’re home, they’d be taking naps and watching TV when they should

lower turnover rate than those that don’t.

be working, but according to a study done in China, telecommuters are actually 10- 20% more productive than people who work in an office.

Workers are happier when they can work from home for many different

If you consider all of the stressors and distractions that working from

reasons. For the overwhelming majority of those workers, the greatest

home can relieve, it makes sense that productivity goes up as people

benefit is that it makes the work/home balance much easier to manage.

are happier and more comfortable.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Working From Home: The Pajamification of the Office? | Small Business

Benefits to Employers Aside from creating happier and more productive workers, allowing employees to work from home at least some of the time has many benefits for employers as well. For one thing, you can reduce the amount of paper and other supplies (pens, printer ink, coffee, etc.) being used in the office. You’ll need less space in general as you’ll have fewer desks around, so that means paying less rent (Some employers have “hotel space” in the form of a spare desk for folks to use if they need to come in occasionally.) Another great benefit to employers is that they have more access to the best, most talented employees. If you think about it, you’re limited to only those people who live within your vicinity. Allowing employees to work from home opens the door to being able to hire anyone, anywhere. Setting Expectations For employers who haven’t yet tested these waters, it may seem a bit scary. After all, if you cannot witness productivity, how can you be sure it’s happening? Just because someone is physically present doesn’t mean he or she is actually being productive. Just as with any work arrangement, a good manager needs to establish a rhythm, set measurable goals, and keep lines of communication open. By staying in touch with remote employees and holding them accountable for deadlines, you should be able to make sure that work is indeed getting done. Presence is not a prerequisite for productivity.

working from home is quieter and enjoy being free of office politics and the distractions caused by coworkers What You Need to Get Started There are many options available to you when setting up a virtual office, but there are some basics you’ll probably need. Clearly, you’ll need email, but also an instant messaging client, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), web conferencing capabilities and reliable anti-virus programs to start with. You can get fancier as you discover what your specific needs are. The work from home trend shows no sign of slowing down as more companies are finding out that it’s a system that absolutely works for everyone involved. Will you be the next one to try it out?

Adam Harvey GLAD WORKS www.gladworks.com

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Kill The Ums | Small Business

KILL THE UMS TOP 10 STRATEGIES by Richard Austin

being honest? What about before?” Likewise,

Monitory your progress.

you may say, “Basically, this is what do.”

10. Improve your vocabulary

Someone may be inclined to ask, “what are

Helps to avoid searching for

Have you ever heard someone say

the non-basic things you do?” Added fillers

the “right” word

something like this? “So, um, well, I guess

words simply serve to dilute your message. If you would like some help identifying

you know that, um, we should, like, you know, be doing something about that, um,

Why are fillers so difficult to overcome? For

and eliminating your own verbal fillers give

you know, problem that you, um, have?”

once, I have an easy answer. Habit. You know

me a call.

Just typing that was painful. Listening to it

what a habit is right? Something that you have

is maddening. Yet, lots of us talk like that

done over and over again until it is ingrained

to some extend. These words are called

in you and seems to be a part of you.

“verbal fillers”. Some habits are good. That sweet golf swing Why do we use “verbal fillers”? One of

or the way you say “thank you” to everybody.

the biggest reasons is we hate silence. If

Other habits, not so much. I would list some

someone isn’t talking (like us), we need to fill

here, but the RISBJ only has so much space.

the void. Silence makes us uncomfortable. Martin Tupper, a 19th century English writer

Back to verbal fillers. How can you get rid of

and poet put it well when he said “Well-timed

them? I have listed here my

silence hath more eloquence than speech”. Or in other words, silence makes you more

TOP 10 STRATEGIES FOR AVOIDENCE

eloquent by allowing your listener to reflect

AND CONTROL

on, or interpret what you just said. If you

continue speaking just to fill the silence, those

Identify your own verbal fillers Pause

wonderful, inspirational and well-intended

Embrace the silence

words you just spoke can easily be muddled

Look more thoughtful

and confident

or missed completely as you babble on. 3.

Breathe a.

Reduces stress and relaxes

that we are talking too quickly to allow our

Build breathing into your normal

thoughts to keep up. We hesitate, and, to fill

speech patterns

the silence that follows, begin to “fill in” the

Fillers sometimes replace

empty space with noise. Nervousness can

proper breathing

also force us to flounder as we cast about

Avoid losing track by

in our now blank minds for the thoughts we

reducing nervousness

Another reason why we may use fillers is

wanted to express next. Finally, fillers can

Listen to your own speech

be “extra words” that we don’t really need. If

Listen to others

you tell someone, “honestly, this is what we

do.” might they think, “so wait, now you’re Richard Austin President The Learning Curve LLC

Preparation/practice a.

Predict and prepare

for questions

Body language, presence

Slow down

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | Agents – The Business Kind

AGENTS

The Business Kind by Nick Pereira

on human agents because the corporate

Actual authority comes in two flavors:

form is a legal fiction. Generally, the authority

express or implied. Express actual authority

of an agent is defined by the scope of their

means that an agent has been expressly

As your business starts heading down the

employment and an agent may only bind the

told by the principal that he or she may act

road of success, you will likely find yourself

principal where it is acting within the scope

on the principal’s behalf; implied actual

in a position to hire employees. What you

of the agency or employment.

authority is authority an agent may have by

Where a third party relies, in good faith, upon

carry our his or her express duties. Apparent

virtue of it being reasonable necessary to

need to know, is that any person whom you hire to work for you is essentially an extension of you and can bind you or your

the representations of an agent, where the

authority exists where a principal’s words or

business or subject you to liability by their

agent was acting within the scope of his or

conduct would lead a reasonable person in

actions. In general, the law may consider

her authority, even if the principle disagrees

the third party’s position to believe that the

your employees to be your “Agents” and

with the action, the agent can still bind the

agent has the authority to act, even if the

under certain circumstances will consider

principle. Alternatively, where the agent was

principal and agent never discussed it.

their actions as actions of your business. If

acting outside of the scope of his or her

you conduct your business as an entity, such

authority, the agent will generally be held

The laws of agency can seem very technical,

as an LLC or corporation, the business will

liable, but it is possible that a court of law may

but it is important to have at least an

most likely be held liable, but if you do not

require the principle to compensate the third

understanding of how they work in order

conduct business as an entity, but only as a

party and seek reimbursement from the agent.

to protect oneself and one’s business from liability. This foregoing article is meant to be

sole-proprietor or partnership, then liability can and may flow directly to you personally.

As stated above, in order to bind the

informative only, and if you have a particular

principal, an agent must be acting within

questions or concerns you should seek the

the scope of authority created by his

advice of an experienced attorney to help

between the employer, or principal, and the

or her principal. In reality, the scope of

guide you through the minefield.

employee or agent, reflect the “real-time”

authority would generally be defined via

The reciprocal rights and liabilities that flow

realities of doing business. Business owners

an employment contract or by a course of

often rely on others to conduct their business,

conduct. Authority generally takes two forms:

and in the case of a corporation, must rely

Actual authority and apparent authority.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Nick Pereira Attorney Harmony Law Group

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business |

TRANSFORMING BIG OBSTACLES INTO BIG OPPORTUNITIES by Patricia Raskin

can to survive. His business begins to grow

replies, “I can’t sign. I never learned how

and improves to the point that he is able to

to write.” In astonishment, the banker asks,

open a little store.

“How is it possible that a man who can’t write

points where the failure of losing a job

By the time his sons are old enough to help

“Ah,” says the caretaker, “If I could write, I’d

or company opened the door to a great

him, he has become well established. The

opportunity. In my book, Pathfinding,

sons inherit the business when the caretaker

could amass the wealth that you have?”

Most of us in business have had turning

Seven Principles for Positive Living, my father tells this story that was handed down to him. It speaks to transforming obstacles into opportunities. Here it is: One day the owner of the building tells his caretaker that he must go out of town for a day, but that he expects a most important letter. He informs the caretaker that he must make sure he gets the registeredletter himself because it is a very important letter. The owner leaves the next morning. That

we all have challenges, some bigger than others. we can all learn and grow and go on to do great things.

still be a caretaker.” So many of the experts and authors I have interviewed have overcome circumstances in their own lives that have led them to their passion, cause, work and often writing a book. On my Positive Business radio show, I interviewed Kevin O’Leary from ABC’s Shark Tank and I remember him talking about how the television opportunity came to him shortly after great business upheavel and loss. Candy Lightner founded MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) in 1980 after her daughter Cari, was killed by a repeat drunk

afternoon the letter is delivered, butrequires a signature.The caretaker tells the postman

retires and decide to build a larger store.

driving offender. MADD has evolved into one

that he doesn’t know how to write. The

They ask their father to help them borrow the

of the most widely supported and well-liked

postman explains that he must obtain an

money to finance their ambitious undertaking.

non-profit organizations in America.

The father asks the banker for the loan and

We all have challenges, some bigger than

the banker says, “No problem. You can have

others. We can all learn and grow and go on

actual signature, no marks or X’s. Since the caretaker can’t write, the postman refuses to leave the letter. When the owner returns and learns what happened, he becomes furious and fires the caretaker on the spot. The caretaker finds himself without a job and without an income. To support his meager existence, he starts peddling whatever goods and services he

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

whatever you need. Just sign on the dotted

to do great things. It takes courage, belief,

line.”The caretaker looks at the banker and

support, and grace.

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, “Patricia Raskin Positive Living” on WPRO -630AM & 99.7FM on Saturdays from 3-5PM and “The Patricia Raskin Show” on WSAR – 1480AM on Fridays from 10-noon. www.patriciaraskin.com

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www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | Share If You Dare…

Share If You Dare… Three Risks of Cloud File Sharing

by Lisa Shorr

solutions and we are saying good-bye to laptops/desktops and hello to tablets and smart phones.

She came and she went…. she left quite a legacy. This year’s

Thanks to this technology explosion, small-to-medium size businesses

Nor’easter NEMO is one for the history books! Although we did not

are looking to manage and access their data from anywhere

have the same extreme snowfall like her predecessor The Blizzard of

around the globe. Free, easy-to-use programs such as Google

’78, Nemo evoked a new fear in New Englanders; if I lose power, how

Drive, Dropbox, and YouSendIt enable users to read, write, edit

will I stay connected?

and share documents with one-another virtually! Utilizing these applications, employers have certainly seen a boost in collaboration

In 1978, the idea of The Cloud and file sharing were just notions acted

and productivity. Employees do not have to be beholden to their office

out in popular T.V. shows like Star Trek and The Jetsons. It was not

to share information. All that is needed is Internet access and their

until 1992 that IBM would introduce the first Smartphone nicknamed

preferred device and file sharing is at their fingertips!

“Simon.” The true smartphone revolution began in 2002 when the famous Blackberry was introduced. This set the course and demand

But do employers and employees know the risks involved in free

for workforce mobility and the need for file sharing.

cloud file sharing? What should businesses be aware of when incorporating this cloud solution into their strategic plan?

Today, small businesses are becoming more distributed, as employers are no longer requiring employees to work under the same roof. Not

1. Security – Many of the free application files are not encrypted

only are employees mobile, but servers are being replaced by cloud

(scrambling a file that cannot be read without a special password

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Share If You Dare… | Small Business

called an encryption key). This vulnerability is an invitation to hackers to steal data. In July of 2012, Dropbox experienced an attack that stemmed from an employee’s stolen password that opened the door to the company’s user accounts, passwords and ultimately data files. Rule of thumb: Do not save files that contain confidential information like financials or human resources unless you make sure they are encrypted before they are saved to the cloud. 2. Privacy – There are 2 points to be made here. First, Get to know the privacy policy of the hosting company. Many of these applications have policies that state that not only can they access your data but their partners can as well. The 2nd point is that 60% of companies have employees that store confidential files in the cloud without permission from their employers. File sharing services are so easy to use that employees can unknowingly compromise sensitive files.

do not save files that contain confidential information unless you make sure they are encrypted 3. Loss of Control – Once the company understands the breadth of the Privacy Policy, it is important to realize that when the data is moved to a cloud file sharing service, the company has very little control over who can access and share their data. Free services lack centralized administrative tools to easily set passwords and

out of the box thinking lending

access rights. You truly “get what you paid for” when signing up for the free service. It is important to note that there are enterprise-class paid file sharing services that will help overcome these risks. They provide security, privacy and access control. Our usage and demand for information has taken a radical leap over the past few years. Even though my roads have not been plowed in 2 days, thanks to having power and file sharing applications like Dropbox, I am still able to write this article and share it electronically. In our information driven society we would rather dare to share then be buried under a snowdrift by our competitor.

Lisa Shorr PC Troubleshooters www.pctrouble.com

Capital for all the right reasons THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY www.bdcri.com

401 351 3036

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | Support as a Leader

by Jeffrey S. Deckman

support as a leader Nothing says that you care about another

The Importance of Communication

more than when you work to support

When you are supporting another’s growth

them and their growth. And when one

instead of their wants, be aware they

I recently designed a “Train the Trainer”

gives support to another the favor is often

may feel abandoned because you are

program for a large organization that is

returned. Over time this dynamic goes viral

not “making their problem go away.” If

modernizing their leadership culture. My role

in the organization with people becoming

these feelings arise and are not addressed,

is to develop the program and train the folks

intrinsically motivated to insure it continues.

they can create resentments and damage relationships.

at the Director level on the process. They then provide the training to the managers and supervisors of this 400+ person organization.

Encountering Well Intentioned Resisters When working to support another it is

Therefore, it is important you stay tuned in to

possible to encounter well-intentioned

the “energy” of the person in question. If you

The topic of this program was how to

resistance. While some people crave

sense a problem arising, be proactive and

become a “Supportive Leader.” The

support, others have difficulty accepting

explain what you are doing and why you feel

following are excerpts and nuggets from that

it. The reasons can range from pride to

what you are doing is in their best interest.

training that I hope you will find beneficial

embarrassment or simply that the person

both personally and for your organization. Defining the Framework

believes one resolves their own issues.

While you should not abandon actions you

Others still are so self sufficient that they

feel are in an individual’s best interest, it

don’t think to ask for help.

is the leader’s job to insure those negative feelings are picked up on and addressed.

When designing a professional development program it is imperative you define the

When encountering this type of resistance

fundamental thinking the training is based

try nudging around the edges to find a way

upon. To not do so significantly limits the

to offer the type of support that is in the best

Regardless of the type of support you have

impact of the training.

interest of everyone involved.

chosen to provide, if what you are doing

The following items define that thinking.

Support Does Not Always Feel Good

grow then you are not really supporting them.

People often associate being supported with

In fact, “support” that is not empowering

The Ultimate Goal - Growth

does not help the person or team to learn or

“Support” is an Organizational Asset

being agreed with or being given a helping

is not support at all. It is enabling and/or

Supporting another is one of the most

hand. But sometimes the best support one

teaching weakness.

powerful relationship and culture building

can give is to disagree with someone or to

tools we have available to us. A team that

have them address an issue on their own. It

Making it Relevant

has a supportive culture has a very powerful

is in times such as these where the leader

The following are some tips you can use

asset that it can use to goals that otherwise

is supporting another’s growth instead of

to increase your and your organization’s

would be unattainable.

their wants.

supportive leadership skills. Supportive

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Support as a Leader | Small Business

can. If you don’t understand them you

leaders create supportive cultures and

will struggle to understand how best to

supportive cultures are resilient cultures.

support them. Understanding Your Role

Ask questions. I often will ask a person

as a Supportive Leader

how it is I might best support them. Why

See yourself as a steward, a “protector”

guess when I can simply ask? I can

and a coach of your team. Stewards

then decide if what they want is in their

provides provide wisdom. Protectors

best interest. If it isn’t I can explain why

provide safety. And Coaches

it isnt, followed by an explanation of the

provide challenges.

support they can expect and why.

Be committed to supporting the

Be as transparent as possible about your motives and reasoning. Helping

personal and professional growth and

well being of those around you. Focus

them to understand your “why” you

upon supporting their long-term needs

are choosing to support them in the

not on gaining their short-term approval.

way you are eliminates confusion and reduces frustration.

Remember that support could be either giving them a helping hand or giving

Allow for failures. Failures and their

them room. (When helping a baby to

consequences are like rewards - they

learn to walk we often do it by staying

are excellent teachers. Just be certain

out of their reach, but within their sight

the size of failure is a bump and

and encouraging them.)

not a bomb!

supporting another is one of the most powerful relationship and culture building tools we have available to us

Be consistent with accountability, yet allow for enough flexibility to leave room for innovation and creativity.

Allow for them to express their individual and collective creativity

We Install and Service Point of Sale Systems for any Restaurant or Retail Business. Credit Card Services Available

especially when it comes to problem solving. Support them in finding and using a style that works for them. What do you care if they do it differently than you would, as long as you get the desired result? 7.

Teach them independence by “teaching them to fish” as much as possible. But don’t let them starve if they aren’t catching any.

When an organization’s leaders are supportive of those around them and are committed to making the concept of everyone supporting one another a pillar in

Point of Sale Solutions

Stress that support is always

their culture everyone wins.

bi-directional. They cannot expect to

Morale increases, production increases and,

get what from others what they don’t

as a result, profits increase too.

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give to others. So make sure you help them to understand that support is a

It is a simple formula.

two way street.

And it always works.

Tips for Leaders to Support their Team Members 1.

Jeffrey Deckman Capability Accelerators www.capabilityaccelerators.com

Understand the individual, as best you www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | A Reinvestment in Rhode Island’s Economy

a Reinvestment in RI’s Economy by RI House of Representatives Speaker Gordon D Fox

of the aisle, as well as with those that will

Advisers from neighboring states

be impacted by such policy. Promising to

commented that instead of competing with

lend an ear to affected groups, in January I

each other, we must work as partners so as

As the leader of the Rhode Island House of

organized a special economic conference,

to best compete with national and global

Representatives, I have pledged that we

focused on discussing and developing a

markets. Through the development of a

must focus on the economy as our highest

strategic economic development plan

comprehensive economic strategic plan,

priority in this legislative session. We will

for the state.

we can determine how to most effectively make long-term investment in education,

be devoting our time to developing a clear The 75-member state House of

innovation and infrastructure, building on our

that appropriately reflects the best interests

Representatives gathered at Rhode

state’s existing strengths.

of all those fortunate enough to reside in

Island College for a five-hour long economic

economic vision for the Ocean State--one

summit with local business owners,

I especially agreed with the testimony of URI

education leaders, college presidents

President David Dooley, who noted that we

A reinvestment in our economy deserves

and top advisers from Connecticut and

can and must use the size of Rhode Island

the attention of lawmakers from both sides

Massachusetts. Our first panel included

Rhode Island.

local business owners, who devoted time to discussing challenges to small businesses in Rhode Island, and developed recommendations for new legislative initiatives. These proposals included the utilization of professional trainers for new businesses, the development of programs to help companies access capital, the installation of an electronic building permit system, and the provision of tax credits for new business investment.

our first panel included local business owners, who devoted time to discussing challenges to small businesses in Rhode Island, and developed recommendations for new legislative initiatives to our advantage as we look to strengthen

Our panel devoted to workforce

our economy. With an incredibly high caliber

development focused on Rhode Island’s

of learning institutions in our state, we have

continuing investment in education, and provided recommendations including the

tremendous opportunity to rebuild, revitalize and modernize our economy.

implementation of state-of-the-art job training programs for skilled professions, matching programs to pair skilled workers with skilled jobs and initiatives to

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

me that improving Rhode Island’s economy must remain the preeminent issue of this

help students navigate

legislative session. Rhode Island’s future is

different resources

bright, and a reinvestment in our economy

available for social

is what will pave our path. I look forward to

and economic

leading our House through the process by

support.

The Economic Summit only reiterated to

which we are able to reach our full potential.

A Reinvestment in Rhode Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economy | Small Business Rock Networking

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | Focusing on Your Long-Term Personal Financial Goals

Focusing on Your Long-Term Personal Financial Goals by Michael Raspallo

example, you might easily need 100 percent (or more) of your current income to get by. A percentage of your current income may be a good benchmark, but it’s worth going through all of your current

As a business owner, it’s often difficult to separate nights from days,

expenses in detail, and really thinking about how those expenses will

weekdays from weekends and personal from professional. You have

change over time as you transition into retirement.

to be 100 percent invested in your company in order for it to succeed. You’re in the weeds and you hardly have time to think about your

Project your retirement expenses

long-term personal financial objectives beyond knowing your picture

Your annual income during retirement should be enough (or more

of success may be a desire to live comfortably, own a home, be able

than enough) to meet your retirement expenses. That’s why estimating

to afford to send your children to college and, perhaps, even drive

those expenses is a big piece of the retirement planning puzzle. You

a favorite kind of car. In order to achieve those goals, however, you

may have a hard time identifying all of your expenses and projecting

need to be deliberate in your planning and use the same kind of

how much you’ll be spending in each area, especially if retirement is

strategies in your personal life as you would utilize for your business.

still far off. To help you get started, here are some common expenses:

Achieving financial success is dependent upon writing a road map to your end goal, identifying your milestones and attaching hard costs

•

Food and clothing

to your stepping stones to happiness. Whether it’s travel, financial

•

Housing: Rent or mortgage payments, property taxes,

need to determine the cost of attaining particular lifestyle objectives

•

Utilities: Gas, electric, water, phone, cable TV, Internet

and transforming those dreams into real, hard numbers.

•

Transportation: Car payments, auto insurance, gas, maintenance

While your golden years may seem far off in the distance, starting with

•

Insurance: Medical, dental, life, disability, long-term care

a picture of what your successful retirement looks like is a good place

•

Healthcare costs not covered by insurance: Deductibles, co-

•

Taxes: Federal and state income tax, capital gains tax

Use your current income as a starting point

•

Debts: Personal loans, business loans, credit card payments

homeowners insurance, property upkeep and repairs

stability, long-term care planning or purchasing material goods, you

and repairs, public transportation

payments, prescription drugs

to begin charting your personal financial planning road map.

It’s common to plan your desired annual retirement income as a

•

Education: Children’s or grandchildren’s college expenses

percentage of your current income. Depending on who you’re talking

•

Gifts: Charitable and personal

to, that percentage could be anywhere from 60 to 90 percent, or even

•

Savings and investments: Contributions to IRAs, annuities, and other investment accounts

more. The appeal of this approach lies in its simplicity, and the fact that there’s a fairly common-sense analysis underlying it: Your current

•

Recreation: Travel, dining out, hobbies, leisure activities

income sustains your present lifestyle, so taking that income and

•

Care for yourself, your parents, or others; costs for a nursing home, home health aide, or other type of assisted living

reducing it by a specific percentage to reflect the fact that there will be certain expenses you’ll no longer be liable for (e.g., payroll taxes)

•

Miscellaneous: Personal grooming, pets, club memberships

will, theoretically, allow you to sustain your current lifestyle. Don’t forget that the cost of living will go up over time. The average The problem with this approach is that it doesn’t account for your

annual rate of inflation over the past 20 years has been approximately

future situation. If you intend to travel extensively in retirement, for

2.6 percent. (Source: Consumer Price Index data published annually

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Focusing on Your Long-Term Personal Financial Goals | Small Business

by the U.S. Department of Labor, 2011.) And keep in mind that your

possible. Although it’s great to have the flexibility to choose when

retirement expenses may change from year to year. For example, you

you’ll retire, it’s important to remember that retiring at 50 will end up

may pay off your home mortgage or your children’s education early

costing you a lot more than retiring at 65.

in retirement. Other expenses, such as health care and insurance, may increase as you age. To protect against these variables, build

Identify your sources of retirement income

a comfortable cushion into your estimates (it’s always best to be

Once you have an idea of your retirement income needs, your next step is to assess how prepared you are to meet those needs. In

conservative).

other words, what sources of retirement income will be available to you? This may include a traditional pension that will pay you monthly

Decide when you’ll retire To determine your total retirement needs, you can’t just estimate how

benefits. In addition, you can likely count on Social Security to provide

much annual income you need. You also have to estimate how long

a portion of your retirement income. To get an estimate of your Social

it’s worth going through all of your current expenses in detail, and really thinking about how those expenses will change over time as you transition into retirement

and order a copy of your statement. Additional sources of retirement

Security benefits, visit the Social Security Administration website income may include a 401(k) or other retirement plan, IRAs, annuities, and other investments. The amount of income you receive from those sources will depend on the amount you invest, the rate of investment return, and other factors. Finally, if you plan to work during retirement, your business earnings will be another source of income. The advisors at Corner Office Financial, LLC are ready to help guide you in deciding the various options to fund your version of a wise retirement, based on your situation and individual circumstances. We get to know you, your dreams, how you’re working to achieve those goals and how much risk you’re willing to take along the way to obtain them. You DO have time to plan for your future. Don’t leave your retirement years to chance. Be as deliberate in life as you are in business. If the golden years appear to be a long way away, you’ll be retired. Why? The longer your retirement, the more years

plan now and use the time wisely to ensure a relaxing, enjoyable

of income you’ll need to fund it. The length of your retirement will

transition into retired life.

depend partly on when you plan to retire. This important decision

Michael Raspallo, CLU, ChFC, AIF President Corner Office Financial, LLC

typically revolves around your personal goals and financial situation. For example, you may see yourself retiring at 50 to get the most out of your retirement. Maybe a booming stock market will make that

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www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

F E AT U R E D S T O R Y e all know the amazing story of Alex and Ani, Rhode Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing company, but have you heard of the third fastest growing company Astonish Results? Recently ranked #267 on the Inc 500 list, Astonish might not be a household name, but this high-tech, high-growth digital marketing company is headquartered in Warwick, Rhode Island.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Adam DeGraide, CEO and Founder of Astonish

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

FEATURED STORY | Astonish Results

Co-founded by successful entrepreneur,

to market with it. Given the success of BZ

based, local centric insurance agencies,

record producer and motivational speaker

there was a shorter learning curve, however

helping them compete online with the larger

Adam DeGraide, Astonish Results helps to

Astonish was still dealing with online

insurance agencies.

change the lives of independent insurance

technology that is ever changing. Astonish has built a complete digital

agencies while changing their business. As a company, Astonish Results provides

marketing system founded upon a “FIND -

No stranger to building a high tech, high

insurance marketing, SEO, website design,

SELL - KEEP” methodology. That is to say,

growth startup, DeGraide co-founded BZ

CRM tools, social media strategy and

the Astonish system helps their clients:

results in 1997. BZ Results was a digital

implementation, email marketing, consulting,

marketing company that helped car dealers

valuation, brokerage and other services that

use the Internet to grow their businesses. In

allow insurance agencies to compete with

2006, with over 1,600 dealership clients and

direct writers and future-proof their business

•

FIND a higher quality and quantity of sales opportunities for less cost

•

SELL a higher percentage of those customers through training and

150 employees, DeGraide and his partners

technology

sold BZ Results to Advanced

The web and insurance marketing services

Digital Processing (ADP).

provided by Astonish Results are aimed at

Searching for the next startup challenge,

gather more leads through the tactical

DeGraide and his partners founded Astonish

use of social networking, customer

Results. DeGraide took his experience from

relationship management and other

that live with the dog everyday”

BZ and created a company with a similar

insurance marketing tools.

added DeGraide.

•

KEEP more customers for life

helping agencies grow internal business and “We don’t live in their house so we can sometimes smell the dog better than those

portfolio of services but in a different industry. Astonish started working with mortgage

“Small business struggle with the same

With all three partners originally from Rhode Island, Astonish has made it a point to keep

companies, but quickly moved to the

problems as bigger companies. The modern

insurance industry with the collapse of the

consumer has changed their online behavior.

its headquarters in our state. When asked

housing market in 2008.

Brand loyalty is down, patience is down and

what the driving force was behind building a

mobile connectivity 24/7 is up. So how do we

Rhode Island based company, DeGraide said “There are many amazing talented people

After addressing the challenge of which

find a high quantity and quality of traffic, how

industry was in need of their services,

do we convert that traffic to opportunity and

here in Rhode Island. Staffing resources are

Astonish then focused on its next challenge

how to we automate our lives to help us stay

a big benefit in our state along with great interns from our prestigious local universities.

which was accessing startup capital. As

in communication with our customers and

a self-funded startup, DeGraide and his

keep them?” Astonish has

team needed to address how they were to

developed a system that focuses on a

continues to grow and provide high-tech,

capitalize on the product, build it and go

niche. They work exclusively with community

high-paying jobs in our local economy.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

” Now with over 100 employees, Astonish

Astonish Results | FEATURED STORY

With over 800 customers, ranging in size

print ads in industry magazines to SEO/

from $500,000 to $150 million in annual

SEM, email marketing, social media,

revenue, Astonish’s recent ranking on the Inc

conventions and territory reps that generate

ONE INDUSTRY. ONE SOLUTION.

500 list was a true testament to the service

leads to fill the pipeline. DeGraide believes

PROPERTY & CASUALTY

they provide their clients. “Everyone at

that Astonish needs to “Be in as many of the

Astonish from our employees to our clients to

places your potential customer is based on

our investors to our friends and family were

your budget.”

totally blown away and grateful to be named on this list,” said DeGraide.“It’s a testimony

When asked what advice he has for

not only to us as a company but also to our

anyone considering starting their business,

LIFE, HEALTH & EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FINANCIAL SERVICES MGA’S CARRIERS

astonish has developed a system that focuses on a niche. they work exclusively with community based, local centric insurance agencies, helping them compete online with the larger insurance agencies clients who have impacted the insurance

DeGraide commented “I would tell a starting

industry in a powerful way.”

entrepreneur, if you’re given a strong vision and you have passion to do something

A SYSTEM THAT WORKS Over 15 Years of Proven Success A turn-key solution for insurance professionals, the Astonish system combines the best in digital marketing

DeGraide added, “Astonish is completely

you can see in your mind’s eye where you

committed to the local insurance and financial

need to go. You just need to start walking

services distribution system to change the way

in that direction. There are always going to

with powerful training and

they sell and serve the modern consumer not

be obstacles that come into your vision but

only for today but into tomorrow as well.”

as long as you keep walking in the direction

consulting to ensure results

and automated technology

that you saw that vision you’ll get there. It’s if

for our clients. Over the

In order to continue their growth, Astonish

you get distracted or blinded in any way you

past 15 years, our system

integrates a blended marketing strategy.

don’t. Passion and inspiration are the driving

Customer acquisition comes from traditional

centers for any successful entrepreneur.”

has helped our clients FIND, SELL, and KEEP more customers profitably. DISCOVER THE POWER OF THE SYSTEM TODAY!

Increase Lead Flow Increase Sales Increase Customer Retention Increase Revenue & Profitability www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | Social, Visual, Mobile, Virtual

Ready or Not, These Four Mega Trends Will Affect Your Business

Part THREE: Mobile

by Chris Poe

Social, Visual, Mobile, and Virtual: I refer

CONNECTED

tougher, people joined together for safety. And if an individual was separated from the

to these as Mega Trends because they

Are you more likely to return home to pick up

are (1) happening on a grand scale, (2)

a forgotten mobile phone than a forgotten

tribe or group they became prey. In that kind

affecting business owners and executives

wallet or purse? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m guessing that your

of a scenario, the instinctive fight or flight

whether they choose to do anything about

answer is yes. Why is that?

mechanism kicks in, raising our heart rates and pumping adrenalin in anticipation of

them or not, and (3) they are changing the world as we know it. Moreover, while these

We once took our Atrion team on a retreat

preserving our existence in a hostile situation.

Mega Trends are enabled by technology,

where we brought in a Public Speaking

Public speaking invokes the same response.

they are more representative of the grander

coach to work with them on their technique

When one is up onstage, it is as if they are

transformation that is happening as a result.

and I learned something compelling. Did

separated from the herd, they stand out and

you know that the single biggest fear human

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the comfort of the collective. I thought that very interesting.

Ready or not, these Mega Trends are here;

beings have is public speaking? More so

as a small business owner, what are you

than bankruptcy, divorce, losing a loved

doing in the face of them? This article is

one, or even death. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even a running

Why mention this example? Because I

the third in a series that focuses on the four

joke on the subject that says, at a funeral,

believe the anxiety we feel when we are without our mobile devices is rooted in

Mega Trends in more detail, and discusses

people would rather be in the coffin than

the options available to small business

giving the eulogy. It turns out that this fear

the same concept. We have become so

owners and professionals building a career

is quite primal and goes back to the origin

accustomed to being connected due to

alongside them.

of our species. Back when times were a lot

these technologies that we feel isolated and

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Social, Visual, Mobile, Virtual | Business PROFILE

alone without. We don’t even need to be

use?” The answer is that we will all need

the possibilities. I would speculate that the

talking to anybody, but we take comfort in

to become more results focused and hold

majority of technologies that get deployed

that accessibility.

people accountable for those results. In so

are probably no better than 70% utilized

doing, employees will have to figure out that

for what potential they could bring the

Quite simply put, the Mobile Mega Trend

balance between business and personal use

organization. We don’t take the time to

is about connectedness…the ability to

of mobile technologies around the clock.

explore new ways in which they can be used. We don’t spend as much time as we could

be reached or to reach out to anybody, at anytime from anywhere. Now many of us

These devices are so personal to us; they

to drive adoption. With Mobile being such a prevalent trend today, we should be looking

might say that this isn’t such a Mega Trend

even become a symbol of our personalities. I

anymore, I mean, after all most of us have

believe that productivity is further enhanced

more and more at mobile app development.

mobile devices today anyway, right? In fact,

through freedom of device choice due to

Think big.

just how many of us leverage mobility? There are approximately 7 billion people on this planet today. How many mobile device subscriptions do you think there are?...over 6 billion. How many mobile devices are sold every second?...40! Cisco predicts that within the next 4 years there will be 15 million. More than 48 million people on earth have mobile phones but DON’T have electricity in their homes. Mobile technology has not only enabled this freedom that we enjoy, but has become a great equalizer for millions of people who might not have otherwise been connected to the world. Work is no longer a PLACE, but an ACTIVITY So how does this impact business? Well, this Mobile Mega Trend has and continues to change our lives in that the line between professional and personal is virtually nonexistent. Our society is steadily evolving from a work-week/working-hours labor mentality to a “working moments” mentality, where we are more productive due to being

the comfort level we have with its use. Some people are iPhone folk. Yet others are

I recently heard a story about a grocery

Android fans. More and more people feel

chain in South Korea who thought big.

quite simply put, the mobile mega trend is about connectedness ...the ability to be reached or to reach out to anybody, at anytime from anywhere

Recognizing that a significant percentage of their customers were working professionals with no time to get to the store, they created an online shopping experience. Of course, that idea isn’t unique. But what IS unique is that they recreated the store shelves using pictures and displayed them on the walls of the subways and public transit stations. As people waited for their trains they could peruse the virtual aisles. Using only their phones, they are able to scan, pay for, and specify the delivery address so that their groceries arrive at their door without ever having to enter the physical store. Now THAT’s thinking big. We all can think yet bigger with regard to the impact mobile can have on our own businesses, even

able to insert work decisions intermittently this way, and if organizations want to take

if simply looking at any remote or road-

Trend had made us far more productive.

advantage of this, we have to embrace this

warrior employees that we have. Mobile

trend and ask ourselves not only how do we

app development to better streamline

But there’s a trade-off. Clients expect us

manage it, but even more importantly, how

business processes that these road-warriors

to be more responsive and our employers

do we leverage it even more.

contribute to can make a tremendous impact

Think Big

device is not just a phone, web browser, and

personal time to be accessible by mobile,

It’s been predicted that there will be another

email platform…it can do a whole lot more if

we should also be permitted to use the same

7 billion new mobile devices by 2015…that’s

you embrace it.

in to our personal time. The Mobile Mega

on productivity. Remember, that mobile

expect us to be more accessible and productive. But if we’re going to give up

device for personal cases. Only fair, right?

not far away. And while this presents a

This is one of the biggest conundrums with

considerable challenge to IT organizations

organizations embracing Mobile, “how do I

from a cost and control perspective, I believe

ensure productivity if I also allow personal

that we need to be more broadminded of

Chris Poe Chief Technology Officer Atrion

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Statewide After Hours | March 19th

Thank you to everyone who attended the Statewide After Hours on March 19th at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. We hope to see you all again next year!

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

What’s New | Chamber Chat

Central Chamber Lauren E.I. Slocum, President/CEO 3288 Post Road, Warwick, RI 401 732 1100 | www.centralrichamber.com

“Your Business Resource…if you have a question, ask.” The Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce strives to help its members reach their goals. The dedicated staff, volunteer Board of Directors and Ambassadors are available by phone or email to assist members maximize their membership. Each month there are a number of business opportunities where individuals can meet potential clients or further develop relationships with existing ones. The Central Rhode Island Chamber is always expanding what they have to offer their members based on what needs are being expressed. If you are looking for a working partner for your company that is friendly and accessible give us a call we welcome the opportunity to speak with you. New Members Airgas East Bankers Life and Casualty Company Bella Gente Italian Bistro Corner Office Financial, LLC DAK Family Medical Dottie LeBeau eNow, Inc Gentiva Hospice Hobby Lobby McArdle Chiropractic Wellness Center Microtech Staffing Group Nerium Original Bradford Soap Works, Inc Prudential - Michael Lukas ReStyle Design Studio Robert Half Management Resources SBR Network International, Inc. Tollgate Orthodontics Transtrade LLC TRICOM Ugly Duck Communications Ultimate Party Town US Nails photo credit John Lovgren Photography

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | Lessons from Alice in Wonderland

entrepreneurial lessons from

by Akanksha Aga

and Twiddle Dum though!

can get lost in wonderland! Your customers and vendors don’t have the time for you to

•

Goals are incomplete without deadlines. Consider which goals you’d like achieve

figure things out, and as a small business If you don’t know where you are going, then

you definitely don’t have the luxury of

in the next five years, three years and

it doesn’t matter which road you take. BUT,

making costly mistakes. To be competitive

the coming year. And, schedule time

you may lose a few customers taking the

it is imperative for you to find a clear and

to check the status of your goals in the

wrong path.

effective path to your business goals.

next six months. In the absence of the

As Alice navigates Wonderland, she

Easier said than done, when you are trying

project manager use a simple excel

mystical Cheshire Cat or an expensive to increase sales, cut costs, build a social

spreadsheet. Call that friend who likes

media plan, pay taxes, and the list goes on.

to tabulate and color code so you can

advice to her is extremely relevant to

With limited time and competing priorities,

track the progress of your goals.

entrepreneurs. Alice asks the Cheshire

running a business can be overwhelming.

Cat which way she should go and his wise

Here are a few tips that my husband and I

response is, “Well, it depends on where

can share as fellow small business owners:

stumbles upon the Cheshire Cat – a “Management Guru” in feline clothing. His

•

is – and so will you. Your brand is not just your logo; your brand identity

you’d like to get to?” When Alice indicates she isn’t sure, the Cat’s sage advice is, “If

Develop your identity. Alice is constantly being asked who she

•

represents your business’ services,

Set time aside during your lean period

you don’t know where you are going, then it

for goal setting and make it an annual

values and personality. A consistent

doesn’t matter which road you take.”

planning activity.

and well-positioned identity can

Invite your supporters (including friends

generate customer loyalty and make

•

you the envy of your competitors.

As entrepreneurs, we can easily get caught

and family) to join a relevant part of

up in the day-to-day operations of running a

the goal setting process. Think of your

business and lose sight of our overarching

friends and family as your starter board.

a budgetary decision for your small

goals. The unfortunate result? Like Alice we

It might be best to skip Twiddle Dee

business, think about where it fits with

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

•

The next time you get ready to make

What’s New | Chamber Chat

Verizon Wireless Western Coventry Fire Department

Cranston Chamber Stephen C. Boyle, President 150 Midway Road, #178, Cranston, RI 401 785 3780I | www.cranstonchamber.com

The Cranston Chamber continues to take the lead with regard to health care issues and the implementation of the Health Insurance Exchange with its sponsorship of several forums in cooperation with the Small Employer Health Insurance Task Force.. The Chamber has partnered with BNI to bring the first BNI chapter to Cranston to have a true, results oriented networking experience for chamber members. The Chamber is also in the process of several internal enhancements with the purchase of a new computer system and website. The Chamber was awarded a $5,000 legislative grant from Majority Leader, Nicholas Mattiello to upgrade its systems and business presentation technology. New Members Amazing Specialties ProMail Etc. Corvus Technolgy Resources, Inc. RI Telephone your goals. Will this investment get

you may not have initially mapped out.

you closer to your goals? Will it make

Use your starter board to help you think

your customers happier? Improve

through the implications of a major

operations? Build your brand? If it

expense or new opportunity so you

isn’t going to help you meet your short

don’t make a hasty decision.

or long-term goals then you may be

•

going down the wrong road and should

Figuring out where your small

reconsider that expense.

business is going is one of your most

That being said, make the occasional

important responsibilities.

Stacey Arruda-Tracy, LISWLiberty Mutual McArdle Chiropractic and Wellness Center, LLC

East Greenwich Stephen Lombardi, Executive Director 580 Main Street | East Greenwich, RI 401 885 0020 | www.eastgreenwichchamber.com

exception and take a risk. It is okay to go mad, bonkers, and completely off

So, where would you like to go?

your head. As Alice said to the Mad Hatter,” All the best people are!” The journey down a possible “rabbit hole” may result in a new opportunity that

The East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce prides itself in its varied

Akanksha Aga Co-Founder My Méz

membership working together to build a better local economy and improving the quality of life in the community.

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Capital City | Providence Talks

Providence Talks by Mayor Angel Taveras

helping to guide the future of education in

Providence the Mayors Challenge

our City. Through the baseline data they

Fan Favorite.

have collected, we have been able to create Education is inextricably linked to economic

metrics to measure our children’s success

development. In an urban setting, where the

from cradle to career.

influence the outcome of the Bloomberg Philanthropies competition, the city that

challenges of poverty and language and cultural differences exist, we have to work

We also know that children born into low-

harder to give our children a level playing-

income households hear 30 million fewer

field, with a first-class education, so they are

words than their middle- and high-income

able to fulfill their potential and grow up to

peers, by the time they reach their fourth

become strong members of our society.

birthday. To deal with that difference, we devised a plan to increase the number of

The ability to read on grade level is one of

words our Providence children hear. Our

the greatest predictors of a student’s future

proposal was selected by Bloomberg

success. Up until third grade, children are

Philanthropies’ Mayors Challenge as one of

learning to read. After third grade, they

20 finalists, in a $5 million grant

are reading to learn. With that in mind, we

competition, up against more than 300

launched Providence Reads last fall - an

submissions nationwide.

initiative in partnership with more than a dozen businesses and organizations to

And while the Fan Favorite award will not

Providence’s innovative idea is to employ new

increase grade-level reading, promote school

technology and partnerships with the State

readiness, improve school attendance and

of Rhode Island’s home visitation programs,

support summer learning in Providence.

to give families in our city the technology and

GTECH and Walgreens are the lead

coaching they need to measure and rapidly

earns the most votes will receive funding from

Up until third grade, children are learning to read. After third grade, they are reading to learn

sponsors of Providence Reads, and today,

improve their child’s household-auditory

IBM and other promotional opportunities with

160 volunteers are serving as mentors

environment. We

The Huffington Post. Winners of the Mayors

and helping students learn to read in

have been reaching

Challenge and the Fan Favorite competition

Providence’s schools.

out to others to help

will be announced this spring.

It takes an entire community to transform

Talks to fruition,

In Providence, our fingers are crossed.

public education. We are working closely with

and if you visit —>

Together, we can make a lasting difference for

bring Providence

the Providence Children and Youth Cabinet,

you will learn more about our proposal and

Providence’s young people and the economy

a diverse team of 130 community leaders

even have a chance to cast your vote to make

of this city, state and region.

RISBJ | rhode island island small smallbusiness businessjournal journal

What’s New | Chamber Chat

substance style: the makings of a great presenter

No greater example of a variety of different members coming together to make something happen was our recent Business After Hours at the Greenwich Odeum. The EG Chamber of Commerce, for the past two years, has worked hard with the Odeum’s Board of Directors, volunteers, Town officials, community leaders, and the business community to get the Odeum re-opened. We feel that a vibrant Odeum will be a great contributor to the Town’s economy while boosting the Town’s quality of life.

by Carolyn Lavin

great presentation is built on technique

Besides Business After Hours

alone, communication analysts agree that

events, the EG Chamber will be

80+ percent of your success depends

very active in promoting Main Street Strolls, Arts on Main, the annual

In today’s competitive business

on your delivery style. Yikes! With those

environment, being a good presenter

daunting figures in mind, it is obvious that a

Summer’s End Concert, the East

has a direct impact on your success

reasonable amount of time spent preparing

Greenwich Arts Festival and in the

and recognition. But even the most

and practicing will greatly improve your end-

fall, East Greenwich’s second annual

accomplished professionals sometimes

results and avoid embarrassment that may

Restaurant Week.

struggle with official presentations beyond

derail your career growth.

mere one-on-one conversations.

New Members Tips On Substance

Yang Yu Learning Center

•

Do your homework. Investigate the size,

David Max

business pitch to a small group of potential

age, position and potential biases of

Eastland Electric

clients or customers, or to deliver a more

the expected audience in advance. Ask

Meritage Restaurant

formal presentation to a charitable board

about hidden agendas. Know where

Raskin Resources Production Inc.

or civic gathering. Your opportunity to shine

you are going, the room layout, parking

Atmed Treatment Center

may take place at your own salary and

availably and options for technology

performance review, or an internal staff

and visuals. [continued on page 59]

You may be asked to give an informal

meeting where you are asked to share your

Newport

expertise with your team. Whatever the

Jody Sullivan, Executive Director

situation, expertise alone is not enough to

35 Valley Road, Middletown, RI

deliver a captivating presentation.

401 847 1608 | www.NewportChamber.com

The success and quality of a stellar

On Tuesday, April 23rd, the Newport

presentation depend not only on what you

County Chamber of Commerce will

say but how you say it. In fact, while no

be hosting their 2013 Annual Meeting at OceanCliff Hotel & Resort in Newport. Captain Douglas Mikatarian, Commanding Officer of Naval Station Newport, will be the guest speaker and provide an update on Base Operations including the current impacts of the federal budget facing the Department of the Navy and an overview of the Installation’s wind energy study. During the event, the Chamber will www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | SEEED Summit

registration is now open for the

2013 SEEED Summit at Brown University SEEED, which stands for Social Enterprise Ecosystem and Economic Development, is the first national conference that focuses on what is needed to build an effective social enterprise ecosystem to drive economic development. It aims to convene all ecosystem stakeholders including practitioners, business leaders, academics, impact investors, students and policy makers. Brown University will host the second annual SEEED Summit from April 26-27, 2013. Keynote speakers include Ira Magaziner (Clinton Health Access Initiative), David Cicilline (Rhode Island State Representative) David Brancaccio (PBS’ Now), and many more. At the Summit you will attend panels and workshops, receive free one-on-one expert coaching, shop at the Buy With Heart Marketplace, and network with ecosystem builders. Participants will also enjoy an evening social event at the Steelyard, with Mayor Angel Taveras, David Brancaccio of PBS’ Now, food and drink from social enterprise vendors, and performances by local musicians. The conference is an incredible opportunity for individuals and groups at levels of involvement in the social enterprise sphere - from those interested in becoming entrepreneurs, policy makers, impact investors or any other enterprise stakeholder, to those already developing ventures. There are opportunities to learn from experts in panels and keynote speeches, network with potential employers, and receive free one on one coaching from experts in the industry. Visit www.seeed.org to view our growing SEEED is organized in collaboration with SVPRI (Social Venture Partners Rhode Island),

list of renowned speakers and participants,

and Brown’s SII (Social Innovation Initiative) and the student group SEEED at Brown.

see the conference schedule, and register now for SEEED!

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

What’s New | Chamber Chat

[continued from page 57] •

Create an outline. Identify the burning

announce the winning recipients of the

issue and state your main points

Community Fund Grants. A Cocktail

first. Then add compelling examples

and Hors d’oeuvres Reception

and data to substantiate and expand

will follow the Annual Report and

on your main points. Use cue cards

presentations. Please RSVP at www.

or mind maps but don’t shuffle a

NewportChamber.com or call 401-847-

script. Utilizing a visual more than

1608 for more information.

doubles your audience’s chance of •

remembering your message.

New Members

Practice. There is no substitute for

Revel Valet Parking

practicing your presentation out loud.

Reckoner Group

Practice with colleagues, friends or

Aquidneck Auto Repair

family. Stand in front of a mirror.

It Works!

Use the record feature on your phone

Roggero Construction

and play back and critique your

x10industries

practice session. This is the step that is

Parker Brown Macaulay & Sheerin

most often overlooked in the last minute

Kimberly at Sydney’s

crunch. However, seasoned presenters

Home Healthsmith LLC

agree that a few dry runs instill

Island Carpet Tile & Hardwoods

familiarity with the flow of the content

Aquidneck Honey

and offer a healthy dose

Ocean Color marine

of self-confidence.

Century 21 Trend Realty Veterans Assembled electronics (VAe)

Tips On Style

Tresor Estate Sales & Fine Consignment

•

Dress up. Your audience will make

Bank RI

judgments about you based on your

Beach Wine & Liquors

attire so don’t let your clothes work against you. Select an outfit that makes

North Central Chamber

you feel confident and comfortable.

•

Show your audience that you think they

Deborah Ramos, President

are important so you have dressed up a

255 Greenville Avenue, Johnston, RI

bit for them.

401 349 4674 | www.ncrichamber.com

Focus on your voice. Eliminate the fillers: the “uhms” and “you knows.” Become comfortable with a few poignant pauses and incorporate action verbs into your talk. Your goal is to be friendly and conversational while enjoying a commanding presence.

•

Be aware of body language. Stand up when you are the presenter. Use hand gestures for emphasis, but in moderation. Avoid “closed” non-verbal communications such as crossed arms, hands-on-hips, and hands-in-pockets stances.

•

Leverage eye contact. It keeps your

may hear but the eyes communicate. If you want to know if someone is truly listening to you, look into his/her eyes. A practical approach for the busy professional is to identify one or two behaviors you can change and a few new techniques to adopt. Next time you are called upon to address a group, strive to combine your knowledge and expertise of the substantive matter with the most dynamic aspects of your personal style to deliver an engaging presentation that will advance your career.

audience engaged and is often the barometer of how well you are doing. Use eye contact to convey your passion and punctuate your message. The ears

Spring has finally sprung! At the North Central Chamber of Commerce, we want to help YOU “spring” into new business”! We have lots of great networking events and more planned for the North Central Chamber of Commerce! The Chamber will be stopping at many of our communities over the next few months Johnston, North Providence, Smithfield, Scituate, Foster & Glocester. So be sure to stop in and network with us. Our Business Booster Series is

Carolyn Lavin Lavin Marketing Communications

beginning soon, followed by another great “Taste of North Central RI”, while our usually “Business After Hours” www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | Viktar Khamianok and Alicia J. Alexandra

interview with the ceo, Viktar Khamianok and Alicia J. Alexandra from Rhode Island of WebMeUp, a new SEO application service

by Lisa Buben

So we decided that an SEO app should be

desktop tools are, so that you don’t have to

created that would change the attitude of

compromise on the quality you’ve had before.

a user. So that SEOs would take the SEO It debuted in July 2012 in beta. I have had

features for granted, like you take for granted

the pleasure of test driving this service

that your bicycle has two wheels and a

How do you compare to the competition

and found it very helpful in finding useful tips

handlebar. We thought about creating more

in services and pricing?

on my website’s performance with their SEO

value thanks to user experience, and thanks

monitoring tools. Many small

to the depth and quality of data our app

AS: Right now we’re introducing 3

businesses may test it out via their

would be offering.

pricing plans on our website, but while we’re in Beta, only one plan is

FREE trial for their websites.

What made you start WebMeUp with many

So you’re right, we’re getting on a high-

available. This Standard plan is not only

speed train already. But we’re traveling

called standard: the set of available features

business class ;)

and the price are basically the same as the most popular online SEO apps are

other SEO application services out there? VK: SEO is a relatively new industry but now I guess it’s already come to

AS: If we try to get a bit down to

currently offering, so it’s more like an industry

earth… The market is now in a

standard in both the price ($99.95) and

transitional state: SEOs are no longer

options. It’s almost for sure that we will revise

fans of desktop SEO tools, as they don’t

the plans to offer a bit more keywords, links

experience have to matter.

want to have all these proxy troubles, and

etc. but this won’t change much. They will be

they want access from anywhere in the world,

just in the same ranges as competition.

We tried to look at SEO software not only

and they like the idea that in online apps the

that stage when high quality and user

from features/price approach. There are

data is checks automatically and you just

The costs let us offer a discount for early

numerous tools that claim the same set

come and see it. But on the other hand, only

adopters. However damping wouldn’t be

of features as we now have in WebMeUp.

a small percentage of such SEOs are ready

our policy. I clearly see our competitive

But what’s important after you get all these

to pay for web-based tools (which obviously

advantages and they shouldn’t have to do

features is, how fast your software works,

cost more than desktop but are mainly very

with price.

how deep the insights are, how convenient it

limited in features and amounts of data). VK: As I already mentioned, we’re not

is. Do you have to make unnecessary clicks all the time, or have the developers thought

So besides being inspired by what Viktar

about your needs and how you’re going to

talked about, we are trying to offer a web-

organize your work with this tool?

based app that would be as data-rich as

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

trying to be compared in features. We want features to be taken for granted. And then we want to show SEOs that they

What’s New | Chamber Chat

consider essential for a serious SEO toolkit.

can be treated differently by their software provider. Many SEOs are still patient when their

and Speed Networking events will

We add reports on February 19th, then data

be taking place. And don’t forget our

export and copying data to spreadsheets,

Annual Dinner “Night of the Rising

Google Analytics integration, multi-user

Stars” scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Crystal Lake Golf Club.

software crashes, when it misses checks

options and user role management. We’ll be

or offers incorrect data, they are fine using

done with these features in late spring and

For more details, please visit www.

the application that reminds rather a set of

this is when, I guess, we’ll feel absolutely

ncrichamber.com and be sure to make

separate tools only united by a common

proud of it. That’s when I think we will remove

us one of your “Favorites”.

brand name, so you’re switching between

the beta marker. New Members

them and see no integration. We change this for good – yet the price is

How many have been using your

Chelsea Ann Photography

services?

Sovereign Bank – Johnston & Smithfield Gentiva Hospital

the same as others offer. AS: Since January 9th 2013 a little under

Livingstone Photography

11K people have tried this tool. We’ve been

Rhode Island Local Magazine

offering a loyalty discount for early adopters

How long have you been in beta?

so as you might guess the number of paid VK: Our first release was in July, 2012. It wasn’t even a beta, we made

users is also quite impressive for a beta

Northern RI

start-up.

John C. Gregory, President/CEO

the alpha version public. Back then,

6 Blackstone Valley, 301, Lincoln, RI 02865

the one thing we wanted is to check if the

401 334 1000 | www.nrichamber.com

software would be attractive to the market

How have you been spreading the

at all. We’ve seen quite impressive interest,

word on this new service?

The Northern RI Chamber of Commerce annual Night Out at

and we also got some impressive feedback AS: It’s only online so far: we’ve been

McCoy Stadium will take place on

features, load, order of data checks etc.).

running ads – banners and PPC, we’re trying

Wednesday, June 5 at 5:00 PM. Join

to engage with people on industry forums

the Chamber under a private tent with

After that we stormed into the next stage of

and on social networks where we’re glad

premium seating, a BBQ dinner and

development full-force. In the end of summer,

to invite everyone to try our new software.

photo opportunities with Paws, the official PawSox mascot. The PawSox

that helped us adjust usability (navigation ,

besides inviting 3 more developers to our

We’re paying good attention to SEO so a

team, we also hired 3 new quality engineers

greater portion of visitors comes through

will play the Charlotte Nights and

to ensure double testing of the software.

Google search when they’re looking for an

attendees will have an opportunity

SEO solution for their business.

to take a chance to win a Luxury Hospitality Suite for an upcoming

The result is impressive: when the software was released in beta on January, 9th it

We’ve already got quite a lot of

PawSox game scheduled for August

had so few bugs that customer support

coverage on blogs, and we

20. The Hospitality Suite winner will

found themselves doing nothing and only

gladly invite bloggers to

receive preferred accommodations

answering positive feedback and thanks-

check and review

for up to 20 people and a $400 food

emails. So for the first time in my 16 years of

our software. If

and drink voucher – a prize valued at

developing software tools, a beta showed

you are a

$1400. Visit the NRI Chamber website

the stability of established software that’s been in the stable stage for about a year.

When will the beta end? VK: Right now, our beta is not about being “buggy” but about have some important features on the roadmap that we

So blogger you you’re right, we’re getting on a high-speed train already. But we’re traveling business class ;)

at www.NRIChamber.com/events to purchase raffle tickets or to register for upcoming events. New Members ADM Construction CertaPro Painters of Northern RI Craft Eastern Insurance Goodman, Shapiro & Lombardi, LLC. Roberts, Carroll, Feldstein & Peirce, Inc.

[continued on page 62] www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Small Business | Viktar Khamianok and Alicia J. Alexandra

[continued from page 61] can write me at pr@webmeup.com and we

own SEO project to promote with other tools

to moderate. We talk SEO and Internet

and with our software. Surprising thing, we

marketing, meet other people, have fun and

don’t require that. This is just how it happens,

share our problems and achievements. We

We also have a few partners – the providers

joining WebMeUp team is life-changing for

will start publishing guest blog posts soon

of desktop SEO tools. Some of the clients

some of us.

so if someone has an interesting white-

can discuss a review.

have been looking for an extra, web-based

up to offer, you can contact Alexandra at

solution for SEO, so we offered special

alexandra@webmeup.com

conditions to their users if they want our

Why choose WebMeUp?

online app. The WebMeUp community and its viral stuff helps a lot, too. Users earn the internal

AS: It’s the SEO software with a

Anything else you can tell us about

grown-up approach to users. We

WebMeUp?

understand that there are SEO AS: We’re so excited about this

currency (WebPoints) by doing simple

features that just must be there, and

actions that help spread the word among

offering them is obvious to us. You have

new product, and it feels like we’re

their contacts.

300+ search engines, keyword research

changing something in the SEO world.

How many SEO specialists do you have working there?

and rank checking (daily!), links and social

We’re introducing our users to a new level

metrics, lots of ranking factors, site audit,

of SaaS SEO software. The app that is

on-page (content) optimization; you get the

user-oriented. The one that’s comfortable,

most profound competition reports in the

powerful and productive. The SEO Software

industry, a wealth of metrics. doing SEO for our website, consulting the dev team, testing software usability,

we’re and assisting trying in software to engage with people on industry forums and on social networks where we’re glad to invite everyone to try our new software

that not only checks data but gives it to you exactly when you need it; makes it

AS: We have 3 experts full-time, But with WebMeUp you also get this huge

actionable and does not waste your time on

intangible extra which makes you feel like

clicking through different modules. The one

you’re using the BMW of the SEO tools.

that doesn’t crash, that’s thoroughly tested,

We will offer you anything else you can find

user. And the one that, after all, looks good

in other online SEO software. But every

and makes you happier as long as you’re

feature will be double-tested and brought to

using it :)

that takes into account every request from a

providing R&D inputs

perfection in both, tech and usability. Join us and you will see that we care to make

VK: It has been a dream and the

users happy. Whatever you try to do in

goal of our whole team – making an

WebMeUp, you’ll see we’ve taken an extra step for you.

app with love and respect to the user. WebMeUp is the result, and unlike many competing tools, it’s not just usable but convenient.

What is the community on WebMeUp?

It is still to be enhanced with more valuable industry-standard features, but in the end,

VK: It is also different from other

what we’re aiming at is perfection. The app

SEO communities. What is unique,

thinks a few steps ahead for you, giving you

WebMeUp community is built around a

more confidence and available in different

gaming element. You not simply earn karma,

categories so that one can start small and

you earn WebPoints that you can later trade

then upgrade.

for a software subscription. Based on how requirements.

active you are on the forums (and later on

Come and join WebMeUp for a free trial, and

And of course we

the blog which will be added to the site in

you’ll feel what I’m talking about.

consult other SEOs when needed.

a few weeks) you also appear in the user ratings, with a link to your profile and your company website.

What’s more important, every person on the team has at least one

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Community is simple, friendly and easy

Lisa Buben Fancy Scrubs www.fancyscrubs.com

What’s New | Chamber Chat

Southern RI Elizabeth Berman, Coordinator 230 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 401 783 2818 | www.srichamber.com

Every month, the Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce runs two great events, First Friday Coffee and Business After Hours. At each event, business professionals have the opportunity to network with each other to enhance and promote business. Each event is held at one of our member’s businesses. The First Friday Coffee is the first Friday of every month and averages 40-60 people, and the Business After Hours is every third

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www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

Featured NonProfit | Boys Town New England

Boys Town New England

Helping Children and Families Find Hope and Healing Throughout Rhode Island, children and

permanent, positive change in the lives of

help them stay together and to prevent

families are struggling with problems that

New England families.

children from being removed from their

are increasingly difficult to manage on their

home. Consultants work right in the home, The key to success for those served by

helping parents to improve their skills and

support they need, the more likely it is that

Boys Town New England is the Integrated

use resources in the community to solve

the situation could worsen until it reaches

Continuum of Care®. This Continuum

problems on their own. Consultants are on

a crisis point. In most families, issues of

is made up of services that vary in their

call 24/7 to provide support.

abuse and neglect are usually a symptom of

intensity, from parenting class workshops

own. Each day that they do not receive the

the stress, which could stems from a lack of

to out-of-home placements for children. By

Boys Town Family Visitation Services work

job opportunities, untreated mental health

providing timely, targeted interventions

with parents whose children are not in their

problems, or just basic parenting and

to address the problems confronting our

care, but are working to get their kids home.

social skills.

children and families, Boys Town New

Family Support Specialists provide

England has helped parents and kids

individual parenting-skill coaching and

Boys Town New England understands the

increase their independence from formal

supervision for parents during their visits in

stress these families are experiencing and

services, and to build their community

order to help parents successfully reunify

knows how to help. Since opening in 1991,

support networks for long-term success.

with their children.

Boys Town New England, an affiliate site of

These services include:

the national Boys Town organization, has

Recently, Boys Town New England expanded

brought effective, compassionate care to

The Family Home Program, where children

its services so that even more people in the

thousands of children and families in Rhode

of all ages receive care and treatment from

community can find the effective care they

Island and nearby states. For more than

married couples, called Family Teachers,

need. One of these services is Common

twenty years, Boys Town New England has

in five Family Homes on the site’s 18-

Sense Parenting® classes, where parents

worked with our community supporters,

acre Bazarsky Campus in Portsmouth,

learn how to discipline their children safely

our neighbors, our clients, and officials

Rhode Island. Family-Teachers provide

and effectively, and develop stronger parent-

at the local and state levels to help effect

compassionate, effective treatment while

child relationships.

meeting the daily needs of each child. Children are provided with 24 hour care and

Any child or family can fall victim to tough

support, and learn pro-social skills to help

times. Life’s stressors cut across all socio-

ensure their success.

economic, racial, cultural and religious

In Foster Family Services, committed

causes, Boys Town New England

and caring people in the community, Foster

brings life-changing results to those who

Parents, open their homes to children who

need a helping hand.

boundaries. No matter the circumstances or

need a safe place to live. These Foster Parents undergo rigorous, ongoing training

For more information on Boys Town New

to ensure that the children they foster are

England go to www.boystown.org/new-

receiving the best care possible. The

england or call 401-845-2250.

children and Foster Parents receive 24 hour on-call support from a dedicated Foster

Our Mission: Changing the way America

Care Consultant.

cares for children, families and communities

Through In-Home Family Services, trained

Continuum of Care that instills Boys Town

Family Consultants work with families to

values to strengthen body, mind and spirit.

by providing and promoting an Integrated

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Invest in Her Future

401-845-2250 â&#x20AC;˘ boystown.org/new-england Saving Children, Healing FamiliesÂŽ

www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

1303-063-01a

Not all children have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and caring home. But with your help, Boys Town New England is giving them a second chance. Partner with Boys Town New England and make the difference in the life of a child today.

Chafee Announces $1.97M in Innovative Partnership Grants Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced

applicants for awarded partnerships, the

operations. Employer partners include

today that the Governor’s Workforce Board

actual number of RI employers providing

Blount Fine Foods, Bristol Harbor Bake

RI has awarded $1.97 million dollars in

work-related services through the Innovative

Mixes, Friendship Café, More than a Meal

Innovative Partnership grants, which bring

Partnership grants number more than 50.

Catering, Rhode Island School of Design and White Glove Service. White Glove

employers and educational providers together to develop career opportunities for students, out-of-school youth and unemployed or underemployed adults.

“Workforce development and training is a

Service also serves as an education partner.

major economic development priority of my administration,” Governor Chafee said. “To accelerate Rhode Island’s economic

The community-based organization Connecting for Children and Families

Ten grants, ranging in size from $130,000 to

recovery, we must continue to work to

of Woonsocket was awarded $168,366

$250,000, were awarded to three community-

better address the training needs of our

to provide experiential culinary arts and

based organizations, three employers, three

businesses. By connecting employers with

hospitality training to 60 unemployed and

GWB industry partners and one educational

educational providers to serve the needs of

underemployed area residents. Employer

institution. These include Amos House,

the unemployed and underemployed, we are

partners include the Cakery, Grumpy’s

Connecting for Children and Families, New

making real progress toward closing some of

Restaurant, Head Start Child Development

England Institute of Technology, OpenDoors,

the skill gaps in our state.”

Association, Kay’s Restaurant, Kevin’s Galley

St. Antoine’s Residence, Stepping Up,

GWB Executive Director Rick Brooks

NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley,

Tech Collective and the J. Arthur Trudeau

added that the response to the Innovative

Riverfalls Restaurant and Lounge, Olly’s

Fish & Chips, The Lodge Pub & Eatery,

RI Hospital, RI Marine Trades Association,

Memorial Center.

Partnerships Request for Proposals was “very

Pizzeria, St. Antoine Residence, and Uno

competitive,” garnering 32 applications that

Chicago Grill. Education partners include

Collectively, the grants will serve more

represented a total of $5.4 million in grant

the RI Hospitality Education Foundation and

than 540 participants in such industries

requests. Brooks expects the 10 partnerships

Chef Mario Santilli.

as hospitality, health care, information

to become operational by late spring. Educational provider the New England

technology, marine trades and green Organizations that have received Innovative

Institute of Technology in East Greenwich was

partnership comes from the employer-

Partnership grants will recruit their own

awarded $250,000 to provide 50 unemployed

financed Job Development Fund. Of

program participants. Those interested

individuals with entry-level occupational skills

the participants, 420 are expected to

in consideration should contact the

training within the shipbuilding and machine

gain work experience and/or internship

organizations directly.

technology industries. Employer partners

The Governor’s Workforce Board projects

Grant awardees

Guill Tool and Engineering, Jade Engineered

that more than half of the participants –

The community-based organization

Plastics, SENESCO Marine and Swissline

approximately 300 – may find permanent

Amos House of Providence was awarded

Precision Manufacturing.

employment related to their training.

$145,282 to enroll 60 homeless and lowincome Rhode Islanders in an expanded

The community-based organization

Extended impact

culinary program that includes training

OpenDoors of Providence was awarded

While three employers served as lead

in customer service and front-of-house

$130,423 to provide transitional employment,

technology. Funding for the innovative

include General Dynamics/Electric Boat,

opportunities through the training programs.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Providence | golocal

additional certification training and post-

Supply, New England Institute of Technology

Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital,

certification internships for 20 ex-offenders

and SkillsUSA.

Thundermist Health Center, VNA of Care

Office Recycling Solutions and Providence

Area employer St. Antoine Residence of

The RI Action Coalition serves as an

Computer Resources. The RI Department

North Smithfield was awarded $248,823

education partner.

of Corrections and Providence Computer

to provide certified nursing assistant and

New England and Women & Infants Hospital.

ages 25-30. Employer partners include

health care career training, in combination

The Tech Collective of Providence—a GWB

with career counseling, job readiness

Industry Partner—was awarded $218,118

Area employer Rhode Island Hospital

training and case management services, to

to provide work readiness and technology

of Providence was awarded $226,848

151 Rhode Islanders. Additional employer

training, as well as certification and

to provide accelerated certified nursing

partners include the Ballou Home, Evergreen

experiential learning, to 15 unemployed and

assistant training to 45 unemployed and

(Northern RI Assisted Living), Hebert Health

underemployed Rhode Islanders. Employer

Resources serve as education partners.

underemployed Rhode Islanders. Additional

Center, Heritage Hill, Homefront Healthcare,

partners include AAA Southern New

employer partners include Miriam Hospital

Overlook Nursing Home and Trinity Health.

England, Atrion Networking Corp., Brave

and Summit Commons. The RI Nurse

Educational partners include CareLink, the

River Solutions, CVS, Envision Technology

institute Middle College Charter School

Community College of Rhode Island, Family

Advisors, GTECH, PC Troubleshooters,

serves as an education partner.

Resources Community Action, Haig and

NetSense, and Vertical Performance.

Associates, the Pathfinder Foundation, RIRAL

Education partners include New Horizons

and Stepping Up.

Computer Training Center and the Bryant

The RI Marine Trades Association of

University Executive Development Center.

Bristol—a GWB Industry Partner—was awarded $142,788 to offer a pre-

Stepping Up of Providence—a GWB

apprenticeship training program for 20

Industry Partner—was awarded $247,363

Area employer the J. Arthur Trudeau

unemployed and underemployed Rhode

to create clinical residency opportunities

Memorial Center of Warwick was awarded

Islanders. Employer partners include Bristol

and mentoring for 24 unemployed and

$192,865 to provide training and internship

Marine, Freedom Boat Club, Hinckley

underemployed, newly licensed registered

experiences to 100 job seekers interested

Yachts, Hunt Yachts, LaserPerformance

nurses who have already earned an

in becoming Direct Service Providers for the

and Newport Shipyard. Education partners

associate’s degree. Employer partners

state’s disabled and senior populations. The

include Confident Captain, the Gowrie

include AccessPoint RI, Butler Hospital,

Community College of Rhode Island serves

Group, International Yacht Restoration

Emerald Bay Retirement Living, J. Arthur

as an education partner.

School, JH Restorations, Kellogg Marine

Trudeau Memorial Center, Kent Hospital,

read the rest at www.golocalprov.com

Duffy & Shanley Hits 40-Year Mark Duffy and Shanley is now 40 years old. The

in Providence. It was founded with just

communications industry is a remarkable

Providence-based ad agency started back in

two people in the office and four clients –

achievement and I want to acknowledge

1973 as a public relations firm, and has now

Reynolds Metals Development Corporation,

our founder, Dave Duffy, for his vision and

grown into a full-service agency servicing

Rhode Island State Nurses Association, the

inspiration in the development of a dynamic,

some of the top brands in the country.

City of Cranston, and Tupperware employee

community-focused organization,” said Jon

relations. Advertising was added three years

Duffy, president of Duffy & Shanley.

Since 1973, the agency has grown and

later and began to flourish in the early 1980s

added services over the years including

with the addition of The Providence Journal

advertising, digital marketing and media.

and Rhode Island Tourism as clients.

“We believe we are only as good as our people. Thank you to the more than 300 employees throughout our 40 years in

The firm was originally founded by Dave Later, Duffy and Shanley worked with The Big

business who have been committed to

past decade. Jon Duffy serves as CEO and

East, consulted for Governor Don Carcieri’s

developing standout, innovative campaigns

Jeremy is the point-person on new business.

campaigns, handled PR for Deepwater Wind,

for our clients. And thank you to our clients

and helped message for EngageRI.

who continue to believe in us and our

Duffy; his sons took over the firm in the

passion for delivering results and creating

When it was founded, Duffy and Shanley was arguably the first PR-only agency based

“To celebrate 40 years in the marketing

buzz on behalf of their brand,” said Duffy. www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

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:

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

20 Centerville Road, Warwick:

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

1755 Smith Street, North Providence:

Former Dunkin Donuts for over 30 years (they bought & moved across the street). Seats 30+. Has a drive-thru. Parking for 20+. GREAT for ANY fast food concept. 2000 sq. ft. $3,200/mo. RILiving.com MLS #1028322

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!!! Reduced to $2290 per/mo. RILiving.com MLS #1024237

2006 Nooseneck Hill Road, Coventry:

Great location. 919 sq ft office condo in a medical building near Miriam Hospital. Easy highway and city access by the corner of Branch Ave and North Main. Waiting room, reception, private bath, 3 exam rooms, office. RILiving.com MLS #1029891

39 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich:

74 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich:

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. Up to 40,000’ for Lease or buy at $1.6 Million. From $5,50 psf/yr. RILiving.com MLS #1022330

4 Grafton Avenue, Coventry:

Free Standing Commercial Building-PRIME location next to The Centre of New England-Exit 7 on Rt95.The building has many offices,a kitchen/cafeteria area,reception,storage & IT room. 1st floor office is 1650 sf, 2nd fl. office 2,000 sf, the warehouse is 1600sf w/650sf mezzanine. Sale at $495,000 or lease at $10 psf. RILiving.com MLS #1031877

Realty Group

Commercial • Investment • Residential

401-886-7800 www.ButlerRealty.us RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

845 North Main Street, Providence:

Class A Coventry Credit Union Corporate Office (CCU occupies entire 2nd floor). 1st floor space available from 1880-8200sq ft. Very nice common area’s include cafeteria. Plentiful parking. On Rt3, 1 mile from Rt95 & Exit 6. Office, medical, studio... $12 psf. RILiving.com MLS #1036614

Butler

577 Tiogue Avenue, Coventry:

1210 sq ft retail space; former salon in this first floor left unit. Located in a very nice building. Ample parking. RILiving.com MLS#1032118 Two 1220 sq ft adjacent spaces (2240 sq ft total) on the second floor. Located in a very nice building! Big picture windows in the units with waterviews! Elevator available and nice common area. Join the newest Dragon Palace Restaurant. MLS# 1032254

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

1 Brown Street, North Kingstown:

Wickford Village- Excellent location on corner lot. Visible from three streets. Big windows, good foot traffic. Larger unit (1,500 sq ft) beautifully finished, windows on two sides. Smaller unit (1,000 sq ft) needs finishing. Can be combined. CALL NOW! RILiving.com MLS #1030851

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. From $124,000 RILiving.com MLS #995461

1801 Smith Street, North Providence:

Great little 2 unit commercial, completely rebuilt in 1982. Could be a live-in/ office/ retail. $195,000 RILiving.com MLS # 1032623

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 user to buy/occupy and have income. $875,000

RILiving.com MLS#1020960

2614 West Shore Road, Warwick:

132 Meadow Street, Warwick:

Busy Rt 117/Wildes Corner location opposite new Burger King & TD Bank,adjacent to Bennys.New roof,siding,windows,panel box,wiring,fire alarm&heat sensors. Ready for your finish. 1st Fl 2400’,2nd Fl 1200’,basement storage/walkout. Planned for Pub/ Cafe $475,000 RILiving.com MLS #1032619

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

157 Granite Street, Westerly:

39 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich:

Great corner location at signaled intersection. Many major retailers are in this area. Building could be rehabbed or knocked down. $650,000 Also available: The adjacent 2 family lot (lot #274) 8,712sq ft for $200,000. RILiving.com MLS #1034320

222 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick:

Class “a” law office includes conference room, 4 private offices, lavette, reception, storage, kitchen. Reduced to $179,900 RILiving.com MLS #981620

Large multi-use building offers great flexibility, possible multiple tenants. The church would consider a lease-back of 10,000-15,000sq ft. Additional 14 acres adjacent also available. Great Rt.3 location just a mile north of Rt.95, Exit 6. Reduced to $1,500,000 Motivated Seller! RILiving.com MLS #1029643

400 South County Trail, Exeter:

Approved Development Zoned Business 17+acres.Current permitted plans for 7 office building for total of 86,000net sf.MANY POTENTIAL USES. Central Rt.2 location minutes from Home Depot/Walmart in N.Kingstown. Easy highway access-strong traffic count! Reduced $800’s RILiving.com MLS #1029590

N CTIO EDU R E HUG

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

4 Grafton Avenue, Coventry:

Free Standing Commercial Building- PRIME location next to The Centre of New England-Exit 7 on Rt95.The building has many offices,a kitchen/cafeteria area,reception, storage & IT room. 1st floor office is 1650sf, 2nd fl. office 2,000 sf, warehouse is 1600sf w/650sf mezzanine. Sale at $495,000 or lease at $10 psf. RILiving.com MLS #1031857

Butler

Realty Group

Commercial • Investment • Residential

401-886-7800 www.ButlerRealty.us

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 two issue three

THE RHODE ISLAND

COMMERCIAL & APPRAISAL BOARD OF REALTORS®

Peter M. Scotti & Associates, Inc.

Inside Cover C March 8 - 14, 2013

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

RETAIL CENTER FOR SALE 440 STAFFORD RD., FALL RIVER, MA

63,000 SF GROCERY ANCHORED RETAIL SHOPPING CENTER. 95% OCCUPANCY WITH GREAT HISTORIC CASH FLOW. 6 ACRE LAND PARCEL WITH SUBSTANTIAL ON SITE PARKING. PRICE: $6,500,000 JIM MOORE EXT. 14

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

INDUSTRIAL FOR SALE 20 HIGH ST. PLAINVILLE, MA 53,500 SF STEEL BUILDING ON 9.66 ACRES OF LAND 20-24 FOOT CEILING HEIGHTS, DOCK & OVERHEAD LOADING HEAVY POWER, OFFICES, PAVED PARKING 50 CARS. PRICE: $2,495,000.00

RESTAURANT FOR SALE 248 ACADEMY AVE, PROVIDENCE, RI

3,400 SQUARE FOOT BUILDING CURRENTLY REGIONAL FRANCHISE USER OPERATING TURN KEY FACILITY IN MT PLEASANT AREA WITH DENSE DEMOS, OFF STREET PARKING. PRICE: $295,000.00

MIxED USE bUILDING FOR SALE 29 POwEL AVENUE, NEwPORT, RI

2,862 SF BUILDING ON 8,275 SF LOT ACROSS FROM NEWPORT HOSPITAL 1ST FLOOR LEASED OFFICE SUITE 33K/YR, 2ND FLOOR RESIDENTIAL APT. AMPLE PAVED ON SITE PARKING. PRICE: $389,000.00

MEDICAL OFFICE SUITES FOR LEASE 49 SEEKONK ST., EAST SIDE/PROVIDENCE

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

Peter246 M.Hope Scotti & Associates, Inc.Island • 401-421-8888 Street, Providence, Rhode 02906 Visit our web page at www.scotticommercial.com 246 Hope Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906 Visit our web page at www.scotticommercial.com RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Changes Size: full

NE NY Tel: 781-878-4540 REal EstatE JouRNal

New Proof

Proof Approved

Section: rI

from: Karen Dowell x254 kdowell@nerej.com

crop 2”

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www.risbj.com | volume two issue three

COMMUNITY

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