RISBJ Volume 2 Issue 6 by Rhode Island Small Business Journal

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As we approach the end of Summer, I am pleased to share some exciting news for the Fall. The October issue of RISBJ, themed “Women in Entrepreneurship,” will feature the 2014 Entrepreneurial Women to Watch. To date, it is estimated that there are over 8.6 million women-owned businesses in the United States, generating over $1.3 trillion in revenues and employing nearly 7.8 million people. Between 1997 and 2013, when the number of businesses in the United States increased by 41%, the number of women-owned firms increased by 59% - a rate 1½ times the national average.*

from the founder

Many women entrepreneurs have been instrumental to the growth of both business and the economy in Rhode Island, and we want to recognize the women who have worked so hard to change the landscape for small businesses. We are currently accepting nominations for the awards, so please visit www.risbj.com to submit a nomination. Our selection committee will select 7 leading women entrepreneurs who will be honored at a cocktail reception at the Dorrance in late October. Stay tuned for more details! I am also pleased to share that RISBJ is expanding! After months of discussions with local business owners and leaders throughout the region, we have decided to launch into the neighboring towns of Massachusetts. The soon-tobe released Massachusetts Small Business Journal (MASBJ) will focus on Southeastern Massachusetts, primarily in the Bristol County area, in addition to a few surrounding towns. MASBJ will initially launch online in September of 2013, and the first printed issue of the monthly magazine will hit stands in January of 2014. Just like RISBJ, MASBJ will exclusively feature content from business owners that are part of the local community. We feel it’s extremely important for our content to come from experts in their field that have had entrepreneurial success in the markets we serve. This creates the quality, relevant, community-driven content our readers have come to expect. Over 10,000 printed copies of MASBJ will be distributed to an estimated 400 locations throughout the region at locations such as the Chambers of Commerce, local supermarkets and banks, as well as through direct mail. With your support, we have made a positive impact on Rhode Island’s small business community ever since our inception 18 months ago. We plan to continue making a positive impact through MASBJ, where we will build upon our mission to provide guidance and resources to entrepreneurs, in addition to much needed exposure for startups and other local businesses. Not only are we excited to provide inclusive access to the resources small businesses in Southeastern Massachusetts need to continue their success, but we are also looking forward to strengthening the relationship between the Rhode Island and Massachusetts business communities. By working more closely together, we will continue to see economic growth.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

*”State of Women Report.” The 2013 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report. American Express OPEN, n.d. Web. 19 Aug. 2013.

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www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

C O R N E R S TO N E PAY R O L L

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RISBJ | rhode islandSuite small business 931 Blvd, 3001journal . Warwick, Rhode Island 02886 . 800.678.1700 . teamcornerstone.com 4 Jefferson

Gil Lantini President, Founder Ralph Coppolino Vice President, Operations & Business Development Carolyn Drumm Business Development Manager Danny Angeli Account Executive James Pardee Jr Creative Director and Design Editor Pam Walsh Assistant Editor Mike Casale Graphic Designer Aaron Cadieux Video Production Manager Contributing Writers Richard Austin Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Stacey Carter Claudia Cornejo Dana D’Orsi Ray Fogarty Peter George Seth Goodall Adam Harvey Attorney Daniel Holmander Jim Jaworski Dave Lubelczyk Giselle Mahoney Bill McCourt Aileen McDonough Byron McMasters, Esq. Ivan Misner Ralph Mollis William E. O’Gara, Esq. Jen Osojnicki Elizabeth Pierotti Harsha Prakash Patricia Raskin Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Lisa Shorr Tim Sullivan Mayor Angel Taveras Nancy Thomas Marcel Valois www.facebook.com/risbj twitter.com/risbj 401 831 7779 info@risbj.com www.risbj.com ©MMXIII Rhode Island Small Business Journal

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

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RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Secretary of State Ralph Mollis Spotlight on Startups SBA: Attainable Coverage for Small Businesses Do You Come Here Often? Preventing Molehills from Becoming Mountains for startups…on Beating the Odds

020 6 00 08 2 013 RIC HAR 003 DA 6 UST EXP IRE IN S0 8/13

Stop Patent Infringement at the U.S. Border RIP Windows XP The Year in Review The Kingdom of Wellness Your Website is like Show and Tell for your Brand

24 0 0 013 IRES 08/13 2 8 EXP 000 6 0 02

Does Your Commercial Property Have Curb Appeal? What’s In Your Piles? Referral Marketing - Part 2 Networking and Workshops

AN LLIV U S TIM

Capital City: Providence’s Growing Knowledge District Featured Story: Swipely Make People Want To Buy From You Recover & Thrive After Hurricane Sandy The 4 Bs for Social Media Success New RI Law Expands Employer Leave Obligations It’s Not Your Granny’s Branding Anymore… Big Marketing For SMB Business Is There Anything Superheroes Can’t Teach Us?

02 06

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Featured Chamber: Cranston Chamber of Commerce

SH OR R

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Student Engagement – A Valuable Resource for Businesses 6 Tips for Packaging Your One-on-One Services Make Manufacturing a Priority

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Featured NonProfit: The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence GOLOCAL The Rhode Island Commercial & Appraisal Board Of Realtors Community Corner www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SECRETARY OF STATE | Ralph Mollis

The We Mean Business Expo is Back!

by Secretary Of State Ralph Mollis

The Expo enables you to sit down with a real person and talk through the issues that are important to your business

The two state agencies charged with making it easier to do business in Rhode Island are teaming up to offer companies a unique opportunity to talk face-to-face with the government officials who regulate them, provide advice and offer financing. Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis and the R.I. Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) will bring Rhode Island’s federal, state and local government agencies together at the free “We Mean Business Expo” Tuesday, September 10th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. “Government is opening its doors to you for one day in one place,” said Mollis. “The Expo enables you to sit down with a real person and talk through the issues that are important to your business.” Governor Lincoln D. Chafee has joined Secretary of State Mollis in calling the Expo a powerful tool for giving government agencies unprecedented visibility among their most important markets. Among the federal, state and municipal agencies that will participate are the state Department of Labor and Training, the Providence Economic Development Partnership and the Internal Revenue Service. “One of my key priorities is helping businesses cut through the red tape. The Expo is another example of how we are working efficiently and effectively to make Rhode Island a place where entrepreneurs have unparalleled access to their government,” said Chafee. In addition to the opportunity to meet with government officials about registering a business, financing, taxes, licensing and permitting, this

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Ralph Mollis | SECRETARY OF STATE

DONT MISS THE 2013 OCEAN STATE SMALL BUSINESS EXPO

year’s Expo will also offer free professional development seminars and an expanded one-on-one consulting services workshop. This Expo will give entrepreneurs an opportunity to talk to key professionals about their business plan and get free advice. The goal of this Expo is to provide a comfortable one-on-one experience for new business owners where they can ask questions and assess their readiness to open their doors.

wednesday, october 2nd at the crowne plaza in warwick, ri

Expo exhibitors also include nonprofit organizations that offer services to Rhode Island businesses. Some of the nonprofit exhibitors are the Center for Women and Enterprise, the Rhode Island Small Business Administration, the Rhode Island Center for Law and Public Policy, and the RI Contractors Licensing Board. This is the seventh consecutive year that Secretary of State Mollis and RIEDC have collaborated on the event. This year’s Expo sponsors include 790AM Business Talk; Poder 1110; RISBJ; Organizing RI, LLC; Bella Events; and Xzito. For more information on the We Mean Business Expo or to pre-register, visit www.WeMeanBusinessRI.com. This unique Expo is a powerful tool for extending your brand to Rhode Island’s small business owners and the local, state, federal and non-profit agencies that serve them. We invite you to come and get the information you need to start, grow, or improve your business experience in Rhode Island. We hope to see you there! The Secretary of State’s office works with every corporate entity that is registered to do business in Rhode Island - about 60,000 in all. The office oversees recording commercial liens, protecting corporate trademarks and providing advice to small and start-up businesses.

exhibitor booths and sponsorship opportunities are still available

www.oceanstatesmallbusinessexpo.com 401 769 1325 x11

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

STARTUPS | Spotlight

attack the issues and help these fathers move forward.

Open Date: March 2012 Employees: 7 Address: 607 Great Road North Smithfield, RI 401 229 2231 Website: natureshavenspa.com • Twitter: @Natures_Haven Facebook: / NaturesHavenWellnessCenterSpa •

Showing compassion to our clients and being in tune with their needs Providing a safe, supportive space for everyone who walks in the door Working together to encourage healthy, stressfree lifestyles

Biggest Challenge: Everyone • knows the basics on massages: they’re relaxing, they release muscle tension, and they make you feel better. We offer electrolysis, massage However, there are therapy, body contour wraps, many holistic healing reiki and energy work, aura services that people photography, yoga, workshops, don’t even know health and wellness coaching about! Our challenge and much more in a calming, is to educate people supportive atmosphere. Come on both the little-known benefits of our services (lower on by at any time to see what it’s like to relax your body and refresh blood pressure, better range of your soul! motion, increased circulation, etc.) and the numerous different types of wellness treatments available (reiki, aura photography, body wraps, nutritional counseling, etc.). Once people understand the benefits of each treatment, they come here to relax their bodies and refresh their souls. Open Date: December 2012 Employees: 2 Profile: Owner Jessica E. Address: 35 Vaughan Street Hynes, L.E. graduated from Providence, RI the Electrology Institute of New Website: England in 2007 and became rhodeislandfirstfatherhood.info a Licensed Electrologist after Twitter: @waynebarboza successfully passing the Rhode Facebook: /musa.barboza Island and Massachusetts state boards in October of 2007. Biggest Challenge: My name is Wayne Barboza and I am Jessica created Nature’s Haven the Founder of Rhode Island in 2012 to a build a positive First Fatherhood Group. environment where clients can be Fathers presently have multiple beautiful, inside and out. One of challenges facing them, including her main goals has always been self-respect, dedication to being to share the wisdom and tools healthy, and understanding what for a healthier body and happier it takes to be a parent. We spirit with her clients, have experienced so she put together a team of financial difficulties caring professionals who could and other facilitate the healing of mind, tribulations trying body, and spirit. to mentor these fathers at no cost; however, At Nature’s Haven, we work to we always have improve clients’ physical and feasible ways to spiritual health by:

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Profile: All Fathers in the past 50 years have become isolated in a class structure that reflects today’s unemployment and economic climate. The need to supplement one’s income and modify one’s goals is mandatory for survival, which is something that the R.I. 1st Fatherhood group has been teaching since 1996. After a successful contract with New Bedford, MA’s New Directions agency, also known as the “Future Image Program,” we were able to teach youth many new trades. The program worked beautifully and the proof is here today. The very same youth are working today, and some are even self-employed. At RIFF, one of our main focuses is to help young men grow through self-help initiatives. As we begin to grow, and if our young have a chance to succeed in the future, it will be imperative that our young male fathers become parents and grow as adults.

Open Date: June 2005 Employees: 3 Address: 95 Chestnut Street Providence, RI Website: scandiaconsulting.com Twitter: @nwahlberg Facebook: /scandiaconsultinginc Biggest Challenge: At Scandia, we primarily focus on providing our clients with tailored services that are specific to their needs and business challenges. We are currently facing a growth spurt while, in parallel, managing

Spotlight | STARTUPS

and nurturing existing client needs and requests. There is a bottleneck at the moment, all the way from initial contact, to onboarding a new client. Anecdotally, we have acquired all of our clients through word-ofmouth marketing and referrals. That is changing now to a more active pursuit of new and larger accounts via online advertising, networking, and other means. So, at this point, we’re figuring out how to scale our team while maintaining the level of service that we have become known for. Profile: Scandia is a boutique agency that builds web and mobile applications. Since 2005 (yep, the days when we were still wrestling with IE6), the team here at Scandia hasn’t stopped evolving and learning. The one thing that hasn’t changed: we still provide a unique blend of engineering and creative output, building on the most recent technology, standards, and frameworks. We’ve become known for our long-term partnerships with clients, building one project after

another. Some of our clients, like Navigant Credit Union, Lahey Clinic (formerly Beverly Hospital), and Andera – just to name a few – come back to us year after year. We’re absolutely thrilled to be part of their growth and progress. The founder, Nik Wahlberg, is also the author of the Umbraco User’s Guide, a book that guides you through the setup and use of the open source content management system, Umbraco. Scandia was one of the first agencies in the United States to implement Umbraco. Now, the CMS boasts circa 200,000 live websites and is quickly becoming a go-to alternative to costly licensed systems (like SiteCore, EPiserver, Sharepoint, and Ektron). Scandia can officially claim to have “written the book” on this subject, solidifying us as the experts.

Open Date: August 2013 Employees: 3 Address: 1155 Westminster Street Providence, RI Website: thespaceri.com Twitter: @thespaceri Facebook: /thespace

Today, our clients span the healthcare, financial, and life sciences verticals, and the organizations range from small to large. This diverse experience makes us an invaluable asset to our clients as their needs change over time.

Biggest Challenge: The biggest challenge when opening my business was taking one step at a time and not rushing to the finish line. I have so many ideas and inspirations; I usually move right from thought into action. However, while setting up my business, I realized moving at a slower pace gave it a stronger foundation. I had to move from thought to idea to plan and then action. This was new and uncomfortable for me!

Profile: The Space is a center for personal transformation located on the West Side of Providence. We offer yoga, meditation and healing. We aim to bring quality instruction and support to the community here. Locally and nationally recognized teachers and doctors will offer services, classes, and workshops. I wanted to create something beyond just a yoga studio or wellness center; I had this idea to fill in the holes and gaps. In a world that is overloaded with misinformation, I seek to provide evidence-based healing and education from experts in their field. Most importantly, The Space gives members of the community a place to think, feel and explore themselves. Yoga opened me up to a variety of tools for living that I use daily and love to teach; I think of it as pieces to a puzzle. I look forward to bringing my vision into a reality and can’t imagine a better community to serve.

PAST SPOTLIGHT REVISITED

Open Date: Incorporated February 9th, 2012 Employees : 2 www.healthidprofile.com PO Box 8598 Cranston, RI 02920

Since being featured in Spotlight on Startups back in Volume 1 Issue 6, HealthID Profile has been growing and using new technology to make managing and communicating a person’s medical information safe, simple and fast. Late 2012, HealthID incorporated the use of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology into their HealthID Band and now HealthID Card. HealthID created a unique patent pending, simple-to-use mobile health and wellness manager that works with our HealthID Bands and Cards using NFC technology…it requires a simple “tap”. HealthID’s technology activates with a “tap” from any NFC smartphone to immediately

view your emergency information. With HealthID your medical condition can be managed from any mobile device; or access your profile from any pc or laptop. Update basic profile information, any medical condition, medications, emergency contacts that can be quickly dialed from the emergency summary screen, to managing chronic illness such as diabetes with glucose entry and trend charting, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and weight. Reminders by email or text to take medications will help assure our users take their medication as prescribed. MRI’s, EKG’s, X-Rays and lab results can also be uploaded and stored in your profile. All information

is stored securely on our cloud based platform and allows for easy access to your account to manage or share any aspect of your personal healthcare. The use of NFC caught the attention of Verizon and it began our strategic relationship with Verizon Wireless to market and bring awareness to HealthID’s innovative products. HealthID showcased the HealthID Band in the Verizon booth at CES 2013 (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas this past January.

Read the rest on how HealthID is doing, on our website:

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SBA | Attainable Coverage for Small Businesses

The Affordable Care Act:

Attainable Coverage for Small Businesses

America’s 28 million small businesses are the backbone of our economy, creating two out of every three net new jobs and employing half of America’s workforce. From mom-and-pop stores and restaurants, to high-tech startups and productive manufacturers, more than 95,000 small businesses are helping to drive Rhode Island’s economy and create jobs in our local communities.

by Seth Goodall

Many small business owners consider their employees to be part of their family, and providing benefits such as health care is one important tool they have to help retain their talented workforce and compete for skilled employees. But even though many businesses want to offer employees health insurance, in the past they have often been unable to afford it, for reasons like steadily climbing rate increases and limited coverage.

providing benefits such as health care is one important tool they have to help retain their talented workforce and compete for skilled employees Because of the Affordable Care Act, the 88% of Rhode Islanders who have insurance have more choices and stronger coverage than ever before.

And for the 12% of Rhode Islanders who don’t have insurance, or Rhode Island families and small businesses who buy their coverage but aren’t happy with it, a new day is just around the corner. 12

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is committed to giving small business owners the resources they need to start and grow a business-- including access to critical information about how the Affordable Care Act is opening up better health care options for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Under the Affordable Care Act, small employers will have more options than ever when it comes to health insurance. As these

provisions continue to go into effect in the next several years, it’s important for small business owners to stay informed about what they need to do to comply with and take advantage of the Affordable Care Act. First, starting January 1st, 2014, small businesses with generally up to 50 full-time equivalent employees will be able to purchase health insurance through the online health insurance marketplace for small businesses, known as SHOP. The SHOP Marketplace will offer employers a choice of qualified health plans from different private health insurers and make it easier for employers to make side-by-side comparisons between these plans, based on price and benefits.

Attainable Coverage for Small Businesses | SBA

SHOP also offers employers and their employees access to health insurance plans that must include a package of “Essential Health Benefits” like coverage for doctor visits, preventive care, hospitalization and prescriptions. Many small employers may be eligible for tax credits of up to 50% of their premium costs if they choose to purchase coverage through SHOP. Enrollment starts on October 1st for coverage beginning January 1, 2014. The State of Rhode Island will operate the Health Care Exchange in the state. The Affordable Care Act calls on all employers that are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (generally, those firms that have at least one employee and at least $500,000 in annual dollar volume of business), to notify their employees about the coverage options available to them through the health care Marketplace, whether or not the employer currently offers health coverage. Employers are required to provide this notice to all current full-time and part-time employees by October 1, 2013, as well as all new employees at the time of hire beginning October 1st. The Affordable Care Act allows small employers to offer health coverage in a way that makes sense for their business and works for their bottom line, and the SBA is committed to leveraging our resources and federal partnerships to connect you with the facts and resources you need to understand the law. To learn more about the Affordable Care Act, contact Greg Gould at the SBA Rhode Island District Office by calling (401) 528-4561.

71,776 (71%) have a full-time worker in the family

44,827 (44%) are 18-35 years old

66,941 (66%) are White

7,998 (8%)

By the Numbers:

are African American

Uninsured Rhode Islanders who are eligible for coverage.

17,484 (17%) are Latino/Hispanic

3,829 (4%) are Asian American or Pacific Islander

57,789 (57%) Seth Goodall New England Regional Administrator U.S. Small Business Administration

are male

“How the Health Care Law Is Making a Difference for the People of Rhode Island.” United States Department of Health and Human Services. N.p., 29 July 2013. Web. 07 Aug. 2013.

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Do You Come Here Often? | SMALL BUSINESS

COM E

DO Y OU HERE OFTE N?

Developing a long-term customer relationship is very similar to dating. How you grab a prospect’s attention is critical. Advertising, direct mail, public relations, or a website may be the first step towards starting the relationship, but don’t let your marketing effort be another tacky pick-up line. What you say and how you say it will determine whether the prospect will be interested in starting a relationship or respectfully declining your offer to have a drink.

Make sure you are able to provide one hundred percent of what you claim, and that they are expecting an experience you can provide

Getting the prospect to meet with you is only the first step in the relationship building process. Taking the relationship to the next level requires your marketing effort to make an impression that will create interest and get them to call you the next day. However, it is not about tricking the prospect into being interested. Don’t make them think your first date will be a magical evening of dining aboard your private jet and dancing in Paris when you know you are only able to take them out for fast food. Make sure you are able to provide one hundred percent of what you claim, and that they are expecting an experience you can provide. Otherwise, there will be no hope for a second date. You may spend significant resources developing marketing materials to spark

interest and get you that first date, but don’t forget that your prospects are also judging your company by everything you say and do. Once the prospect walks through your door, you must take great care to create an experience that resonates with the prospect and meets their expectations. Instead of focusing on just marketing to develop the relationship, you must continually devote the resources necessary to examine all aspects of your business. This will help you determine what is adding to or subtracting from the experience needed to build a lasting relationship with a prospect. If you want this potential loyal patron to become more than a prospect, you need to do everything you can to ensure that they have an extraordinary experience each and every time they are with you. If you develop a meaningful relationship based on trust while providing consistent experiences beyond expectations, your cash register will be ringing – just like church bells – to celebrate the relationship’s success.

Dave Lubelczyk Image Identity imageidentity.com

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS |

Preventing Molehills from Becoming Mountains by Patricia Raskin

what we do instead of facing these feelings is to get snappy in our tone, or we get quiet and detach

Patricia Raskin Raskin Resources Productions www.patriciaraskin.com

We tend to get angry over the little things – the way someone says something, an employee late for work, making a computer mistake, not being friendly in the workplace, the coffee not being there, etc. The question is why do the little things get to us? Why are they such a big deal? The real reason goes much deeper. Using insight, intuition and reasoning, you can get to the heart of the matter – if you want to. Let’s analyze that list above. What all of those annoyances have in common is that someone did not hear you or listen or give value to your work or business, which means that they do not care. That translates into, “I or my work is not important enough, not worthy enough.” So what we do instead of facing these feelings is to get snappy in our tone, or we get quiet and detach. Some of us get angry and scream.

The solution? Simple, but not easy. First, you have to get to the bottom of your feelings and admit how you really feel without making excuses. Then, you have to find a way to share those feelings with the other person. Words to begin with are, “When you do this, I feel…” There is no blame here. This is how you feel. If the other person gets defensive and angry, let them know that these are your feelings and focus on solving the problem where you both can create a positive solution in the workplace. The goal here is to catch this before it escalates. You may need help, but if you value your workplace relationships and want to make them work, you need to address the deeper issues of the annoyances. Wanting to work things out, finding the right support, and developing and following an action plan are key ingredients to working through the “small” issues that have large emotions attached to them. It’s never too late when you make up your mind to give it your best shot.

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

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

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| volume two issue six 22 Morris Lane • East Providence, RI 02914 • eastcomwww.risbj.com merces olutions.co17m

SMALL BUSINESS | Tips From The Trenches

for startups…

on Beating the Odds Tips From The Trenches

by Elizabeth Pierotti

As entrepreneurs, we tend to be a very optimistic group, ready to take on challenges and believing we can beat the odds. That said, a quick look at the statistics every now and then can be a reality check that keeps us on our toes as we prepare to develop a new product for a startup or an ongoing business. Estimates for new product failures fluctuate from a low of 33% to a high of 90% depending on the category. Invention launches fare even worse. According to Richard Maulsby, Associate Commissioner for Innovation Development at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, the “odds are stacked astronomically against inventors.” Only 3,000 out of 1.5 million patents in effect (or .002%) are commercially viable.

On the business side, the average failure rate for startups is around 25% in the first year and by the third year, 44%. There is no shortage of articles and books on what separates successful small businesses from those that fail. The causes run the gamut from management- to financial- to productrelated issues. Obviously, there are many contributing factors, but if we travel back to the beginning of any product-related venture, there is an individual who has what he or she believes is a good idea. From there, decisions are made, a product or service is developed, and a business is underway. Among the sobering statistics cited, two frequently mentioned causes for small business failures are worth noting: 1.) Owners who can’t get out of their own way, and 2.) Ill-conceived products. The following tips are offered as ways to be preemptively armed against these deficiencies and increase the prospects for success. Surround yourself with talent; your success may depend on it. As entrepreneurs, we tend to think we can do it all. Of course, we can’t and we shouldn’t. We may be good at one or more aspects of business, whether it’s management, sales, marketing, or financial planning, but certainly not all of them. On the product side, we may be a good idea generator, always coming up with creative concepts to advance the state of the art in a particular industry or to improve existing products. However, when it comes to transforming these ideas into something real, that’s the time to engage a team of talented and objective individuals with the skill sets needed to put each concept

Patent infringement is the unlawful act of manufacturing, importing, using, selling, or offering for sale patented products without permission/license from the patentee, during the term of the patent.

U.S. Patent Owners: How to Stop Patent Infringement at the U.S. Border by Attorney Daniel Holmander

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Since patents are territorial, when you register a patent in the U.S., your patent does not extend to other countries. Each country, moreover, has its own standards and laws for patents. So, if your patent is filed in the U.S., this prohibits anyone in the U.S. from making, using, selling or importing your product; however, anyone is free to manufacture the patented item outside the U.S. This creates a necessity for putting a stop to patent infringement at the U.S. border, since anyone could attempt to manufacture, then import your patented item into the U.S. Patent registrations may not be recorded directly with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for enforcement by U.S. Customs. U.S. Customs will only receive direct recordation for registered trademarks and copyrights, which offer their own benefits in terms of protection. However, patent owners may be entitled to protection under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930.

Tips From The Trenches | SMALL BUSINESS

through its due diligent paces. The quality of the team we choose can affect the outcome. It takes a team to innovate. None of the product ideas I originally proposed ever got into the marketplace exactly as envisioned, and that was a good thing. Letting go was not always easy, but success was the reward for getting out of the way, listening as the team weighed in, and allowing the process to unfold. Either the idea

when it comes to transforming these ideas into something real, that’s the time to engage a team of talented and objective individuals with the skill sets needed

Let Blue Cross be your guide to healthcare reform for small businesses. Learn Find out how small business health plan More! benefits will change at our seminar: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 Crowne Plaza Hotel 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick Registration/continental breakfast: 7:30 a.m. Seminar: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Space is limited! Visit BCBSRI.com/healthcarereform to register for today!

was determined to be commercially viable, it needed to morph into something else, or it got shelved. The products that did well did so because a team of professionals with diverse talents contributed to the development process. It took the input, perspectives, and the collective wisdom of the group to succeed. Fortunately, we are not statistics but individuals capable of determining our own destiny, of learning lessons over time and with experience, and becoming more enlightened through collaborations that result in informed decisions. The challenges associated with innovation are many and varied, but we are entrepreneurs, and we can beat the odds.

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

Elizabeth Pierotti The Inventing Life www.theinventinglife.com

Section 337(a)(B)(i) of the Tariff Act of 1930 identifies as unlawful: “The importation into the United States….of articles that infringe a valid and enforceable United States patent..” To obtain relief under Section 337, a complaint must be filed with the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) located in Washington, D.C., so that they may investigate any alleged violation of Section 337. For a recent listing of complaints filed with the ITC, scan here If the International Trade Commission investigates the matter and identifies a violation of Section 337, the ITC may provide for, oftentimes, an exclusion order of the articles that infringe the subject U.S. Patent. Once an exclusion order is provided, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will enforce the order. If patented articles subject to exclusion arrive at the U.S. Border, U.S. Customs will deny these articles from entry into the U.S.

Attorney Daniel Holmander Partner Barlow, Josephs & Holmes Ltd.

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS | RIP Windows XP

RIP Windows XP 95 98 2000 ME XP VIS

by Lisa Shorr

On October 25, 2001, Microsoft introduced an operating system that had small to large businesses alike exhaling a sigh of relief. Windows XP, successor to Windows ME, has been a stable, reliable and very user-friendly operating system. As of March 2013, 38.73% of PC’s connected to the Internet still run Windows XP (see graphic below). As of April 8, 2014, Microsoft will be hanging a RIP sign over this mainstream operating system when they will no longer offer any support to existing users. So what does this mean for you? What if you don’t change? What are your options? The Grave Diggers a.k.a. – The Risks of Non-Migration Security Patches - Die-hard XP fans, it is time to put down your weapons! Do not fight the inevitable – think security! Microsoft will no longer be writing any patches to fix security holes uncovered by hackers. This means your entire network could be vulnerable to attacks. You’ve worked so hard to safeguard your network - don’t risk exploitation! Software Compatibility – Be aware that newer software packages of MS Office 2013, Quickbooks and Adobe

Acrobat will not run on Windows XP. You can’t afford to put your business on a stand-still. Drivers – A driver is software for a peripheral such as a printer, scanner, mouse or webcam that enables each of these devices to communicate with the computer operating system. If you are looking to replace your printer or adding a new scanner to your hardware mix, they will not be written for XP. You will be severely limiting your ability to grow by not upgrading your operating system. The Truth about PC Hardware You might be thinking, “No problem, I will just upgrade my operating system and keep my old computers.” This is like applying a new paint job on an old car. It might look new, BUT it is still an old car! It will not improve the way it runs. This analogy holds true for trying to upgrade old XP machines. Two points to note: 1. Cost - The lifecycle of a PC is 3 – 5 years. In order to load a new operating system onto an older PC, Windows 7 for example, you first need to buy the individual license (price ranges around $200). Unless you are tech savvy, you then need to bring your computer to an IT service provider to wipe the computer clean

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Webmonkey. Digital image. Webmonkey Microsoft Gets Ready to Pull the Life Support on Windows XP Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Aug. 2013.

RIP Windows XP | SMALL BUSINESS

and then load the new operating system. You are already looking at a combined cost of $300 - $400! A new computer costs between $400 - $600. New computers also come with a 2 – 3 year warranty. 2.

Mechanics - All computers have the following specs: RAM - the working memory that allows you to open multiple programs at a time Processor - the engine of the computer that determines computing speed Hard drive - where all data and applications are stored Video card – produces output to display on monitor

XP machines were not designed to keep up with the demands and features of current software and application releases. Watching a current version of Microsoft Office load on an XP machine would be like watching a snail run a road race…painfully slow and it may never finish! Not a productive use of time.

you cannot wait until April 8th to make that decision take a moment of silence now and then get ready to take action Moral of this story: it is best to make the leap and embrace the total upgrade – computer and operating system. You currently have 2 viable options. 1.

Windows 7 – If you want to stay on the PC course, then your best investment will be upgrading to Windows 7. Windows 7 machines are built to be compatible with many other peripherals such as printers and scanners. They are also designed to run newer software applications such as current versions of Microsoft Office and Quickbooks faster. According to the Microsoft website, support for this tried and true operating system is not slated to expire until January 14, 2020. By the time this expires, it will be time to upgrade your computers once again.

Windows 8 – Looking to jump onto the BYOD and tablet train? Then this operating system is for you. It is fast, fun and functional on a tablet, but on a PC, the existing version is not user-friendly. Many consumers resist change, and the new touch screen “tileworld” (home screen) is an extreme one. Microsoft has listened to the consumer’s complaints and plans a new release, Windows 8.1, this November. The planned release will add back the beloved “start” button and allows users to boot directly to the desktop operating system. Hallelujah!

One thing I do know: you cannot wait until April 8th to make that decision – take a moment of silence now and then get ready to take action.

Lisa Shorr PC Troubleshooters www.pctrouble.com

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401 351 3036 www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS | The Year in Review

the year in

REVIEW by Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro

The Rhode Island Small Business Journal (RISBJ) just celebrated a little over a year of publishing. Congratulations to the team! I’ve enjoyed writing for each issue and would like to thank Dr. Margarita Posada Cossuto for improving my articles.

To commemorate our first year, I’ll summarize my articles. If you missed or want to review my articles, you can find them at: www.slideshare.net/ DrRonShapiro/rhode-islandsmall-business-journal-risbjarticles-by-ronald-g-shapiro-ph-d,

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

or you may refer to www.risbj. com/risbj-issue-archive for entire journals.

My articles covered five primary topics:

Managing Your Business Selecting New Employees For Your Small Business: Do Your Applicant’s Resumes ROAR? (Issue 1.1). Will you be hiring at least one new employee this year, or will a friend or family member be looking for a new position? If so, please check out this article.

Become an A+ Employer, Differentiate Yourself From The Rest (Issue 1.2). Great employers provide flexibility, optimize work assignments and help their employees to develop and find work interesting. Do you have a meaningful development plan in place for each of your employees including yourself?

Building Business Relationships Have You Tried After Hours Business Networking Recently? (Issue 2.1). We have frequent business networking events in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. Have you been attending these lately or have you been missing out? Show the World What Your Customers Think of You: Build a Word Cloud (Issue 2.2). Ask your customers to write a oneword summary of your business, and then combine the input to produce a nice picture.

The Year in Review | SMALL BUSINESS

Involving Your Family in Your Profession Do Your Children Know What You Do At Work? Probably Not (Issue 1.3). Family support is critical for running a successful business. Test how well your family members understand your work. It is Time for Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day ® (Issue 2.3). Check out how well you and your family members agree on descriptions of each other.

Improving Job Performance by Understanding How People Process Information How Much Did Your Assumptions Cost You Today? (Issue 1.4). Incorrect assumptions result in lost business. Reexamine your assumptions. What Did You Hear? Not What I Said! (Issue 1.5). Missing a critical detail can result in less than optimal performance.

Optimize your business results by attending to the details.

Resolve Issues By Asking Great Questions (Issue 1.7). Asking questions is an excellent way to help people work together better. Check out this article to see how.

Multitasking - Trendy but Risky! (Issue 1.9). Multitasking is not necessarily the optimal strategy for accomplishing a task. Multitasking at the wrong time (such as using cell phones while driving – handheld or not) is not safe. Check out this article to find out more!

Should You Do It? a Prioritization and Decision Making Tool for You (Issue 1.8). Too much to do? Not enough time to do it? Try this prioritization tool.

Are You Missing Your Own Reflection? (Issue 2.5). Are we sensitive to small changes in the environment that require us to change plans? Are our customer’s less than ideal responses reflecting our own attitude?

Why Did You Ask That Question? (Issue 2.4). Don’t ask a question if you aren’t prepared to react appropriately to the answer. See an example of failed communication. I’ll conclude by thanking you, my readers, for helping to make my column and the journal a success. Keep in touch. Let us know how we can be of help.

Personal Management Techniques for You and Your Employees Use The Tuesday Technique To Help Get It Done (Issue 1.6). Do you have any necessary tasks which are not getting done? Try the Tuesday technique to help complete them.

Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Independent Consultant in Human Factors Learning & Human Resources 1 Thanks to Dr. Margarita Posada Cossuto for helpful comments and suggestions

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www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS | The Kingdom of Wellness!

The Kingdom of

Wellness! by Tim Sullivan

The challenges of designing effective workplace wellness programs vary by the type and nature of not only the business, but also the makeup of the employees and the organizational culture. There are enough similarities between mid-size businesses and municipalities such as towns, small cities or county governments that the lessons that can be learned in one type of organization translate to different types of organizations. One such case study is the ongoing experience of King County, Washington, which has experienced some success at implementing wellness initiatives in recent years. Challenges to local government Local municipalities face unique fiscal problems compared with the federal government in that local municipalities cannot “print” money or borrow extensively to cover rising expenses. Local leaders are forced to explore all options when it comes to managing their budgets. The situation is also complicated by the fact that many local governmental entities must also contend with strong public sector unions, and must negotiate changes with (sometimes) several union entities. Many organizations seek to contain healthcare costs by turning to workplace wellness programs and altering policies surrounding health insurance. King County, Washington The study of King County, Washington was featured in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM) in November of 2011, and is the subject of much debate around the design of workplace wellness programs. While their claims of savings are not earth-shattering, they have shown a significant enough “bending of the curve” to warrant further study. In 2004, King County was facing steadily rising healthcare costs. The leadership of King County estimated that health-related costs would double by 2012 to an annual expense of $300 million if nothing were done to curb them. A diverse council was convened to find a solution to the problem. Complicating the situation was the fact that over 80%

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

of the King County employees were represented by 30 separate labor unions. Any solution had to be negotiated and satisfactory to all parties and mutually beneficial to all. When properly framed, it should be made clear that all wellness programs should be mutually beneficial to all parties concerned.

the program uses rewards in terms of lower out-of-pocket health insurance expenses in exchange for completing certain wellness activities and goals Healthy Incentivessm The task force decided (through meetings and negotiations) that the best way to handle the problem was to address it from both the demand and supply sides. They created a program called “Healthy Incentives.sm” The Healthy Incentivessm program is designed to make employees healthier, which curbs the need for health services on the demand side. They worked with the Puget Sound Health Alliance to improve quality of care and reduce the amount of ineffective and needlessly costly treatments on the supply side. The program uses rewards in terms of lower out-of-pocket health insurance expenses in exchange for completing certain wellness activities and goals. Reaching incentive goals for a family of 4 can save up to $1,200 per year!

The Kingdom of Wellness! | SMALL BUSINESS

Who keeps your business on track?

Savings by changing health insurance pricing policies King County instituted changes to the pricing policies for health insurance policies, which increased the financial contribution of patients mainly at the point of service. These policies have been found by long term studies to lower the amount of health services used without reducing the health of insured patients (See Health Insurance Experiment, Rand Corp. 1971-1986). King County policies included: • Raising deductibles • Lowering the level of co-insurance • Lowering the co-pay prices for generic drugs • Raising the co-pays for “brand name” drugs The aim (and the result) of these policies is to use market forces to affect the level of excess health care service usage. In other words, people who have to pay more for a service will think longer whether it is necessary to go to the doctor, as opposed to finding an alternative (and possibly more effective) treatment. King County saving by self-funding its health insurance The health insurance plan during this period was a “self-funded” plan, which was administered by a local health insurance carrier. A “self-funded” health insurance program works the same way as any other health insurance plan from the perspective of the patient and the doctor; the difference is that in a “self-funded” model, the employer pays closer to the value of the services rendered than an actuarially generated and billed health insurance plan. Organizations that are able to keep employees healthier will save significant money in healthcare costs without sacrificing the quality of available health care! If you’re going to “self-fund” your health insurance, it’s well worth investing in an effective wellness program!

Tim Sullivan Life-Panel www.well-track.com

117 Metro Center Blvd., Ste. 1004 | Warwick, R.I. 02886 | 401.732.9100 14 Woodruff Ave. | Narragansett, R.I. 02882 | 401.792.9100

www.gallothomas.com

Personal Insurance Group Benefit Plans

| |

Risk Management Business Insurance

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS | Your Website is like Show and Tell for your Brand

Your Website is like

for your Brand by Adam Harvey

As a business owner, you’ve worked hard to create a visual voice for your company. You’ve got a great logo as a graphic representation of your business, and you’ve applied it to your stationary, signage and just about anything else you can think of. But these things don’t make up your whole brand because a brand is so much more than just your visual voice. Your brand encompasses everything about you, from your logo right down to the quality of your service. It isn’t what you say it is, it’s what your customers perceive it to be. Your website is a great opportunity to really tell your story and draw your customers in. This is why it’s important to make sure that it’s an extension of what you’ve worked so hard to establish, and that goes way beyond creating a look that works well with your logo. A successfully and thoroughly branded website should give a clear picture of your business through it’s content and functionality. Guidelines to follow While the first thing you might think about when you consider your website is what products or services you want to highlight, those are not actually the most important things. Since your website tells your customers a lot about you, you want to think more about the overall feel and experience

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

of your site. It should have some personality and consistency with very good quality written and visual content, great organization and a user-friendly interface. Consistent overall feel and experience You want to make sure that your site is as intuitive to use as possible. If it’s hard to navigate or it’s disorganized, your customers will experience frustration as a part of dealing with you, and that could force them to look elsewhere for an easier transaction.

or old information. Does your site work well with many different browsers like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari? You don’t want to alienate any customers who are using a browser that doesn’t get along with your website.

a good site will have clearly prioritized information with a limited and coherent color palette that supports your logo and expresses your brand’s personality

A good site will have clearly prioritized information with a limited and coherent color palette that supports your logo and expresses your brand’s personality. You also need to make sure that all of your content is professional and credible, so the images you use and your copy need to be of good, consistent quality throughout your website. If you have some great stuff followed by some stuff that isn’t as good, customers won’t come to expect consistent results from you. Couple frustration with inconsistency and it could be a deal breaker.

You also need to be sure that your site functions properly with no broken links, typos

Quality content Quality content goes beyond having great looking photos and professionally written copy. It all comes down to what you choose to show and tell about. In fact, it’s a lot like the “show and tell” you can probably recall from your childhood. Remember when you were a kid and you’d carefully select a precious treasure to bring to school to share with your classmates? Did you consider

what would be most impressive or what you thought your class would be the most interested in hearing about? This is exactly how you should look at the content of your website. Highlight your best assets Bring out your biggest strengths to highlight. Is your showroom stunning? Invest in some professional photos for your website. Do you have a great story to tell about the history of your company? Hire a copywriter to help you tell it in just the right way to engage your audience. While it may be tempting to use all your photos and explain every facet of your business, remember that the Internet has a short attention span. You need to get to the point and make the most relevant information easy to find and digest. As you can probably appreciate by now, a well-branded website pulls together all that you are and all that you stand for into an online experience that leaves your customers feeling good about doing business with you. Don’t pass up the opportunity to make a lasting impression!

Adam Harvey GLAD WORKS www.gladworks.com

DOES YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY HAVE CURB APPEAL?

Does Your Commercial Property Have Curb Appeal? | SMALL BUSINESS

by Jim Jaworski

What does your commercial property say about you and your company? Would it say you keep it clean and refreshed with seasonal plants, trimmed hedges and a mowed lawn? Or would it say you have completely abandoned it, leaving dying trees, yellowed grass, and an abundance of weeds to take over the land? If you are the latter, you need to consider making some changes, not only for your property’s sake, but also for your company’s. Your business location’s curb appeal has a huge effect on whether or not a customer decides to do business with you. Imagine pulling in to an office building with overgrown hedges, dying plants and dried up grass. What kind of impression do you have? Cue the tumbleweed because this office building might as well be a ghost town with the lack of visitors it receives. Even employees won’t feel comfortable entering properties that aren’t taken care of, so you need to make sure that your piece of land, no matter how big or small, looks inviting and welcoming. Some business owners do not pursue landscaping for their commercial properties because they are worried about costs; however, landscaping should be viewed as a profitable investment into your business, and if you hire the right company, it can be very cost-effective. One study from Clemson University even found that hiring a professional

landscaping company to create a beautiful outdoor space can provide a 100% return on your investment. The study, along with many others, also found that landscaping can increase your property value by as much as 15%! A study by the Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Association broke the percentages down even further. They found that a landscaped curb can raise property value by 4.4%, and properly maintained hedges can add 3.6% to the property value. They also discovered that when landscaping companies properly place certain types of trees, plants, and flowers, heating and cooling costs can go down by as much as 20%... imagine the savings! Even the wilderness will appreciate you more if you improve your landscaping efforts. Instead of bugs decomposing dead garden matter, your visitors will see more butterflies, songbirds, and hummingbirds, creating a pleasing, friendly environment. The air quality and noise level will also improve around your office once healthy trees are planted to remove carbon dioxide and absorb sound waves. Remember, the smallest of landscaping improvements-yard cleaning, regular lawn cutting, etc.-- can have a significant effect on the success of your business. You only get one chance to make an initial impression, so make sure that it’s a good one by hiring a landscaping company!

Jim Jaworski Owner Jaworski Landscaping

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

WHAT’S IN YOUR PILES?

SMALL BUSINESS | What’s In Your Piles?

by Kristin Carcieri-MacRae

Are you the type that “clears” off your desk on a monthly basis? And by “clearing” your desk, I mean getting rid of the piles that form and any other correspondence that is sitting on your desk. Do you have piles on your desk, but you state you know exactly what is in the piles? I will bet you don’t really know. Stop wasting precious time and start developing working organized systems.

People think that because they give their desk a clean sweep on a monthly basis, they are being efficient and productive. This is not really true. If you have working systems in place, those piles won’t even form on a monthly basis, and you won’t have to waste time going through them. Next time you “clear” off your desk, think about what you are removing from your desk and think about why those piles even formed in the first place. Instead of mindlessly going through the paper and throwing away or filing, think about what each piece means to you, and how you can develop an organized system going forward. Most of the time, piles form because you don’t know what to do with the paper that comes into your office. Do you have paper that refers to an upcoming event? Create a file for upcoming events or important meetings and file them in date order with the most recent event on the top. When you have an event coming up, you can go to that folder and grab the corresponding information. Create systems for your bills, tax

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

information, and any pertinent information that you receive, but don’t know where to place. Create a hanging folder with manila folder subdivisions and color code if you must. Attach anything that needs to be handled in the upcoming week to your to-do list. It will be attached to a daily to-do list, and you will remember to handle it. Develop simple and easy working systems. People think they have to develop an elaborate and extensive system. The simpler the system, the easier it is to follow and maintain.

Also, if you read last month’s article, please get rid of the horizontal filing trays. They are a breeding ground for paper. They become a dumping ground for paper that we don’t know what to do with or haven’t created a system for yet. Once you become organized, you will find you don’t even need this horizontal filing tray. Get rid of it for good! The piles of paper cause distractions for you and anybody visiting your office. The minute you walk into your office, your eyes are directed toward the piles. Clients will immediately form an opinion of how you function in your day if they see these piles. Evaluate your desk and take a look at what is in your piles. You may be surprised at what you find. Organize, Energize!

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae Owner Organizing In RI, LLC

Top Ten Ways Others Can Promote You - Part 2 by Ivan Misner & Peter George

Make initial contact with prospects and referral sources. Instead of just giving you the telephone number and address of an important prospect, a network member can phone or meet the prospect first and tell him about you. When you make contact with the prospect, he will be expecting to hear from you and will know something about you. Better yet, your source can help you build new relationships faster through a personal introduction to that person. Ideally, she would provide you with key information about the prospect while also telling the prospect a few things about you, your business, and some of the things you and the prospect have in common. Arrange a meeting on your behalf. When one of your sources tells you about a person you should meet or someone you consider a key contact, she can help you immensely by coordinating a meeting. Ideally, she will not only call the contact and set a specific date, time, and location for the meeting but will also attend the meeting with you. Publish information for you. Network members may be able to get information about you and your business printed in publications they subscribe to and in which they have some input or influence. For example, a referral source who belongs to an association that publishes a newsletter might help you get an article published or persuade the editor to run a story about you. Many companies showcase topic-specific experts in their newsletters; you could become the expert in your field for some of these. Form strategic alliances with you. Of all the kinds of support that a source can offer, this one has the greatest potential

for long-term gain for both parties. When you engage in a strategic alliance, you’re in essence developing a formal relationship with another business owner that says you will refer him business whenever possible and he will do the same. This works best in businesses that are complementary. For example, a handyman would find advantages in forming an alliance with a real estate agent because they continually encounter people who need home repair work done. Conversely, a handyman probably deals with homeowners who are considering selling their homes after he’s finished making repairs. Such strategic alliances can work with a number of other businesses (CPAs and financial advisors, mortgage brokers and real estate agents, hotel salespeople and event planners, and so on). The key is to find the person with the right complementary business and then make it work for both of you. Connect with you through online networks. When people connect with you online, you can notify them about your events or projects, and you can receive the same kind of information from them. They can see your business profile and biographic data and can refer you to people in their networks. Once connected, they can provide recommendations and testimonials for the rest of your network to view. By keeping these ideas in mind, you are prepared to immediately respond to the statement, “If there’s anything I can do to help you with your business, let me know.”

Academy Field East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Farmer’s Market At the corner of Church and Rector 3:00pm-6:00pm (Rain or Shine) Wednesday, August 21 Central RI Chamber of Commerce Summer After Hours in Paradise 4:30pm-7:30pm 3288 Post Road Warwick, RI 02886 Wednesday, August 21 A&B Family Appliances Southern RI Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours 5:00pm-7:00pm 446A Main Street Wakefield, RI $5 per person. Bring plenty of business cards for networking! Thursday, August 22 Northern RI Chamber of Commerce Blood Drive 11:00am-2:00pm 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Suite 402 Lincoln, RI 02865 Bloodmobile will be parked in the back of building 4. No registration necessary. Thursday, August 22

Ivan Misner Founder and Chairman BNI

Peter George Director BNI Rhode Island

East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Main Street Stroll: A Taste of East Greenwich 5:00pm-8:00pm

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

CAPITAL CITY | “Top 21 Under-The-Radar Destinations” Worldwide

PROVIDENCE’S GROWING KNOWLEDGE DISTRICT: A REAL JEWEL by Mayor Angel Taveras

Great things are happening in Providence’s growing Knowledge District. Aligned with our capital city’s downtown and ‘eds and meds’ corridor, exciting private, public and institutional developments are occurring to make this a premier place to locate your life-science, design, engineering or technology company. With world-class colleges and universities such as Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Johnson & Wales University, University of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University, Bryant University and more within immediate proximity, growth is its only option. Affordable properties with immediate access to two interstate highways, a soonto-be international airport, AMTRAK and Providence & Worcester rail lines, and one of the Northeast’s deepest ports, Providence’s Knowledge District is easy to reach and affords inexpensive transport goods and services. It is also the historic Jewelry District of Providence, long known for its design and manufacturing excellence and, today, for its advanced manufacturing excellence for the life sciences, R&D and information technology. With plans for the near future for a streetcar system that would link the ‘eds and meds’ thoughout this district, and with its proximity to the seat of government (federal, state and local), as well as its affordable housing at many price points, award-winning quality of life and outstanding great restaurants, theatre and a $190 million annual creative economy, we offer prospective business leaders and their employees many reasons to call Providence home and to grow in the Knowledge District.

RISBJ | rhode | rhode island island small smallbusiness businessjournal journal

Within the Knowledge District, we offer world-class hospitals and institutions such as Women and Infants, Rhode Island Hospital and nearby Butler Hospital (psychiatric research), the Veterans Hospital with hundreds of millions of dollars in brain research, the Brown University Sidney Frank Hall for Life Sciences – a $100 million venture, and ICERM - a $15.5-million Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics. ICERM is the eighth federally-funded national mathematics research institute and the only one in New England, studying the convergence of mathematics and computation. Rhode Island School of Design, founded in 1877 during the Industrial Revolution, was named a design school to show how important it was to the economy with its textile and jewelry manufacturing leadership. And it continues to be important to our economy today. Witness, too, the independent researchers and scientists – from EpiVax with their HIV/ AIDS international vaccine work to NabSys’ work in double helix genome research to Edesias Global Nutrition Solutions’ work addressing starvation in 3rd world countries to Maternova, partnering technology and products with women and newborns across the globe. We have 22 acres of developable land within the Knowledge District, which was newlyopened up with the relocation of Interstate 195. Take a closer look at it and see for yourself the possibilities. Call Jim Bennett, Director of Economic Development at 401.680.8541 to schedule a site tour, and for more information, visit www. providenceri.com/economic-development.

Networking and Workshops | EVENTS

Thursday, August 22

KNOWLEDGE DISTRICT Brown Laboratories for Molecular

Dame Farm & Orchards North Central Chamber of Commerce August “Business After Hours” 5:00pm-7:00pm 91 B Brown Avenue Johnston, RI 02919

Newport Chamber of Commerce

Signaling Networks, Center for

Business After Hours

Computational Molecular Medicine,

Thursday, August 22 St. George’s School

Medicine, COBRE for Cancer

5:00pm-7:00pm

Center for Genomics and Proteomics

372 Purgatory Rd. Middletown, RI

Betaspring, Founders League 02 04

02 Friday, August 23

EpiVax,

Bioinformatics & vaccine design,

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

HIV/AIDS research

35 Valley Rd.

Middletown, RI 02842

Johnson & Wales University Center for 10

Physician Assistant Studies 09

Neurosurgery Foundation

Friday, August 23 Eleven Forty Nine Restaurant

Central RI Chamber of Commerce LEADS Luncheon 12:00pm-1:30pm

Coro Center 06

1149 Division Street Warwick, RI 02818

Lifespan

Rhode Island Hospital

Woman & Infants Hospital

Wednesday, August 28 Lincoln High School Parking Lot Northern RI Chamber of Commerce Cash Mob Meet at 6:00pm. Location to be announced

Slater Technology Fund, Tech

Collective of Rhode Island, Advanced

at 6:15pm. 135 Old River Road Lincoln, RI 02865

Image Enhancement, Brown University

No registration necessary.

Computing and Information Services, Friday, August 30

Mnemosyne Pharmaceuticals

Eldredge Field Proposed home of Brown University/

URI/RIC Nursing School

Kilguss Research Institute

East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Summer’s End Concert 5:00pm

Friday, August 30 McCoy Stadium

G Form

Warren Alpert Medical School

Miriam Hospital Weight Control and

North Central Chamber of Commerce PawSox Game and Tailgating Extravaganza! 5:00pm on…Networking & Tailgating Party 7:05pm Game – vs. Syracuse Chiefs Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1

Diabetes Research Center

New England Tech NABSys Electronic whole-genome DNA sequencing

East Greenwich Campus East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce East Greenwich Art Festival 10:00am-5:00pm Daily [continued on page 37]

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

Swipely: Providing Simple Insights to Help Local Merchants Succeed In late 2009, technology mogul Angus Davis decided he wanted to take what he had learned at Silicon Valley back to his home state of Rhode Island. With the goal of growing a technology- and businessfriendly environment in the Ocean State, Davis moved back to Rhode Island and founded Swipely. Today, Swipely not only helps hundreds of popular merchants across the United States succeed, but also helps the growth of business in Rhode Island by bringing in industry leaders from Silicon Valley.

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

2009 Launch Year

$20.5M Total Funding

48 Employees

148 U.S. Cities w/ Swipely Merchants

$3.2M Insights on Customers

$750M In Annual Transactions

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

is the simple way for local merchants to accept payments, understand customers, and grow revenue.

■Swipely REPEAT CUSTOMERS VSonce ■NEWDavis CUSTOMERS was created saw how

Accept Payments Unlock powerful data stored in the payment network.

difficult it was for local merchants to see the Visitorsin paying Sales AvgtoSale benefits large expenses accept card payments from customers. Davis 21 $65. 53 wanted businesses to see the power$51. card payment 57% so he developed 66% data provides, a technology that could read all of the information behind each transaction. “In developing our technology, we quickly Learn How toshopping Bring More Customers Back recognized data is incredibly valuable, but out of VS reach for CUSTOMERS REPEAT CUSTOMERS NEW most restaurants and retailers. I started BEST CUSTOMERS Visitors Sales Sale Swipely to help local merchantsAvg succeed using simple, actionable insights 21 from this $65. Total Avg Total Last Customer data,” said Davis. 53

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■

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way Davis also created Swipely to take some of Elizabeth D. $4,456 $84. 56 11 days • Learn what days and times perform best the work load off the shoulders of business Tie contact information to spend history $81. to accept • H. merchants $4,196 52 45 days ustomers, andopportunities grow revenue. isto the simple way forSimon local grow sales • Identify owners and managers. “Local merchants Learn How to Bring More Customers Back Tucker S. $3,805 $78. 47 2 days • Build a central contacts directory many They started their Back business payments, understand customers,wear and revenue. Learn Howgrow tohats. Bring More Customers • Send the right message to the right customer because they were passionate about the Send Message to Customer List ■atREPEAT CUSTOMERS VS ■NEW CUSTOMERS the right time services or products they sell, not to become BEST CUSTOMERS rs technology and marketing Swipely ■aREPEAT CUSTOMERS VS ■NEWnerd. CUSTOMERS BEST CUSTOMERS Visitors Sales Avg Sale Accept Total Payments AvgCustomers Total Last CustomerUnderstand provides the technology and marketing CAMPAIGNS › MEMORIAL DAY PROMOTION ge Spent Spend Visits Visit Name Grow Revenue Visitors crunching Avg SaleLast firepower, data in one place and Total Sales $65. Avg Total Customer 65 98 35

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According to Davis, there are two things that set Swipely apart from their competition: leading technology and a great team of people. Others have recognized this in Swipely, too. Providence Business News recently awarded Swipely one of the “Best Places to Work in 2013” for their teamwork and culture. Swipely was also the first Rhode Island company to ever make the Forbes 100 list. In 2013, Forbes named them “One of America’s Most Promising Companies,” taking note of the company’s strategic business model and experienced team of industry veterans.

Unlockabout powerful data stored in $51.53 Learn customers and manage 65 Elizabeth D. marketing $4,456 56 and 11 days Measure campaigns the payment network. 57% 66% their information in$84. one place. 98 $81. Simon H. customer $4,196 52 45 days increase spending.

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ng return

Today, their services help many popular Rhode Island businesses, including Trinity Brewhouse, Alayne White Spa, Nikki’s Liquors, Rue De L’Espoir, Ballard’s Inn, Munroe Dairy, and many more. Swipely is proud to help these merchants gain a better understanding of over 2 million customers and manage over $700 million in annual sales.

■

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Create New Campaign

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$6461.55

above avg

CEO Angus Davis’ entrepreneurial inclination comes from his late grandparents, who inspired him at a young age. He constantly saw his grandfather pursuing business ventures and, no matter if they succeeded or not, his grandfather always kept trying. Davis adopted his grandfather’s determination and motivation, and has proven his strong passion and entrepreneurial talent since he entered the workforce. In the late 1990’s, Davis became the youngest employee at Netscape, the company that invented the Web browser, and gained valuable technology knowledge. From there, he moved on to co-found his own company Tellme, which pioneered speech recognition, in 1999. By the time Microsoft acquired Tellme in 2007 for nearly $1 billion, Davis and his team had been able to grow the company to over $100 million in sales and more than 300 employees. Davis said he stayed with Tellme to lead Microsoft’s

178 New 534 Repeat

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ng return

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178 New 534 Repeat

47% have returned

Create New Campaign

small Training business journal 34 RISBJ | rhode island No New Equipment No Staﬀ

2009

2010

speech recognition strategy for two years before heading back to Rhode Island with the hope of bringing “a Silicon Valley spark to the Ocean State.” Davis enjoys helping his home state and said, “We hope not only to bring value to our customers, employees and shareholders, but to lift Rhode Island, which suffers one of the highest unemployment rates in America due to chronic bad policy decisions.”

Swipely is expanding so quickly, that one of their toughest challenges is trying to find people to join their team. The company is expecting to hire 80 more employees this year to meet the customer growth. Davis invites readers to visit their careers page at swipely.com/jobs to apply to be part of the team.

CEO Angus Davis leaves TellMe & Microsoft and moves back to RI

Swipely moves into first office

Receives $7.5 M in Series A funding

For anybody looking to grow their own business, Davis says, “Be curious, take

Launches V1 of Swipely

crunching data in one place and turning it into simple, actionable insights so merchants can make smarter, faster business decisions to grow Rhode Island not only faces trouble with unemployment rates, but it is also a tough environment for tech startups, which Swipely is helping to change. With a veteran management team, Swipely has grown 50% in each of the last three quarters, which most companies won’t even grow in a year. Because of their quick growth, the company was able to attract the tech industry’s top investors, who helped them develop even more. As of today, Swipely has raised over $20 million in venture capital and has not needed any government funding. Davis is proud to help his company grow through private investment versus government funding, and believes, “The best way the government can help companies like Swipely is to make smart pro-growth policy decisions, improve education for our workforce and their families, and adopt an ethical, high integrity approach to policymaking.”

as a social shopping network

Swipely moves to credit card based loyalty

Swipely becomes a credit card processor

risks, and aim high! One of my favorite sayings is, ‘If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.’ Find smart mentors you can learn from, and get close to them. If you’ve been in Rhode Island your whole life, spend at least a year in a major city elsewhere for some perspective, but then come home and help us make Rhode Island a better place to live and work.” Most importantly, as his grandfather taught him, David believes that entrepreneurs will fail many times before they succeed, so they have to keep trying.

Swipely moves to second office

Swipely processes $250M annually

Swipely named by Forbes as one of Americas Most Promising Companies

Swipely processing $500M annually

When Davis looks into the future, he sees continued growth and innovation at Swipely. He wants to rapidly expand the sales team and many other aspects of the company as it continues to grow into different regions of the country. Swipely’s products will continue to improve, adding more value for their merchant members. Above all, Davis said, “The opportunity to help everyday small business owners grow is an exciting motivation that [will keep] us going at Swipely.”

Swipely receives $12M series B funding

Swipely named as one of the Best Places to Work in RI by Providence Business News

$750 million

2011

2012

2013 www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS | Make People Want To Buy From You!

by Richard Austin

People buy from people. More specifically, people buy from people they remember. It doesn’t matter whether you’re selling financial services, insurance, or camel muzzles. Everyone will say the same thing: “I give my clients special care,” “I’m honest and fair,” or “Our camel muzzles are the best.” No one even says, “I only care about some of my clients,” or “I’m mostly honest,” or, my favorite, “let me tell you the truth.” What does this mean? You weren’t telling me the truth before? It reminds me of signs I saw in front of pubs in Edinburgh saying, “Good food being served now.” What, if I came back in an hour the food would be lousy? What can you do to stand out? Again, people buy from people. They want a story, a reason to choose you. I’m working with a client who gave me a presentation on the history of the company she works for. Pretty boilerplate stuff, until we dug a little deeper. She told me that the founder of the company had a partner, and that the partner married the sister of the founder, and the founder in turn married his partner’s sister. Now, that’s a story! People don’t just want to buy products from that company; they want to buy products from the two guys who married each other’s sister. Now they know something personal, and they have a hint

CWE’s Helping Small Businesses

after Hurricane Sandy 36

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

[continued from page 31]

of a unique love story. “Let’s buy from those guys – that’s a neat story.” This is the type of connection you need to make with your client. They can buy your product from a dozen different people. You have to give them a reason to buy from you. You need to tell them a story.

that if you put the evolution of mankind’s communication on a timeline, we’ve only been reading and writing for a very short time. People remember only about 25% of what they read, but 75% of what they see; and that’s what a good story will do. It will make them “see,” or visualize what we’re telling them. Isn’t that what we want to do on a sales call or during a presentation?

they can buy your product from a dozen different people. You have to give them a reason to buy from you. You need to tell them a story.

Our brains are hard-wired to hear and remember stories. How long do you think we’ve been telling stories? The cave drawings in Chauvet, France were done 30,000 years ago. Were they just paintings? No, they were stories. Stories of those people and how they lived. All cultures passed down their history through oral tradition; essentially, story telling.

Does a good story come easy? Usually not. Is it worth the effort? Well, let me ask you this. Do you want your clients to remember you and your products and services? You bet you do. Tell them a story that is relevant and memorable, and they will buy from you. Why? Because people buy from people they remember.

Tuesday, September 3 East Bay Chamber Office WEBOND Women’s Series 12:00pm-1:00pm 16 Cutler St. #102 Warren, RI 02885 Thursday, September 5 International Yacht Restoration School, Inc. Newport Chamber of Commerce Business Before Hours 8:00am-9:00am 449 Thames St. Newport, RI 02840 Friday, September 6 Fayerweather Craft Guild Southern RI Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee 8:00am-9:00am 1859 Mooresfield Rd. (Route 138) Kingston, RI Friday, September 6 Newport Chamber of Commerce

Eventually, people started writing things down. Without delving into etymology (the study of the history of words), it’s safe to say

Richard Austin President The Learning Curve LLC

Chamber Connections 8:00am-9:15am 35 Valley Rd. Middletown, RI 02842 Monday, September 9 Roger Williams University East Bay Chamber of Commerce Merchant Fair 11:00am - 1:00 pm Monday, September 9

by Claudia Cornejo

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit Southern Rhode Island hard, causing millions of dollars in damage throughout the region. In addition to coastal erosion, flooding, and personal property damage, hundreds of Rhode Island businesses suffered losses because of the storm. Not only did the storm cause physical damage to buildings, but the lack of electricity and washed out roads caused many businesses to close, in some cases for weeks. Such an unexpected loss of income is very hard for small businesses to recover. As part of the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 passed by Congress, the Center for Women & Enterprise was awarded grant funding through the U.S. Small Business Administration to help all small businesses in the disaster declared regions of Kent, Washington and Newport counties

recover, grow and thrive. Over the next few months CWE will be hosting a range of free business workshops and counseling appointments for businesses in every stage of operation. CWE will also be offering disaster preparedness workshops to help businesses prepare for the next disaster. Whether it is a hurricane, a nor’easter, or a man-made disaster, businesses should have disaster plans in place and be adequately insured. CWE will also be offering programs on Quickbooks, Social Media, and Business Planning. For more information about CWE’s Hurricane Sandy initiative, please contact Claudia Cornejo at ccornejo@cweonline.org or visit www.cweonline.org.

The Villa at Saint Antoine Northern RI Chamber of Commerce Networking at Night 5:00pm-7:00pm 400 Mendon Road North Smithfield, RI 02896 Tuesday, September 10 Northern RI Chamber of Commerce Leadership Skills for Lead People 8:30am-4:30pm 6 Blackstone Valley Place Suite 402 Lincoln, RI 02865 Tuesday, September 10 East Bay Chamber Office WEBOND Women’s Series

Claudia Cornejo Business Support Specialist Center For Women & Enterprise

12:00pm- 1:00pm 16 Cutler St. #102 Warren, RI 02885

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS | The 4 Bs for Social Media Success

The 4 Bs for Social Media Success by Aileen McDonough and Jen Osojnicki

Most companies now agree that Social Media needs to be part of their marketing plan, but there is still some confusion on how to use it to get results. As social media outlets evolve, we need to do more than just throw promotions on Facebook. Engaging your audience is the key, and here are 4 positive, powerful ways to do it: Become a resource. People go online for ideas and advice. Brides search Pinterest for wedding ideas, moms join Facebook groups to share parenting tips, and professionals use LinkedIn and Twitter to ask for industry advice, all the time. These are your customers. Why not be the one that provides advice, tips, and information? You don’t have to supply all of it yourself-be a curator of content. Collect and share articles that would be of interest to your clients. Become the resource that people go to for good information related to your field. Be a hero. Don’t be a “set and forget” social media user. If you monitor your social media, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for you to engage your clients. Keep an eye out for problems that need to be solved and occasions that need to be celebrated. How many times have you seen one of your clients on Facebook, asking “Does anyone know a good plumber/florist/ orthopedist/summer camp/movie to see Friday night?” A well-placed suggestion or solution makes YOU the hero of the situation, and the go-to for your clients.

being on social media with your customers is like running into them at a summer BBQ

Build the community. No company is an island, especially on social media. There are many businesses related to your industry, and you will reap rewards by building a community with those businesses. If you have a great experience doing business with another vendor, mention it on social media and tag their page so they can share the information. If you’re planning an event with another business, team up to promote on both your social media outlets. In this way, you’ll build a true online network and gain access to more people (read: potential clients.) Be yourself. Let your personality come through. Be approachable and have fun! Being on social media with your customers is like running into them at a summer BBQ. You wouldn’t collar a customer to tell them about a 50% off sale over a plate of potato salad, would you? I hope not--or you wouldn’t get invited to many more BBQs! Get to know your customers and their needs, and be sincerely interested.

Aileen McDonough Writer and Marketing Consultant 3am Writers

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Jen Osojnicki Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer www.jenosojnicki.com/

Using the 4 Bs in your social media will enable you to enrich your life and business through true client engagement. Now get on there and try it today!

Networking and Workshops | EVENTS

New RI Law Expands Employer Leave Obligations

Wednesday, September 11 Bayside Family YMCA East Bay Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours 70 West Street, Barrington 5:30pm-7:00pm Monday, September 16 Kirkbrae Country Club Northern RI Chamber of Commerce The Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament 11:30am registration, 1:00pm shot gun start Dinner & awards immediately following round

by William E. O’Gara, Esq.

With much fanfare, Governor Chafee recently signed the Temporary Caregiver Insurance law. Absent from the press coverage was reference to the fact that the law imposes new obligations on even the smallest Rhode Island employers. Unlike the state and federal medical leave laws, which apply to employers with fifty or more employees, the caregiver law contains no such limitation. The new law allows employees to take up to four weeks, and calls for TDI benefits to be available to employees to “bond” with a new child or care for a seriously ill child, spouse, domestic partner, parent, parent-inlaw, or grandparent. In addition, employers must maintain medical insurance for their employee, and the employee can take the leave if he or she is overseas caring for a family member. The law is effective January 1, 2014.

The rationale for mandating that larger employers provide medical leave is the fact that a larger employer can better accommodate absences. That logic was apparently ignored when the new law was passed. The net result may be that even those Rhode Island employers with two or three employees will need to grant socalled “caregiver” leave for up to four weeks and maintain medical insurance (subject to the employer continuing to pay his or her co-payment). During the employee’s absence, he or she will collect TDI benefits. Upon return from the leave, the employer must restore the employee to his or her former position or an equivalent position. (In addition, the law requires employers to provide every new employee hired after January 1, 2014 with notice of the law and to all existing employees taking leave due to pregnancy or providing care for family members.) For employers subject to family medical leave because they employ fifty or more employees, the law has the potential to extend leave obligations. For example, an employee could take four weeks to “bond” with a child and later in the year take 13 weeks of FMLA leave to care for an ill family member. The law and the lobbying effort that resulted in its passage are part and parcel of an effort by labor and various allied groups to impose paid sick leave mandates on employers. Those efforts have enjoyed limited success in a small number of cities across America. The state of Connecticut, in fact, mandates paid sick leave currently. Because Rhode Island has the TDI program in place, grafting a paid leave component onto the existing law was a relatively simple step. For some small Rhode Island employers, this law may be one challenge.

Register at www.nrichamber.com Thursday, September 19 Christian Brothers Center North Kingstown, Charlestown and Narragansett Chambers Joint Business After Hours 5:30pm-7:30pm 635 Ocean Road Narragansett, RI 02882 Thursday, September 19: East Greenwich Yacht Club East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Savor East Greenwich 6:00pm-9:00pm Tickets on Sale Wednesday, August 14 Friday, September 20 through Sunday September 29 East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce East Greenwich Restaurant Week Sunday, September 22 Narragansett Town Beach Narragansett Chamber of Commerce 12:00pm-5:00pm 77 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882 Tuesday, September 24 Chianti’s East Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours 5:30pm-7:30pm 195 Old Forge Road East Greenwich, RI 02818 Thursday, September 26 Peace Dale Mill Southern RI Chamber of Commerce International Wine & Local Cuisine of Southern RI 5:00pm-8:00pm

William E. O’Gara, Esq. Partner Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West LLC

be sure to visit isupportsmallbusiness.com to view all updated and current events and workshops for this month www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS | It’s Not Your Granny’s Branding Anymore…

It’s Not Your Granny’s Branding Anymore… by Nancy Thomas

So you have a great idea and it’s going to launch you into the stratosphere. It’s going to make you and your family very well to do. You are going to invest everything - your time, passion, and resources. You are going to leave behind your time, passion (for other things, temporarily), and a good deal of your savings and financial security. So, what do you do first? Branding! Of course! You need a logo and a visual image and tagline. But, first, you need

to do extensive research. You need focus groups and competitor research and testing, right? You will sink considerable start-up dollars into this effort. And your brand will launch you – you will be top of mind in your product line or service or field or cause. Your brand will communicate your quality and uniqueness, and it will breed loyalty and have people clamoring to support you. Will it? Your logo will be instantly recognizable by all who see it. It might even win awards. You will use it on everything, including your extensive advertising campaign across all media channels. You will be doing a full ad campaign, right?

Then, you’ll want to print stuff - snappy business cards, letterhead in different sizes, envelopes, and great outdoor signage. And get some personalized tchotchkes like pens and hats to give away. If you are opening a bank, or a car dealership, or a big box chain store, perhaps this IS the first thing you will do. But, if you are a small business, an entrepreneur, a nonprofit, or a consultant, should this be your first step? The expense that comes with what I light-heartedly call granny-branding can be substantial. It is also less relevant than it has ever been before in the history

Quality Promotional Products For Every Budget Promotional Products • Embroidery Screen Printing • Premium Gift Items

Office 401.369.3644 | Fax 401.943.6658 | amazingspecialty@aol.com

www.amazingspecialties.com 40

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

of marketing. The entire field of branding has changed, and while yes, you need an image, and a name, and perhaps a slogan, and color scheme, and general graphic ‘look,’ securing these elements are often a challenge with limited start up funds.

In rapid succession, the basics: Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn (personal and business); Pinterest, etc. All linked on your website. After a while, expand into YouTube, which is becoming the #1 search engine – and search (SEO) services.

So what are you to do in this new age of small box branding? Start by hiring a professional who knows the science, but

YOU! You are the master of your business universe. You are the authority. So, tell people you are. Show them you are. Develop

ultimately, face-to-face time cuts through the clutter. Granny-branding is great if you have the resources, but YOU are your brand today

The 10 Most Powerful Brands In The World Based in part on Brand Value and Consumer Perception 1

Apple 87.1

11 2

Microsoft 54.7

Coca-Cola can bring the art of branding to you, taking the best concepts and adapting them quickly, efficiently, and cost effectively to your business or cause. What is important? What will instill loyalty in a fickle environment sometimes just more concerned with price? Here are some things you can do to brand well. Your look. You will want to choose a logo symbol and slogan – graphic, photo, original art, or creative font manipulation of initials or a word. This symbol should have a specific look that reflects your business – and your passion. It should accommodate well in all formats and social marketing platforms. Your words. First, a mission statement. Clear, concise, and adaptable for internal as well as external audiences. Then, identify the “tone” for your materials. How formal, informal, conversational, or chatty your tone is depends upon your personal style and the expectations of the audience who will be listening to you. A Marketing & PR plan. One that is unique for you, in consideration of your budget and capabilities. It should be able to be adjusted and evaluated, and serve as a fluid document and a guide, not a rigid outline. But this is key. Your platforms. A website. You have to have one. Why? Because people will expect to find you there, and if they don’t, they will think something is amiss. So, you need a good, solid, easy-to-understand website with a feedback mechanism, and one to capture your visitor’s emails. Think about special offers, and giving away advice or tips. Next are your social marketing channels. Badenhausen, Kurt. “The World’s Most Powerful Brands.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 02 Oct. 2012. Web. 12 Aug. 2013.

a blog and serve it well, with consistent, helpful information. Bring along your social marketing platforms and website – don’t let them get outdated and vacant of fresh information. Write informational articles for various outlets. Invest in monthly e-newsletters such as Constant Contact. Networking. You need to get out there. Wear a nice shirt with your company name if you are a little shy, and get stacks of inexpensive business cards just for this purpose. Go to two or three a week at the beginning, if you can, and join a membership group like SBR, BNI, NetworkingRI, RI Execs, and others. Go on the speaking circuit, too. Get your employees, if you have them, on the road. It is their job to market too, so make sure they know the pitch. YOU are your brand today. As a colleague of mine recently said when we were talking about increasing his business, “Put me in a room with a person I want to do business with – and let me buy [him] a beer.” It worked for him. While I’m not suggesting we do business on a barstool, I am suggesting that, ultimately, face-to-face time cuts through the clutter. Granny-branding is great if you have the resources, but YOU are your brand today. Working your plan, your networking, your personal elevator pitch, your appearance and demeanor, your platforms, and your follow up is what will set you apart. Traditional branding has changed. But it’s as essential as ever. It’s just not as safe and comfy as it once was.

Nancy Thomas President Tapestry Communications

50.2

29 4

IBM 48.5

20 5

Google 37.6

7 6

Intel 32.3

McDonald’s 37.4

85 8

General Electric 33.7

49 9

BMW 26.3

Cisco 26.3

Brand Value ($bil) Consumer Perception Rank

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS | Big Marketing For SMB Business

Big Marketing for SMB Business by Giselle Mahoney

Small to medium business (SMB) owners and operators out there have a lot on their minds these days – the economy, healthcare, hiring, and that’s not to mention fulfilling the daily tasks of the business. It’s no wonder why marketing the business gets pushed to the back burner. You think to yourself: “websites, communications, Twitter, and java updates – I just don’t have time.” Besides, the only java on your mind is brewed at Starbucks and mixed with a double shot – okay, triple shot – espresso. We’ve all heard it before: “marketing is key to the success of any business.” You may or may not believe it, but effective marketing can drive consistent brand recognition, website traffic, social media presence, industry leadership, increased sales, and overall company growth. And many SMB’s are taking advantage. In fact, The State of Digital Marketing for SMBs (Vocus and Inc., June 2013) report states that 65.8% and 77.3% of SMBs currently utilize email marketing and social media, respectively, in their marketing strategy. 24.9% of SMBs surveyed report social media as being their most effective marketing tool. So, what can you do to keep your marketing relevant, reliable, and affordable without diminishing quality or, worse, your sanity?

Here are five tips… GET SOCIAL. If you are on the fence on whether or not social media is worth your time – it is! I’ve developed relationships, picked up media leads, and won free workshops and prizes via social networking. Pick one or two platforms to start with – my recommendations are Facebook and Twitter, but there are other viable social networking platforms like LinkedIn as well. However, the trick with any social networking is to be present – that’s why they call it “social networking.” Just like in real-life networking, standing silent in the corner of the room will get you nothing but wasted time.

Once you establish your account(s), download a management platform (I like HootSuite) which allows you to post to and track accounts simultaneously all from one simple, easy to use location. Then, get out there onto the middle of the virtual floor and start liking, following, and conversing with others. Social media takes time, like

anything else, but it is a valuable business tool that, if used accurately, invites a dynamic of both the viability critical to any business as well as a collective casualness that makes a business approachable and engaging. RAISE AWARENESS. Although it often gets lumped into it, Marketing is not a fancy division of Sales. True, it is Marketing’s job to aid Sales through appropriate company and product representation and collateral. But, it is also – and moreover – Marketing’s job to raise awareness around the company – its existence, first and foremost, then its brand, mission, leadership, and initiatives. How?

Whenever business professionals ask me what they should market about their company, I always say “Everything!” Everything is relevant if you present it well: news, events, photos, videos, related industry news, etc. And via the right tools: your website, social media accounts, newsletter, press releases, and marketing collateral. A balanced amalgamation of content and vehicle will provide a broadranging and fresh connection with your audience while offering your company validity in showing it is ambitious, successful, and current. PROVIDE ONLY PERTINENT INFORMATION. In sharing all of your “new-found” information, don’t lose yourself in irrelevant information. Saying “good morning” on twitter every once in a while is fine, but what you are having for lunch everyday most likely has nothing to do with your business. Also, don’t send out a press release with no news in it. If you are writing it, the first things you should know are: “Who is my audience?” and “Why is this important?” If you can’t answer those questions, don’t bother.

On the opposite side of the scale – don’t forget to include the important information! Too many times I’ve opened links to registration pages without the location of the event on it; or I’ve gone to visit clients and they do not have their business address listed anywhere on their website. It’s a balance between providing too much information and not enough. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR RESOURCES. SMB owners are often, by nature, resourceful people – like MacGyver’s with an idea and a business card. Don’t be afraid to use that instinct and intellect in sourcing out free or low-priced marketing opportunities.

66% of small businesses are maintaining or increasing spend on digital marketing

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

“2013 AT&T Small Business Technology Poll.” AT&T Small Business Technology Poll 2013. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Aug. 2013.

69% of consumers are more likely to use a local business if it has information available on a social media site.

“Bridging The Gap, From Search To Sales.” ATMP DIRECTIONAL MARKETING AND 15MILES. N.p., September 2010. Web. 09 Aug. 2013.

Big Marketing For SMB Business | SMALL BUSINESS

For example: many chambers of commerce and industry and trade associations offer free news and events postings to members. You send it to them, and they do all the work in posting on their website, social media accounts, and newsletter. It’s like having your own personal marketing assistant. Other resources include free news and event postings to news and publication websites, as well as free press release posting sites.

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DO YOUR RESEARCH AND TRACK YOUR SUCCESS. Just as with any sound business decision, take the time to explore what’s out there for marketing. You have options. Once you do choose a marketing strategy to suit your needs, track its progress. You wouldn’t buy new equipment or services without an idea of ROI and measurements to prove it. Marketing carries the same principles.

a balanced amalgamation of content and vehicle will provide a broad-ranging and fresh connection with your audience There are many free, useful tracking tools available, and adding a combination of these to your outlook will give you a wellrounded image of the impact of your marketing efforts. Try for starters: Google Analytics – tracks website hits, traffic, bounces, and more Google Alerts – sends any internet presence you have directly to your Inbox Klout – measures your social media presence Facebook – automatically creates “insights” from your page activity In addition, many email marketing, social media, and press release distribution tools have tracking components and details built directly into the software for your use. Bottom line for SMB’s: you have to get yourself out there. 90% of business in Rhode Island is small business. The numbers are similar across the country. That’s a lot of competition just in this country, never mind globally. How are you going to stand out? Good news: you have a starting point that is effective, engaging, and 100% do-able for just a few hours a week. Java, anyone? Giselle Mahoney Manager of Communications & Media Relations Tech Collective

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93.3 percent of SMB websites are not mobile compatible and will not render successfully on mobile devices or smartphones.

“60% of SMB Home Pages Can’t Generate Phone Calls Because They Lack a Business Phone Number, According to SMB DigitalScape.” BIA/Kelsey Press Release. N.p., 26 Mar. 2012. Web. 09 Aug. 2013.

NOW ENROLLING CALL TODAY! www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS | Is There Anything Superheroes Can’t Teach Us?

Effective Copyright Work-for-Hire Agreements and Renewal Rights: Is There Anything Superheroes Can’t Teach Us? by Byron McMasters, Esq.

The recent reinstatement of a copyright suit by the creator of the Ghost Rider comic book series against publisher, Marvel, highlights the importance of effective work-for-hire agreements. As several prior cases have shown (e.g., the saga of the Superman copyright and Marvel versus Jack Kirby, creator or co-creator of X-Men, Iron Man, and the Hulk, among others), the comic book industry has not always documented well its intellectual property rights. Given the money involved with the current comic book hero renaissance at the multiplex, if those rights are in any way arguable, litigation is bound to ensue. The Ghost Rider case is highly instructive of properly securing work-for-hire and renewal rights. Ghost Rider was conceived by Gary Friedrich, a freelance comic book writer. Friedrich assigned his rights to the

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Is There Anything Superheroes Can’t Teach Us? | SMALL BUSINESS

characters and the origin story to Marvel and, thereafter, created Ghost Rider comics on a work-for-hire basis from 1973 to 1978. He did not initially have a written contract, but the copyright law changed in 1976 to require work-for-hire agreements for certain

if the author provides proper notice, he is entitled to a renewal term of 67 years, freeand-clear of any rights, interests or licenses previously granted to others. The principle behind renewal rights is that upon creation, an author may not appreciate the potential

after the initial term of 28 years, if the author provides proper notice, he is entitled to a renewal term of 67 years, freeand-clear of any rights, interests or licenses previously granted to others types of works to be in writing. Marvel, therefore, had all of its freelancers enter into a form contract. The contract was clear that it covered works going forward, but less so for works already created. It was also vague concerning “renewal rights.” Renewal rights are a little-known, but author-friendly aspect of copyrights. After the initial term of 28 years,

long-term value of the copyright and may sell it for a pittance (e.g. Superman’s creators famously sold their rights for $130). After the initial term, the value of the work presumably has been “tested,” and the author can renegotiate more favorable terms to license, or can exploit the copyright on his own. This is why work-for-hire agreements are so crucial. The employer, not the employee-

creator, is legally the “author” of any workfor-hire. This means that the company holds all renewal rights and can avoid a potentially costly showdown with an employee (or former employee) by ensuring that work-forhire agreements clearly and unambiguously vest authorship in the company from the beginning. Alternatively, renewal rights can also be assigned during the initial term. This is important if the company neglected to obtain a work-for-hire agreement at the beginning of the relationship or is otherwise concerned over ownership rights. In the Ghost Rider case, both the workfor-hire aspect of the agreement and assignment of renewal rights were not sufficiently definite to entitle Marvel to summary judgment. Therefore, the case is going back to the trial court to determine what the parties intended, which is never a position a company fighting the perceived little guy wants to be in. Regardless of the outcome of trial, the biggest winners may be the movie-going public if it means no more Nicolas Cage Ghost Rider sequels.

Byron McMasters, Esq. Duffy & Sweeney

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

FEATURED CHAMBER | Cranston Chamber of Commerce

F E AT U R E D

Southern RI Elizabeth Berman, Director of Mission Development 230 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI (401) 783-2818 www.srichamber.com

From Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies and our semimonthly Business Matters feature column, to monthly networking events, our Community and Business Guide, and Webbased community calendar, the Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce is committed to opening doors to opportunity and success. Availing members to promote their businesses through our Facebook page and monthly newsletter, our Chamber maintains its commitment to creative, consistent marketing and brand building. In addition, members have free access to our conference room during regular business hours and are encouraged to take advantage of this meeting space for one-onone client meetings, as well as for hosting workshops and seminars. Our conference room is also the local destination for free business-related seminars hosted by such groups as The Rhode Island Small Business Recovery Program, The Center for Women & Enterprise, RI Score, and others. Making such educational opportunities conveniently available to the community and members is something for which the Chamber takes great pride. Partnerships, such as our recent Partners in the Community Golf Tournament, hosted with the South Kingstown Lions Club, and a First Friday Coffee, hosted with the RI Blood Center, play a key role in how our Chamber functions for the benefit of members and the community. Realizing the importance of helping a new generation of entrepreneurs succeed, our Chamber has partnered with other local chambers to create the 20/40 Young Professionals Networking group. Special programs, such as the newly introduced Stay Local Play Local Discount Card Program, also enhance how our Chamber helps members succeed. Stay Local Play Local was created by a savvy

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What’s New | CHAMBER CHAT

Cranston Chamber

young entrepreneur dedicated to local businesses and communities. It is with great pleasure that our Chamber can partner in this effort to stimulate our economy and help local businesses thrive. Businesses can participate at no cost through our Chamber and enjoy many benefits, including free web listings, advertising opportunities, and more. Here’s how it works: Stay Local Play Local Businesses offer discounts, rewards, and special deals to Stay Local Play Local shoppers who pay just $25 for a discount card that opens their door to a year of great values! Our Gift Certificate program, also available at no extra costs to members, is another successful way to promote local business. Forever dedicated to carrying out our mission to support and enhance the business community of southern Rhode Island, our Chamber embraces opportunities to reach out to the thousands of residents and visitors of this beautiful area of Rhode Island who are seeking information about the many wonderful local businesses ready to serve them. The bonds and relationships that develop among business members, staff, and our Board of Directors contribute to the influence that we have as a community. Our board and staff are always open to new ideas of business members that will help them flourish. At the Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, it’s all about extending our southern hospitality, as well as building relationships with our business members who look to us as partners in their success. Because we realize that for some businesses belonging to more than one chamber is beneficial, if not essential, we offer a Universal Membership of $125, along with our individual business memberships. The Southern RI Chamber is always ready to assist and welcomes your phone call, email, visit, or interaction on its Facebook page.

Newest Members: Be Fit Nutrition, LLC Mixx 99.3 East Coast Capture Integrated Financial Services The Growth Coach Stay Local Play Local Wickford Kitchen and Bath

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

CHAMBER CHAT

Central Chamber Lauren E.I. Slocum, President/CEO 3288 Post Road, Warwick, RI 401 732 1100 | www.centralrichamber.com Networking – Support – Advocacy. We are thrilled to work collaboratively with the Rhode Island Chambers of Commerce on the Chamber Block Party to be held in August. www.ChamberBlockParty.com The Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce strives to foster the business-to-business and business-to-consumer operations of our members. The Central RI Chamber advocates for the interests of our members both economically and legislatively through the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition. To continue to bring our members top-tier service, we are spearheading innovative changes to our website and socialmedia outlets. By working closely with our members, the Chamber can continue to be a positive influence on the Rhode Island economy. New Members CPC Plastics, Inc. Open Mobile Services Safelite AutoGlass

The Cranston Chamber of Commerce is moving forward with some major internal changes. The Chamber recently installed a new computer system and will shortly launch a new website that will dramatically enhance its ability to communicate with its members. In addition, it will provide significant marketing and intranet networking capabilities for the members themselves. The Chamber continues to be directly involved in the launch of Healthsource RI to bring the Affordable Care Act to the small business community. Chamber President, Stephen C. Boyle, was recently quoted in an Associated Press article regarding the challenges that Healthsource RI faces in getting the message out to the business community.

East Bay Chamber Mark G. DeVine, CPA, Chairman 16 Cutler Street, Suite 102, Warren, RI 401 245 0750 | eastbaychamberri.org We are preparing for our Annual Awards Recognition Dinner in October, where we will honor award recipients. If you would like to nominate an East Bay area business or citizen, please send us your nominations, (name and reasons for your choice with as much information as possible) for the following awards: 1. Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award 2. Business of the Year Award A member of the East Bay Chamber, established locally for at least three years and has demonstrated staying power and positive response to adversity in a changing business environment. They have had at least one internal practice or program of merit demonstrating innovation, sound business practices, visionary approach and dedication. The business has shown exemplary success within their industry, and has displayed a high level of community involvement. The deadline for nominations is August 9, 2013. Email your nominations to: info@ eastbaychamberri.org, Fax to 245-0110 or mail to East Bay Chamber of Commerce, 16 Cutler Street, Suite 102, Warren, RI. New Members Paul Gagnon Realty Go Campus Delivery Hoss Home Care, LLC The Mystical Grove Ledge Cottage Bed and Breakfast Rhode Island Student Loan Authority The Children’s Workshop Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

| Student Engagement – A Valuable Resource for Businesses

Student Engagement A Valuable Resource for Businesses by Stacey Carter

College students today are looking for real life/work experiences, sometimes called experiential learning or student engagement. Rising student debt and the difficulty of breaking into the job market make these opportunities more important than ever. These arrangements can be “win/win” situations for both the students who gain practical experience, and the business owners who benefit from fresh perspectives. While each college/university has its own format and rules depending on curriculum requirements (details can be found on their individual websites), there are some common themes. Here is a general

make sure the work is in compliance with new internship rulings and have a clear understanding of how the material will be used

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explanation of what can be expected if you are interested in working with students, with tips to make the process easier for all. Classroom projects: These engagements work within the curriculum of a particular class and take the entire semester to complete. You will want to ask about deadlines and project completion dates. Professors monitor students and generally don’t allow them to deviate from the syllabus. If they’re working on a marketing plan, please don’t ask them to create your social media pages. Students hate to say no, and then it becomes awkward. The students (not the professors) are expected to handle questions or problems that may arise. They receive credit and a grade, and put this work in their portfolio. It may be seen by others, so if there is any reason you don’t want this information public, this isn’t the format for you! Also, make very sure you understand what information you may be asked to provide, e.g. financial, technical, customer, competition, etc. Are you comfortable with sharing this? If you get involved with a classroom project, ask to see an outline or syllabus and email the professor if you don’t understand the goals or final outcomes. Internships and Co-ops: This format may be changing due to a recent federal court ruling. A production company was found not

What’s New | CHAMBER CHAT

to be in compliance with federal and state labor laws because they were not paying students for tasks that would normally be performed by a paid employee. Internships must be part of a training program and for the benefit of the intern. The rules were clarified in 2012, so you will want to be sure you’re in compliance when you develop a program for your company. Details can be found at www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/ whdfs71.pdf. Receiving class credit (as opposed to payment) is also now being challenged, so don’t make assumptions that your program is safe because it’s part of a classroom-sanctioned internship. Students are looking for paid internships anyway, so you’ll be at a disadvantage if you can’t pay them. They are all looking for a meaningful learning experience and something that will look good on their resume! Take the time to mentor them so they can learn about your business and industry. They will have a great experience, and you will be amazed at what you will learn from them. Students today are very involved with school activities, study, clubs, community service, sports and many times more than one job, so patience may be needed when trying to schedule around an intern’s availability. How flexible can you be? Each school has its own type of internship program and may even differ between disciplines...some programs require internships while others don’t. If the students are receiving credit, they’ll need to work a set number of hours during the semester (130+). Can you fulfill this requirement? Career Services, Career Development Center: Each school has some type of career services department to help you post a job description so students can find you. These jobs do not need to follow a curriculum or necessarily have rules about the number of hours, but students accessing career services are usually looking for pay. Community Service: The schools vary in their requirements for community service, although it usually (but not always) entails non-profit work. It doesn’t hurt to inquire if you have an interesting business or type of experience from which a student would really benefit. Work Study: These are usually reserved for non-profits and the positions are generally found on campus. Restrictions apply. Career Fairs and Campus Recruiting Programs: Career fairs may be held several times a year, and this is a great venue for finding employees. Fees may be charged, but it is well worth it to get your name known among students and faculty.

Other: Many times students look for ways to expand their portfolios or resumes. If a student seeks you out, and you’re interested in their skills, make sure the work is in compliance with new internship rulings and have a clear understanding of how the material will be used (and who owns it). This work often ends up on students’ personal websites or You Tube so prospective employers can see their skills. Finding Students: • Each school has a website for employers to post jobs online. Look up Career Services, Internship Coordinator or other similar titles. • Students may seek you out if they’re working on a class project or need credit. If students shop or eat at your business, ask them if they know of any students looking for a business to work with. • On the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority’s new internship site, bridge.jobs, you can also post jobs for students. • The Rhode Island Small Business Development Center www.risbdc.org, Center for Women and Enterprise www.cweonline.org and other small business service providers work with schools to assist clients. If you’re working with one of these providers, ask about student resources. Questions to ask: Have the students signed a Confidentiality Agreement? Feel free to explain what confidentiality means to you! How much time do the students need from you? How will the students contact you, and how long do you have to answer their requests? Students won’t call you, so if email or texting doesn’t work for you, make other arrangements up front! Will there be a final presentation and are you invited? When will you get a copy of their report (or finished project)? Working with students can be very rewarding as long as you know what to expect from the beginning. This is only one small part of the college experience and while a very important one, it has to fit in with their needs and requirements. You’re giving back and in return, you’ll receive a product or service that may greatly enhance your business.

Stacey Carter Regional Director, Newport County/East Bay Rhode Island Small Business Development Center

East Greenwich Stephen Lombardi, Executive Director 580 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI 401 885 0020 www.eastgreenwichchamber.com During these hot summer months, the Chamber is getting ready to work with the Town, our Merchants Committee, and private individuals to present a variety of happenings which make East Greenwich such a special place. We look forward to Business After Hours at Blu On The Water; our August Stroll “Taste of East Greenwich;” East Greenwich’s Annual Summer’s End Concert, and the East Greenwich Art Festival, which is held at New England Tech’s EG Campus. The Chamber is planning to hold an informational meeting on the RI Health Exchange, as well as seminars with the Center for Women and Enterprise for those interested in business startup. We’re also excited to plan our second annual East Greenwich Restaurant Week, held in September. New Members Cabot House- Fine Furniture and Design 3G Broadcasting, Inc. (MIXX 99.3 FM and WADK 1540 AM) Bone Appetit New York Life- Michael Quinn Hi-Tek Capital Management The Growth Coach- Daniel Marantz

Narragansett Chamber Deborah Kelso, Executive Director 36 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI 401 783 7121 | www.narragansettcoc.com We are looking forward to the 11th annual Narragansett Chamber of Commerce Summer’s End Festival on September 22 at Narragansett Town Beach. Brass Attack, RI’s Hottest Horn Band, will once again be featured from 2-4pm. We’re celebrating the success of the season with food trucks, area restaurants, beer & wine, local merchants and kite flying. 77 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett. Noon-5pm. Free admission. $5 parking donation. Sponsorships and Merchant space are available. The Narragansett Chamber is organized to promote a healthy business climate in Narragansett, Washington County, and the State of Rhode Island. New Members Ryan P. Drugan & Jason A. Smith Prudential Insurance Company of America Maguire Art Design (MADink) Local Stage Productions Island Style Parasail DeQuattro Orthodontics Maison Bienvenue Bed & Breakfast

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS | 6 Tips for Packaging Your One-on-One Services

6 Tips for Packaging Your One-on-One Services by Dana D’Orsi

Are you still stuck in the trap of trading hours for dollars? If so, check out my top 6 tips for packaging your services so they’re irresistible to prospective clients. Tip #1: Offer options When you offer more than one option for working with your company, you shift prospects away from a “YES/NO” decision and into a “WHICH ONE?” decision. Offering package options at different price points, with various levels of personal access and support, is the best way to serve different clients’ needs. This way, there’s something for those who want a deluxe experience, those who might be stretching financially to

afford working with you, and something in the middle. In addition to offering package options, you might want to consider offering payment options–with an incentive for paying in full. Tip #2: Blur the lines between hours and dollars I advocate pricing based on the VALUE that someone gets from working with you, rather than on the number of hours of service. However, many of your prospects will hear your package rates and pull out a calculator to determine your price per hour. That’s why you want to blur the lines between hours and dollars. Throw other bonuses and perks in so it’s not a direct calculation. Some examples include unlimited email access, discounts on your group programs and products,

access to the recordings from one of your past events or access to a private Facebook group for your private clients only. BUT (and this is important!)…be sure that you have a sense of what you’d like to make per hour and that’s figured into your package prices. And make sure there’s a cost-benefit to choosing a higher-level package (if they do calculate your hourly rate, it would technically be less per hour, the more hours they sign up for). Tip #3: Make it clear who each option is for You should have a sense of who would benefit the most from each option. For example, your first option might be great for people who want to make fast progress; whereas, your second option would be ideal for those who want to make

be sure that you have a sense of what you’d like to make per hour and that’s figured into your package prices

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consistent progress, but need less guidance. Ultimately, your prospects will pick the package that resonates most with them, but be sure to offer your opinion as to which one would suit them best during your enrollment conversations.

the client would get the same value from one day of working with me than they would’ve previously gotten in 6 weeks (if they had a one-hour session every other week). In the end, the client would feel more satisfied with their experience.

Tip #4: Lead with your “juiciest” package When sharing your options with prospects, be sure to lead with your top-tier package. Why? First, people subconsciously HATE things being taken away from them, so for those prospects who value premier services, the other options will seem less appealing in comparison. Second, if cost is an issue for them, you get the “sticker shock” out of the way, and your lower-level packages will seem like a bargain comparatively.

Tip #6: Make it easy for clients to upgrade Some of your clients may initially underestimate how much support they will need from you, so they sign up for one of your lower-tier programs. If you make sure that the higher-tier programs basically include everything that’s in the lower-tier programs (but more), it will be an easy upgrade. For example, say you’re a Virtual Assistant and your first package option includes 10 hours of monthly support for $300 (along with some other bonuses and perks, of course!) and your second includes 5 hours for $170. If your new client discovers within the first few weeks of working with you that that they’re going to need those extra 5 hours, you can easily apply their initial fee toward the larger package and give them immediate access to any of the extras in that option.

Tip #5: Make sure your clients get great value–even in your lowest price point option Just because your lowest price point option includes less access to you and fewer fancy bonuses, make sure the value will still be there. For example, when I launched my business and was creating my packages, I considered having my lowest-level package include 2 hours of coaching a month. At that time, I consulted with a business coach who recommended that I switch that to a HalfDay VIP session (3 hours) because that way,

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

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Newport Jody Sullivan, Executive Director 35 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 401 847 1608 | www.NewportChamber.com WADK 1540AM and the Newport County Chamber have partnered to bring listeners the business of Newport County. Bruce Newbury, Talk of the Town Host, and Jody Sullivan, the Chamber’s Executive Director, will broadcast live on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The show will feature Chamber members, state and local officials and topics of importance to the business community. If you have a business topic of interest and would like to be considered as a guest, call Emily at 401-847-1608 for more information. This valuable membership benefit is free. New Members Access Tours of Newport Crabby Lion Island Style Parasail LLC Portsmouth Plaza

North Central Chamber Deborah Ramos, President 255 Greenville Avenue, Johnston, RI 401 349 4674 | www.ncrichamber.com

The North Central Chamber can help YOU with YOUR business; that is our mission at the Chamber. We work hard each day for the small business community in the towns of Johnston, North Providence, Smithfield, Scituate, Foster & Glocester. Give us a call and let us tell you what we can do to help YOU grow YOUR business. The North Central Chamber offers many benefits for the small business owner – from bulk mailing discounts to credit card service discounts and much, much more. We pride ourselves at the North Central Chamber of Commerce where it’s all about Businesses supporting Community supporting www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

SMALL BUSINESS | Make Manufacturing a Priority

make manufacturing a priority by Ray Fogarty, Marcel Valois, Bill McCourt, Harsha Prakash

Electric Boat, Alex and Ani, Toray Plastics, Raytheon, Amgen – these are some of the best known companies in Rhode Island. They are the names that roll off the tongue when we tell outsiders about some of our most successful businesses, and they are some of our largest employers, as well. But they are also bound by another common thread – they are all manufacturers. Why is that important? Because as we continue the discussion about what Rhode Island must do to improve our economy and promote job growth in the state, we believe the focus should be on one of the most important sectors we have right at our fingertips. Rhode Island’s unemployment rate has been among the worst in the nation for too long. But with a renewed focus on

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growing our manufacturing base, we can begin to turn that reality around. Consider the initial findings of the Rhode Island Manufacturing Renaissance Project and their ongoing survey of the top 1000 manufacturing companies in the state. A joint effort between the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, Bryant University’s John H. Chafee Center for International Business, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, and the Rhode Island Manufacturing Extension Services, the Manufacturing 1000 (MFG 1000) survey was created to help identify and clearly define the capabilities of manufacturing companies in Rhode Island. While the survey portion of the project is intended to help collect important data about the Rhode Island manufacturing landscape, it is also being used to create a

Our clients know we’re here for them year-round, not just at year-end.

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AT BRAVER, IT’S THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS.

ROBERT J. CIVETTI

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C O NC O R D

What’s New | CHAMBER CHAT

comprehensive database of manufacturers across Rhode Island. For the first time ever, the new database will be a one-stop resource to find out what products Rhode Island companies are producing, which companies have certain expertise in one area, and how local companies can become suppliers or customers for other Rhode Island companies. The initial findings of the MFG 1000 survey showed that more than 80 percent of respondents plan to add employees in the next three years. Further, more than 85 percent of those are looking for entry level production or machine operator employees. With even the most conservative estimates, that would mean nearly 2,000 additional

in Rhode Island and throughout the USA faced only local competition; now it is national and global. Mass production systems have evolved into flexible production systems; and where once capital and labor were the key factors determining productivity, today innovation and creativity, as well as access to capital, are the key factors. Workers must also be flexible, dynamic, and able to adapt to new market demands, many of which are technology-based. How do we adapt, and succeed? We have several specific recommendations, all of which are included in a joint report we issued entitled, “Addressing Perceptions and Realities: The Rhode Island Manufacturing

mass production systems have evolved into flexible production systems; and where once capital and labor were the key factors determining productivity, today innovation and creativity direct manufacturing jobs for the Rhode Island economy in a very short period of time. Coupled with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) multiplier effect associated with manufacturing jobs, we could see the manufacturing industry add almost 5,000 jobs to the state economy, and help put our unemployment rate below the national average. We are committed to helping make this kind of job growth happen with the collaboration of policymakers, regulators, business and civic leaders coming together to make some important changes. While the global economy of the past five years elevated manufacturing to a national concern, the challenging issues facing U.S. manufacturers, including those in Rhode Island, have been building for much longer. They were the result of decades of economic change and business decisions based on government policies that made U.S. companies less competitive in a global manufacturing environment. Just as the economy has changed over the past 20 years, so too has manufacturing. Decades ago, most small manufacturers

Renewal and Growth Program.” (You can see the report at www.rimanufacturers.com.) From a broad perspective, we believe that to drive a manufacturing renaissance in Rhode Island, the state must adopt the following priorities: support increased exports and international trade; drive energy policies that enable competitive manufacturing costs; address tax inequities and ineffective regulatory policies; create a manufacturing infrastructure with stable and predictable economic policies; and most important of all, build a well-educated, skilled and productive workforce. We have no doubt that a strong manufacturing sector in Rhode Island can lead to a strong economy for the state. The good news is that Rhode Island is well situated to be a significant player going forward. However, the state must address key issues to strengthen its competitiveness today and prepare for sustainable growth in the future. The tide is turning, and the U.S. is entering a phase of great opportunity for manufacturing renewal and growth. With continued leadership and vision, we believe Rhode Island can take advantage of this opportunity.

Businesses….check us out, you won’t be disappointed And remember, networking is important – no matter during good times or bad! Come network with us – whether it’s our monthly networking event or our Speed Networking event. New Members Classic Seal Coating Hebert Health Center Jonathan Ucran, CPA, LLC Planet Fitness – Johnston

Northern RI John C. Gregory, President/CEO 6 Blackstone Valley, 301, Lincoln, RI 02865 401 334 1000 | www.nrichamber.com The Northern Rode Island Chamber’s 22nd Annual Golf Outing is Monday, September 16th at the Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. Past players call it one of the best outings of the year! Entry fee includes: use of the practice driving range, a $50 Pro Shop gift certificate, putting lessons on Kirkbrae’s greens, complimentary cigars, neck massages prior to play, all on-course contest, refreshments on the course, lunch and dinner, and more. Single golfers $400, foursomes are $1,600 and include a free tee sponsorship. For more information about the outing and to register, call the Chamber at 401-334-1000 or visit www.nrichamber.com New Members Flavours Indian Restaurant Jarmor Photography Lowe’s of North Smithfield

be sure to visit risbj.com for all the latest chamber news & events happening this month

The authors are the lead drivers of the Rhode Island Manufacturing Renaissance Project, a joint effort between the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association, Bryant University’s John H. Chafee Center for International Business, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, and the Rhode Island Manufacturing Extension Services.

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

FEATURED NONPROFIT | The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

RICADV’s Movement to End Domestic and Sexual Violence

NO MORE. These two simple, yet powerful words have been a catalyst in Rhode Island’s movement to end domestic violence. Throughout the last year (the campaign launched in RI during Domestic Violence Awareness Month [DVAM] in October 2012), the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) has embraced the national, grassroots campaign that was conceived to unite all organizations that strive to end domestic and sexual violence. And, we can see it is having an impact. The RICADV’s mission to end domestic violence in every community has guided the organization’s work all year long, even in the face of significant challenges. Struggling with severe state budget cuts to the Domestic Violence Court Advocacy program, the RICADV’s member agencies were forced to close the program’s offices on Mondays— the first time in its long history that the office was not open on a weekday. However, supporters rallied to restore funding to this vital program that saves lives and partial funding was restored, allowing for some services to resume. The collective voice of the RICADV and its supporters and allies were heard—victims of domestic violence will not stand alone. Public awareness of domestic violence issues is critical to the organization and through media responses to high profile domestic violence tragedies and a proactive,

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

innovative approach to educating the community at large, the RICADV is sending the message that domestic violence is everyone’s responsibility. “Together we can end domestic violence and sexual assault” is also part of the message of the NO MORE campaign. The RICADV has received much recognition for local and national leadership in domestic violence issues – from prevention to policy and public awareness – and for launching community initiatives to end domestic violence.

awards in 2012 and 2013 for their innovative solutions to raise awareness about domestic violence issues (including the national Mary Byron “Celebrating Solutions” Award recognizing innovations that demonstrate promise in breaking the cycle of domestic violence, and the RI Attorney General’s Victims’ Grove Ceremony Award honoring individuals and organizations committed to providing support and resources for victims). Behind Closed Doors is an original play written and performed by 15 survivors

Ten Men is the RICADV’s first-of-its-kind, statewide project designed to assist in the prevention of domestic violence in RI and engage male allies in the movement to end it As part of the NO MORE launch during DVAM, SOAR (Sisters Overcoming Abusive Relationships), the RICADV’s task force of domestic violence survivors, created the play Behind Closed Doors in partnership with Trinity Repertory Company (Trinity Rep). SOAR was given a grant by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) to produce the play, and received several

of domestic violence from SOAR. This performance is a true account of their experiences with domestic violence, hope and survival, and it seeks to draw audiences into their lives to dispel the stigmas of this often misunderstood abuse. The play debuted at Trinity Rep in December 2012 to a sold-out audience. Because of this phenomenal success, two additional

The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence | FEATURED NONPROFIT

performances are slated for October 2013— again at Trinity Rep and at the University of Rhode Island (visit www.soarinri.org in the coming weeks for details). During Teen Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, the RICADV launched its first “Tweet Chat,” which was designed to reach youth where they spend the most time—online. Partners nationwide participated in the Twitter chat, and the Tweet Chat event at the Johnson & Wales Gender Equity Center was featured on NBC 10 News. And, earlier this year, the RICADV was awarded the highly competitive DELTA FOCUS grant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Through primary prevention work under this grant, the RICADV, its participating member agencies and partners, aim to assess the social determinants of health (the CDC recognizes intimate partner violence as a public health problem) that impact domestic violence in RI. The RICADV’s work will focus on engaging men, youth and communitybased agencies in primary prevention efforts through strategies such as the Ten Men project and the RealTalk Guide for Educators on Healthy Relationships. The Ten Men project is already making strides. The RICADV was recognized by Verizon with a $10,000 grant for the inception of Ten Men in RI and the critical work the members are doing to reach men. Ten Men is the RICADV’s first-of-its-kind, statewide project designed to assist in the prevention of domestic violence in RI and engage male allies in the movement to end it. Those interested in joining or looking for more information may contact TENMEN@ricadv. org or visit www.ricadv.org/TENMEN. What’s more, Deborah DeBare, the RICADV’s executive director, was one of a handful of coalition leaders across the country to

attend President Obama’s historic signing of the Violence Against Women Act on March 7, 2013. This Act strengthens the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) with increased protection for Native American women and other victims previously left vulnerable by gaps in the law. As the RICADV, its six member agencies, and SOAR prepare to launch DVAM in October, the NO MORE campaign still resonates very strongly—the message is clear; together we can end domestic violence. And, bystanders are an integral part of the solution to ending relationship abuse in all of our communities. The RICADV is committed to this mission and will continue to be a leader in the movement, utilizing innovative methods of engagement, supporting the work of its member agencies and SOAR; and striving always to create justice for victims. About RICADV The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. The organization was formed in 1979 to support and assist the six domestic violence prevention agencies in Rhode Island. The RICADV also provides leadership to its six member agencies, strives to create justice for victims, and raises awareness on the issue of domestic violence in Rhode Island. The RICADV’s six local domestic violence agencies provide a wide array of services for victims such as 24-hour hotline support, emergency shelter, support groups, counseling services, and assistance with the legal system. For more information about these organizations and services, call the statewide helpline at 800-494-8100. And if you hear or see someone being hurt, call 911 immediately. Additional information can be found at www.ricadv.org, www.nomoreri.org, or by calling the office at 401-467-9940.

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

GoLocalProv.com is the “go to” local Web experience that breaks the biggest local stories, sports, high school sports, weather, news, politics, arts, entertainment — and allows users to go as deep as they wish. Branded, credible, and respected contributors from RI create the stories and content. Information is delivered through multimedia, written, and video platforms. All at GoLocalProv.com.

SMART BENEFITS: More Rate Hikes For 2014

Large Rhode Island employers and employees who were expecting a financial break thanks to healthcare reform would instead face continued increases in health insurance premiums for 2014. In fact, employers should count on a low doubledigit increase for next year.

Health Insurance Commissioner’s Approves Rate Increases Rhode Island’s Health Insurance Commissioner’s last order of business before exiting the state last month was to approve the following final rate increases for the state’s three commercial insurers.

15% 14%

BCBSRI: 12 percent base increase Tufts Health Plan: 9.55 percent increase UnitedHealthcare of New England: 9.70 percent increase

13% 12%

Remember that these premium increases are base increases and can vary widely by employer because of variances in demographics and claims.

11% 10%

Reform Costs to Blame Despite Mandate Delay

09%

07%

BCBSRI: 12 percent base increase

05% 04% 03% 02% 01% 00%

Tufts Health Plan: 9.55 percent increase

06%

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

UnitedHealthcare of New England: 9.70 percent increase

08%

All three insurers had requested even higher increases of 17.10, 10 and 13 percent respectively, citing the risk and uncertainty of healthcare reform as well as new fees and taxes associated with the new laws. BCBSRI and United Healthcare both stated in their rate filings that healthcare reform would add another 4.5 to 4.8 percent to costs. And while the employer mandate has since been put on hold, many other provisions are still being rolled out and the federal government has left the costs associated with healthcare reform in place.

It’s Time to Get Creative Last year, the Health Insurance Commissioner approved low-to-mid single digit increases for all three carriers. Faced with increases even higher than what they witnessed in 2013, employers should consider more cost-sharing and plan design changes to minimize the impact of the Commissioner’s final action.

Providence | GOLOCAL

Rhode Island Biz Winners and Flops Back in January, the Senate Policy Office and RIPEC issued a comprehensive plan as to how to improve Rhode Island’s rankings in the national state-by-state business lists. Specifically, the report focused on 6 areas for improvement. A recent article by Kate Nagle of GoLocal asked a range of top business leaders to score the General Assembly on its accomplishments this legislative session to improve the RI economy and the average grade from business leaders, politicians and business consultants ranged from a high of a grade of “C” to a low of a “F.” It got worse this week.

WINNERS Hasbro -- The Pawtucket and Providencebased toy and kids entertainment company who had layoffs this year announced the investment of 70% stake in privately held mobile game company Backflip Studios. Smart move with smart phones exceeding 50% penetration in the U.S. New Companies in RI -- Some 1,909 new business entities registered with the Secretary of State’s Office from April through June, up 1.9 percent compared to the 1,873 a year ago. And the state saw three straight quarters of growth in the second quarter for the first time since the Secretary of State’s office began keeping quarterly statistics in 2005. “There is a lot to be encouraged about. We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves, but I think it is fair to say the economy appears to be heading in the right direction,” said Ralph Mollis, Secretary of State. The Arcade -- It announced that the reinvention of the retail icon had scored 17 new tenants in the 20 available spaces. The efforts by Evan Granoff to restore the Rhode Island landmark to it greatness is near completion. #BIF9 -- Saul Kaplan’s efforts to innovate hits a pinnacle each September with his BIF Conference - this year is the 9th and is crafted to be the best. The event is about 60 days away - September 18-19th in Providence. Twin River’s Gala -- The VIP Gala this past week was just one of the many public events to continue to build momentum behind the

effort to reinvent the Lincoln Dog Track into a destination facility. CEO John Taylor is a great Rhode Island success story.

Flops Superman Building’s Ownership and PR Team -- First, the Superman Building’s owner had his public relations team ask the General Assembly for $75 million public bailout this year. The team may not have realized that asking for the exact amount of Rhode Island’s investment in 38 Studios may not have been the most brilliant idea. This week the team really ingratiated themselves to Rhode Islanders by

some 1,909 new business entities registered with the

Islanders will march on the State House demanding more public financing for out of state millionaires to light their empty building. You can hear the chants now, “2-4-6-8, we need millions for out-of-state millionaires to pay for electricity for their poor investments.” Senator Paiva Weed And Speaker Fox -In a joint opinion piece released late Friday, the two legislative leaders took claim that the General Assembly was pro business and had made major changes to improve the RI economy, saying,”The overarching focus this year in both the Senate and the House was on economic development, and much was accomplished to improve the business climate, reduce red tape, bolster the skills of the workforce, and otherwise establish a more sensible and unified approach. We remain committed to continuing to work together with our public and private-sector partners to help foster a positive climate for job creation in Rhode Island.” No business leader that GoLocal spoke to earlier in the week scored the General Assembly’s efforts higher than a “C.” 49 is the New 50 -- RI leaped up one spot to 49th in the United States in CNBC’s rankings for Top States for Business. No longer is RI last in America - Hawaii is now #50. 49 is the New 50 (Part 2) -- RI is now 49th in the ranking of quality of state roads by the Reason Foundation.

Secretary of State’s Office from April through June, up 1.9 percent compared to the 1,873 a year ago announcing that they would make the largest building in Rhode Island look like even more of an eyesore, by turning out the lights. Certainly, that communication strategy will certainly shift public opinion over to their side and average Rhode

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

www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

Courses, Certificates, Degrees Downtown Providence and Online

RWU.edu (401) 254-3530 58

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

THE RHODE ISLAND

COMMERCIAL & APPRAISAL BOARD OF REALTORS®

Peter M. Scotti & Associates, Inc.

Inside Cover C May 10 - 16, 2013

Rhode Island

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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

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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

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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 Changes

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www.risbj.com | volume two issue six

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.

747 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston:

Individual office space from 200 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq.ft. Busy Pontiac Avenue location near Rolfe Square- walk to everything! Good for start up or incubator space, you can add space as you grow! RILiving.com MLS #1031022

355 Compass Circle, North Kingstown:

Great unit (#9).1200’ warehouse/workshop. Has 300sf office w/ air conditioning and window.14’ door,18’ ceilings. Sewers, gas, 100 amp 3 phase power. Seconds off Rt. 403 in Quonset/ West Davisville only $8 psf.

2006 Nooseneck Hill Road, Coventry:

146 Granite Street, Westerly:

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

4300 sq ft very strong retail area, next to Advance Auto, former Pet Place, great for food or retail. Below market rent $15. psf

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

Great office or salon/studio space in Knightsville. Handsome building with historical charm in excellent shape. Close to amenities and highway. 2 story salon=900sf. One level office=640sf. Two full baths with shower. Basement storage. RILiving.com MLS #1039958

30 Phenix Avenue, Cranston:

74 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich:

1755 Smith Street, North Providence:

17 Sandy Bottom Road, Coventry: FOR LEASE OR SALE

Point View Marina, South Kingstown:

20 Centerville Road, Warwick:

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

Great location and set up for night club, restaurant or other food/entertainment venue. Very close to turnkey as night club. 326 capacity. Lease $4,500 nnn per month, lease/option or buy for $595,000. RILiving.com MLS #1022520

Butler

Realty Group

Commercial • Investment • Residential

401-886-7800 www.ButlerRealty.us 60

577 Tiogue Avenue, Coventry:

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

RISBJ | rhode island small business journal

Great Route 3 location just ½ mile from Rt 95 exit 6, nicely appointed office or retail suite with several offices and open area,was HQ for Bess Eaton & Tim Hortons. Fresh paint and carpets. 600-1600’, from $10 psf/yr. RILiving.com MLS #990071

Multi use shop. Top end boating and fishing clientele. Serves the Snug Harbor and East Coast recreational and commercial marine industry. About 1,200sf on the first floor overlooking docks and harbor. $12psf. RILiving.com MLS #1039952

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 $105,000 RILiving.com MLS #1047850

111 Airport Road, Warwick:

Very nice 2nd floor office space near Hoxsie 4 corners. Tastefully decorated, good paint & carpet, possible office furnishings (nice stuff!) Three offices, conference, reception, lav., plus large basement storage. $180/month condo fee. $79,900 RILiving.com MLS # 1012762

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. $800’s

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. Lease or Sale - $400’s 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. $500’s RILiving.com MLS #1013527

65 Montebello Road, Warwick:

39 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich:

Great block building with two overhead doors, heavy power, and 2nd floor office. Great access to highway, train, and airport. $175,000

222 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick:

Class “a” law office includes conference room, 4 private offices, lavette, reception, storage, kitchen. Reduced to High $100’s RILiving.com MLS #981620

Large multi-use building offers great flexibility, possible multiple tenants. The church would consider a lease-back of 10,00015,000sq ft. Additional 14 acres adjacent also available. Great Rt.3 location just a mile north of Rt.95, Exit 6. Huge Reduction! $1,200,000 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

TION DUC E 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

337 Oakland Beach Avenue, Warwick:

Lot with multiple buildings. Dual access to Oakland Beach Avenue and Gordon Avenue. 3.5 miles to the State Airport. Six buildings with 12,000 gsf. Overhead doors with high ceilings in some buildings. Utilities available: sewer, water & gas in street. $295,000

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 six

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