The Voice of North Jersey Business 2nd Quarter 2012
Gregg Roth/CEO
Search Engine Optimization Pay-Per-Click Advertising Social Media Marketing Corporate Branding Web Development Design Print Solutions
If you’re not Optimized for mobile, you are losing Business.
64 Washington Street Clark, New Jersey 07066 t: 800.239.4670 | f: 732.396.8403 creative@gopeerless.com | gopeerless.com
Learn more. Scan the code or visit gopeerless.com from your mobile device.
Publisher’s Note
North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce 1033 Rt. 46 East, Suite A103, Clifton, NJ 07013 Phone: 973.470.9300 | Fax: 973.470.9245 www.njrcc.org | staff@njrcc.org
Officers
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Edward Kurbansade, Jr., Spencer Savings Bank VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Brian Murphy, Columbia Bank PRESIDENT Gloria Martini VICE-CHAIRMAN PROGRAM & SPECIAL EVENTS Nina Nardone, Ajilon Finance VICE-CHAIRMAN GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Alia Suqi, Nextwave Web VICE-CHAIRMAN MEMBERSHIP Howard Bersch, A-B Insurance VICE-CHAIRMAN INTERNAL AFFAIRS Daryl Bryant, Hudson Horizons TREASURER Robert B. Puleo, Dorfman Abrams Music, LLC IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Leonard Carlucci, Oritani Bank
Directors Robert Barbarino, Oritani Bank Julian Carrera, Wireless Zone John Chirico, Liberty Lincoln Mercury, Inc. Alvaro Cordoba, TD Bank Helen Cunning, Hackensack University Medical Center Sean Dias, Scarinci Hollenbeck Joseph Dunn, Roche Jim Feeney, Cartridge World of West Paterson Seth Finkelstein, Ameriprise Financial Jim Horan, Superior Exterminators Nancy Iacobucci, Investor Savings Bank George Jacobs, Jacobs Enterprises Dawn Johnson, SimplexGrinnel Sal Latella, W.B. Mason Angela Montague, Downtown Clifton Economic Development George Niemczyk, Pascack Community Bank Laura Pakhmonov, DeVry University Robert Palumbo, Fragrance Resources Linda Pinsky, Berkeley College Richard Raad, Print CBF Paul Rankin, UNO Chicago Grill Jhovanny Rodriguez, Synetek Solutions Carrie Ryan, Hanson & Ryan, Inc. Josephine Scavone, Clifton Savings Bank Everton Scott, Public Service Electric & Gas Co. Kimberly Slezak, Data Access, Inc. Eric Tomassi, M & T Bank Carlos Vargas, Valley National Bank Naoma Welk, Welk Ink
Staff Gloria Martini, President Brian Tangora, Vice President Patricia Davis, Administrative Assistant
Business Matters
Publisher and Editor: Naoma Welk, Welk Ink Graphic Design: Megangela Graphics LLC Subscriptions are available at $45/year. Contact Naoma Welk at naomawelk@aol.com to purchase a subscription. Welk Ink 306 Hartford Road, South Orange, NJ 07079 973.762.6243 Cover Photograph: Joanne Muerer www.gopeerless.com
Tools for Professionals We are pleased to introduce you to Peerless Media Group, a company that helps clients manage projects as basic as printing marketing materials and sourcing promotional products to developing strategic integrated marketing plans and promoting their businesses. Peerless can also serve as a small company’s marketing department. This magazine is one example of a Peerless project. For the past year, Peerless has been printing Business Matters; the quality of the magazine properly reflects the membership and activities of the NJRCC. I hope you enjoy our cover story and learn how Peerless can help you promote your business. Also, please read Our Fictional Character,
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Cover Story Peerless Media Group: More than Ink on Paper
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Are you Prepared to Become an Employer?
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The Flipside of Hiring Employees NJRCC Calendar
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2012 Comedy Night Beefsteak
a story that illustrates how a small enterprise used Peerless Media Group to help promote her new business. For busy professionals, shopping for clothes is likely at the bottom of the “to do” list. When you read the story about Rob Breslau, owner of Prestige Custom, you will learn how easy it is to shop at your home or office and get clothes that are a perfect fit. NJRCC member Abby Duncan submitted “Are You Prepared to Become an Employer?” an informative piece about things we all should consider before hiring staff. However, before you make any decisions, please read “The Flipside of Hiring Employees.” I hope you find both stories informative and helpful. Please review our Professional Resource Directory. In each issue, we feature a host of businesses that may meet your needs. I hope you will think of them whenever you have a need for any of their services. For fifty dollars, you can promote your own brand to Chamber members, subscribers and the 18,000+ online readers who log onto the Chamber website each month. Additionally, the pass-along rate for each issue is about 30%. Please support our advertisers whenever possible. I hope you enjoy this issue.
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Naoma Welk, Publisher Naomawelk@aol.com
Is it Better to Look Good or Feel Good? Both! New Members Our Fictional Character Tech Tips Professional Resource Directory The Coach’s Corner Advertisers YPNJ News/Member Survey Chamber Application business matters | June 2012 1
By Naoma Welk
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uilding brand recognition can be a challenge, especially if your company is small and you don’t have an inside marketing department. Even a company that has a marketing department may wish to use an outside vendor with marketing expertise for special projects or work overflow. That’s when Peerless Media Group comes to the rescue. Peerless Media Group is more than just a company that puts ink on paper. Peerless works with businesses to develop strategic integrated marketing plans. Peerless helps clients determine the best way to reach their target market and looks at ways to leverage marketing data to help clients promote their businesses using the right message and maximizing the dollars they spend. President and CEO, Gregg Roth explains, “We feel it is in everybody’s interest to see a business grow. We take time to learn our clients’ business, understand their goals, develop a strategic plan and work with them to develop realistic budgets. We know that when we effectively position a company’s message, we can create the proper customer perception.” Roth says that Peerless helps clients target their specific market. Peerless doesn’t just print up materials, but rather they become a partner to create successful marketing campaigns. Peerless also measures campaign results, so that clients can see their ROI. The team at Peerless consists of a core group of talented individuals who collectively serve as a single source for their client’s marketing needs. Jamie Tartaglia, Director of Sales, says “When I meet with a potential client, I am comfortable knowing that we can provide the right services for them. Even if a company has a marketing department, they may not be up to speed on how to maximize their website. We know how to build SEO content into a site that generates more views and better results.” In addition to corporate printing, Peerless handles specialty packaging, promotional products, graphic design, web development, internet marketing and marketing strategy. Peerless helps clients set goals, create strategic plans, produce the most effective collateral materials, update websites and define Internet strategies. When Peerless works with a company that has a marketing department, typically that in-house marketing manager 2
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serves as the lead project manager and Peerless fills in with needed expertise and project management. “It’s a win-win for everyone,” smiles Roth. Unique promotional products are a Peerless specialty, and they don’t have to be expensive. Recently, a client ordered printed shoelaces, another client ordered tiny breath mints in a custom labeled container. Tartaglia says, “Our creative team is skilled at creating new concepts for promotional items. We offer a whole range of attention-grabbing private labeled promotional products.” The company began as a family-owned operation in 1975, when Gregg’s parents, Annette and Jerry Roth launched Peerless Business Forms. The Roths liked the name “Peerless” because they felt their company was “without peers.” They created stock and custom computer forms, snap-apart unit sets and continuous data processing forms. They also produced checks, self-mailers, continuous letterheads and envelopes, tags, labels, flat forms, ledgers and plastic cards. Between Gregg Roth’s junior and senior years at Rutgers, he decided to try working in the family business. He started out making sales calls and found out he liked it. After graduation he jumped into the business with both feet and in 1998, bought the business from his parents. In order to live up to the company’s motto of offering “state of the art products and services that keep our customers coming back year after year,” the company has had to evolve. Today, Peerless is a full-service marketing firm. Remember, in 1975 most of us thought we were high-tech if we had a little hand-held digital calculator. Today, if you don’t have an iPhone, a few laptops, a netbook, an iPad and an e-reader, people wonder under which rock you have been hiding. Gregg says, “Sales have grown every year since the company began and for the past ten years we have been ranked in the top 100 Distributors.” A recent survey conducted by Print Solutions Magazine named Peerless the second fastest growing print and marketing company in the country.
From soup to nuts: For Jenni USA, an idea process management strategy company, Peerless Media Group designed the logo and developed Jenni’s branding. Peerless developed and printed a full suite of business cards, letterhead, brochures and other related branded materials, including the creative brochure (shown left). Below is one of the pages from Jenni’s website that Peerless designed and programmed with SEO.
Three years ago, Peerless Media Group bought Nu-Plan Systems, a smaller company that delivered the same services. “That acquisition has really had a positive impact on our bottom line,” says Gregg. Peerless Media Group is a distributor that has the ability to print anything anywhere. This is a huge benefit to the customer, because Peerless is able to place the job with the most appropriate printer for the project. “We are not brokers,” Gregg explains. “A broker is someone who just farms out business. We are a full service media company, responsible for each project. We consult with our clients, provide personalized customer service, handle all of the billing and deliver the end product. The only thing we don’t do is the actual printing.” The benefit of working with a distributor is that the print project is placed with the best company for the project. Clients are not locked into one print house that may not be able to accommodate the project in a timely manner. Peerless finds a facility that best suits the project. Peerless has an impressive list of clients that includes the New York Yankees, March of Dimes, L’Oreal, Ellie Tahari, Wellington Hotel, Hotel Gansevoort, the Hotel Pennsylvania and Jenni USA. Most of all, Peerless prints this impressive Business Matters magazine. Since Peerless took over printing Business Matters, the quality has improved, the cost has been reduced and the magazine appropriately reflects the high caliber of the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce. As Peerless approaches its 40th birthday it’s easy to recognize the company’s evolution. “Today, we think of ourselves as a one-stop shop,” smiles Gregg. “We brainstorm with our clients, develop web sites, help them maximize their marketing materials and effectively, become their marketing partner. Once the client hands over their project, we take it from concept to reality.” business matters | June 2012 3
Are You Prepared to Become an Employer? Here Are 2 Checklists to Help You Assess Your Readiness to Hire & Manage Staff
By Abby Duncan hen your business grows to the point where you can no longer “do it all” yourself, hiring employees is an important next step. Besides hiring the “right” people for the positions being created, you will need to deal with legal, financial and management issues. Unfortunately, the majority of small business owners think hiring
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and managing employees is a simple process, when in fact, it isn’t. Besides bringing one or more “outsiders”—new employees—into your business, there are a number of things of which you need to be aware. To prepare yourself for this next big step, use the following two checklists as your guide. These two checklists can prevent you from making costly and time-consuming mistakes.
Checklist 1: Legal and Financial Matters For legal and financial matters, consult with your lawyer and accountant; they will guide you and answer your questions. Even when you get professional advice, when you’re planning to hire, you must do the following: 4Familiarize yourself with the kinds of taxes that are withheld for W-2 employees, such as temporary disability and family medical leave insurance. Make sure you have an EIN (employer identification number) to use on tax documents. 4Calculate the total expense of hiring employees, not just the salary. The cost of equipment, benefits, training and the hiring process itself should be offset by the expected contributions from the addition of staff. Can your business handle the extra overhead on an ongoing basis? 4Understand the legal requirements of hiring W-2, 1099 as well as full-time and part-time employees. 4Register with the state Department of Labor and order the appropriate posters that notify employees of their rights. These
Checklist 2: Management Skills Most legal and financial issues are straightforward, but if you think that’s all there is to expanding your company, you’re in for a rude awakening. From previous experiences in working for others, you might already possess some of the skills needed to manage employees. However, management is more than simply giving orders - and more often than not, management skills are learned. To help you assess your skills, answer the following questions before finalizing your decision to bring on employees: 4Do you understand how to hire effectively? Do you know… 1. what to post in an ad? 2. how to initially screen responses? 3. how to construct interview questions to compare “apples to apples”? 4. what to never ask an applicant? 5. how to negotiate with the finalists? 4Are you prepared to be the “motivator in chief?” Do you assume that employees will care as much about your business as you do - especially when you are reluctant to share any of the key aspects of the business with them and just want them to focus on specific tasks? 4
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are required to be prominently displayed. You can obtain these for free at http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/employer/content/ employerpacketforms.html For posters required by the Federal government, go to http://www.dol.gov/osbp/sbrefa/poster/matrix.htm In addition, secure forms needed to report immigration status. 4 Obtain workers’ compensation insurance. Proof of this insurance coverage must be posted. Take appropriate measures to provide a safe workplace. 4 Set up personnel files - one for each employee - to house applications, employment offer letters, IRS W-4 form, benefits sign-up forms and performance evaluations. Create a second file for each employee for I-9 immigration status forms and medical records. Keep these confidential files under lock and key. 4 Create an employee policy manual to prevent confusion about company rules and to avoid frivolous lawsuits.
4Do you recognize that the addition of each new employee changes the dynamics of your organization, in much the same way as adding a new child or puppy does to your family? 4Do you assume that employees will understand your expectations of what their jobs entail… 1. without a clearly defined structure of how each job relates to the others? 2. without clear job descriptions? 3. without training or follow-up? 4. without regular, objective performance evaluations? 4Do you understand how to set boundaries between you and your employees? 4Have you stated the firm’s professional norms in your employee handbook? 1. Are you prepared to model the behavior you expect from your employee? 2. Do you know how to enforce policies and procedures evenhandedly? 4Are you prepared to handle inevitable conflicts between employees? 4To what resources can you turn to help you with management issues?
the Flipside of Hiring Employees By Chrystine Gaffney f you are like most small business owners, you don’t have time to be good at everything and you barely get time to eat your lunch! You probably don’t have time to learn the rules and regulations about hiring employees and much less, the time to hold interviews with potential full-time workers. Besides, your company workload isn’t always that heavy. Let yourself off the hook: focus on what you do best. How? Bring in a freelancer! Why hire a permanent employee when you can get a freelancer to do the work without the financial overhead (health, etc. benefits), long-term tax and legal issues related to hiring permanent employees. With a freelancer, you can maintain momentum and increase your efficiency without any sacrifices. The benefits of handing off your overflow to a freelancer include an improved bottom line, an enhanced image and a less stressful work life.
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Do you have a brochure or newsletter that needs to be written so you can keep your business name in front of your clients and customers? With a few hours of a writer’s time, it can be done.
How is your online presence? Call a freelance website developer or designer to update or launch a new site.
How do you plan to manage your company’s media advertising? A self-employed marketing expert can lead customers right to your door.
Do you find you don’t have time to pay your bills? A temporary, part-time accounting genius needn’t work under your roof but instead you can hire one to work a few hours a week.
Perhaps you want a press release written and distributed about a recent addition to your services. Or maybe you want to develop an employee manual so when you do hire permanent employees in the future, there is no confusion about your best practices. Reach out to a freelance writer who can put together a readable, easy to understand document.
These are examples of cases when it makes sense to outsource the work; harness the creativity of an ad-hoc worker, with fresh eyes to bring new vitality to your next project. Here’s a secret: typically, freelancers work harder than permanent employees because they don’t have a guaranteed paycheck. It’s a no-risk opportunity to try it out. For more information on freelancers in your area of expertise, search “freelancers” “consultants” or “off-site” with your industry key words or list your temporary work needs on Craig’s list. And of course you can always call me at 201-247-7726 for any of your writing, web development or design needs. And, I also know some amazing freelance accounting types.
Are You Prepared to Become an Employer? continued from page 4
Hiring and managing employees are important steps for a growing company. They allow the owner(s) to focus more on vision and strategy while delegating some of the tasks of implementation to others. However, that decision should be the result of careful forethought. Are you prepared for the challenges involved? Abby Duncan is a seasoned human resources consultant. She takes a “teach a person to fish” approach by helping owners of small businesses hire, manage, train and retain their employees. Rather than relieve them of these tasks, she educates and empowers entrepreneurs to be better managers and to make informed decisions relative to outsourcing any part of human resources. For more information about how Abby can help your growing business, visit www.duncanresources.com, call 973-256-8443, or e-mail her at aduncan@duncanresources.com. Chapter from Jersey Women Mean Business! Big, Bold Business Advice from New Jersey Women Business Owners Published by Woodpecker Press, LLC © 2012
NJRCC Calendar Of Events 2012 July 24 – First Pitch 7:05 pm NJ Jackals Baseball Networking Picnic Yogi Berra Stadium Montclair State University, Montclair (Gates open at 6:00 pm)
July 25 – 8:00 am until 9:30 am How To Succeed in Selling in a Rebounding Economy AVE Clifton 743 Passaic Avenue, Clifton
September 10 Golf Clinic & Brunch 10:00 am until 2:00 pm 29th Annual NJRCC Golf Invitational Preakness Hills Country Club 1050 Ratzer Road, Wayne
September 20 BIZ Expo Trade Show SAVE THE DATE – December 6 STAR Awards Gala For details and to register for each of these events, please visit www.njrcc.org
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Q: Is it Better to Look Good or Feel Good? A: Both! By Naoma Welk restige Custom serves clients throughout the tri-state area with a goal of making people look good and feel good! Rob Breslau, owner of Prestige Custom doesn’t perform plastic surgery or transform personalities; he does provide custom clothing to professionals so that they look good and feel good. Breslau works with clients in all types of professions, from bankers to bakers, from marketers to machinists, from professors to pop artists and from athletes to actors. All of his clients have one thing in common: they want their clothes to be comfortable, fit well and look great.
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could translate numbers into styles. He says, “Fit is paramount to a good piece of clothing and fabric is second. “If something doesn’t fit well, even the most expensive fabric will look cheap. I always give my opinion; if a fabric doesn’t look good I tell them. When my client puts on a shirt, tie and suit in the morning, I want them to be happy with how they look and feel.” Even though the relaxed professional environment has led men to wear fewer suits and sports coats, Rob has brought his shirt and pants line to the forefront. “We have more than 1,000 shirt fabrics from various top mills throughout the world. Our clothing is great quality and a great value.”
Who needs to look good? For the past twenty years, Rob has been providing professionals with tailored clothing that fits perfectly and meets their needs. You might think his clients are mostly midgets and giants or people with bodies shaped like toothpicks or bowling balls. “That’s not the case,” he smiles, “the majority of our clients are not hard to fit, but they understand the value we bring to their wardrobe. They know that the first impression is a lasting one and people are often judged by how they are dressed.” He adds, “Before you say one word, people have formed an opinion about you by how you look and let’s face it, in a professional environment, everyone needs to look good.”
Shopping Made Easy Throughout his career, Rob has made it easy for his clients to look good. He brings his portfolio of sample fabrics and styles to his client’s home or office. Once a selection is made, Rob can help with shoes, ties, cufflinks, socks and belts. “Our business is designed to keep busy men out of stores. We focus on making them look good while they focus on their business.” Contact Rob at 908.553.3309 and rob.prestige@gmail.com.
Value, Quality and Price “People assume that custom-made clothing is very expensive. I know there are many custom clothing companies that are expensive and in fact, over-priced. That’s not who we are. We work with vendors in both Europe and America and we still bring price, value, quality and personal service to our customers. Our low overhead enables us to deliver quality at a great price. A customer is someone who buys from you once - a client stays with you forever.” Fit First - Fabric Second In the early part of his career, Breslau worked in the retail side of the business and learned how to take measurements so that a tailor
Member News: Columbia Bank Receives Community Service Award
For the second consecutive year, Columbia Bank received the New Jersey Bankers Association Community Service Award in recognition of their charitable support and volunteer effort benefiting New Jersey communities. The award is part of a statewide program that recognizes outstanding community work by its member banks. In accepting the award, Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO of Columbia Bank noted, “As a true community bank, we pride ourselves in giving something back to the many towns we serve. Our corporate culture encourages donations, employee volunteerism and community grants issued by our Columbia Bank Foundation. It remains our initiative to proactively support local civic, community and charitable causes that encourage home ownership, economic development, financial literacy and local business prosperity.” Many Columbia executives regularly serve on the boards of local hospitals, schools and charities, chambers of commerce, rotary clubs and other community service organizations. The bank’s volunteer crews also regularly assist local Habitat for Humanity affiliates build
affordable housing in low income areas. Within greater Paterson alone, for example, Columbia has supported the building of 127 Habitat housing units. Recently, when heavy flooding devastated several North Jersey towns, the bank responded with a special effort to help affected homeowners. Working with local municipalities, they identified residents who were in immediate need of assistance and provided them with replacement home appliances. Columbia’s Annual Charity Golf Classic also raised more than $36,000 for the Family and Friends for Freedom Fund, a Pompton Plains charitable foundation the helps to ease the financial worries of local wounded servicemen and women and their families during the recovery process. Other community support efforts include collecting supplies for local food pantries, sponsoring community events and hosting financial literacy, cyber security and identity fraud prevention classes. Columbia believes that vibrant communities foster both economic development and neighborhood pride. business matters | June 2012 7
Meet Our New Members We are pleased to announce that 13 companies have joined the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce during the last quarter, making it one of the largest chambers in the state. Please join us as we welcome our newest members and we hope you will patronize them whenever possible.
BROKER
ENTERTAINMENT
UnionAdvisors
J&J Comedy LLP
UnionAdvisors is a business brokerage (primarily operating in New Jersey) that works with businesses valued at less than $5 million. As a broker, UnionAdvisors brings people together and personally walks them through a procedure which can easily be the largest transaction of their lives. Of equal importance is the vetting process that UnionAdvisors conducts before bringing the parties together. By understanding clients’ needs, wants and financial capabilities, UnionAdvisors can filter the counterparties and minimize disruptions to normal schedules.
Since October 2004, J&J Comedy has been producing successful comedy shows at numerous venues throughout New Jersey. J&J Comedy produces shows in hotels, restaurants as well as fundraisers for Little Leagues, cheerleading squads, Knights of Columbus, PBAs, Fire Departments, etc. The staff of J&J Comedy takes pride in booking comedy legends that match any particular audience. Contact J&J Comedy for your next event.
Vin Bonaventura 34 Village Road, B598 New Vernon, NJ 07976 908.400.2410 unionadvisors@yahoo.com
Home inspection
EATERY
Foresight Consulting
PJ Ruffo’s Restaurant Located in the Italian section of West Paterson, this “casually sophisticated” Italian-American cuisine is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. The main menu features an array of dishes from a variety of chicken or veal (Parmigiana/ Marsala/Piccata/Milanese or Francaise), shrimp, NY strip steak, tilapia or salmon, pork chops, eggplant parmigiana. These entrees are joined by a host of pasta main courses, salads and desserts. PJ Ruffio’s features Wednesday night entertainment, from classic rock, pop to party favorites from the last several decades that are sure to appeal to baby boomers. P.J. Caggiano 279 Browertown Road Woodland Park, NJ 07424 973.812.7222 www.pjrufos.com pjcagg@hotmail.com
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James Benededo 115 7th Street Port Reading, NJ 07064 866.552.6633 www.jjcomedy.com info@jjcomedy.com
matters
Foresight Consulting Home Inspections is a two-generation family business dedicated to performing comprehensive home inspections. The company is qualified to handle termite inspection, plumbing, electrical and tests for mold, asbestos, radon and oil tanks. Chris is a NJ state licensed home inspector and has a NJ license for wood destroying Insects. He is also certified to perform home energy audits. Chris Salviano 9 Walnut Court North Haledon, NJ 07508 973.942.3061 www.foresightconsulting foresight1@optonline.net
INSURANCE Prudential
In 1875, John Fairfield Dryden established The Prudential Friendly Society in a basement office in downtown Newark, N.J. It was the first U.S. company to make life insurance affordable for working-class
Prudential
people. The company sold industrial insurance, which provided funeral and burial expenses for low-income families, with some weekly premiums as low as three cents per week. The next year, the company issued its 5,000th policy and hired Julia Babbit, its first female insurance agent. In 1877, the company changed its name to the Prudential Insurance Company of America. Since then, Prudential has built a business heritage of life insurance and asset management expertise. Today, the company offers individuals and institutions in the US, Asia, Europe and Latin America a wide array of financial products and services, including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, investment management, and retirement related services. Peter Feld 6 Riverside Drive Pequannock, NJ 07440 peter.feld@prudential.com
LAW FIRM Law Offices of Steven H. Wolff, LLC
Often “regular” families have the kind of legal disputes that cause the kind of emotional stress that affects clear thinking and decisionmaking. If not managed, family issues like divorce can consume one’s life and work. To bring order to this emotional chaos, Steven Wolff ’s firm provides objective and reasonable thinking during these traumatic times in life. The firm’s practice areas include: Divorce, Pre/Post Nuptial Agreements, Visitation & Family Time, Uncontested Divorce, Child Custody & Support, Post-Judgment Modifications, Property Division & Distribution of Assets, Alimony, Parental Relocation and Domestic Violence. Steven Wolff, Esq. 1111 Clifton Avenue, Suite 201 Clifton, NJ 07011 973.567.3547 www.wolfflawnj.com steven@wolfflawnj.com
Meet Our New Members MARKETING
Abarb Pest Services, Inc.
BBZ Limousine & Livery
Noesis Marketing
the best service in a worry-free, most timely and ethical manner. Our reputation has been built on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Visit Abarb Pest Services online to see current seasonal offers.
Jason Messinger 115 Woodbine Street Bergenfield, NJ 07621 201.501.0615 www.bbzlimo.com jason@bbzlimo.com
Noesis Marketing will help get your small business to that next level of success. We provide a free consultation and proposal at no cost and no obligation. Noesis Marketing provides integrated solutions for your marketing and business development challenges, increasing your company’s exposure. With over 20 years of experience, Noesis Marketing can help you build your business, reach potential customers and develop the most effective marketing methods in use today. Nina Tucker 91 Bellevue Avenue Montclair, NJ 07043 973.783.3983 www.noesismarketing.net ninatucker@noesismarketing.net
ONLINE NEWS NJ.com NJ.com is one of the most popular online newspapers that features pieces written by reporters from an array of area papers including The Star-Ledger, The Trenton Times, The Jersey Journal, Gloucester Co. Times, The News of Cumberland County and Today’s Sunbeam. Categories include news, weather, sports, entertainment, living, jobs, autos, real estate, rentals and classifieds. Online registration is free and the site encourages reader participation. Chris Bock 30 Journal Square Jersey City, NJ 07306 201.459.2800 www.nj.com cbock@nj.com
PEST CONTROL Abarb Pest Services, Inc. Abarb Pest Services is a full-service, family-owned company in business since 1973. The company serves Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Essex, Hudson, Sussex and Union counties. Our commitment to the customer is the most important aspect of our business as we continually strive for excellence in service. Abarb is dedicated to bringing you
George F. Forst 869 Ringwood Avenue Haskell, NJ 07420 973.839.6621 www.abarbpest.com fgabarbpest@aol.com
PROPERTY RESTORATION SERVPRO® of Clifton SERVPRO® of Clifton specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. SERVPRO® of Clifton can also mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business. The staff is highly trained in property damage restoration at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification. The staff at SERVPRO® has the knowledge to restore damaged property, whatever the cause. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO® of Clifton. Robert Kinch 61 Somerset Place Clifton, NJ 07012 973.928.3705 www.servproclifton.com servpro9875@optimum.net
TRANSPORTATION
BBZ Limousine & Livery Service, Inc. Since 1869 (even before automobiles were invented), BBZ Limousine & Livery has been providing transportation services to customers throughout the tri-state area. It is one of the metropolitan area’s oldest and largest transportation services. The team at BBZ is dedicated to providing courteous, convenient and reliable service and their chauffeurs are professional. Whether your destination is the airport, rail station, the New York metropolitan area, Atlantic City or anywhere in between, call BBZ to deliver you in comfort and get you there on time.
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT Harbor Freight Tools
Harbor Freight Tools began as a family owned catalog company in 1977. The commitment was to give working people the best value possible on quality tools. Now, 34 years later, Harbor Freight Tools is still family-owned and still delivering on its commitment. Harbor Freight Tools is the largest tool and equipment retailer in the country, with over 20 million satisfied customers who shop on their website and in more than 380 stores nationwide. Larry Brodsky 1016 Main Avenue Clifton, NJ 07011 www.harborfreight.com hft389@harborfreight.com
TRAVEL KIA Travels, LLC KIA Travels, LLC, (KIA) represents all major airline and cruise companies and serves both the leisure and the corporate traveler. KIA specializes in worldwide travel, has access to special rates (some below internet!) and provides detailed information about the world’s most intriguing vacation destinations. KIA makes rental car, hotel and resort accommodations, schedules tours, meals and even organizes tickets for sporting events. KIA also specializes in corporate travel for conventions, meetings, conferences and keeps profiles on personal travel preferences. Corporate discounts are available. Denise Farmer-Smith PO Box 0188 Bloomfield, NJ 07003 862.252.6999 www.kiatravels.com kiatravels@yahoo.com business matters | June 2012 9
Our Fictional Char act er Despite a difficult economy, Donna decided to move ahead with her planned custom cupcake business. “With the economy in a downturn, I like the idea of making comfort food– right here in my own neighborhood. I don’t think there’s anything better than walking into a room that smells like fresh baked cupcakes.” After a three-month search Donna found a small downtown space with a commercial kitchen that was just the right size for her cupcake business. Donna had a $20,000 “start-up” bank account to help launch her small business, which she named “Donna’s”. She designed her store so that the scent of baked goods wafted from the kitchen into the retail space, decorated the store in flavorful colors and installed several tall glass bakery cases where she could showcase her decorative cupcakes and any other enticing items that came out of her kitchen. Donna announced her store’s Grand Opening in local newspapers and distributed fliers at parking garages, school events and at grocery stores. The first weekend, crowds of sweet-toothed customers swooped in and
bought everything she could bake. However, Donna knew that to keep customers knocking down her doors, she would need help spreading the word about her delicious products. “After all,” she explained “I know how to bake great cupcakes….but marketing? Not so much!” Donna turned to the team at Peerless Media Group who worked with her to design a cohesive marketing program. The Creative Team at Peerless created a multi-tiered plan that Donna could implement as she grew financially; by designing the program all at once, she was assured that her message and the look of her marketing would be consistent. One of the first components was to write and distribute a press release to county-wide food and catering publications as well as event/party organizers. Next, Peerless suggested she wrap her new VW bug with “Donna’s” signage so that everywhere she drove, people would think of her store. They also suggested she take quarter page ads in Business Matters magazine because (a) they knew it was an excellent publication with a great reach and (b) they knew the publisher
would insert a write-up about her business sometime this year. When it is financially feasible, Peerless is planning to shoot a video loop that Donna can run in the store on closed circuit TV so that customers can learn more about Donna and her products. They are also considering other print, radio and television advertising for the future. “I have been pretty overwhelmed” says Donna, “but everyone at Peerless has been wonderful. I have full confidence in their team and with their help, I can relax and do what I do best – bake the best cupcakes in the county. Wait! Make that the best cupcakes in the state!”
Member News: Spencer Bank Business Holds Seminar Small business owners from Northern New Jersey were invited to Spencer’s “Protecting Your Business in the Electronic Age - Small Business Seminar” on June 19th at the Royal Manor in Garfield. Anthony M. Rainone, Esq. from Brach Eichler LLC led the seminar which covered several topics including common electronic threats, best practices to protect a company’s critical information and specific
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legal issues that all business owners should know about protecting their business information. John Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President, Retail Banking, said “We were pleased to host more than 100 business professionals at this seminar. Many of them expressed appreciation for this educational session and feel better prepared to protect their electronic intellectual properties.”
Tech TIPS
David Rosa, Managing Partner Rosa and Castan Associates Technology Management Consulting Fairfield, NJ 07004 973.830.8104
Take control of your technology! Are you in control of your business technology? Or, is the technology in your company controlling your business? Is your Internet access only available with the proper planetary alignment of Jupiter and Mars? You purchased your business technology with the dream of maximizing your company’s productivity as well as controlling costs while maintaining the security of your company and customer information. Somehow this does not always go as planned. Taking control of your technology should not be an elusive dream. But taking control of your technology requires planning, discipline, regular updates and maintenance. How is this accomplished? Below are a few guidelines that must be followed and some classic pitfalls to avoid: • Use current technology: A sure way to lose control is to attempt to keep older systems in place beyond their useful life. This often leads to many concerns including performance and compatibility issues. Using the most current versions of software products (e.g. QuickBooks, AutoCAD, etc.) normally provide improved productivity and good performance with current computers. • Plan ahead: Many companies let their technology evolve rather than follow a plan. Planning ahead should include looking at software and
hardware needs as well as infrastructure updates. Of course, setting a realistic budget is also key to success. Technology solutions must match the size of your needs and your budget.
• Security: Never let your security get out of date. A small lapse in security can cause downtime and destroy data and this can be very expensive for an organization. Keep your firewall, software, and virus protection up to date and using the current security technology. Never skimp on security. • Maintenance: Be sure to perform regular maintenance on all of your key hardware and software systems. • Training: Be sure your employees are properly trained not only on using your systems but also on your policies and procedures to help keep your network and systems secure. Implementing a good technology strategy is critical for maintaining control of your technology. This is particularly true since technology touches nearly every part of your business including telephone, communications, sales and marketing, accounting and manufacturing. Part of the strategy must also include working with a reliable technology partner to help support the various elements of today’s business technology.
NJRCC Scholarship Recipients NJRCC Foundation President, Bob Jaffe and Gloria Martini (r) President of the Chamber of Commerce present scholarship checks to two of this year’s recipients - Patricia Evrard (l) from William Paterson University and Lilia Sidorova (second from right) who is attending Montclair State University. This year the NJRCC Foundation gave out four college scholarships and one high school scholarship. It will also introduce two new scholarship grants for veteran’s returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.
business matters | June 2012 11
Professional Resource Directory Adult Care Advisors Dina Frauwirth, Advisor 908.812.9158 dina@adultcareadvisors.com www.adultcareadvisors.com Senior Care Consultants‌and our advice is free
Brantley Bros. Moving and Storage 168 Elizabeth Avenue Newark, NJ 07108 973.824.9500 brntmoving@aol.com Dependability...Trust...Customer Satisfaction
Cartridge WorldÂŽ Jim Feeney Plaza 46 1590 US Rt. 46 West Woodland Park, NJ 07424 973.256.5610 jfeeney@cartridgeworldusa.com 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
CWG Copywriting Chrystine Gaffney 201.247.7726 chrystine@cwgcopywriting.com www.cwgcopywriting.com Professional Copywriting, Editing & Proofreading
Your Cyber Partner Felicia Lucco P.O. Box 5850 Newark, NJ 07105 201.258.4593 Felicia@yourcyberpartner.com www.yourcyberpartner.com Increasing your Exposure Through Online Marketing Mention this listing for a 20% discount first month.
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Integrated Healthcare of Montclair LLC Dr. Tyran Mincey 296 Bloomfield Avenue Suite 1 Montclair, NJ 07042 973.744.1155 www.wholistic-chiro.com Wholistic Health Care Services
Rosa & Castan Associates, LLC David Rosa, Managing Partner Rosa & Castan 333 US Rt. 46 West Building B Suite 207 Fairfield, NJ 07004 www.rosacastan.com Technology Management Consulting Services
KB Electric Keith Ballantine 30 Gates Avenue Suite B6 Montclair, NJ 07042 973.744.6201 khb123@aol.com www.kbelectricnj.com We make old homes new and newer homes better.
Superior Exterminators
The Kraus Group LLC
The Investorville Gazette
James Horan, President 482 Notch Road Woodland Park, NJ 07424 973.638.1322 www.SuperiorExterminators.com Professional Full Service Pest Control
Nicholas J. Kraus 271 Rt. 46 West Suite D202 Fairfield, NJ 07004 973.998.5742 nkraus@krausgroupmarketing.com Innovative Marketing Solutions Designed Around You
Published By Village Investment Advisors LLC Available For Private Label Distribution
M.A. Gurland
Welk Ink
Mitch Gurland 637 Wyckoff Avenue Suite 341 Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201.790.4922 magurland@gmail.com Insurance Solutions for Individuals and Business Owners
For A Complimentary Preview Issue Contact dsmith@investorvillegazette.com 614.436.5939 Helping Readers Become Comfortable With Personal Finance and Investing.
Naoma Welk 306 Hartford Road South Orange, NJ 07079 973.762.6243 www.welkink.com Business Writing, Public Relations, Publishing
Megangela Graphics LLC
Verizon Wireless
Robin Wilson PO Box 205 Pequannock, NJ 07440 888.469.8103 megangela@optonline.net Delivering Creative Solutions
Julian F. Carrera 1132 US Rt. 46 West Clifton, NJ 07013 973.809.2307 www.wirelesszone.com/clifton Your Local Wireless Professional
The Coach’s Corner
4
The
Most Critical Blocks
to your Success…
How to Overcome Them and Get What You Want and Deserve Part Three of Four: If you’re not achieving what you want to in life, it’s quite possibly due to one or more of these four blocks that are keeping you stuck: Gremlin, Assumptions, Interpretations, and Limiting Beliefs. In the past two issues we discussed Gremlins and Assumptions. The third of the four blocks is Interpretations, which we can define as - “opinions and judgments that you create about an event, situation, person, or experience and believe to be true.” When you INTERPRET something you create an opinion about an event, situation, or experience. You create an explanation for something that you “see,” and then look for evidence to support its validity. When you make an interpretation, you don’t even see that other explanations exist. In actuality, though, an interpretation often represents only one viewpoint among the many that are possible, and usually is based only on your own personal observation. If you believe your viewpoint of a particular situation is the only explanation, you won’t be aware of another point of view, and will be unlikely to even consider one even if it should be presented to you. Because you
don’t see that other possibilities exist, you remain stuck in your story and feel powerless over the outcome. For example, let’s say you come into work one day and as you pass your boss in the hall she barely nods hello and seems to completely ignore you. She goes into her office and closes the door, and you are left standing there feeling as if something is seriously wrong. You might “interpret” that your boss acted that way because she is angry with you. You might spend the morning wondering what you did to get her mad at you and you might be hesitant to approach her with the great idea you came up with on the way to work. Even worse, you might get totally stressed out and think it’s time to start looking for a new job. In actuality, however, perhaps the reason she barely acknowledged you was that she just received a disturbing phone call about a family member, or she had an impending deadline, or was preoccupied because....there are so many possible explanations, none of which you are aware of or have anything at all to do with you. What an opportunity you’d miss if you decided to act based on your false interpretation.
Typical interpretations may sound like this: He doesn’t like me. She thinks I’m incompetent. They don’t want to follow orders. I don’t fit the mold they are looking for. Before you “jump to conclusions” and believe the first story that comes to mind, consider other possibilities that could lead you to new and empowering choices and actions. Consider that everything that happens in the world is NOT about you, because of you, or a reflection of something you did or did not say or do. Don’t allow misinterpretations to control your feelings, actions, or outcomes. In the upcoming issue we will discuss Limiting Beliefs. If blocks are keeping you from achieving the success and happiness you want and deserve, call Harvey at 201-962-8463 to request a free copy of this report, or go to www.harveyfeldman.com Also ask for information on how to apply for a Complimentary Business Breakthrough Coaching Session.
HARVEY FELDMAN, MBA, CEC, and Certified
The Power Networking Group (PNG) is the networking arm of the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce whose mission is to help Chamber members grow and promote their businesses. PNG members provide referral sources and business expertise to others in the group. Since 2005, PNG members have compiled nearly 1,000 business leads, the value of which is tens of thousands of dollars. Each member represents a specific business category. PNG meets every other Monday at 8:15 am at the NJRCC Board Room. Membership in PNG is free to all Chamber members; you must be a Chamber member to join. Contact Mitch Gurland at 201.790.4922 with any questions.
Sales Trainer, has over 35 years of experience in business and consulting. After operating his own successful business and marketing consulting practice for more than 20 years, Harvey studied to become an Executive and Life Coach, and received his CEC from iPEC, an accredited coaching institution. He recently added Sales Training to his repertoire, and is a Certified Training Instructor with Sales Training Institute. His unique background and experience have enabled him to help his clients achieve amazing breakthroughs and results. As a result his diverse background, coupled with his contagious enthusiasm, Harvey brings aneclectic, dynamic, and insightful perspective to his roles as Executive/Business/Life Coach and Sales Trainer, blending both practical and personal insight into a results-oriented, profit-building presentation that delivers high value and ROI to his clients. Harvey is a member of Mensa and resides in Oakland, New Jersey. He can be reached at 201-962-8463. business matters | June 2012 13
Support our Advertisers
Advertisers in this issue are members of the North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce. We hope you will support them with your business.
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The Young Professionals of North Jersey (YPNJ)
Networking Pays Dividends at YP After Hours Event
W
hen Evru Kuscan, Personal Banker for Investors Bank (Clifton Avenue Branch) recently attended her first Young Professionals (YP) After Hours Networking event with Nancy Iacobucci, Evru met a gentleman who had some CDs coming due at his bank. She listened and then asked if she could follow-up with him. The next day, Evru phoned the CD holder and scheduled a meeting at a location most convenient for him. “It wasn’t necessary for him to come to the bank and I was just as happy to meet on his turf to explain how we could help him. Investors Bank is known for its excellent customer service,” smiles Evru. As a result of Evru reaching out to the new acquaintance, he opened an account by transferring a quarter of a million dollars to her branch. Since then, he invested another $35,000 at the bank and Evru is pleased that she can help him make the most of his money. Kuscan’s credits the new account to her excellent follow-up and customer service. “I have been to other Chamber events, but this was the first time I ever attended a YP Networking event,” smiles Evru. When asked about the secret to her success, she explained, “Following-up is the
Evru Kuscan and Nancy Iacobucci at YP event
most important thing anyone can do. I met a really good person who I am able to help and hopefully he will refer me to a friend and we’ll end up with more referrals,” smiles Kuscan. You can reach Evru at eaguirre@myinvestorsbank.com or at 973-798-6250. *If you have a YP success story, please let us know!
we are not mindreaders
tell us what you think! Our goal is to deliver content that you can use and we want to know how we can make Business Matters better. Please complete the brief survey below and fax it to Naoma Welk at 973-762-6742 or email her at naomawelk@aol.com. 1
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Thank you for taking time to respond. I am looking forward to hearing your feedback as soon as possible.
Naoma
business matters | June 2012 15
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP COST $275 (1-4 FT Employees) $325 (5-25 FT Employees) $500 (26-75 Employees) $650 (76 - 150 FT Employees) NAME OF BUSINESS OR INDIVIDUAL: ___________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS ________________________________________________ CITY _______________________ ZIP___________ PHONE _____________________________________ FAX ____________________________ DATE _________________ WEBSITE ______________________________________________EMAIL ______________________________________ BUSINESS DESCRIPTION: _____________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ BUSINESS CLASSIFICATIONS (LIST TWO) _____________________________ NUMBER OF FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES __________
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Mail this application to: NJRCC, 1033 Route 46 East, Suite A103, Clifton, NJ 07013 or FAX it to 973-470-9245. For Office Use Only: Approved by Executive Committee. Date: _____________ Notes: _________________________________________________________________________ Rev 01/2010
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