ADIRONDACK REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is a 100% membership funded organization with the mission of supporting our business community through advocacy, education, connection and collaboration. The ARCC offers numerous benefits intended to help businesses grow and thrive, including resources in the following areas: business and professional development, money savings, marketing and promotion, ribbon cuttings, and sponsorships.
518-798-1761 | AdirondackChamber.org
LAKE GEORGE REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & CVB
The mission of Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB, Inc. is to drive tourism to the Lake George region year-round while fostering a vibrant business community. The Chamber seeks to promote growth and development of its member businesses by offering networking events, educational programs, ribbon cuttings and other opportunities.
518-668-5755 | LakeGeorgeChamber.com
BUSINESS COUNCIL OF NEW YORK STATE
The leading business organization in New York State, representing the interests of large and small firms throughout the state.
111 Washington Avenue, Suite 400, Albany, NY 12210 | 518-465-7511 | bcnys.org
BUSINESS MENTOR NY
For entrepreneurs, turning a passion into a business is the ultimate dream. But that dream doesn’t come easily. Fortunately, entrepreneurs don’t have to go it alone. Business Mentor NY is a free, easyto-use social network that allows entrepreneurs and volunteer business mentors to connect so they can solve problems and build businesses together. bmny.micromentor.org | Support.businessmentor@esd.ny.gov
EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT
New York’s chief economic development agency. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, Empire State Development strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207 | 518-292-5100
NEW YORK STATE CONTRACT REPORTER
The New York State Contract Reporter is an online publication of procurement opportunities with New York State agencies, authorities, public benefit corporations, and many municipalities. The Contract Reporter is an essential tool for selling your product/services to New York State government. | nyscr.ny.gov
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
518-457-9000 | dol.ny.gov
NEW YORK STATE DIRECTORY OF SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS
Helping NYS business build back. Find out more about Business Pandemic Recovery Initiative programs - including $800 million in state funding for small businesses - and about rental assistance for tenants.
esd.ny.gov/business-pandemic-recovery-initiative
NEW YORK STATE ENERGY RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NYSERDA)
NYSERDA offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
518-862-1090 | nyserda.ny.gov
NEW YORK STATE MINORITY & WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
esd.ny.gov/mwbe-new-certification
PURSUIT
Access more than 15 small business loan programs custom-fit to your needs, including SBA 504, SBA 7(a), and SBA Microloans. You’ll work one-on-one with a lender dedicated to understanding your business and your borrowing needs. 800-923-2504 | PursuitLending.com
SCORE
38 local SCORE volunteer mentors help small businesses and entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. SCORE is a nonprofit and all services are free and confidential. Contact: Richard Sellers | richard.sellers@scorevolunteer.org
Picture this scenario as a small business owner: You’re in a large room, filled with hundreds of members of your own local business community, and many of them are looking for the exact services you provide. Does that sound too good to be true? Fortunately, it’s 100% real and it’s coming to Glens Falls in November.
For those who haven’t heard yet, we’re talking about the ARCC’s annual Business Expo on Wednesday, November 8th.
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) helps entrepreneurs, small business owners and community members work together to improve life in the Adirondack region. The ARCC has been working on behalf of local businesses for over 100 years, and the Business Expo is just one of the many tools in their toolbox. The Expo solves a problem that many small business owners and entrepreneurs face: finding a connection to the community. That is where
the ARCC truly excels, in facilitating those critical relationships between business owners that in turn help to drive the local economy.
The ARCC Business Expo is a perfect opportunity to explore what the regional business community has to offer. Ambassadors from the ARCC will be on hand with a kind smile and easy introduction as you work your way around the event. Their ease and friendliness helps to set the tone for the day, and it again illustrates one of their core objectives of building meaningful connections.
The Business Expo allows the ARCC community to showcase their products and services and give potential customers first-hand experiences as well. Whether participants rent a booth or simply “work the room” as an attendee, the comfortable atmosphere allows customers to seek information and ask more detailed questions. It’s also an opportunity to put a face behind a business, which is an advantage for both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) operations. From previous Expos, attendees have consistently reported finding significant value from the event.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Michael Nelson | 518-832-3097 michael@fivetowers.us
Brad Colacino | 518-581-2480 x 208 brad@fivetowers.us
ADVERTISING
Michael Nelson | 518-832-3097 michael@fivetowers.us
Advertising? Next Deadline: November 15, 2023
This will be the second Expo under the leadership of Tricia Rogers, President and CEO of the ARCC, who took over the role in August of 2022. She and her dedicated team are expecting an even larger turnout than last year. Currently, the ARCC is experiencing a boom in membership with over 700 members and counting. They will be setting up between 80-90 booths which is an increase from just over 70 booths last year. “The ARCC Business Expo is a favorite event of our members and business community,” Rogers said. “We really look forward to this event. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our businesses.”
Rogers always takes the time to thank and show her appreciation for the ARCC staff and volunteers. She began with the ARCC as a volunteer ambassador herself, and in 2016 took on the role of Membership Manager. In early 2022, she was promoted to Vice President, Membership & Community Engagement. Later that year, she was named to her current title of President and CEO. “I feel so lucky to lead the organization in a community that I am passionate about,” said Rogers. “I
EDITORIAL
DESIGN
Kelsey Sherman | kelsey@fivetowers.us
Rosetta Annino
Publication & Ad Design
NEWSLETTER
Alan VanTassel
Amanda Blanton
Dan Wade
Howard Litwak
Giovanna D’Orazio
Jordan Dunn
Kate Haggerty
Matthew D. Wagoner
Michael Nelson
love this community and really want to make a difference. It helps that I work with a great team.”
Community building is often on the mind of Marketing Director Amanda Blanton, who reiterated the importance of networking at an ARCC “Chamber 101” meeting in early September. “You will always find a person who is not familiar with your business, even if you have been in business for 50 years,” explained Blanton. Business Expos are traditionally great opportunities to network with other professionals in the same or related fields, gain exposure to new ideas, and potentially learn new skills.
For Membership Manager Ava Kanninen, this is her first Expo with the ARCC. She can already attest to the excitement. “Regular attendees have told me that they love how open and welcoming the expo is. Some of that is because we don’t use the tall pipe-and-drape booths, so we have a warm and neighborly atmosphere. I also think that the level of engagement that our partners bring to all of our events is a special thing to be a part of, and I know the members are excited because the event keeps growing every year,” she said via email.
The chamber’s recommendation for attending expos, tradeshows and conventions is to make a full circuit first, then come back and see whom you’d like to connect with. And, of course, bring plenty of business cards.
The ARCC Business Expo will be held at The Queensbury Hotel (88 Ridge St, Glens Falls), on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, from 4pm-7pm. For attendees, the event is free of charge. There is, however, a fee for exhibitors; ARCC members who would like to exhibit must register on-line.
There are early bird deals available as well as a variety of table options to fit every business’ needs. If you can’t make the Expo or would like a more informal setting for networking, there will be a post-Expo networking opportunity at Fenimore’s Pub.
For more information, please visit the ARCC website at AdirondackChamber.org
by ADNET Technologies for Glens Falls TODAY
With the current state of the economy, competition to attract and retain customers and employees is stiff. In order to succeed and last, SMBs need to be agile and modernized. That starts with IT. Modernizing your IT can help SMBs grow, scale and excel in a challenging economy. Investing in IT can make your business more efficient and is more cost effective over time.
Leveraging managed services is a great way to start transitioning your IT to a more scalable, convenient model. Working with a Managed Services Provider (MSP) gives you immediate access to trained IT experts – without the overhead of assembling an entire IT staff of your own. Services like live chat and 24x7 support make this an excellent choice no matter what your industry is or what hours your team works.
This flexible model can be either co-managed or fully managed, depending on whether your organization has some technical team members or you’re starting from scratch. Either way, it’s a great way to save on IT while ensuring your environment is properly – and professionally – managed. It’s also a great way to access highly
skilled, hard to get technical talent in an extremely competitive market without breaking the bank.
Managed IT services aren’t the only adaptable technology these days. Audit what you’re currently using and what you see a need for. In addition to identifying gaps, this will help you discover opportunities to switch to subscription and per-seat (userbased) models. Subscription services don’t just help you avoid the initial capital expense, they also help you easily and quickly adjust when there are changes to your business. Whether it’s a sudden influx of customers, the need to change tools, or team members coming or going, paying per user helps eliminate unnecessary costs and long-term contracts in many cases.
After the pandemic, we all know how important flexibility is to businesses. As a managed services provider(MSP), we witnessed firsthand how challenging it was for organizations to quickly transition their tools and processes if they didn’t already have remote flexibility. Being able to pivot how your organization functions is integral to long-term success. That’s where cloud and hybrid environments come in. With a secure, correctly configured and professionally managed cloud environment, you’re able to drastically change things like where you work and how you work, without losing the ability to help clients as you change and grow. Even in organizations where onsite is still a requirement for many jobs (like manufacturing and healthcare), there are plenty of functions that can be done from anywhere,
securely, if you’re using a cloud or hybrid environment.
Every business owner hopes they’ll never face a crisis that causes them to need disaster recovery services, but unfortunately that’s not something you can predict – or prevent. What you can do is create an IT environment that enables you to recover quickly, minimizing downtime and loss of productivity.
Regardless of the backup method you choose, having a secure solution in place is a key part of a modern IT environment. When your environment is configured with these things in mind, it can be much more cost-effective than trying to find a solution that fits in later. Being able to quickly and effectively recover from unforeseen issues can mean the difference between retaining business or losing it.
The last piece of the puzzle when it comes to modern, flexible IT is cybersecurity. Proactive services can put you in a better position to prevent cybersecurity threats and mitigate risk. Ensuring your systems are properly secured, managed and maintained is one of the most important things you can do.
If you’re going to invest in cybersecurity, we recommend starting with a Security Risk Assessment to see where your current gaps are. At the very least, an endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution should be in place to help protect against today’s more advanced threats. Don’t make the mistake of thinking antivirus is enough to keep your systems safe – threats have evolved, and your technology needs to as well. These are just a few ways you can create more secure, scalable, flexible IT environments that enable you to stand out from the competition and meet your business goals. Modernizing your IT is an attainable goal – one we’re happy to help with. Visit thinkADNET.com to learn more.
Sand & Decks: Dale Agard, 44 Windsong Dr, Queensbury NY 12804
Bedore & Associates : Gabriel Bedore, 34 Oneida Street, Glens Falls NY 12801
Hometown Charm: Leslie S Burke, 6348 Rt 9, Chestertown NY 12817
High Maintenance Kleaning: Renee Karesha
Goodspeed, 296 Main Street, P.O. Box 303, North Creek NY 12853
Barody S Detailing: Connor Barody, 24 Horicon Ave Warrensburg NY 12885
Advanced Designs Web Services: Aaron Densmore, 336 Lake Tour Road, Lake Luzerne NY 12846
Kaetzel Tree Service: Christopher Kaetzel, 223 State Rt 28 Lot #3, Warrensburg, NY 12885
Bambaz: Stephanie Benn, 164 Canada Street, Lake George NyY12845
M & T Investments: Maureen Clennan, 203 Maple St, Glens Falls NY 12801
Muralgarten Glassworks: Brittany Canale, 153 Maple St, Glens Falls NY 12801
1517 Cleaning: Aaron W. Jabot, 551 Lake Ave, Lake Luzerne NY 12846
Flagg’s Home Repairs: Wayne A. Flagg Jr., 15 Northway Ln, Queensbury NY 12804
Simply Mads Boutique: Madeline Delsignore, 25 Cedarwood Drive, Queensbury NY 12804
Inner Works Counseling: Shelby Closson, 237 Glen St Suite 106, Glens Falls NY 12801
Red’s Sweet Treats: Jordan Dougher, 6 Dreamlake Rd, South Queensbury NY 12804
Ziegler Graphic Design: Kerry Ziegler, 5 Wayne Ct, Queensbury NY 12804
Northwoods General Contracting: Darryl Prosser Jr., 374 Athol Road, Athol NY 12810
Star Canvas Upholstery Trim Shop: William R. Brown, 173 Adirondack St, Queensbury NY 12804
Creative Properties Unlimited: Joseph Paris
II, 86 Eagan Rd, Queensbury NY 12804
Sniffs And Snacks: Jamie Lynn Monroe,14 Blenor Ave, Hudson Falls, NY 12839
Adams Mobile Tire And Auto Repair: Adam G Kaufman, 130 Shaftsbury Hollow Rd, Eagle Bridge NY 12057
Fishers Locks: Jonathan E Fisher, 7 Lincoln Street, Granville NY 12832-1207
A To Z Construction: Zachary Braymer, 128B South William St, Whitehall NY 12887
All American Dumpster Rental: Benjamin Noftle, 28 Blackhouse Rd, Fort Edward NY 12828
J And R Vending: James R Maddison, 58
Country Acres, Hudson Falls NY 12839
Nodefiance: Jamie Faye Hunt, 19 N Park St, Cambridge NY 12816
Sisco Construction And Landscaping: Lucas Sisco, 9 Pacific Street Apt 2, Granville NY 12832
Mandie B’s Stained Glass: Amanda Baker, 8185 State Route 40, Granville NY 12832
Mckayla Jean’s Ice Cream: Mckayla Jean Mclenithan, 2147 State Route 22, Cambridge NY 12816
Anthony’s Electric: Anthony Brower, 58 Sloan Dr, Greenwich NY 12834
Nc Landscaping Roofing And More: Nicholas Coon, 244 Broadway, Fort Edward NY 12828
Premier Buildings Of The Adirondacks: Tyler Ennis, 10270 State Route 149, Fort Ann NY 12827
Mamma’s Cafe: Thomas R. Heym & Danielle Bemis-Heym, 134 Broadway, Fort Edward NY 12828
Northeast Materials: Emily Patterson, 2 Nolan Rd, South Glens Falls NY 12803
Wild Heritage Horizons: Piper Alexander, 10 Chester St Apt. 5, Glens Falls NY 12801
We Fix All: Rabbi Foyez Ahmed, 578 Aviation Rd. Kiosk #k09, Queensbury NY 12804
Adirondack Elite Cleaning Service: Mellisa
Lanfair, 16 Grand Ave, Warrensburg NY 12885
Revolution Made by Hand: Jeromy Mcfarren, 10 Marion Avenue Apt , Glens Falls NY 12801
Jennifer Rowley Md Private Practice: Jennifer Rowley, 102 Park St, Glens Falls NY 12801
Adirondack Arts: Ellen S Achaefer, 279 13th Lake Road, North River NY 12856
Baked by Marlene at J Gallup
Farm: Marlene Delongis, 3916 Main St, Warrensburg NY 12885
Ben ATM: Elizabeth Porlier, 241 Fuller Rd, Queensbury NY 12804
Split Rail Crafts: Cortney Mccauliffe, 93 Olmstedville Rd, Pottersville NY 12860
J Mosher Contracting: Joel A Mosher, 914 Glen Athol Rd, Warrensburg NY 12885
C Mosher Construction: Caiden Mosher, 914 Glen Athol Rd, Warrensburg NY 12885
B N B Property Pros: Billy Joe Wrobel & Bill Joe Wrobel, Jr., 2 First Ave, Warrensburg NY 12885
Warren S Mobile Marine & Repair: Brian J Warren, 2340 State Rte 9n, Lake George NY 12845
Curious Creatures: Brianna Breen, 72 Dixon Rd, Queensbury NY 12804
Illuminated Audio: Matthew Joseph Roberts, 10 Smith St, Glens Falls NY 12801
Maccs Detailing: Maccharulo Greg, 329 Quaker Road, Queensbury NY 12804
A & A Landscaping Services: Alex Martin & Alex Hill, 18 Mcginnis Rd, Lake George NY 12845
RGs Gaming: Thomas Hart Sellingham III, 49 Mud St, Athol NY 12810
BJB Electric: Bernard J Brault, 1772 Ridge Rd, Queensbury NY 12804
Natural Nails by Lauren: Lauren Law, 48 Lawrence St, Glens Falls NY 12801
Adirondack Elements: Arthur C Perryman,
3951 St Route 8, Wevertown NY 12886
Mountain Craft Renovations: Joshua M Frankel, 1776 Call Street, Lake Luzerne NY 12846
Simmes Enterprises: Jason Richard Simmes, 1903 Ridge Road, Queensbury NY 12804
Luis a Rodriguez Labor Services: Luis Antonio Rodriguez, 9 First Ave, Whitehall NY 12887
Hudson Hollow Ranch: George Stannard, 207 Hudson Hollow Rd, North Creek NY 12853
Normworkx: Norman Herrington, 339 Johnson Rd, Adirondack NY
West Mountain Guitar Works: Jeffrey John Inglee II, 104 Tuthill Road, Queensbury NY 12804
Taco Kings Jalisco: Juan Martinez Ramirez, 62 South St, Glens Falls NY 12801
Baldwin Concrete Floors: Jacob Baldwin, 31 Caroline St, Queensbury NY 12804
Sky Pocket Studio: Robin Barkenhagen, 21 William St, Glens Falls NY 12801
Painter: Dennis Patchen, 8 Greenway, North Queensbury NY 12804
Beyouthiful Skin: Grace Mcdonald, 375 Bay Road Suite 104, Queensbury NY 12804
Friends of Jim Dobkowski: James Dobkowski & Jennifer Dobkowski, 8 Trails End, Queensbury NY 12804
Jennifer L Lewis Lmt: Jennifer L Lewis, 101 Ridge Street, Glens Falls NY 12801
Alpenglow Cleaning: Cheyenne Tabano, 80 Park Rd, Johnsburg NY 12843
Abby Films: Abigail Brancati, 46 Baldwin Ave, Glens Falls NY 12801
Birds of a Feather Candle Co: Teri Ruta & Josephine J Brown, 63 Wincoma Lane, Queensbury NY 12804
Closet Consignment: Catherine May, 40 Dix Ave, Glens Falls NY 12801
Rosiearts: Hong Wang, 55 Mason Road, Queensbury NY 12804
Peaches Custom Cleaning: Georget Ramsey, 176 Adirondack St, Queensbury NY 12804
is a remarkable multigenerational business with a storied history spanning over 125 years.
Situated at 166 Main Street in Hudson Falls, it was originally established by the visionary Joseph McCann in 1896. Little could Joseph have foreseen that his entrepreneurial legacy would endure for over a century, now being overseen by the capable hands of the third generation of the McCann family, namely Richard, Brian, and Kate. Jason McCann, who serves as the pharmacist, and Matthew McCann represent the promising fourth generation, poised to carry on this legacy.
Though the family members have changed, the business has always kept its welcoming hometown feel. As one of the only compounding pharmacies in the region, the McCann family takes pride in knowing that they are helping their customers and are an integral part of the community.
The clear vision and mission of McCann’s Pharmacy has stood the test of time. For well over 100 years, the McCann family has been ready and available to improve the health and wellness of their customers while also providing exceptional service.
A large part of their success stems from their focus on each individual. That is the cornerstone of their
business and an important aspect of the practice of compounding. Compounding is the process of taking various ingredients and combining them to create a unique medication. The technique dates back to earlier days of medicine when a pharmacist would create individual treatments for each patient. As these methods have evolved over the years, McCann Pharmacy still uses the practice today.
Jason McCann is the supervising pharmacist for McCann’s, a position that directs and controls the practice in a registered pharmacy. He attended Siena College in Loudonville, NY for undergraduate studies, after which he enrolled in the accelerated program at the Albany College of Pharmacy. Jason then worked as a traveling pharmacist before returning back home to take the reins of the family business. “Operating a business like this is very challenging,” he explained, “but also very rewarding because we are making a positive difference in our community. We are much more than just pill counters. Our pharmacy has developed great
relationships with many practitioners in the area and works in a partnership with them to come up with whatever is needed to meet a patient’s needs.”
At McCann’s, members of the McCann family as well as their staff can be found creating new creams, lotions, suppositories, and capsules right in front of the patient. Compounding is important for patients who cannot swallow pills, have allergies to dyes or if traditional medication is not working. Customizing the medication to meet the needs of the patient is where the art and science of compounding meet. This personalized form and dosage of medicine is tailored to each patient’s individual need. “I think the key to our success is our personal approach and our willingness to go the extra mile for our patients which many times does not happen in the chain stores. We also do many things that the other pharmacies don’t do,” Jason said, adding how compounding is just one
of their specialized services.
Pain management is an area where the McCann family has found compounding to be helpful to their customers and, by extension, their community. Compounding helps to create additional options for patients; for example, using topical creams so patients can avoid side effects associated with oral medication. Utilizing medications and joining them with creams and lotions allows the patient to directly target the problem area for relief. McCann’s Pharmacy also works with the patient’s medical providers to more precisely locate the source of the pain. In addition to all these benefits, data has shown that medication in the form of a cream or lotion decreases the likelihood of a patient becoming addicted.
McCann’s cares for the entire family and knows the importance of keeping pets safe and healthy as well. Animals have a unique ability to separate a pill from cheese or deli meat or any other masking agent and spit it out onto the floor. McCann’s works with local veterinarians to create medicines that are as effective as they are enjoyable. The process starts with making the medication into a liquid suspension. Then, flavors like beef, chicken or fish are added to make it more attractive and palatable for your four-legged companion. These medications can also be customized into topical creams or lotions, making it easier for pets with certain conditions to avoid taking the medication orally.
- Jason McCannPeople are taking more medicines than ever before. More than four in ten older adults take five or more prescription medications each day. This is triple the rate from twenty years ago. Patients need to take the medications properly every day, at the right times, and as directed. McCann’s offers a Medicine-OnTime Service. For a $10 monthly service charge, McCann’s will help patients become more organized with their medications and more compliant with their regimens. One of the services that this option provides is synchronizing medications. This allows the various prescriptions for the patient to be filled on the same day. This program also sets up automatic refills and provides free delivery. The medications will come organized, in color-coded calendar cards. This system makes it easy to keep track of medication and maintain a system. The pills are labeled with the patient’s name, the date, the time to take the medication and a list of medications in each cup.
As a multigenerational business, McCann’s Pharmacy is aware of the importance of changing with the times. They have proven to be adaptable and to embrace technological advancements that help their patients. For example, they have an option to refill prescriptions online or over the phone. You can even use an app for that! Most smartphones and tablets have apps available to customers that are simple and easy to use as well as free. Go to the app store and search ‘RefillRX’. Download the app and follow the instructions for selecting a pharmacy. This allows the patient to enter refills and select if they will be picking up the medicine or would instead like free delivery.
Jason and his family hope that the next generation carries on the family tradition. However, he is aware that maintaining that tradition is ultimately their choice, so he looks to what previous generations have done for guidance. “I’m hoping for my son or daughter (or both!) to follow in my footsteps and decide to go into the pharmacy business to carry us on,” he explained. “But I’ll do the same as my father did and never put any pressure on them. It’s totally their decision.”
The key to our success is our personal approach and our willingness to go the extra mile for our patients, which many times does not happen in the chain stores.McCann’s a few years ago. All this time later, we still provide the same good ol’ customer service. Photo Courtesy of McCann’s Pharmacy. Rich McCann, owner of McCann’s Pharmacy. Photo Courtesy of McCann’s Pharmacy.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has compiled a number of statistics on how distracted driving affects people nationwide. The Administration reports that a total of 3,522 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in the year 2021. This number is out of nearly half a million total accidents that involved distracted driving! Estimates are that millions of drivers are making use of their phones while driving during daytime hours. Clearly, we have a major problem here.
New York has specific laws for traffic offenses that involve distracted driving. Under New York law, an officer may stop someone simply because they see them making use of a phone while driving. The offense itself may carry up to 5 points on a person’s license, and has very steep penalties for persons with provisional licenses or learner’s permits. In addition, these laws place significant restrictions on how operators of commercial vehicles may interact with their phones. The penalties for these offenses increase with each offense, and can potentially result in a loss of license if a person accrues enough points.
While these violations are generally considered small traffic offenses and handled in a municipal or state court, the acts that constitute these offenses are often the cause of accidents that result in severe injuries or death. Some minor injuries may be dealt with through New York’s “No Fault” system, but a person - or in some cases, a company - could also be held civilly liable for injuries caused by a distracted driving accident. Often, the same evidence used in court to convict a distracted driver on a traffic offense can be used in a civil case to show that the distracted driver was negligent, and that his or her negligence contributed to the accident.
In addition to criminal and traffic matters, an individual who suffers serious injuries as a result of a distracted driving accident is often entitled to compensation. This can be broken
down loosely into economic and noneconomic loss.
Economic damages are financial losses associated with an accident that a plaintiff can prove to a court. In distracted driving accidents, these often include medical costs such as hospitalization and/or surgery, as well as costs for follow-up treatment such as physical or occupational therapy. Future medical costs (to the extent that the treatment is reasonably likely) may also be estimated and included in available compensation. Lost wages are another type of economic damage that typically accompany serious injuries or death from a distracted driving accident. In addition to the period of time an individual is out of work in the immediate wake of an injury, there might be additional missed work due to follow-up care or, in severe cases and cases involving a death, an inability to sustain employment into the future. This loss of income is an often substantial element of damages in a lawsuit following a distracted driving accident.
Non-economic damages are losses that can be more challenging to translate into a dollar figure, yet can be substantial. These include categories such as physical pain and suffering, as well as mental anguish. Testimony from physicians, psychiatrists and other experts can help to attribute a monetary figure to these types of losses.
Distracted driving is one of the things that keeps us, as parents, up at night. It has to stop. But how?
First, we educate. We believe that we must all make efforts to educate both teenagers and adults about the real world risks associated with distracted driving, because this is not limited to teenagers. Many of us have, at times, been guilty of looking at our phones when we should be focused elsewhere.
We have also joined the organization End Distracted Driving, and have made the commitment to reach as many individuals in New York’s Capital District as possible to address this problem through speeches, presentations, and leadership.
Second, we litigate. Unfortunately, the reality is that some people don’t learn from directed education alone, and need to see real world examples of the risks of distracted driving to appreciate the risks involved. To that end, we represent victims and their families who have been injured or killed by distracted drivers. We will use every tool available to change the behavior and culture surrounding distracted driving, and sometimes, that will mean making examples of those who choose to continue to take this unnecessary risk despite the clear evidence of the danger this behavior presents.
If you have questions about what you can do to help, visit our distracted driving page at www.ignorethephone.com.
P.C.
Aperfect storm is swirling around the housing market with no end in sight. The Capital Region has a more stable housing market than many other areas of the country, so the mantra of real estate being local is relevant. But the same adverse factors affect this region as they do every real estate market in the United States. The trifecta of high mortgage rates, low inventory and high prices is here to stay for the foreseeable future. A dark cloud hangs over those wishing to purchase homes, those existing homeowners desiring to sell their homes and even real estate investors. That latter category of buyers has seen purchases plunge 45% in the second quarter of this year compared to the same quarter last year.
There is one word to describe the existing scenario–unaffordability. Mortgage rates during the past eighteen months have been aggressively hiked from rates less than three percent to just south of eight percent. The reality is that there is no hope that affordability will be eased in the foreseeable future. The combination of demand and supply for resale and new housing cannot adapt to normal market fluctuations. Ford and Chevrolet can easily make more cars if demand increases. General Mills can quickly make more cereal. These companies and most others do not have to appear before local planning and zoning boards with hat in hand begging to obtain approvals. And the goal of creativity which often involves the use of planned development districts (PDD’s) is not worth the effort. Density, PDD and PUD are dirty words in the political arena. Decades of local zoning laws favor single family detached homes, which is inherently the most expensive housing to build. Recent supply chain issues have exacerbated this issue. People who participate in community meetings are hardly representative of their community. They vociferously oppose new
development in general and especially moderate and low priced housing which requires density. Politicians for the most part are focused on preserving their jobs rather than addressing the needs of young people, minorities and the vast majority of potential homebuyers for whom unaffordability has gripped the market. Consequently, both the resale market and new construction have not met the demand for housing. Homeowners who would like to sell their homes for various reasons are not doing so because abandoning 3% or 4% mortgages to buy another home no better than their current homes at interest rates over 7% makes no sense. According to realtor. com, inventory in the largest 50 metro areas is 50% below pre-pandemic levels.
High prices due to demand far exceeding supply are here to stay. Newly built housing inventory is low and expensive resulting from decades of unrealistic, burdensome and restrictive local regulations. This situation cannot be addressed in either the short term or medium term and probably not in the long term. Resale inventory has plunged due to high interest rates. There is zero chance that monetary policy by the Federal Reserve and fiscal policy by Congress will solve the inflation goal of 2% in the foreseeable future,
so interest rates will continue at the highest level in twenty years for months, if not years.
Here are a few sobering statistics relating to the resale housing market. A recent Zillow survey indicated that 90% of mortgage holders had a rate below 6%; 80% less than 5%; 33% less than 3%. Therefore, there is no incentive to trade a current mortgage for a new one at rates exceeding 7%; only 20% of mortgage holders with rates below 5% have plans to sell their homes. Those with rates above 5% are twice as likely to sell within the next three years. 52% of homeowners said they wanted to move, but only 14% thought they could do so within their desired time frame.
Housing and neighborhoods play a critical role in individual and community well-being. Where people live – especially children – is a key component of future well being, including physical and mental health, income and mobility. Housing has been neglected as part of the safety net in the United States. That is because the federal government’s role in housing is superseded by the complex structure of its control by local regulations. It is each community for itself and no other; and many members of the thousands of local regulatory bodies which control housing are only concerned about the next election.
by Matthew D. Wagoner of The Wagoner Firm for Glens Falls TODAY
In our previous article, we discussed the benefits of purchasing or selling a small business. This quarter, we’re going to begin outlining the initial steps in the acquisition process.
First, it’s important to envision what success looks like. This involves not just determining the type of business and its location, but also understanding the financial metrics that will ensure the business can meet your financial obligations and personal income needs. Key among these metrics are Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) and cash flow.
SDE is a measure of a business’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and owner’s compensation are subtracted. It provides a clear picture of a small business’s profitability and overall financial health. Understanding your target purchase’s SDE will provide an essential perspective on its profitability and the lifestyle it can support.
Cash flow refers to the money flowing into and out of your business each month.
While it might seem similar to profit, the two are distinct. A business can be profitable but still experience negative cash flow if incoming and outgoing payments aren’t synchronized. For instance, if customers are slow to pay their invoices, cash flow can be impacted, even if the company is making a profit. If your personal financial requirements dictate a certain level of income from the business, you’ll need to ensure that the company’s free cash flow can support that level.
Clearly articulated search terms will guide your process, helping you find a business that meets your needs and sets you on the path toward successful entrepreneurship
Once your objective is defined, the next step is to assemble a team of professionals to support you throughout the process. Their expertise and insights can be indispensable in avoiding pitfalls and ensuring a smooth transaction. The team typically consists of an accountant, business broker, banker and an attorney. From the financial corner, an accountant is a crucial team member. They can help you review financial statements, understand the company’s financial health, and assess its worth. They’ll spot any money-related issues that may arise and make sure you’re making a sound investment. Accountants can also guide you on important tax implications and assist with a quality of earnings report and/or business valuation.
A business broker plays the critical role of matchmaker. The broker can help identify potential businesses for sale, provide insights about the market, assist with negotiations, and facilitate communications between you and the seller. A seasoned broker, who has worked on both the buyer’s and seller’s side in many deals, will understand the perspectives of all parties involved and can be instrumental in ensuring the transaction progresses smoothly.
Having a strong relationship with a bank or financial representative will allow you to fully understand your ability to purchase a business before heading down the path of entrepreneurship. A good business banker will understand what size deal you are able to do and help you execute when the time comes to close on a deal. They should also be well versed in lending options, such as small business administration loans that are available to purchasers.
Lastly, an experienced attorney is a pivotal asset in the buying process by providing
legal and strategic guidance. They’ll also help you navigate the initial negotiations as well as final contract language and advocate for favorable or market terms. They can ensure compliance to the maze of laws and regulations that can vary widely by location, and handle vital legal documents like employment and customer agreements. Having an experienced business attorney familiar with your region’s legal landscape is critical to a successful transaction.
Choosing the right team can significantly influence your success. Look for professionals who are not only well-versed in their respective fields but also have extensive experience with small to mid-size business transactions. They should be familiar with the dynamics of the small business community and have a proven track record of working on deals similar to what you envision. This team will be your support network, helping you navigate the complex journey of buying a small business.
Having your team assembled before finalizing the Letter of Intent (LOI) is crucial. The LOI, while usually non-binding, is an essential document as it outlines the basic terms agreed upon by both parties, like the purchase price, payment structure (e.g., lump sum, partial payment with an earnout, etc.), and due diligence process.
An experienced accountant will ensure the financial arrangements can be supported by the company’s historic financials. They can help determine whether the proposed price and payment structure align with the business’s financial performance and your financial objectives.
For a buyer, a business broker can be particularly helpful during the negotiation of the LOI. Given their knowledge of market trends, and comparable transactions, they can advise on whether the proposed terms are reasonable and competitive. The broker can also facilitate communications between you and the seller during this process, ensuring that discussions remain productive and focused.
A seasoned attorney will ensure the LOI contains market terms, necessary legal clauses like confidentiality and exclusivity, and does not have any “gotcha” terms. They should also advocate for you and identify and advise about identifiable risks. Ensuring the LOI is done correctly also protects from re-trading positions later, which can hurt the relationship between the buyer and seller. This relationship is important because there is often collaborative work that takes place among them
before and after the closing.
Having this team in place before finalizing the LOI not only enables you to draw on their expertise during the negotiation of the LOI but also ensures that you’re wellprepared to proceed to the next stages of the transaction. Once the LOI is finalized, you and the seller will have a clear roadmap to guide you towards finalizing the deal, with your team on hand to support you every step of the way.
Buying a small business is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. In the early stages, one of the most important things you can do is to define your objectives and assemble a team of professionals to support you. By clearly articulating what you want to achieve and having the right people with the right experience in your corner, you can greatly increase your chances of success.
In next quarter’s article, we’ll get further into the details of what sellers should do to be in the best position possible to sell their business on their terms.
by Megin Potter for Glens Falls TODAY
Stepping out of your comfort zone and into a place where you can focus on inner healing; it’s an appealing alternative to traditional vacations for stressed-out travelers looking to enjoy some scrumptious food, gorgeous scenery, and comradery with likeminded adventure-seekers.
The yoga industry has been growing steadily since the 1970s. Today, yoga holds a strong position in both the fitness and health worlds. It is easy to understand why.
The practice is based on ancient traditions but has been adapted to modern lifestyles. Approximately 36 million Americans experience the benefits of yoga. While some pursue it to lose weight and feel fit, the gentle stretches also release tension, lower blood pressure, and provide other health advantages. Participants, of whom more than 70 percent are women, also report feeling happier after taking up the practice.
These benefits naturally extend into the workplace, where employees return to work more focused,
confident, and creative. Yoga reduces fatigue and time away from work due to ailments, which is why an increasing number of insurance policies are now covering the cost of classes within their fitness reimbursement plans.
Worldwide, the yoga industry generates an estimated $130 billion through the price of instruction, clothing, equipment, and accessories. During the pandemic lockdown, the rise of athleisure wear, meditation, and home workouts kept the yoga industry strong while simultaneously devastating yoga studios who were unable to adapt.
Yoga Mandali, a thriving studio space in the heart of Saratoga Springs (who will be celebrating their 20th anniversary next year) shut down for eight months during the pandemic. Once they reopened, there were tight masking, disinfection, and spacing restrictions. Amid the upheaval, Yoga Mandali’s owner, Kristen Zorda also had her fourth child.
After the shutdown, Yoga Mandali’s loyal community of regulars returned, and the studio’s offerings have continued to grow.
“It’s almost as if people were looking for that connection again,” said Kristen. “The right studio calms stress levels and is very nourishing for the mind and soul.” Now, Kristen is finding that people are ready to recover from those extra-stressful years while taking their yoga practice to the next level, which is one of the reasons she, and business partner Beth Beaton Mausert, began hosting Sangha Retreats this year.
Sangha Retreats are about more than unlocking tight hips, they are about reconnecting with yourself, and disconnecting from the world for a little while – all without breaking the bank.
Offerings vary from one retreat to another but generally include accommodations and meals; yoga, meditation, or wellness sessions; and a variety of leisure activities with a group of 15-20 people while immersed in an impressive locale.
“Travelling gives you the pause you need from day-today life to reset, to step outside your normal routine and see things in a different light,” said Kristen. Called “Sangha” (which means “together” in Sanskrit), these are gatherings of like-minded people looking for a deeper connection.
Each Sangha Retreat is in a different location and has its own unique energy but every exciting adventure comes with captivating views.
These retreats are all-inclusive, tranquil quests for serenity, and by reserving space at yoga centers six months in advance, Yoga Mandali can keep the price affordable - so instead of travel headaches, participants are able to focus on their inner well-being.
In July, their week-long retreat to the island of Crete, Greece introduced the group to a land of myth and wonder. The trip included a boat tour through the crystal-clear seas, some intense hiking, yoga and meditation workshops.
In August, a weekend excursion to Indian Lake included a full-day of guided white water rafting on the Hudson River, a bonfire gathering, yoga and awareness-building sessions centered around the value and interdependence of all life, responding to cues from the environment, aligning with the Universe, and going with the flow.
For more information, follow Yoga Mandali on Facebook, Instagram, and yogamandali.com
We’re all coming in as strangers, but by the end, we’re very close – like a family.”
by Jordan Dunn for Glens Falls TODAY
When it comes to the food industry, Zachary Cutler, along with partners Mike and Pam Fazio, are no strangers. With decades of restaurant and food service experience between them, the team is eager to bring their years of expertise to the Glens Falls Community. Set to open this upcoming fall, the Park Street Bistro will be located in the lobby area of the Glens Falls Hospital in Glens Falls, New York.
With ambitions of catering to the needs of a medical community, the Bistro is planning a two-part approach to their offerings. “On one side we will have the bistro itself where people in the hospital or surrounding community can come in and eat,” said Cutler.
The second part of their plan is to offer on-site catering to those inside the hospital, eventually branching out and covering non-hospital related requests. Mike Fazio explained that over the years he has witnessed professionals visiting the hospital for different types of business that “come into the building struggling to carry everything from their work materials, to food and drink offerings, etc. By offering in-house catering, we hope to simplify and expedite the process, allowing these representatives to concentrate on business. Ordering ahead and just having to show up for their Breakfast or Lunch meetings with everything already prepared, set up, and delivered, will be so much easier and efficient for them.”
The Bistro plans to carry an array of different offerings, from coffee and baked goods to deli-style sandwiches and Italian-flared food. Green options like smoothies, salads and more will also be available. Or, for those with a sweet tooth, they’ll also offer Martha’s Ice Cream sandwiches.
Once they open and establish themselves, the team’s plan is to focus specifically on ensuring that everything they offer is flavorful, but not intrusive, to the hospital and its primary function. Fazio explained how they “want to be cognizant and respectful of the environment that they are entering. A hospital is a place of restoration and health; we do not want to come in with anything that would generate a lot of grease or potent odors. We want to be good neighbors.”
“One thing we are most excited about is the amazing Glens Falls Hospital community that we are getting to be a part of,” Fazio said. He continued to explain that, “when Pam was very sick a few months back, the hospital treated us like we were one of their own, like family. I will never forget that. They brought so much to the table for us, so I’d really like to think of this new venture as a way for us to give some of that energy and positivity back.”
Though completely separate entities, the Bistro hopes to work side by side and in harmony with the other food locations within the hospital. Doing so will help eliminate time gaps between service offerings while adding to the culinary options of the hospital community as a whole. They want everyone’s needs to be covered while at the hospital, regardless of the reason, and made to feel a part of the hospital’s “family.”
For those eager to learn more or potentially join the Bistro’s team, please connect with them by emailing 100parkstbistro@gmail.com. The Bistro can be found on Instagram (@park_st_bistro), Facebook (Park Street Bistro) and at parkstreetbistro. com. As of the time of this publishing, the social media sites and webpage are still being developed but are available to follow, share and message.
by Alan VanTassel of Velocity Sales for Glens Falls TODAY
In the competitive, fast-moving world of sales, keeping up with the latest industry trends is essential. Efficient sales teams know that their continued success relies on a growth mindset that permits them to adapt to the needs of an ever-changing market. By understanding the latest developments, innovations, and market trends, sales professionals can ensure their competitive edge and deliver the perfect products and services for buyers. There are several benefits to understanding the trends impacting the sales profession. Significantly, it affects a sales team’s ability to forecast changes in the market. Predicting market changes and understanding global sales trends allows sales professionals to make informed business decisions and keep their companies competitive. Investing in market research to keep up with these trends can save companies money and time in the long run. Rather than wasting resources on costly mistakes, business leaders can focus on adapting to meet buyers’ needs. Their willingness to embrace trends will allow them to provide their clients with the hottest products and services on the market, giving buyers an exceptional purchasing experience.
At a recent workshop focused on the future of sales, over 125 sales experts and leaders met to identify the possible top distributors
affecting sales. Once broken up into teams, these experts were asked to review 70 topical variable cards within the following categories: people, culture, technology, governance/geopolitics, economics, and the environment. At the end of the discussion, each team chose the top three issues they believed would have the highest impact on the future of sales. In the end, four categories were selected as the clear winners: culture, people, technology, and economics.
While there are still unknowns about the future of sales, one thing is certain: Faster and more disruptive change is on the horizon. One of the most significant predictions for the market is that there will be more disruptive change vs. incremental change — something that future sales team training practices should reflect. Innovation, product evolution, and changing purchasing patterns will force faster, more extensive improvements. The buyers of tomorrow will want partners that recognize change and keep up with the latest direction. They need bold experts who are dedicated to evolution and adaptation.
There are several benefits to understanding the trends impacting
As the sales world adapts to an evolving global market, companies that follow industry trends and adopt innovations in data-driven technologies will retain their competitive edge.
the sales profession. Significantly, it affects a sales team’s ability to forecast changes in the market. Predicting market changes and understanding global sales trends allows sales professionals to make informed business decisions and keep their companies competitive. Investing in market research to keep up with these trends can save companies money and time in the long run. Rather than wasting resources on costly mistakes, business leaders can focus on adapting to meet buyers’ needs. Their willingness to embrace trends will allow them to provide their clients with the hottest products and services on the market, giving buyers an exceptional purchasing experience.
At a recent workshop focused on the future of sales, over 125 sales experts and leaders met to identify the possible top distributors affecting sales. Once broken up into teams, these experts were asked to review 70 topical variable cards within the following categories: people, culture, technology, governance/geopolitics, economics, and the environment. At the end of the discussion, each team chose the top three issues they believed would have the highest impact on the future of sales. In the end, four categories were selected as the clear winners: culture, people, technology, and economics.
As international trends become the dominant market force, global culture will have a marked influence on these changes. Consider, for example, the influencers and tastemakers of social media, whose position in pop culture enables them to shift beauty standards, behaviors, and lifestyle choices. In this way, culture will ultimately be a strong future sales driver. It will even affect the future of sales jobs as companies respond to these trends.
Disruptive change is usually caused by large-scale events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These events can seriously impact businesses by raising demand for new services, causing fluctuations in product prices, and increasing research costs. Companies that adapt to these massive changes efficiently and quickly will find a ready market and new buyers. By capitalizing on new trends, companies can increase profits, stay relevant to their demographics, and expand their offerings and sales locations. Conversely, businesses that resist change and do not adopt new innovations or sales techniques will see declining profits and lose out to more competitive companies.
Digitization, response times, and market research are three tools that companies can use to keep up with changing trends in the sales industry. Companies with a strong digital foundation can more efficiently respond to market shifts. Similarly, staying up to date with market research helps ensure that companies can make internal changes and swivel their product and service offerings as new challenges arise. Businesses that keep a finger on the pulse of the industry will maintain their competitive edge in a constantly evolving global economy.
Automation will overwhelmingly influence the future of sales jobs. According to Zippia, 46% of current jobs will be automated by 2030. These changes in the global job market will require many people to upgrade their skills, retrain, or even switch occupations. Still, as scary as that statistic might seem, the real-world application of automation in the workforce could take many different forms. Obviously, the cost of automation, the specific skill being automated, job availability, and location can influence how automation plays out in the near future. While it’s possible that almost half of all jobs will be
automated within the next 10 years, some industries will be more affected than others. Manufacturing, for example, will have higher rates of automation than administrative or creative roles. Nothing can replace the human element in sales pitching, but that doesn’t mean sales teams shouldn’t incorporate automation into their processes. For example, depending on where the buyer is in the purchasing process, automation could assign leads to team members based on skills, training, and experience. This would permit the delivery of the perfect sale to the ideal salesperson every time.
This new reliance on automation technologies will require businesses to reevaluate their hiring strategies, team distribution, and sales techniques. Companies may need to move employees to other departments, expanding or compressing teams to ensure that talent is used most effectively. To accomplish this, businesses must invest in employee training programs and personal development. Sales experts and professionals will also need to be flexible in the new world of work. This might mean changing perspectives about automation and cultivating an open mindset about change. Companies that resist new technologies will only harm their chances of success.
Predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are driving the future of sales, leading to bigger challenges and even bigger potential profits. Advances in machine learning mean that artificial intelligence and predictive data are merging with better, more functional algorithms to change the experience of commerce. One of the most significant ways these technologies will impact sales is through personalization. With access to more advanced data on potential buyers, sales professionals can deliver better sales interactions. Through the use of data mining and statistical analysis, machine learning has already reached new heights in understanding buyer behavior and producing predictive sales models. Machine learning algorithms can identify trends and patterns within massive datasets, allowing them to forecast potential results and offer practical strategies for sales teams. What’s more, they can operate anonymously and adapt their algorithms to incoming information. Essentially, these machine learning systems are able to evolve and improve almost instantaneously. Their applications in sales are limitless and will revolutionize the industry.
Additionally, artificial intelligence can track a team’s response to a lead by analyzing pitches, voice inflection, and word usage. This data can then be used to monitor and improve the sales team’s approach. With new developments in text processing, natural language processing, and computer vision, sales teams can employ personalized sales techniques at every stage of the buyer’s journey.
Part of the widespread changes brought on by datafirst strategies will be in the workforce. Most jobs will become increasingly data-focused as companies leverage analytical technologies. Sales professionals with experience in data analysis will find a high demand for their skills in the job market because companies will recognize the need for sales experts who can interpret and utilize large datasets. Businesses will continue to invest in data-first technologies and prioritize sales teams that can utilize data-first strategies to stay competitive.
As predictive analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning become commonplace in the office,
sales teams must be ready to incorporate them into their day-to-day operations. Companies should invest in these technologies and train their sales force to utilize them skillfully. By better understanding the buying behavior of their key demographic, businesses can tailor their sales techniques and more effectively pitch to the buyer.
While no one can discount the skills of an experienced sales professional when it comes to closing a deal, it’s also true that selling on a “hunch” will no longer be enough. The future of sales is in predictive modeling, machine learning, and meeting customers where they are now.
Here are a few ways technology can disrupt sales when it comes to economics:
• Predictive analytics can help regional and global expansion, where ambitious companies aim to expand their client base and potential buyers. With predictive analytics, sales teams can make more effective decisions when interacting with clients or in a new market. By analyzing buyer behavior in a specific region, sales teams can better predict which products or services will be popular during a season or event.
• Data-first analysis can maximize the output of a sales team, saving precious time by handing sales professionals the information they need to complete a sale. This is doubly true for companies that engage in e-commerce, where automation can offer relevant service or product upgrades, recommend new products, and streamline the purchasing process.
• Another area where companies can see positive results from machine learning and data-first strategies is in reducing risk. For example, predictive models can work in tandem with credit scores to analyze a buyer’s purchasing capabilities and the possibility of default. Still, predictive modeling has applications beyond the day-to-day quotas of sales teams. By using machine learning and data analysis, companies can create predictive forecasting models to prepare for possible economic recessions, market downturns, and even natural disasters. Through the use of pre-crisis and post-crisis data and buyer-behavior research, companies can predict product demand and sales results for a wide variety of categories. With access to such significant data, companies can create more accurate scenarios for revenue projections, leading to more accurate financial planning.
The future of sales will inevitably involve widespread disruptive change and evolving technologies. By understanding industry trends and adapting to new techniques and opportunities, companies will be able to meet future challenges. The oncoming artificial intelligence and machine learning revolution will permit sales professionals to overcome cultural changes and bring a better sales experience to buyers everywhere. Ultimately, companies that embrace the possibilities of automation and digitization will outcompete those that don’t.
Want to learn more about how data-first analysis and predictive modeling strategies can increase sales revenue and create more effective sales teams? Contact Velocity Sales today to take a free sales assessment.
By the end of July this year, the US Stock markets - as measured by the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite Index - were up over 20% and 35%, respectively. These are way above average returns, but are a welcome relief from 2022, when the same indices were down almost the exact same amounts as they are up this year. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story, because only a handful of stocks have dominated these broad indices.
If you removed just a few names from the average - like Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and nVidia - the S&P 500 index would be up only a few percentage points. This is what is referred to as a narrow market - a few big names are disproportionately skewing the averages. There has been broader participation in the last couple of weeks. Specifically, the small and mid-cap categories have been participating in market gains alongside the mega-cap leaders of the year’s first half. This is a welcome and positive thing for the overall health and direction of the equity markets!
Some contributing factors to the positive deflation include decreasing inflation and strong job growth so far this year. In June of 2022, the US inflation rate peaked at 9.1%, which has driven the Federal Reserve to increase interest rates eleven times to get inflation closer to their target of 2%. In early August, inflation was in the 3.3% range— still higher than the Fed’s target, but much lower than last year’s high. For stock investors, the big question remains: How much more will the Fed raise rates? Many observers now think the Fed may have only one more rate hike, and
some think the most recent hike was the final one. Either way, we are close to the end of the hiking cycle, which - for equity investors - is welcome news. If the Fed raises rates much more, the concern is that higher borrowing rates will increase business costs, leading to revenue reduction and ultimately job losses, which could lead the US into a recession.
Further, this can impact mortgage, credit card interest rates, and other loans, making consumer borrowing more expensive. These higher costs help cool off the economy, thus helping to reduce inflation. The Federal Reserve is hoping for what many call a “soft landing,” which is when inflation cools off and there is a moderate economic slowdown after a period of significant growth. It’s your classic “Goldilocks Event,” when the economy is not too hot or cool— it’s just right. Unfortunately, the Fed’s track record for getting things just right is less than stellar, which is another reason to worry.
The good news in a higher interest rate environment is that savings rates, like Certificates of Deposits and money market mutual funds, have significantly increased interest rate yields. That’s good news for savers looking to earn more interest on their short-term savings, and cash they set aside for near-term expenses.
Looking forward, a slight pullback in the US stock markets wouldn’t be a surprise. However, any pullback may be short-lived, and by Spring of next year, we predict stock prices climbing from where they currently are. We see technology continuing its upward momentum, along with industrial and precious metal stocks being areas of strength.
As with all investing, there are risks at every turn, and data changes daily. What’s good news for some is bad news for others. Managing your money is a lot like your health and your relationships— the more work you put into them, the better the outcomes. There aren’t many things in life that you can ignore and expect to work out in the end, and your money and financial plan are no different.
Marketing in today’s environment has a lot of objectives, including Brand Awareness, Lead Generation, Communications, and P.R., just to name a few. But they can all in some way boil down to this: helping you stand out in a crowd and get noticed by potential clients or customers.
This can be somewhat of a daunting task considering the vastness of the digital universe now and the amount of noise on the many marketing channels available to you and your marketing team. It is possibly even more difficult for the solopreneur or small business owner. These are people that are scaling their business while still trying to figure out how to effectively market that business at the same time.
Hopefully, I can simplify things just a little here by shining a light on your RAS — your Reticular Activator System.
I cannot remember where I first learned about the RAS, if it was a book I read, a workshop I went to, or just a friend telling me about. I know over the years I have continued to learn more about it and harness its power for our sales and marketing efforts. Located in the brainstem, the RAS has a few different roles in the human body. However, since hormone control and sleep regulation aren’t going to help you get noticed by customers, let’s focus on the functions that are most useful to us as marketers.
Every moment of every day, there are thousands of data inputs hitting all of your senses at the same time. It is impossible for us to be consciously aware of all of them as they happen, so our brains developed a way for us to unconsciously register all the data and then communicate to our conscious mind when one of them needs our attention. In walks your RAS.
The RAS acts as a filter that is cued in on data inputs when they reach one or all three of the following criteria:
IT’S IMPORTANT TO YOUR SURVIVAL.
That flash of a car out of the corner of your eye as it runs a red light, the audio on a commercial that catches your attention about a symptom of a disease, the movement in the bushes that you all of a sudden become aware of. Things that your brain thinks are important to your survival will trigger your RAS.
3
Babies crying, babies laughing, humor, puppies and kittens. This is why those cat videos on TikTok have 65 million views. When your RAS registers something with high emotional value, it will direct your conscious attention to it.
When your RAS encounters something it has never seen before, it immediately stops. It’s the Freeze, Flight, or Fight scenario. Since your brain has never encountered it, it freezes, and in many cases will enlist the conscious mind to help decide if this is a threat or not.
So how does this relate to marketing? The RAS is what stops a user mid-scroll to actually pause and read a post that comes up in their feed on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, etc. Messaging, content, images, and videos should all be built around activating someone’s RAS. A good ad or post will incorporate one of the RAS criteria while a GREAT one will incorporate all three.
Need proof? Start paying attention to what it is that grabs your attention the next time you’re on your favorite social media channel, cruising Broadway on a Saturday, or even just walking through a store. Does it relate to any of the three criteria? You bet your RAS it does!
Saratoga, Warren, and Washington County have no shortage of fantastic goods and services to offer! In this podcast, our host Mike Nelson will clue you in on the amazing gems hidden in your very own community!
EPISODE 35
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Stephen Zabala, owner and operator of Greenfork in Saratoga! Stephen’s passionate about all things fitness – whether it’s strengthening the body through exercise or feeding it properly with a nutritious diet, Stephen can help anyone down the road to a healthier, happier self!
EPISODE 36
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Supreme Commander Chris Ryan and “AI Howard” Litwak of SIX Marketing! AI’s a big topic right now, and it can be hard to know where to stand on it – How can you access it? What’s it useful for? Are there downsides? We have some answers for you here, in this informative episode!
EPISODE 37
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews David Byrne, an army veteran and the owner & president of Renua Energy! Electric vehicles are becoming more popular and affordable across the nation, and David uses Renua to try to help meet the coming energy demands and make our nation energy-independent! Listen to this episode to hear about his goals, his history, and more!
EPISODE 38
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews a trifecta of real estate experts – Agent Paul Smith, real estate specialist attorney Dan Wade, and owner of Freedom One Funding, Mark Pawlows! The 2023 market is awash with confusing and hectic developments, and nobody knows better than these three! Want to know their secrets to navigating through this storm? You’ll have to listen to this episode and find out!
EPISODE 39
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson interviews Robert Starbuck, the CEO at Migrate Business Services, and Saratoga’s Business Hub! Robert has 40 years of experience in world business, and his company can help you and your business get the help you need by providing office space, professional help, outsourcing options, and more!
US Marines Kris and Heather March. This husband and wife couple saw the potential in Fort Edward and have never looked back. Fort Edward is a small historical village along the Hudson River in Washington County, and it’s where Slickfin Brewing Co. has made its home.
by Kate Haggerty Glens Falls TODAYmany different ways.
For US Marine Corps veteran Kris March, inspiration for his brewery came during his final deployment in Afghanistan. During that tour, Kris decided to try his hand at brewing beer, so he started by reaching out to a friend to find out what supplies he would need. Kris found the materials, worked his way through each step of the brewing process, and then put the beer away for six weeks to complete the procedure. When it was ready to drink, he shared it with his fellow Marines to help relieve some of the stress of the mission. It also gave them a much needed laugh. “It was awful!” Kris recalled. “It tasted like yeasty champagne. I share this memory with five other guys, two of whom I know very well, my closest friends. Hardships create great stories and great memories.” That is where the idea for Slickfin Brewery was born: on the battlefield, amongst friends.
Slickfin Brewery, located at 147 Broadway in Fort Edward, is owned and operated by former
When Kris and Heather first discovered Fort Edward, the downtown was filled with vacant and deserted commercial properties. Now, the area has a welcoming vibe, with a hustle and bustle of a thriving village that supports a variety of commerce. The couple saw the potential in downtown Fort Edward and have worked to help build a neighborhood and community around them.
“We were scouting locations for the brewery and came to Fort Edward to look around. What we saw were a lot of empty storefronts along the Hudson River which is right there,” said Kris, pointing to their backyard beer garden. “We looked around and thought, ‘We could do something here.’”
Slickfin Brewery has full-sized windows that look out onto a sidewalk patio with tables that line Broadway. The beer garden in the back of the building provides a generous amount of space for patrons to relax and enjoy. Kris described the inside of the building when they first found it. “The whole interior area was divided into small spaces. It was all sectioned off and very dark,” Kris said. As Kris and Heather worked to create a more open concept, Kris also built the bar himself.
The unique name of the brewery comes from Heather and Kris’s shared military experience. The term slickfin
refers to the fin on a bomb. Kris, during his time in the Marines, was an explosives ordnance disposal technician. His experience inspired the name, and the name inspired their logo.
Kris and Heather love working together and being part of a community. Heather grew up in Fort Ann, on Hadlock Pond. She graduated from Fort Ann High School in 1998 and attended Suny Adirondack prior to joining the Marines. Heather is happy to build their business and raise their family in the area where she grew up. “My family is here and my friends are here. That makes a big difference to us,” she said.
Kris and Heather met on the rifle range at Quantico and married a year later. Together, the couple run the brewery with Kris brewing the artisanal craft beers and Heather focusing on creating a welcoming environment and expanding their customer base.
Slickfin Brewery is perfectly situated to both witness and take part in the evolving resurgence of Fort Edward. Kris and Heather have watched new businesses move in around them and love being part of building a community.
“Our community wants to be a part of the change that is happening,” said Heather. “Everyone is looking and watching and wants these businesses to succeed.”
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s taken a while,” Kris added with a smile.
Kris and Heather experienced the support of the community first hand while navigating the pandemic. Having established their business in 2017, Slickfin
Brewery opened in March of 2019. The pandemic created unforeseen challenges that warranted creative solutions. Slickfin provided curbside pick up for their customers, and expanded their patio to serve their customers safely. Having only recently opened, Heather and Kris found that the community was dedicated to helping their business. “Cars would line up along Broadway and we would run their order
out to them after they had paid over the phone,” Heather recalled. “It was definitely a challenging time but we got through it.”
Slickfin is surrounded by businesses that help support each other. Heather gives credit to their neighbor, Underwood Park CrossFit, because their clientele often frequent the local businesses. The community has welcomed the Twisted Taco food truck and values
long-standing businesses like The Anvil Inn, Ye Old Fort Diner, and Mamma’s Cafe.
Seeing what Heather and Kris have created begs the question, ‘What’s next?’ “We have plans. Our fifth year in business is coming up in March of next year, that’s the year we plan to go to market. I’m working on organizing my methods. Since we opened we have brewed over 200 types of beer, I would like to stick to between 50 and 75 of those. We have had a lot of fun. The small system that we use allows us to do a lot of things. It allows us to change our menu frequently,” Kris said. The Slickfin craft brew menu creates an opportunity for patrons to enjoy a 5 oz taster, the traditional 16 oz pint, or a 32 oz Crowler, which is essentially a growler in a can.
Slickfin Brewery does not serve food, but has created partnerships to encourage patrons to support neighboring eateries. Kris and Heather keep menus of neighboring restaurants on hand and allow customers to order food in. For example, patrons can order delivery from Stumpy’s Pizzeria, and the Twisted Taco food truck parks right outside on Tuesday nights.
Kris and Heather keep their customer base updated on what’s on tap through their website. Their tap menu is constantly offering new varieties, with names like Yacht Rock Blueberry Blonde Ale, Before I Had Status IPA, Street Fighterz Lager, and Night Shade Maple Porter. Their website also lists information about their offerings such as place of origin, bitterness level (IBU) and alcohol content (ABV).
The brewery maintains a full event calendar, from weekly favorites like trivia and karaoke nights to theme nights with live music, such as the recent “80’s Party” bash. Coming up next, the pair are planning a larger event for Oktoberfest.
Slickfin Brewery is open Tuesday through Sunday. The hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 4pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 10pm, and Sunday from noon to 5pm. For more information please visit their website at SlickfinBrewing.com
Comfort Food Community (CFC) is a non-profit organization which was formed in 2014, but whose roots date back to 1986 when it began operation as an Emergency Relief Committee. As a Regional Food Bank Certified Organization, the mission of the food center is to leverage the community’s physical and social resources to eliminate food insecurity. CFC operates food pantries in both Greenwich and Cossayuna, New York. The Greenwich Food Pantry is located at 2530 Route 40 in Greenwich, NY, and is open weekly on Mondays from 4pm to 7pm and Wednesdays from 9am to 11am & 4pm to 7pm. The Cossayuna Food Pantry, at 21 Bunker Hill Road in Cossayuna, NY, is open on Tuesdays from 3:30pm to 5:30 pm.
CFC provides food access in a variety of ways. In 2022, CFC distributed over half a million pounds of food. In addition to the food pantries, they have a supplemental student nutrition program. This provides additional meals on weekends and breaks for students who rely on free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch during the school week. In 2022, CFC began the Farm-2-School program which facilitates the purchase of New York State food by local school districts. In its first year, the program delivered more than 90,000 pounds of food to participating schools.
CFC has created a program to bring fresh food to people through the Farm-2-Library program, which began in 2017. CFC works with 11 libraries to provide open access to fresh produce. This program is an example of how they work to break down individual and systemic barriers to fresh, local food access.
Crandall Library, in Glens Falls, NY has participated in the Farm-2-Library program since June of 2022. This program is made possible through a partnership with the Southern Adirondack Library System, Comfort Food Community, and Glens Falls Hospital. The Health Promotion Center of Glens Falls Hospital provided grant funding to purchase the refrigerator, produce bins and recyclable bags.
Every Thursday, Crandall Library receives a delivery of fresh produce, which is available to anyone on a first come, first served basis. Each delivery is unique. However, they tend to follow local growing patterns: fresh greens in late spring; tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant in high summer; and hearty greens in the fall. There are also carrots and potatoes throughout the winter. The refrigerator for this program is located in the ‘New & Popular’ section of the library on the first floor of the Glen Street entrance.
The food provided by the Farm-2-Library program is free of charge to the community. The program has goals to reduce food waste, address the issues of food access and insecurity, and reconnect individuals with the abundance of resources that libraries have to offer.
Guinevere Forshey is the Assistant Director at Crandall Library and she runs the library’s Farm-2-Library program. “This program is really for everybody. People who are looking to try something new, people with food insecurities, people who want to make healthy choices. We get a lot of really interesting things from the farms, and there are receipts that are provided to help people utilize the foods that they may not be familiar with,” said Forshey. Libraries have evolved beyond just books to become places where people gain access to services. “The impetus behind the original grant was the thought that people in need, especially with food insecurity, need other services too. So they are coming to the library for other reasons, they need other support. So putting services in one location makes them more readily available for people to use, ” explained Forshey. She also witnesses first-hand the community being created. “It’s nice to see the connections that are being made. There is a core group of people that come and they are becoming friends. They talk about receipts. The program is creating community.”
Comfort Food Community has increased access to food beyond the traditional food pantry. Their work has provided food throughout Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties. They work with more than 40 local farms to provide food to 11 libraries, participate in two local farmers markets, and support programs related to food access, food recovery and food as health. CFC currently has 12 staff members, an active board of directors and a large group of volunteers. For more information about Comfort Food Community please visit ComfortFoodCommunity.org
We care about our community and we want to give back in any capacity we can. We find that these events are truly a great way to give back to local charities and schools.”
by Jordan Dunn for Glens Falls TODAYSky Zone of Clifton Park and Queensbury, a local franchise owned by Rusty Monahan, has taken a new approach to fundraising: “Fun-Raisers.” We had the opportunity to speak with the Vice President of Operations for both locations, Matthew Boyce, about what these Fun-Raisers are all about.
“The main type of fundraisers we host are called ‘Spirit Nights.’ During these events, any organization or school can gather at either location and we will give them a discounted rate to jump for the night,” said Boyce. He continued, “Normally it is around $30 per person to jump for two hours. But on Spirit Nights, it’s only $20 per person and they can jump for four hours. Then, after all the tickets are sold, we also take five dollars from each ticket sold and donate it back to the hosting organization.”
For those interested, it is important to note that when it comes to these events, much of the organizational and marketing-based work is already done for you. Boyce explained to us how all of the pre-event logistics are taken care of by the team at Sky Zone, and how they will even take care of the marketing. From flyers to digital posts, you name it and Sky Zone has it covered. The only pre-event work the organization has to do is spread the word and sell the tickets.
Then, when the night of the event comes around, the organization is offered the opportunity to do some in-person campaigning as well. “We’ve seen everything from bake sales to prize raffles to 50/50 tickets,” said Boyce. He continued on to state
how the Sky Zone team usually gets in on the fun by “holding contests and other elements during the event to help ensure the success of the night.” Can’t make it the night of the event? No worries. Sky Zone has that covered too. Boyce reported how they allow “organizations to sell special passes. For example, they can sell a two hour jump pass for only $20 to anyone who can not make it the day of the event to use at a later date.”
When asked how these Fun-Raisers started coming about, Boyce replied, “We care about our community and we want to give back in any capacity we can. We find that these events are truly a great way to give back to local charities and schools.” He continued about the program’s benefits. “Five dollars from each of those tickets goes back,” he explained, “towards the overall donations that the hosting organization receives.”
Since opening in 2017 in Queensbury and expanding to Clifton park in 2019, the two Sky Zones have held more than 120 of these kinds of fundraising events. “We make it really easy for everyone who does these,” explained Boyce. “We’ve tried our best to make sure it’s all streamlined and efficient and we’ve got a lot of great feedback from organizations because of that.”
To start planning a Fun-Raiser of your own, please contact Kamani Smith (518-836-5867) at the Queensbury office and Noah Brumagen (518-400-0012) at the Clifton Park office.
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is pleased to announce that the 35th Annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award will be presented to Robert Nemer co-owner of the Nemer Motor Group, and regular contributor to many local community organizations.
Mr. Nemer will be presented with the award at the ARCC Annual Dinner on the evening of March 8, 2024 at The Sagamore Resort.
“All you need is a couple of minutes with Robert Nemer to learn that he is passionate about helping others. His work spans through decades of helping our youth get the supplies and resources they need to succeed in school, all the way to helping fund the much-needed equipment that our hospitals need to serve their patients,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers. “When called upon, he answers the call. His contributions to our region will be felt for years to come.”
Nemer moved to Upstate New York in 1970, after teaching elementary school in Philadelphia, to help run his father’s Volkswagen dealership in Albany. Along with his brother Peter, they established and grew the Nemer Motor group which now includes four dealership locations.
Nemer is a founding member of the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition, Inc. that was responsible for the acquisition of the Glens Falls Civic Center/Cool Insuring Arena from the City of Glens Falls. He also started the Kids with Packs Program, in partnership with The Post Star and the Tri-County United Way, to provide school supplies to children in need in 14 schools in Warren, Washington, Saratoga, and other counties. Nemer also serves as a board member for Hudson Headwaters Health Network, and the SUNY Adirondack Foundation.
Mr. Nemer is a major and regular contributor and sponsor for many community organizations and their events. Through the Nemer Motor Group, he has made considerable contributions to Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital, and Hudson Headwaters Health Network. Nemer and his wife Franny (Francine) have also personally donated time and funding to these health centers. The two have also contributed to the youth education efforts of The Hyde Collection.
Nemer is a very active member of the Lake George Association (LGA) and a founding member of LG30, a select group of donors committed to the LGA mission of protecting and safeguarding Lake George. He also serves on the LGA’s Council of Business Advisors and invests in the LGA’s Science-toSolutions™ programs.
“It is with great pleasure that we honor Mr. Nemer with the J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award this year, celebrating his outstanding contributions to making our community a better place,” said ARCC Board Chair Marc Yrsha, EVP, Chief Banking Officer, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company. “Mr. Nemer is an exceptional community leader who has been working for decades to ignite positive change and inspire compassion in us all.”
The J. Walter Juckett Award, named in honor of the longtime chairman of the Sandy Hill Corporation, was created 35 years ago to recognize
and honor a deserving member of the community who has selflessly gone above and beyond by contributing time and energy to help others. To see a list of past honorees, please visit the Chamber’s website: www.adirondackchamber.org/j.-walter-juckett-community-service-award.
J. Walter Juckett had a remarkable business career and was a major community leader in his adopted home, the Village of Hudson Falls, and the entire region. His leadership and commitment spanned a wide range of civic, charitable, religious, political, business and educational activities. He was recognized with honors for his work and contributions to the Boy Scouts of America, New York Business Development Corporation, Salvation Army, Norwich University, Presbyterian Church, Hudson Falls Central School and many other organizations. He was a tireless supporter of the arts, having served as a director of the Lake George Opera and a major force in The Hyde Collection Capital Campaign.
Founded in 1914, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is a 100% membership funded organization representing businesses in New York State’s Washington, Warren, Essex and Northern Saratoga Counties. The ARCC is a 501c6 not-for-profit corporation, governed by volunteer Board of Directors, and does not receive any funding from local, county or state governments. Our mission is to serve our members and business community through our advocacy efforts, education opportunities and the power of connection and collaboration.
Facilitating the growth and development of Blue Collar businesses. We will showcase REAL Blue Collar businesses in interviews, and use these stories to help educate and empower the next generation of trades workers to become Blue Collar business owners.
EPISODE 33
Taylor Hopeck (Witt Construction)
In this episode, our hosts Mike and Derek interview Taylor Hopeck, the Client Coordinator at Witt Construction! Her story perfectly showcases that sometimes, you choose the Blue Collar life… And sometimes, it chooses you!
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EPISODE 34
Mike McGrath (1-800-Paint-Job)
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview Mike McGrath, the head honcho at 1-800-Paint-Job! Mike overcame plenty of struggles to get where he is, and faces more every day… But no challenge is too great for a Blue Collar worker! Hear about his struggles and successes here, in this stellar episode!
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EPISODE 35
Juan, Jason & Matt (Hunt Companies, Inc.)
In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview the triple threat team of Juan, Jason, and Matt from Argyle’s Hunt Companies! They’ve handled construction for some major players locally, but they didn’t just stumble into the trust of those big league clients – they earned it! Have a listen to this episode and find out how!
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EPISODE 36
Jim Dawsey – Decades of Trials and Triumphs
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In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview Jim Dawsey, the President of MLB Construction Services, LLC! Jim’s come a long way in his life, from minimum-wage drudgery in a February rainstorm to running a premier multi-million dollar company! He learned no small amount of methods, strategies and secrets along the way… And if you listen to this episode, you just might learn a few for yourself!
EPISODE 37
Grasshopper Heating & Cooling: Handling Explosive Growth in a Short Time
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In this episode, our host Mike Nelson and visionary founder Derek Foster interview three Blue Collar superstars – Amanda Triolo, Brian Correll, and Luke Scarcelli of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling! Grasshopper has been all the buzz – or rather, chirp – on the scene lately as their marvelous marketing, terrific teamwork and stellar service take the community by storm! What’s the secret to their raid growth and success? We have some of the answers for you here in this episode!
by Howard Litwak for Glens Falls TODAY
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, efficiency and effectiveness are keys to staying ahead. To that end, ChatGPT can be the ultimate small business ally! It can transform strategic planning, automate processes, and provide data-driven insights for informed decision-making. From market research to competitor analysis, ChatGPT can help you craft strategies that align with market demands and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Moreover, it can help you and your team be more creative by generating fresh ideas for products, content, and customer experiences. Using ChatGPT, you can reach new levels of potential, optimize customer engagement, and navigate growth with more confidence. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, ChatGPT is a game-changer for those who can get beyond beginner mode. In this article, we’ll explore some specific use cases of ChatGPT for strategic planning, sales and marketing, and how it can revolutionize your small business.
Strategic planning begins with a deep understanding of your market, industry trends, and customer needs. ChatGPT can be your research partner, sifting through vast amounts of data to provide you with real-time insights. It can analyze market trends, competitor strategies, and customer feedback to help you identify opportunities and potential threats. With this knowledge, you can make data-driven decisions and tailor your business strategies to align with market demands.
ChatGPT can be your strategic thinking partner when it comes to setting clear and achievable business goals. By understanding your vision and objectives, ChatGPT can provide valuable input in crafting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals. It can also help you prioritize goals based on their potential
Many small business owners consistently seek innovative solutions to grow their business.
impact and feasibility, ensuring that you focus your resources on initiatives that contribute most significantly to your long-term success.
Strategic planning should not stifle innovation; instead, it should encourage creative thinking. ChatGPT can act as your brainstorming partner, generating fresh ideas and innovative solutions to challenges your business faces. Whether it’s exploring new product concepts, marketing strategies, or process improvements, ChatGPT’s creative insights can inspire breakthroughs for your business.
Creative and engaging content is essential for capturing your audience’s attention and building brand loyalty. ChatGPT can be your content ideation partner, generating ideas for blog posts, social media updates, videos, and more. By understanding your brand voice and target audience, ChatGPT can propose content concepts that align with your marketing objectives and leave a lasting impact on your customers.
Establishing a strong brand identity and positioning is crucial for standing out in a competitive market. ChatGPT can assist in brainstorming ideas for branding elements, such as logos, taglines, and brand stories. Moreover, it can help you explore different positioning strategies to carve a unique space for your business in the hearts and minds of your target customers.
Sales scripting can play a vital role in guiding your sales team’s conversations with customers. ChatGPT can analyze your target market and value proposition. Then identify the most effective language and approaches that resonate with customers. By optimizing your sales scripts based on these insights, you can equip your sales team with persuasive messaging that leads to higher conversion rates.
The subject line is the first impression your email makes on recipients. Crafting compelling subject lines is crucial for increasing open rates. ChatGPT can help you brainstorm attention-grabbing subject lines by analyzing successful email subject lines from your past campaigns and other industry leaders. This data-driven approach ensures that your subject lines are optimized to entice recipients to open your emails.
Running email campaigns can be a time-consuming task, particularly for B2B small business owners juggling various responsibilities. ChatGPT can streamline your email marketing efforts with automated email sequences tailored to your prospects. From personalized welcome emails to follow-ups after meetings or consultations, ChatGPT helps you write relevant messages to nurture leads and engage prospects throughout their journey. Additionally, ChatGPT’s insights can help you craft targeted messages for abandoned inquiries or contract renewals, ensuring your B2B relationships are nurtured and maintained. With ChatGPT as your virtual assistant, you can focus on building strong connections with potential clients, boosting conversions, and ultimately driving growth.
ChatGPT is the game-changer that can help any small business unlock growth and success. From strategic planning to sales and marketing, ChatGPT’s capabilities can revolutionize the way you can navigate the dynamic landscape. As long as you know at least the basics of how to use it.
Take advantage of what ChatGPT can help you with. And remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Partnering with SIX Marketing’s new ChatGPT consulting service will help you maximize the benefits of this cutting-edge technology for your business. Our team of power users will guide you in implementing ChatGPT effectively, ensuring you meet your business’ greatest needs.
Act now, whether it’s with us or not. And seize the competitive edge ChatGPT can provide!
As a founder, owner, or leader of a company, do you want to be fully engaged in building a successful business? The alternative - to be encumbered by success-defeating busyness. If you look back over the past weeks or months, and can honestly say that you have been busy but aren’t seeing positive results in your business, it’s time to take stock of where you’re applying your efforts. Are you working on growing your business, or are you stuck on the hamster wheel of daily operations?
Let’s consider your business in light of the six key components of the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®): vision, people, data, issues, process, and traction As an EOS® Implementer, I help leadership teams strengthen each component and build a stronger company from the inside out.
So, clear your desk, silence your phone, and let’s have a chat about something we both care deeply about: your business.
First on the table is vision. I would love for you to be crystal clear on what success looks like and for your employees to have that same clarity. So, let me ask you:
• Do you have a well-defined vision of what you want to achieve, and can you articulate it concisely and powerfully?
• Have the people who work for you grabbed hold of
that vision with both hands, and are they working toward it collectively?
Speaking of people, I would love for you to be leading a team where everyone is excited to contribute, looks forward to coming in each morning, and is the best person you can imagine for their job. If a person comes to mind who doesn’t fit that picture, remember that neither of you is happy with the current situation. So:
• How much is this person costing you in terms of lost productivity, lowered morale, aggravation, and the like?
• If you truly want the best for this person, how long are you going to let them suffer before either moving them to an appropriate seat in your own company, or releasing them to pursue success at another company?
We move next to data. Here, I would love for you to know exactly which actions drive success in your business, and know that you’re doing those actions so you get the results you are after. With that in mind:
• Can you identify the top actions that drive cashflow, profitability, customer acquisition, etc. in your business? (Most of us track results!)
• Does everyone know who is responsible for each of those actions, and how much they need to do every week to drive the results you want?
You might be seeing some of your business issues more clearly at this point, and there are probably more to uncover (don’t feel bad - it’s true for every company). I would love for you to have such an open and honest culture that you’re able to identify every challenge and obstacle. This leads me to ask:
• Have you been applying a bandage to an issue to avoid finding a long-term solution?
• How many times do you want to wrestle with an issue before you get to its root and solve it for good? Let’s move on to process I would love for you to capture the best way to do things in your business. After all, this is your intellectual property - own it by documenting it in such a way that others can be trained to do things right! Plus, defining a process makes it easy to update later on. That being said:
• What are the Core Processes in your company? What’s the right way to do things?
• Where do those processes go off the rails, and why? Is the gap in your process, or in performance?
Finally, we have traction. I would love for you to get the most important things done day to day and month to month so that you systematically build your company. As one of my clients said: “I want my job to be about forest management, not forest fires!” To that end, consider:
• Have you identified a handful of priorities to focus on completing this quarter? (We understand that when everything is important… nothing is important!)
• Do you have a pulse; nay, a cadence that everyone follows to ensure that the most important things get done?
Strengthening these Six Key Components in your business will do much more than just expand your customer base or increase your revenue - it will help you build your business from the inside out, so that you become a better, healthier, more impactful company. That’s real business growth!
