risbj volume 2 issue 1

Gil Lantini | From The FoUNDer

fromthe founder

Now that it’s 2013, it’s time to start the year with all of those New

Year’s resolutions that will last anywhere from 7-21 days. Maybe

your gym membership will get 5 uses this year, up from the 3 after

last year’s resolution. How about trying something new this year?

Why not make your New Year’s resolution about your business?

Here are a few of my favorites that should help us all start the year

off on the right foot.

Talk less and listen more. So anyone that knows me, knows

I like to talk - a lot. When it comes to dealing with clients and staff

however, listening is key. Understanding your clients business

and what their goals are is an important part of setting the

foundation of a successful relationship. Understanding what your

staff needs to be more motivated, more productive and feel more

included is vital to their satisfaction and performance. By asking

a lot of questions and actually listening to the responses, you’ll

learn a lot.

Set goals and revisit them often. How often have you

set goals and forgotten what they actually were? How often do

you include key staff in your goal setting? This resolution will

keep that from happening again. Once your goals are set, you

need to revisit them often and include staff in the progress of

reaching those goals. As a leader, you must help people keep the

company goals in mind and remind them that you are trying to

reach those goals as a team.

Be a leader. This seems to be obvious, but all too often we

get caught up in the day-to-day of running our business and can

forget that we are the leader of our team. Your staff is looking for

you to set the tone of the organization and provide guidance. The

way you act around them directly affects the behaviors they will

exhibit. How is your staff interpreting your attitude, work ethic, and

customer service? Looking at the behaviors of your team is often

a direct reflection of your own behavior. Strong leadership in any

organization goes a long way.

So what will your New Year’s resolution be? Whether it’s one of

mine or something entirely different, be conscious of it. Ignoring

our business resolutions can be much more costly than that $10/

month gym membership and the results can far exceed those of

30 minutes on the treadmill.

I hope you enjoy our first issue of the year and wish everyone

success in 2013.

2 rISBJ | rhode island small business journal

TaBleCoNTeNTSof

SeCreTary oF STaTe

Companies Must File Annual Reports

STarTUPS

Mind Your Own Brand

Focus on Positive Impact

SBA

Spotlight on Startups

eVeNTS

Networking and Workshops

04

07

08

11

12

14

16

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22

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28

Small BUSINeSS

Shut Up and Listen

Nest4Less.com

The State of Digital

Are You Turning Green At Work?

Business is Too Boring to Blog?

Nine Business Review Sites To Use

Rock Networking

Attraction Through Fresh Communication

After Hours Business Networking

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Goal Setting for 2013

Social, Visual, Mobile, Virtual

Registered Agents

5 Technology Trends for 2013

SEED RI

Tapping your Technology Resource for Growth

Sleeping Your Way To Success!

The Networking Disconnect

1647 48

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FeaTUreD NoNProFIT

Capital Good Fund

GoloCal

RI Economy ‘Shifting Into High Gear’

The New Year Means New Benefit Decisions

CaPITal CITy

Tools to Grow Your Bottom Line

WomeN IN BUSINeSS

Mental Clutter

Positive Business

Does My Butt Look Too Big In This?

FeaTUreD ChamBer

North Kingstown Chamber

Chamber Chat

CommerCIal real eSTaTe

RI Commercial & Appraisal Board Of Realtors®

CommUNITy CorNer

All The Services You Are Looking For

FeaTUreD STory30

21

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SeCreTary oF STaTe | Ralph Mollis

RI Companies Must File Annual Reports This January

30,000

Secretary Of State Ralph Mollis

make it easier for companies to do business in

Rhode Island.”

Corporations can still file by mail or in person

at the Secretary of State’s Business Services

Division, 148 West River St., Providence, during

normal business hours.

Failure to file an annual report can result in

the revocation of a corporation’s Certificate of

Incorporation or Certificate of Authority. At other

times of the year, non-profit corporations and

limited liability companies are also required to

file with the Secretary of State.

“State law makes my office responsible for

corporate record-keeping. We work hard to

give the public access to quick and accurate

access to information. The business community

deserves credit for being partners in this

endeavor,” said Mollis.

Mollis posts the reports on his website. The

public can search the database by the

corporation’s name, location and type of

business among other criteria. There is even

contact information for every company’s primary

official.

“This transparency is consumer-friendly and

ensures that the public has a place to turn

for information about businesses,” said

Mollis. “Corporations that file annual reports

demonstrate a commitment to openness, and

that can make people thinking of doing business

with them more confident.”

The Secretary of State’s office works with every

corporate entity registered to do business in

Rhode Island – 60,000 in all. The office also

oversees recording commercial liens and

protecting corporate trademarks and provides

advice to start-up businesses.

Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making

it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, making

it easier to do business in Rhode Island and

making government more open and accessible.

For more information about the programs and

services the Secretary of State offers Rhode

Islanders, visit sos.ri.gov.

The beginning of the new year means tens

of thousands of companies doing business

in Rhode Island must file annual reports with

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis.

State law requires for-profit corporations to

submit annual reports beginning Jan. 1. About

30,000 companies ranging from car dealers to

mortgage lenders to restaurants are subject to

the requirement.

To file on-line, visit www.sos.ri.gov and click

on the “File Annual Reports” link. Every

company has been assigned its own unique

Customer Identification Number and Personal

Identification Number order to ensure security.

“Our customers have really embraced the

upgrades we made a few years ago. About half

the annual reports filed in 2012 came via the

Internet,” said Mollis. “Improvements like this

corporations that file annualreports demonstrate a commitment to

openness, and that can make people thinking of doing business with

them more confident


www.facebook.com/risbjtwitter.com/risbj

401 831 [email protected]

©MMXIII Rhode Island Small Business Journal

Gil lantiniPresident, Founder

ralph CoppolinoVice President, Operations

& Business Development

Danny angeliAccount Executive

James Pardee JrCreative Director and Design Editor

mike CasaleGraphic Designer

aaron CadieuxVideo Production Manager

Contributing WritersRichard Austin

Lisa BubenDiane Fournaris

Peter GeorgeAdam Harvey

Mark S. HaywardPaul Herman

Chris JohnsonRobert F. Johnson

Dave LubelczykKristin Carcieri-MacRae

Donna MacDave Marcello

Ray MathieuIvan Misner

Secretary Of State Ralph MollisNick Pereira

Chris PoePatricia Raskin

Yemi SekoniDr. Ronald G. Shapiro

Chris SheehyLisa Shorr

Tim SullivanMayor Angel Taveras

Bob Wittstein

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Mind Your Own Brand | STarTUPS

by Dave Lubelczyk elves? do you

Dave LubelczykImage Identityimageidentity.com

In the story, The Elves and the Shoemaker,

the shoemaker runs a small shoe business

and he is very overwhelmed. He works long

hours and unfortunately, no matter how hard

he works, he can never earn enough money

to pay the bills.

Exhausted and with nothing left in the store

except a scrap of leather, he falls asleep.

The next morning he wakes up early and

goes downstairs to make his last pair of

shoes. Much to his surprise his workbench

has a pair of magnificent shoes. That day

a customer enters his shop and loves the

shoes so much that she gives him double

the price! Now the shoemaker is able to buy

leather for two pairs. The shoemaker is so

happy; each morning he has enough money

to buy more leather and each night the elves

make more and more shoes. Before long,

everyone is talking about his shop and word

spreads throughout the land.

It goes on like this until the shoemaker is

prosperous, however he is not satisfied. So

much has been done for him yet he does

not know to whom he should extend his

gratitude. So one night he hides behind a

curtain and as the clock strikes twelve, two

naked elves hop onto the bench and begin

to make the shoes. In no time, the shoes are

finished and the elves, pleased with their

job, dance around the shoes on the bench

and leave.

The shoemaker asks himself,

“How do I thank those who have made me

happy and prosperous?

I know; I shall make them some clothes and

shoes” That night, the shoemaker lays out

the clothes instead of leather. The elves

come in, put on the clothes, dance for joy

and leave, never to return. But they have

given the shoemaker so much prosperity and

fame that he is now able to help himself.

Like the shoemaker, you are working hard

building your company. As you’re looking

to close the gap between your current

situation and your long term vision, the

important question to ask yourself is “am I

creating interactions that inspire customers,

employees and everyone involved with my

organization to be passionately dedicated

to my company and actively contribute to

my success?” More importantly, you need to

ask “how can I show them that I appreciate

the vital role they play in my company’s

success?” If you do show your gratitude

your passionate advocates will stick with you,

unlike the elves, and continue to help you

gain prosperity and fame.

how can I show them thatI appreciate the vital role they play

in my company’s success?

appreciate your


Businesses have the widest access to

capital markets, and can allocate it to

untapped opportunities with remarkable

speed. In addition, businesses that partner

with impact-sector organizations or pursue

projects with the potential for positive impact

can realize the value that directly flows from

being able to effectively meet the pressing

needs of consumers.

For example, Michigan Energy, Michigan

Jobs, a bipartisan coalition of businesses,

labor organizations, and health care

advocates, is supporting an initiative to

expand Michigan’s renewable energy

production from the current rate of 3.6

percent to 25 percent by 2025. Studies

suggest that “increasing [Michigan’s] use

of renewable energy will create thousands

of jobs for Michigan workers and attract

$10 billion in new investments.” Forward-

thinking investments like this have begun

to provide a state that was hit especially

hard by the recent economic downturn

the public sector workforce. Instead of

hiring more workers to boost growth and

reduce unemployment, local and state

governments have been laying off workers

during this recovery.” The shrinking public

sector cannot be relied upon exclusively

to fund positive impact solutions, including

those in education, where state and local

governments are cutting jobs faster than the

overall government average.

The most viable -- and inspiring -- option

for job growth is spurring private industry to

focus on creating positive impact through

their businesses. Solving human, social and

environmental problems is much needed,

and also compelling for employees. More

than nine of 10 new graduates want to work

for a company that “does good” in their daily

operations. Even during the “boom years” of

2002-2007, the impact sector outpaced the

business sector in job creation.

STarTUPS | Focus on Positive Impact

Organizations in the impact sector have

come up with compelling solutions to

society’s needs, but they often lack scale.

Even though the impact sector job growth is

impressive, it still employs far fewer people

than the business sector as a whole.

A recent policy note written by Pavlina

Tcherneva at the Levy Institute of Bard

College advocates for full employment

through a partnership between the

government and social entrepreneurs.

The government would give grants to

nonprofit organizations, which would then

use the money to fund social entrepreneurs

who would apply market principles to solve

social, cultural, and environmental problems.

Tcherneva argues that the “objective of

these social entrepreneurial ventures would

be to put those individuals whom the

private sector has declined to employ into

socially useful projects that fill some unmet

public need.”

This is a well-intentioned proposal. However,

the government sector has been shedding

jobs and reducing state and local funding

since the beginning of the “Great Recession.”

As Jonathan Cohen points out, “one obvious

distinction between this recovery and

that from the most previous recessions

is the sudden and sharp downsizing of

busInesses shouldFoCus on posITIveIMpACT and fill “jobs_gap” by solving human needs

by Paul Herman


Focus on Positive Impact | STarTUPS

Our clients know we’re herefor them year-round, notjust at year-end.

AT BRAVER, IT’S THE WAYWE DO BUSINESS.

NEWTON BOSTON TAUNTON PROVIDENCE CONCORD

JAMES J. PRESCOTT

PETER L. CHATELLIER

DAVID A. FONTAINE

JAMES D. WILKINSON

DEBRA A. MITCHELL

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155 South Main Street

Providence, RI 02903

401 421 2710

www.thebravergroup.com

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with viable solutions that have the potential

to make a large impact. Almost 30 local

companies have entered the Michigan

market to produce solar panels and wind

turbines. According to the American Wind

Energy Association April 2012 report, the

top ten wind energy states employ between

42,000 to 52,000 workers. Approximately, 10

percent of these wind energy jobs can be

found in Michigan.

Business Solving Society’s Problems:

The Potential Path to Full Employment

Estimating the change in the national

unemployment rate is difficult, because it

is affected by so many factors. However,

HIP Investor’s initial analysis suggests that

if the private sector job growth continues at

its long-term historical rate (approximately

1.25 percent), the U.S. economy will not

reach full employment until 2020. However,

if that growth is accelerated, applying the

impact sector’s annualized job growth rate

(approximately 2 percent), then the U.S.

could reach full employment by 2015. On the

other hand, if private sector jobs only grow at

the rate that they did during the most recent

expansion (2002-2007), then the U.S. could

continue to stagnate and may delay full

employment even more -- the annual growth

rate would barely be enough to keep up with

the expansion of the labor force.

Going Forward: An Impact Economy that

Can “Do Good,” Create Jobs and Grow GDP

Every business person, policy maker, and

politician dreams of strategies that will

strengthen the U.S. economy and create

employment opportunities. Solving society’s

problems -- either adopting a sustainability-

oriented business strategy; or partnering with

social-sector or government organizations

-- can be embraced by business leaders,

CEOs and Board members today to make a

difference. If businesses focus on creating

positive-impact products, solutions and

ventures to solve pressing human needs,

they have a greater chance of growing their

revenue, attracting the best employees --

and stimulating job growth at the accelerated

rate of the impact sector.

In the next parts of this series, we will

highlight business strategies, new products

and services, and corporate ventures that

both “do good” and “make money” at the

same time. This approach to job creation

can enable a U.S. led resurgence of the

global economy, drop unemployment, and

potentially recreate the export-led economy

of previous generations.

Instead of hiring more workers to boost growth and reduce unemployment,

local and state governments have been laying off workers during this recovery Paul Herman

CEO and Founder HIP Investor Inc


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New SBA Government Contracting Online Courses | SBa

New SBAGovernment ContractingOnline Courses—Government contracting provides the

leg-up small businesses need to meet their

bottom line and become sustainable. At the

U.S. Small Business Administration we see

government contracting as a win-win. The

federal government gets to work with some

of the most innovative, forward-thinking

companies. And small firms get tapped into

the supply chain of one of the largest buyers

in the world.

The 8(a) Business Development program

is one of the best tools the government has

to ensure that more small disadvantaged

businesses can compete and win contracts in

federal, state and local procurement markets

The focus of the program is to provide

business development support including:

mentoring, procurement assistance, business

counseling, training, financial assistance,

surety bonding and other management and

technical assistance.

Another tool is a new training series for

potential 8(a) firms. The four-part training

program aims to inform, educate and

engage qualified small contractors in the 8(a)

program. The first two courses are available

at SBA’s Government Contracting Classroom

at www.sba.gov/gcclassroom. The first, called

Setting Expectations, sets the tone for the

course and provides an overview of the 8(a)

program. The second, called Introduction to

Federal Contracting, is a 40-minute course

that outlines SBA resources that can help

more small firms win contracts.

Small business contracting is a top priority at

the SBA and across the federal government

and the SBA is building on that progress to

increase participation and eliminate barriers

for small disadvantaged businesses.

Helping small businesses succeed is critical

to our economy, our communities and our

society. And here at the SBA we’re committed

to ensuring that more small business owners

have the access and opportunity they need to

grow, build their operations and do what they

do best—create jobs.

For more information

on SBA programs and services,

please contact the Rhode Island District

Office by calling (401) 528-4561 or by e-mail

to [email protected].

by Mark S. Hayward

Mark S. HaywardDistrict DirectorU.S. Small Business Administration

—helping small businesses succeed is critical to our economy,

our communities and our society

featuredcourses

more detailswww.sba.gov/gcclassroom

Pre-8(a) BusinessDevelopment Program TrainingMulti-Part Training Series

Government Contracting 101• Overview of contracting basics &

certification programs

• How the Government Buys

• How to Sell to the Government

HUBZone ProgramHow to qualify and apply to the

HUBZone Program

WOSB AdvantageA Guide to the Women Owned Small

Business Program

A Guide for Contracting OfficersHow to use the WOSB Program

Non-Manufacturer Rule PrimerA Guide for Contracting Officers

Market ResearchA Guide for Contracting Officers

A Veterans’ GuideHow to Win Federal Contracts

Price Evaluation Preference - HUBZone ProgramA Guide for Contracting Officers

Business OpportunitiesA Guide to Winning Federal Contracts


opened : February 2012

number of employees : 1

www.treasuresinabasket.com

@TreasuresBasket

facebook.com/treasuresinabasket

biggest challenge : I believe the biggest

challenge has been learning the various aspects

needed to operate a small business. It’s not only

knowing your chosen skill, but how to market,

advertise and grow your business.

opened : June 2011


46 Dike Street

Providence, RI

www.birchwooddesigngroup.com

facebook.com/pages/Birchwood-

Design-Group/153134088093776

biggest challenge : The biggest

challenge seems to be time. When

Kris and I started our business

I knew that it would take a fair

amount of time to build a company

but, the reality is that it takes 3x’s

as much time.

I’ve worked for companies and organizations

in my lifetime. Some experiences were good,

some not. There has always been this burning

ache in my soul to work for myself. I had

the entrepreneurial spirit that my maternal

grandmother had. An Italian immigrant, she and

my grandfather bought a two family home with

a little storefront. She sold groceries and in the

summertime she made frozen lemonade and

orangeade. Now I’m proud to say that finally, I’m

following in Nonna Nunzi’s footsteps. May you find

a Treasure in each day.

Founded by Kris M. Bradner and Arthur J. Eddy, Birchwood Design

Group provides creative, viable and sustainable landscape design

solutions and whose founders believe in the growth and achievement of

its employees.

We specialize on commercial, institutional and public projects

throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern New England. Commercial

project types include hospitality and residential/office/commercial

complexes. Institutional projects include private and public schools,

universities and libraries. Public work includes streetscapes,

transportation corridors, public housing and municipal master planning.

The company’s strength lies in its team approach to projects by

collaborating with clients and consultants on a given project to

understand the project goals and to inspire implementation. Birchwood

Design Group is a leader in problem solving and building consensus

through stakeholder meetings as well as public workshops.

startupson

tlightspTreasuresin a BaskeT


opened : December 2011


570 Putnam Pike

Smithfield RI 02828

www.decadentdesignsbyjean.com

@decadentdesigns3

biggest challenge : My biggest challenge was trying to get my facts

straight. When opening a food establishment there are many licenses,

regulations and requirements. There is no one place to find them.

Even when you find them you do not know if they are correct.

opened : September 2011


20 Weeden Avenue

Rumford, RI 02916

www.hautetags.net

@Becky_DiStefano

@HauteTags

facebook.com/becky.k.distefano

biggest challenge : I think the biggest challenge was, naturally,

funding. But when you have a dream, you make it work somehow and

you find resources in places you never thought possible.

A family owned small batch bakery

that specializes in custom cakes and

cupcakes. Culmination of a life long

passion for baking and business

ownership. Lost my 26 year

corporate career which led me to

take the plunge. I have recently

hired my first employee. I

went from unemployed to an

employer. We use family

recipes and local ingredients

to make our fantastic products.

I guess you could say I’m a communicator from birth. I created this social media accessory line

because I love talking to people and connecting people, whether it’s online or in person, and Haute Tags

celebrates these connections. Social media has opened so many doors for me and Haute Tags is the

perfect vessel to express who you are online in real life.

Spotlight on Startups |

startupson

tlightsp


eVeNTS | Networking and Workshops

East Greenwich Chamber Annual

Meeting and Business Expo

January 31st

5:30 pm until 8:00 pm

Quidnesset Country Club

950 N Quidnessett Rd

North Kingstown

First Friday Coffee

Southern RI Chamber

February 1st

8:00 am until 9:00 am

Denali

160 Old Tower Hill Road

Wakefield

2nd Annual Go Red

For Women Luncheon

Narragansett RI Chamber

February 1st

12:00 pm

Haversham Inn

336 Post Road

Westerly

NetworkingRI Business Networking

February 4th


Radisson Airport Hotel

2801 Post Road

Warwick

Women’s Winter Series

Putting Yourself at the Top

of Your Own List

East Bay RI Chamber

February 5th

12:00 pm

East Bay Chamber Community Room

16 Cutler Street, Suite 102

Warren

Out Of The Box

Networking Social

February 5th


Shela Lara

21-B Reservoir Road

Coventry, RI

Color Key: networking workshops

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Networking and Workshops | eVeNTS

Young Professionals

Networking Lunch Connections

Central Chamber

February 8th


Salve Regina University

144 Metro Center Blvd

Warwick

Business After Hours

Central Chamber

February 20th


Pocasset Bay Retirement Living

12 Old Pocasset Lane

Johnston

Lipsitck Luncheon “Passion!”

North Central Chamber

February 12th

11:30 am until 01:30 am

Pocasset Bay

12 Old Pocasset Lane

Johnston

Business After Hours

North Central Chamber

February 21st

5:00 until 7:00 pm

Lepre Physical Therapy

1525 Smith St Ste 5

North Providence

Northern RI Chamber

Networking at Night

February 6th


Foolproof Brewing Company

241 Grotto Avenue

Building D, Unit 1

Pawtucket

Northern RI Chamber

“Speed Networking”

February 7th

8:00 am until 9:30 am

MacColl Field YMCA

32 Breakneck Hill Road

Lincoln

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Small BUSINeSS | Shut Up and Listen

You’ve just finished your sales pitch. You have

told the potential client everything that your

product or service can do; every way it can

benefit them. It’s a no-brainer. They’re not

interested. They have to talk it over with their

partner. Their budget is empty or they have

to wait until the next budget cycle. The liturgy

of excuses is almost endless. So, you have to

ask yourself, what went wrong?

Did I not explain it correctly?

Did they not understand it?

There’s a good chance that the

problem isn’t with them, but

with you. The question you

should ask is,

“Did I listen

by Richard Austin



Shut Up and Listen | Small BUSINeSS

to them?” Don’t confuse hearing with listening. Hearing is essentially

a physiological process. We simply receive the sound, it then

registers with our brain, and the brain makes auditory associations

(we perceive as words). But these are just mechanics. Even if we

have great hearing, it doesn’t mean we are great listeners. In fact, as

anyone with teenagers will attest, hearing is not listening. No one can

tune you out better then your fourteen year old.

So, before you rehearse your presentation or your sales pitch yet again,

stop and ask yourself, “Am I the problem”? The answer could be yes,

but not in the way you think. You could simply not be listening correctly.

Robert Fripp, guitarist for King Crimson said, “I’d say that what we hear

is the quality of our listening.” Granted, he was talking about music, but

I think he hit the nail on the head in more ways then one.

What does the client need? We could have the best product or service

since sliced bread, but all the client really cares about is how we can

solve their problem; and we can’t know this unless we listen.

The American Communication Association (ACA) recently published

an E-Textbook entitled “Public Speaking – The ACA Open Knowledge

Online Guide”, with one section devoted specifically to listening. Makes

sense if you think about it – how important is listening to communication?

In their guide, the ACA provides 12 characteristics of a competent

listener. If you approach your next sales pitch with this listening

attitude, you will find out exactly what it is your client wants.

12 Components of a Competent Listener:1. Uses eye contact appropriately

2. Is attentive and alert to a speaker’s verbal & nonverbal behavior

3. Is patient and does not interrupt, waiting for the speaker to finish

4. Is responsive, using verbal and nonverbal expressions

5. Asks questions in a nonthreatening tone

6. Paraphrases, restates or summarizes what the speaker says

7. Provides constructive verbal and nonverbal feedback

8. Is empathic, makes an effort to understand the speaker

9. Demonstrates interest in the speaker as a person

10. Demonstrates a caring attitude and is willing to listen

11. Does not criticize, is non-judgmental

12. Is open-mindedRichard Austin

PresidentThe Learning Curve LLC

If we focus on what we want to tell our prospective client,we lose focus on the most

critical component of any sale.

out of the boxthinking lending

Capital for all the right reasons

THE BUSINESSDEVELOPMENT COMPANY

www.bdcri.com 401 351 3036


Small BUSINeSS | Nest4Less.com

Buying a home can be a long and arduous process. Homebuyers

often feel a sense of relief at the closing table, as they cross the finish

line having made one of the most important investments they’ll ever

make. Saving for a down payment and moving costs, budgeting

for mortgage, utility and property tax payments and putting a little

something aside for minor repairs and projects can put a strain on

anyone’s pocketbook.

But closing the deal on a dream home is just the beginning. Buying,

owning and eventually selling a home is a marathon, not a sprint. As

any homeowner will tell you, there are a number of unforeseen costs

associated with buying and maintaining any home: legal services,

landscaping, pest control, plumbing, appliances and furniture, just to

name a few.

As new questions and concerns reveal themselves during the course

of home ownership, finding the right vendors—at the right price—

represents a new challenge, especially for first-time homeowners.

Even for those who planned responsibly to expect the unexpected, a

lack of familiarity with a new neighborhood, city or state can make a

marketplace look more like a maze.

In 2011, having observed this familiar pattern of challenges frequently

during his eight years as a nationally ranked, top producing mortgage

advisor, Providence-based Jesse Kenner started up a solution

and named it Nest4Less. Currently the only service of its kind in

the country, Nest4Less is a free social networking platform where

homebuyers, homeowners and home sellers can find discounts on

the products and services they need to make the buying and “nesting”

process easier and less expensive.

Nest4Less users trust these businesses because referrals are

provided by their own Realtors and friends. Successful Realtors

build trust not only with their clients but also with local businesses.

Nest4Less is a new and innovative way Realtors can harness

those relationships to provide sustainable value to their clients and

the community.

Homebuyers, homeowners and home sellers can visit Nest4Less.com,

sign up for free and instantly view promotions and select valuable

coupons. Subscribers can also sign up to receive weekly discounts,

often appropriately suited to the season or month of the year.

Homebuyers will find numerous significant discounts, including lender

credits that can add up to $1,200 in savings on closing costs. Add

the lender credits to discounts on settlement fees, home inspection,

moving, appliances and furniture and a homebuyer can save

thousands on necessary expenses. These promotions are not those

by Ray Mathieu

Nest4Less is a freesocial networking platform

where homebuyers, homeowners and home sellers can find

discounts on the products and services they need


Nest4Less.com | Small BUSINeSS

LocaLPassing.com

LocaLPassing.com

�e most comprehensive and timely

in the greater Providence areaDeath Notice Listing

unnecessary extras—massages, makeovers and manicures—often

associated with the big group buying websites.

Subscribers can invite friends to join and post discount information on

Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest but Nest4Less never shares

subscriber information with vendors or spams subscribers’ social circles.

Realtors invite their favorite local businesses—contractors, painters,

landscapers, hardware stores and more—to offer promotions and

discount coupons on Nest4Less. Then, Realtors invite their current

and previous clients, friends and family members to view the deals.

“We’ve found that vendors offer better deals on Nest4Less than with

conventional TV, print and radio advertising,” said Nest4Less Founder

& CEO Jesse Kenner. “Nest4Less provides businesses an opportunity

to reach customers who are already interested in home related goods

and services.”

Kenner added, “Plus they can offer discounts in a timely manner,

when specific products and services are actually needed.”

Kenner designed Nest4Less as a “win-win-win situation,” an

opportunity for consumers to save money, for Realtors to forge and

maintain relationships with clients and preferred vendors and for

participating businesses to collaborate with a strong and enduring

referral partner.

“As a Rhode Island native,” Kenner added, “I’m proud to have founded

and headquartered Nest4Less right here in my home state.”

Against the backdrop of a struggling Rhode Island economy, Kenner

and his team developed Nest4Less as a way to support local

businesses by exposing them to new customers who enjoy “one-stop-

shopping” for deep discounts. Realtors, who already rely on referrals

to maintain and grow their businesses, get a free opportunity to grow

their referral networks.

In terms of the site’s longevity and potential for growth nationally,

recent partnerships with Keller Williams and the Massachusetts

Association of Realtors bolster Kenner’s bullish optimism.

“We’re expanding,” Kenner continued. “Nest4Less Realtor networks

are up and running in Boston, Portland, New York City and Los

Angeles—over 200 markets nationwide and Canada. Our small

startup has attracted big strategic partners from across the country.”

Partnerships include The Massachusetts Association or Realtors, The

Rhode Island Association of Realtors and RiLiving.com.

Ray MathieuCFO, DirectorNest4Less


the stateof digitalSeveral crucial industry reports have been released over the last few

weeks, each of which has a significant impact on the online and social

marketing world. The advent of digital engagement has been a huge

disruption for traditional communication methods between brands and

consumers, and it has only just begun. Staying on top of trends and

patterns is a vital step to success in this ever-changing environment.

Following are four of the most relevant facts from the reports along

with key implications for small business marketers:

FACT: In 2011, personal computer (PC) growth stalled, smartphone

sales blew past PC sales, and tablet growth overtook that of PCs.

IMPLICATION: We live in a four-screen world: TV, smartphone,

tablet, and PC/laptop. Furthermore, consumers are using several at

the same time, completely changing the dynamics of their experience

with your brand. Over 60% of smartphone owners use their phones

while watching TV multiple times a week. Shopping and social

networking are the top two reasons why TV viewers look at their

tablets and smartphones while on the couch. Now imagine the impact

of connecting a TV ad with an online ad, all in real-time...

FACT: Pay TV subscriptions are trending down and other video

sources such as Hulu and Netflix are growing rapidly.

IMPLICATION: Digital advertising is on the rise, a $30 billion

industry at last count. Cost per thousand impressions (CPMs) are

drastically lower than TV advertising, $.75 to $3.50, respectively. That

being said, the industry is still in its infancy and has some hurdles

to clear. A study in the U.K. showed that 88% of respondents ignore

ads in mobile apps. As smartphone use grows, so does annoyance

with mobile ads. There is a lot of room to grow to move from

intrusive to welcomed and engaging.

FACT: 13% of all Internet traffic is mobile and the mobile web

audience has increased 82% from July 2011 to July 2012.

IMPLICATION: It should come as no surprise that mobile is the

hottest topic for brand marketers. And beyond just overall use, it’s

important to note how and when mobile is being utilized. 20% of

consumers call or text friends and family about a product while inside

the actual store. Even more take pictures of products while in-store

and do real-time price comparison shopping on their smartphones.

Understanding this and facilitating such activity will be a major factor

in retailers’ success. Additionally, responsive web design – building

your website so that it changes appropriately for each device it is

viewed on – is of the utmost importance for optimal user experience.

FACT: People continue to spend more time on social networks than

any other category of sites – 20% on PCs and 30% on mobile.

IMPLICATION: Social sites are a hotbed for community

engagement, but don’t start blasting sale promotion announcements

all over your Facebook page just yet. Nearly 70% of people say they

“hate” when a company targets them through social media and 60%

labeled social media marketing as “invasive”. That doesn’t mean you

should avoid Twitter, it just requires establishing trust and relevance

with your audience. Provide useful information, engage in real

conversation, and entertain your fans to take advantage of social’s

great benefits.

There is little doubt that the digital landscape is evolving right

before our eyes, with mobile content consumption and multi-device

experiences at the forefront. Keeping track of trends and data

regarding digital usage, particularly when it’s specific to your target

market, is a great way to stay ahead of the competition.

Dave Marcello

Dave MarcelloChief DisruptorDISRUPTIVE

Small BUSINeSS | The State of Digital


Everyday new products are being created in

order to promote the green movement. We

recycle at home and we take reusable bags

with us to the grocery store. But what are

we doing at our business? Many business

owners and organizations get their blue and

green recycle bins for the staff to use and

maybe even get a large barrel for bottles and

cans only. Unfortunately though it

seems many business owners are doing

this out of a sense of obligation rather than

out of concern.

Going green needs to be more of a priority

for all of us. In addition to recycling, by using

environmentally friendly cleaning products

you are make your work environment

healthier for your cleaning staff and building

occupants. Studies have shown that

building occupants, visitors and janitorial

staff experience a lot fewer incidents of skin,

eye and respiratory irritation, fewer multiple

chemical sensitivities, less severe allergies

and decreased headaches and nausea when

cleaning contractors use green cleaning

products. This also leads to higher employee

morale, reduced absenteeism, and higher

efficiency. Healthier employees are happier

employees and productivity increases.

Using recycled paper products in your

restrooms also has a tremendous impact on

the environment. Did you know that recycling

paper uses about 65% less energy than

the process of cutting down new trees and

manufacturing them into paper pulp?

Did you know that the paper industry is

one of the largest water and air polluters in

the world? The EPA has found that

recycling achieves 35% less water pollution

and 74% less air pollution!

So whether we are a business owner, a

manager, a president, CEO or simply an

employee we owe it to ourselves, our fellow

workmates, our neighbors, our country

and our planet to do our part in creating a

safe and healthy environment now for our

own well being and for the well being of

generations to come.

If Not, You Should Be!

Are You TurningGReen at Work?

by Chris Johnson

Chris JohnsonAccount ManagerTJ Russell Supply

recycling paper uses about 65% less energythan the process of cutting down new trees

and manufacturing them into paper pulp

Are You Turning Green At Work? | Small BUSINeSS



Small BUSINeSS | Do You Think Your Business is Too Boring to Blog?

different and what it can provide to your

customers. Make it interesting, light and do

not embellish it.

Take some examples of some not so easy

to blog about businesses like widgets.

How much can one write about a widget you

may wonder?

A widget maker could blog about what the

widget is used for and about the products

it is used in. If a widget is used for furniture

you could blog about new furniture designs,

where to buy furniture that has your widget.

You could tell the story of what your widget

does for that furniture and why it is important.

Maybe your widget is used in air

conditioners. You could blog about them.

You could blog about the weather and how

an air conditioner is needed and the health

benefits of it. You could go on about that

topic for some time. In the winter it could be

how to close the a/c down and how to restart

when the weather gets warm.

How about a realtor? I’ve seen some blogs

by realtors that have many topics from types

of home, home furnishings to yard work and

weather. The list could really be endless. You

could write about the areas surrounding the

homes you sell. What the school system is

like in a given neighborhood. You could write

about the average daily temperature and

Answer Questions. Use subjects related

to questions that come up from customers.

If one customer has a question about a

particular matter there may be more that

have the same question. As questions come

up during the week, write them down and

think about blogging about them.

Solve a problem. Did a problem recently

occur to a customer? Can you help others by

providing a solution to that type of problem?

That would add value to your blog and keep

them coming back to you for answers.

Provide News. Is there recent news about

your industry or line of business? Inform your

customers and readers about it and become

the expert in the field on it.

Run a Contest. People love to enter

simple contests. Don’t make it complicated.

It could be as simple as to collect their email

addresses and then give away a small gift

certificate or a free e-Book.

Use Holidays. Write about holidays or a

day of the year. The other day was World

Diabetes Day, can it relate to your customers

or business? Find an angle. Look online

for special days of the year and pick those

related to your business to write about.

Tell a story. Tell a story about your

company’s history, why your company is

So do you think your business is too boring to blog about week after week? If it really is that

boring should you just close the doors? You have to get a little creative. Here are some tips so

you can generate that unique content for your business blog.

weather fluctuations for that area. Another

topic for several posts could be picking out

the best furniture to furnish that new home.

Another one would be can you afford to buy

this home? And continue with mortgage

rates and helpful information for the new

buyer. You could offer numerous tips for

sellers on how to prepare that home for sale.

Some may think an accountant is boring,

sorry if you are one, (no offense). You could

blog tips about how people can save money,

how to spend money wisely and maybe on

the new math your children are now learning

in school. You could offer advice for small

businesses on how they can track their

taxes for the year and not wait until April 15

to do them. You could offer advice to small

businesses so they can make more money

with their business. You could even offer

some information on new laws that pertain to

taxes and small businesses. I’m sure that list

will be endless in the coming years ahead.

So if you think your business may be too

boring to blog about, Think again. Don’t let

it be boring! Go outside the limits of your

business and write about the topics on the

edge of your business. Then tie it back in to

your business. Provide helpful information

and you’ll see people coming back to read

your blog again and again. You might just

gain a new customer along the way too.

do you think your business is too boring to blog?

by Lisa Buben

Lisa BubenFancy Scrubswww.fancyscrubs.com

as questions come up during the week, write

them downand think

about blogging about them


Nine Business Review Sites To Use - Instead Of Yelp | Small BUSINeSS

Ok, it’s no secret that I’m not a big fan of Yelp – but

my disdain is not without reason or merit. It’s just that

most of the small businesses I know have all been hit

by the dreaded “Yelp filtered review”. This filter is how

Yelp hides reviews suspect of being fake, self-written,

or otherwise artificially influenced. Sounds great on

the surface and on their carefully crafted website,

but these filters are also well documented for hiding

legit reviews.

I’ve ranted about the filter before so I’ll spare you

the details, but instead I want to show you how your

online business reviews can still get some great

online traction without any help from Yelp.

In looking at the landscape of online review/

testimonial websites that have the greatest share

factor, would it surprise you to hear that Yelp isn’t at

the top of the food chain!

Analyzing the import/export shareability of 22 online

review platforms recently (below image), I was thrilled

to see that Citysearch.com steamrolls Yelp – besting

it by a large distance in online review share volume…

Like Yelp (#6), Citysearch.com (#1) doesn’t import

outside reviews into its platform (original content

only), but unlike Yelp, Citysearch shares out to 13

other review sites – thus spreading your good news

(and branding, and all that goes with it) across the

web and around the world (or at least your small

local part of it).

Citysearch isn’t the only review service beating Yelp!

Judysbook (#2) and insiderpages(#3) each shares

out to 7 other services, and yp.com (#4), mojopages

(#5) match Yelp in terms of sharing out.

As for review aggregators, Yellowbot.com(#20) is the

best by far; importing business reviews from 16 other

sites with city.com(#10), openlist(#11), andBing(#21)

following with 4 inbound referral sites feeding each of

their platforms.

So if Yelp is sticking it to you – give the favor

back by switching your attention to these other

services and watch your online reviews populate

across the web without them. As for Yelp –

just filter them out.

Nine Business ReviewSites To Use

Instead Of Yelpby Chris Sheehy

Chris SheehySidewalk Branding Co.www.sidewalkbranding.co


Small BUSINeSS | Rock Networking

sTepsRoCk neTWoRkInGevenTs In sIx eAsY

you can gain valuable insight into what their

values are. You can also get an idea of what

it would be like to work with them.

Be interesting

When people ask you what you do, don’t

bother with your elevator speech right up

front. Tell them something else about yourself

that they’re more likely to remember. Say

that you’re an avid cyclist training for a

triathlon or that you’re absolutely passionate

about teaching your Chihuahua how to do a

headstand. You’re far more likely to make a

connection by sharing a personal tidbit first.

This is not to say that your elevator speech

doesn’t have a place in this conversation,

but maybe break the ice with something light

and get to the nitty gritty a bit later.

Make yourself a little cheat sheet

After attending networking events, jot down

the names of the people you talked to,

what they do and what you talked about.

Next time you meet them, you’re more

likely to remember them. You’ll be able

to recall important things about your last

conversation, but more importantly, you’ll

look like a person who’s really on the ball—

because you are!

Nurture the relationships you

already have

Even if you only have one or two networking

partners, take good care of them. Take the

time to think of them and reach out. Would

one of your contacts benefit from reading

that great news article you came across

recently? Send it to them! Do you have a

contact you think they should meet? Set up a

lunch or a coffee date. Do whatever you can

to stay in the habit of being proactive about

nurturing your business relationships.

There’s an app for that!

There are some great apps out there that

help you find contacts or keep track of the

ones you already have.

Networking isn’t just for social butterflies. It’s

for business owners just like you who want

to make connections and discover great

opportunities in all kinds of unexpected

places. It can be intimidating to start

networking at first, but hopefully with this list

of ways to rock it out, you’ll have all the tools

you need to be a networking powerhouse, or

possibly even a networking ninja if you really

apply yourself.

Be social! Go to networking events

It goes without saying that the first step is

to find a way to get yourself in the game.

Attending networking events is a perfect way

to meet like-minded people who are in your

field or fields closely related to yours. You’ll

probably also bump into your competitors

and get to know them better as well.

Do your homework, spy on people

(in a non-creepy way, of course)

Before you go to that networking event, do a

little homework. See if you can find out who’s

going to be there and then do some good

old-fashioned Internet spying. See if they

have a LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook page

you can check out. Find out what kinds of

things people are interested in so that when

you meet them, you’ll already know what

they’re passionate about. It’s much easier

to introduce yourself to someone when you

already know what you’re going to talk about.

If you come across someone you’ve already

met, make sure you check in to see what

he or she is currently working on or

struggling with.

Get people talking about their

favorite topic…themselves!

Chances are that if you can make the other

person feel special or interesting, they’re

going to like you and want to work with you.

So, do whatever you can to get people to

talk about themselves. But remember to pay

careful attention to what they say because

by Adam Harvey

Adam HarveyGLAD WORKSwww.gladworks.com


• If you’re the super adventurous type, you

can try the free app for LinkedIn users called

LunchMeet. With it, you can broadcast your

lunch availability times and wait for someone

within LinkedIn (who is also in the same city) to

make a date to meet you for lunch. It’s a little scary,

but it could lead to some very interesting lunches!

• WorldCard Mobile is neat because it scans in

business cards and translates the information on

them into a digital contact.

It even recognizes the

difference between phone

and fax numbers—even if

they’re in shorthand.

• INTRO is an amazing

app because it helps

you connect with people

nearby who have the skills

you’re looking for. Using

information from your

current networks like

LinkedIn, Twitter,

Facebook and

Foursquare, you

can create a

customized

list of the

most relevant

business people

near you. Then

you can choose

whom you’d like to

connect with.

While all of these

things are very

important, perhaps

the biggest thing

you can do is to be

consistent

and persistent.

Building a strong

network takes time

and effort, so with a

little patience,

you can become that

networking powerhouse

(or maybe even a

networking ninja).

Rock Networking | Small BUSINeSS

IT’S MUCH eASIeR TO INTRODUCe yOURSeLF TO SOMeONe WHeN yOU ALReADy kNOW WHAT yOU’Re GOING TO TALk ABOUT



Attraction Through Fresh Communication

Never has there been a time in history when we’ve had fewer

opportunities to communicate face to face with the people we live and

work with everyday. I hear stories all the time of colleagues e-mailing

each other even though their offices are just steps away. Or the

conferences that have been cancelled and now relegated to reams of

electronic literature and perhaps a webinar or two.

Considering we’re becoming a

society that prefers texting to

calling, it’s more important now

than ever to make sure how we

communicate is well worth our

listener’s time if we do get the

opportunity to engage them.

When that time arises, the question

is, “Does what you say sound like

it’s coming from who you really

are as well as how you wish to be

perceived?” And, “Do you take the time to choose your words as

carefully as you would when constructing a letter?”

As you assess your current communication skills, focus on three

specific areas.

your Speaking

Here’s a story of a very educated young man who was clearly on the

fast track to success. However, he used what we call “crutches” when

speaking. When people thanked him for his work, he automatically

replied with the words “no problem”. While this is an acceptable

response, he learned very quickly what a difference it makes to simply

say, the words “you’re welcome” instead. By delivering the later reply,

he confidently acknowledged his own efforts.

Once this man got out of the rut of saying “no problem” after being

thanked we took him a step further. He now often answers words of

gratitude with the response, “My pleasure”. That small change has

had a huge impact to him personally and professionally. Think of

it like this. As you groom yourself for success, you’re well aware of

how you dress. So it also must be true that as you blaze the trails

towards growing your business,

polished speaking skills are just as

important (if not more) as the right

shoes! Superior communication will

get you noticed and often make the

difference between staying piquing

someone’s interest in you or not.

your Writing

We’ve all opened e-mails from our

colleagues and customers and

questioned the energy behind the

writing. Because of time constraints,

we often write in haste, disregarding salutations and failing to read

through what we wrote before we hit “send”.

But clearly, a little extra time to construct and assess an e-mail prior to

sending can be the difference between sending words that motivate

vs. sending words that leave lingering, often uncomfortable concerns.

Here’s the story of a woman who was recently seeking work. Her

credentials and experience helps her get some initial meetings. But

it is her follow-up correspondence that helps her really shine. Out of

sheer respect, and to make herself stand out from the crowd, she

always begins her follow-up e-mails with the greeting, “Dear”. While

this was once the most common salutation, it’s now typically replaced

with the word, “Hi”. That greeting is acceptable, but it’s is a written

by Donna Mac

a simple “thank you” or“I appreciate your time” can ensure that there’sno miscommunication

Small BUSINeSS | Attraction Through Fresh Communication


Attraction Through Fresh Communication | Small BUSINeSS

communications rut we have the opportunity to avoid, especially when

addressing a brand new prospect.

In the office, many colleagues tell me that they often receive

e-mails that sound more like barking orders rather than requests

for assistance and collaboration. While it’s necessary to state your

case while writing an e-mail, before you send, take a minute and

ask yourself if your correspondence is thorough enough. A simple

“thank you” or “I appreciate your time” can ensure that there’s no

miscommunication, which can result in hard feelings and a decrease

in motivation. If someone’s work was truly helpful try the statement,

“You made a big difference,” and know that your words, if genuine, will

greatly elevate the energy of the conversation!

your Presence

The average person in business gets plenty of computer, phone and

media time, but when it comes to human interaction, this time is more

limited than ever before. So when you have the opportunity to share

your physical energy with the people you encounter during your

workday, make it count.

I once knew a man whose boss never made eye contact with him

when he came in to discuss an issue. Several minutes would go by

during their conversation and never once did his boss look away from

his computer screen. This would make this man furious, feeling like

his boss didn’t value his ideas, strategy and recommendations.

Remember, when two people have different ideas on how a project

should proceed, all opinions should be respected regardless of which

direction is taken. Otherwise, if a worker begins to feel like what they

think doesn’t matter, they’ll begin to slow their contributions!

Face to face communication can be enhanced in a few other simple

ways. Try to say “good morning” to everyone you see when you get

to work. Or take time, if appropriate, to actually touch someone’s arm

after an important conversation. These gracious steps are an indicator

that you and others are working “together” towards common goals as

opposed to being separate entities who just happen to share space.

It’s more challenging now than ever to focus on those in which we’re

communicating. But if you spend just a little extra time making sure

you are present to the conversation and the person in the room, it

gives you an opportunity to connect deeply, sans the barriers of

phones, computers or other electronics. And that will be the difference

between making a colleague feel as though they’re heard and

making sure they know that they matter. Once that happens, watch

relationships and productivity flow!

Donna Mac OwnerDMacVoice & Media


Small BUSINeSS | Have You Tried After Hours Business Networking Recently?

to speak with you. Expect to be asked what do you do? You might

also ask the other networkers what they do. If you are speaking with a

more experienced networker they will probably also ask you how they

can be of help to you and/or what you would like to accomplish from

the event. The more experienced networkers will also be more than

willing to introduce you to other people with interests similar to yours.

For example, if you are:

• A painter looking to build business relationships, you might

be introduced to real estate brokers, electricians and disaster

recovery specialists.

• Looking for a new position you might be introduced to people

who help job candidates with their job searches

• Looking to sell or market a new product you might be introduced

to people who offer sales and marketing consulting services.

While all of us attending networking events have the objective of

ultimately selling our products and/or services, we do this by offering

effective recommendations to try to help each other, not by trying to

pressure others into buying our products.

Some networking events are packed full of people. Others have

fewer attendees. There are advantages to attending both, as you’ll

meet more people at bigger events, but you will have more in depth

conversations at smaller events.

Each month there are numerous opportunities to build business

relationships, exchange ideas and sample featured foods in a variety

of restaurants. Typically these networking events begin at about

5:00 PM or 5:30 PM and conclude by 8:00 PM. There are no dues,

membership fees or long term commitments. The cost to attend most

of these events is minimal (most are $10.00 or less).

There are no speeches, though there may be brief comments

and introductions. The primary focus at all of these events is the

opportunity to interact with a friendly group of people while snacking

on featured foods. There is also a cash bar at most of these events,

but there is no obligation to purchase drinks. Indeed, for water

drinkers like myself, there is water available at no cost.

What to expect: When you arrive you will complete a nametag

(if you do not bring your own), drop your business card in a bowl to

potentially win prizes, and pay the nominal registration fee. Once

you are registered you simply talk with people who will be pleased

by Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro

we do this by offeringeffective recommendations to try to help each other, not by

trying to pressure others into buying our products

Have YouTried After HoursBusiness Networking Recently?



Have You Tried After Hours Business Networking Recently? | IrS TIP

What to avoid: First, avoid trying to meet everyone at a big event.

Instead, focus on speaking to fewer people and getting to know

them. After attending a few events you’ll get to know a lot of people

well. Second, avoid trying to pressure people into buying your

product. Provide useful information. Share business cards. Follow up

with a note to people who you would like to get to know better, just

don’t be too eager to sell. Unless you are offering a unique service,

chances are the networkers you will meet already have established

relationships. Think of yourself as being there to work yourself into

their “inner circle.” Third, don’t be a business card dispenser. Offer

cards to people after you have had a meaningful conversation. Fourth,

don’t come just a few times and say I’ve done it all. Relationships take

a while to build and need to be maintained.

How to start. There are networking events sponsored by

individuals, businesses and chambers of commerce. You may find out

about some of these by:

• Reviewing the calendar in this journal.

• Subscribing to Uncle Jay’s Weekly Newsletter (subscribe by

sending a note to [email protected].

Plan to attend the following networking events several times to learn,

enjoy, and become acquainted with the networking process.

• Uncle Jay’s Networking. Events normally occur on Monday one

or two times per month. See Jay’s newsletter.

• Out of the Box. Events typically occur the first Tuesday of the

month, for people interested in business, entertainment, and the

arts. See OutOfTheBoxNetworking.com.

• New England Networking & Networked Events. Events typically

fourth Monday of the month in nearby Massachusetts. Email

[email protected].

Please join us, meet nice people, learn, expand your network, enjoy

featured foods and have fun.

Dr. Ronald G. ShapiroIndependent Consultant in Human FactorsLearning and Human Resources

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ounded in 2000 by first-time entrepreneur and Brown

University student Charlie Kroll, Andera was started with

the original intent of building and designing websites. As

the turn of the century saw the burst of the dot com bubble,

Kroll quickly realized that the timing just wasn’t right to

launch a web development company. Instead of giving up

and pursuing other opportunities, Kroll stayed true to his

entrepreneurial spirit. “Being a first-time entrepreneur, the

stakes seemed really high. A serial entrepreneur on his fifth

company might have thrown in the towel. It was my first

company, my first time with employees and benefits to pay for.”

F E AT U R E D S T O R Y:


31www.risbj.com | volume two issue one 31www.risbj.com | volume two issue one


FeaTUreD STory | Andera

The product was so popular that Andera

started adapting the online platform for other

small banks looking to gain a technological

edge. “We thought there was a problem we

could fix,” Kroll explains. “So we transitioned

out of the web design business into the

software business.”

By 2004, Andera found its niche as a

Software as a Service (SAAS) company

servicing banks and credit unions

nationwide. They believed that good design

and the right technology can improve

peoples’ lives and fundamentally change the

way financial institutions interact with their

customers and members.

With the development of their proprietary

software oFlows, consumers can originate

accounts and loans online, in branches,

over the phone, and out in the field with a

single platform that’s optimized for Macs/

PCs, smartphones, and iPad®/tablet

devices. oFlows supports the application,

identity verification, decisioning, and funding

processes with the most integrations with

core process providers and third-party data

services on the market today. Currently,

hundreds of banks and credit unions across

the country are using Andera’s technology

to originate deposit accounts and loans

online, in the branch, over the phone, and in

the field.

“IPads and tablets are transforming the

branch experience and driving delivery in a

multichannel environment. They use native

mobile capabilities to capture signatures and

image documents. This is bringing about

the consolidation of a previously fragmented

ecosystem of niche systems and peripherals.

We think that trend is going to accelerate in

2013, and Andera is gearing up to be there,”

said Kroll.

“This year will be all about our users. We will

shortly be releasing our Branch 2.0 platform,

which is currently in beta and going very

well. It will bring a number of important new

capabilities to our clients’ frontline staffs

and will have a variety of user-experience

So Kroll and his team worked on building

Andera as a web development firm until

an opportunity came along. “We bounced

along the bottom for a couple years,” Kroll

says. “But we ended up building a software

product for one of our clients that ended up

becoming a product to allow us to get out.”

Kroll and his team developed an online

platform to open up a checking account

without having to fill out traditional

paperwork. The service was originally

intended for Bank Rhode Island, which

wanted an easier way for students to open

checking accounts.

Andera recognized that applying for a

deposit account or a loan is one of the

most important interactions a customer

and members will have with their financial

institution, however the experience was

often filled with complications that make

applicants frustrated, employees inefficient,

and cross-selling difficult.


Andera | FeaTUreD STory

enhancements like upgrades to document

upload and to the electronic signature,”

continued Kroll.

Now servicing over 560 banks and credit

unions, Andera saw a 63% increase in sales

bookings in 2012, and signed five times

as many oFlows customers than in 2011.

Andera has grown to over 100 employees

and will be seeking to hire about 24 more

over the coming year.

As Andera continues to grow, Rhode Island

will continue to benefit. Originally from New

York, Kroll committed early in his career to

Providence. He always felt as though it was

the perfect place to start a business which

is why he never returned to his hometown

after graduating from Brown University. Its

close proximity to world-class institutions

helps growing companies like Andera

recruit top talent and its strong network of

entrepreneurial companies and leaders

allows start-ups to learn from and support

each other.

Kroll helps to strengthen this community

by staying actively involved in the

entrepreneurial scene in Providence as a

board member for Venture for America,

a mentor at Betaspring, and a presenter

and regular attendee at the Providence

Geeks events.

As for 2013, Andera is ramping up its

marketing efforts. The company will be

exhibiting at 18 industry conferences this

year. First-time appearances are slated for

national shows including the Credit Union

National Association’s America’s Credit

Union Conference, June 30-July 3 in New

York and Bank Administration Institute’s

Retail Delivery, November 5-7 in Denver.

The company will also expand its menu of

webinars on topics such as servicing the

under-banked client and best practices in

online marketing.

Kroll added, “Consumers are demanding

that their banking and credit union

relationships have the same ease and

convenience that they experience when

buying goods and services in stores

and on line. Technology bridges the gap

between these consumer expectations and

financial institutions’ ability to meet those

expectations. We’re projecting that 2013

will be a year when hundreds of institutions

decide to build those bridges,

and Andera is poised to help them make

that happen.”

Originally from New York,

Kroll committed early in his career to

Providence. He always felt as though it was

the perfect place to start a business which is

why he never returned to his hometown after

graduating from Brown University


Small BUSINeSS | Goal Setting for 2013

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions

for 2013? Vow to lose 20 pounds? Stop

procrastinating? Exercise more often?

What about your business? Did you

promise to increase sales, reduce expenses,

expand into new markets, introduce new

products or services?

These are all noble goals, worthy of effort

and attention. But the problem with most

New Year’s resolutions is that they more often

fall into the category of wishful thinking than

realizable goals. This is because we

fail to develop a specific, measurable,

action plan that maps out the steps required

to reach the desired result. This is true for

both personal goals and those that we set for

our businesses.

The SMART Model for goal setting can help

turn random thoughts, ideas and wishes

into concrete strategies for success. Goals

created using the SMART (which stands for

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic,

and Timely) method are concrete designs,

not fuzzy desires.

At the Rhode Island Small Business

Development Center (RISBDC) at Johnson

and Wales University, we encourage

business owners to use the SMART Model

or similar, specific goal setting strategies, to

move their operations forward. So sit down

at your computer or with a pen and paper

and jot down the business goals you want

to reach in 2013. Look at each goal and

make sure it meets the following criteria for a

SMART goal:

1. Is the goal SPECIFIC? You need to be

as detailed and definitive as possible

when developing goals. For example,

“make more money” is not a specific

goal; “increase revenue by 10 percent

in 2013” is better. “Increase revenue

by 10 percent in 2013 by launching

previously planned new product by

the end of May” is best. Include all the

what’s, why’s and how’s of your goal

here. What are you planning to do?

Why are you planning to do it? How are

you going to accomplish it? This is your

action plan. If you don’t know where you

are going, how are you going to know if

you get there?

2. Is the goal MEASURABLE? If you can’t

measure it, you can’t manage it. How

will you know when or if you reach

your goal if you can’t measure your

by Diane Fournaris

did you promise to increase sales,reduce expenses, expand into new markets,

introduce new products or services?

Goal SettinG for 2013USING THE SMART METHOD


Goal Setting for 2013 | Small BUSINeSS

progress? Create goals that enable

you to chart your progress along the

way. This will encourage you to keep

going or allow you to change course if

needed. If you want to increase revenue

by 10 percent by the end of 2013, you

will need to chart this regularly over

the year to determine whether or not

your actions are moving you in the right

direction. If not, you will have sufficient

time to change your strategy and still

meet the goal.

3. Is the goal ATTAINABLE? While strong

goals help us to reach and stretch, they

should be realistic. Most of us will not

fully commit to “pie in the sky” goals

that cannot possibly be attainted within

a specific time period, no matter how

desirable they may be. But when we

select goals that are within the realm

of possibility, we begin to see new

opportunities and figure out ways to

reach them.

4. Is the goal REALISTIC? Choose goals

that are “do-able” with some work

and effort, not impossible given your

particular circumstances. This is not to

say they should be easy, but rather that

the information, skills and knowledge

needed to achieve them are available.

5. Is the goal TIMELY? Setting a time

frame for achieving your goal is critical

and will give you an end point to

work towards. Most of us work more

effectively with deadlines, which lend a

sense of urgency to our efforts. Without

a deadline (and shorter-term milestones

along the way), procrastination is likely

to take over because we feel we can

start any time. Time limits help us hold

ourselves accountable.

Setting goals is essential to achieving

success in both our professional and

personal lives. By creating goals that are

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic

and Timely, we can greatly improve our

chances for an outstanding 2013.

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Small BUSINeSS | Social, Visual, Mobile, Virtual

Ready oR Not, these FouR Mega tReNds WIll aFFect youR BusINess

Part One: SocialSocial, Visual, Mobile, and Virtual: I refer to these as Mega Trends

because they are (1) happening on a grand scale, (2) affecting

business owners and executives whether they choose to do anything

about them or not, and (3) they are changing the world as we know

it. Moreover, while these Mega Trends are enabled by technology,

they are more representative of the grander transformation that is

happening as a result.

Each of these Mega Trends is significant on their own,

but they are also intertwined. And while the tremendous technology

underpinnings require your IT folks to practice due diligence, these

trends are fundamentally all about PEOPLE…the customers we serve,

the employees who enable our organizations, and the partners

we work with.

Ready or not, these Mega Trends are here; as a small business

owner, what are you doing in the face of them? This article series will

focus on the four Mega Trends in more detail, and discuss the options

available to small business owners and professionals building a

career alongside them.

Let’s begin with the Social Mega Trend.

This is about more than just Facebook, even if there are more Facebook

users than there are people in North and South America combined.

This is about the ways in which we interact and share. More and

more people leverage easily accessible tools as modalities for social

collaboration. We can share ideas and knowledge, create things

collaboratively, even experience things together no matter where we are

physically in relation to one another. And while this is becoming more

multi-generational, the younger generation in particular is predisposed

for this kind of social interaction. In fact, they’ve never known what it’s

like to NOT be connected. And this social ability is of high priority to

them. Small business owners and employers today must take note: ten

years ago, potential employees considered the geographic location

of their job to be a priority. This has changed. Geographic boundaries

mean little to those coming entering the workforce now (Generation Y

and the Millenials). In fact, in a survey conducted by Cisco of young

professionals and college students about to enter the workforce, 33%

(or 1 out of 3) would accept a lower pay grade for social and device

freedom at work. This is something we all need to be aware of as we

look to bring in bright new talent.

by Chris Poe


Social, Visual, Mobile, Virtual | Small BUSINeSS

This Mega Trend is about so much more than the technologies and

tools available to connect us. It is fundamentally about the human

race moving forward and driving progress. Every step in our progress

as a species builds upon the knowledge and experiences of those

who came before us. Consider one of Sir Isaac Newton’s famous

quotes: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the

shoulders of giants.” Even a brilliant person like Newton made sure

to acknowledge the role of the great thinkers before him; the work

of Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo were foundational to Newton’s

mathematical insights and accomplishments. In turn, Newton’s work

influenced Einstein’s. Sharing knowledge and experience can have an

incredible impact.

You know that old saying “Necessity is the mother of invention”?

Well I believe that “Sharing is the Grandfather of Progress.” I heard

it said recently that before the 1900s, human knowledge doubled

every 100 years or so. Now human knowledge doubles every 2-3

years. This Mega Trend is enabling us to share and gain access to the

previous experiences and knowledge of anyone in the world, rapidly

accelerating our growth.

So what does this mean

for us? Why should

we care? It comes

down to the most basic

element of business…

people. People are our

customers. People are

our employees. People

are our partners. It’s

about how much more

open we are to sharing

as a result of how

easy it now is to do so.

Consider how 750,000

people share 11,000

cars using Zipcar. Or

how any business can share in a global virtual workforce leveraging

online services like Gigwalk.com. As more and more people on the

planet transform the ways in which they interact and share, we will

find our businesses in need of transformation to maintain relevance. In

fact, if we want to have access to the emerging pool of talented future

leaders, we have no choice but to reckon with the fact that this is the

way in which they operate. If we don’t, our competitors will. I predict

that most if not all organizations will be leveraging a social platform

(be it public or private) of some kind for business (and not just a

Facebook page from marketing) within the next five years.

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We WIllFINd ouR BusINesses

IN Need oF tRaNsFoRMatIoN to MaINtaIN RelevaNce


Small BUSINeSS | Registered Agents

Every small business should have a

registered agent other than the owner or

primary operator. If you own a business

you’re probably familiar with the concept

of the Registered Agent. Likely, when you

incorporated, you simply listed yourself as

the registered agent.

If you’re a small business owner, you’re

probably familiar with the concept that your

business exists as a separate entity from

yourself. However, this beneficial legal

separation between you and your business

only exists if you register your business

as a corporate entity because corporate

identities, and the protections they provide,

are creatures of statute.

Corporate identities are certainly beneficial

to the business owner and to society. They

nonetheless create a dichotomy between the

interests of the business owner, and a public

that needs access to the people responsible

for the business. This is where the

Registered Agent makes their appearance

as the individual designated by the business

to connect the business with the public.

The primary reason you should consider an

independent Registered Agent is to protect

yourself and your personal information.

By law and necessity, every registered

entity, in this state and most others, is

required to provide the name and address

of an identifiable individual responsible for

receiving information for business.

This contact information is public record and

is obtainable by anyone. If you are acting as

your own registered agent but your business

doesn’t have a physical location or you run

your business out of your home, you need to

consider what address to provide.

If it’s your home, you don’t want your home

address available to every upset customer

or competitor.

In addition, your Registered Agent should

be available over the course of a normal

business day in order to provide a stable,

predictable way for you to manage

and anticipate the information coming

through them.

An independent agent is responsible for

receiving legal documents on behalf of the

business. If your business is sued, the other

side will serve notice on the

registered agent. Legal papers are obviously

serious and demand an accurate, timely

response. You may want a professional to

handle such matters.

Finally, each year the state requires a yearly

filing from the business. An independent

registered agent can process that paperwork

and perform the filing. Where your business

is a corporation, the yearly filing will involve a

descent amount of paperwork.

Ultimately, the ideal Registered Agent for

your business would be an attorney that

works in Business and Corporate Law. An

attorney with the appropriate knowledge can

assist in avoiding the legal pitfalls inherent in

doing business. She can guide you through

the complex maze of corporate & business

laws and ensure that your required corporate

paperwork is met because that’s her job.

Having an independent Registered Agent

frees the business owner from focusing their

energies on matters they may not be familiar

with or appreciate the significance of. They

are then able to concentrate on the operation

of the business they love, while knowing that

these matters are well handled.

Registered Agents

by Nick Pereira

Nick PereiraAttorneyHarmony Law Group

provide a stable, predictable way for you to manageand anticipate the information coming through



Small BUSINeSS | 5 Technology Trends for 2013

FiveTechnology Trends Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know for TwentyThirteen

Here we are…mid December, just before Christmas and ringing in

the New Year! Our minds are on gift-wrap and popping champagne

corks! For the office, we are pulling together year-end numbers

and fine-tuning our strategic plans for 2013. Have you incorporated

technology into your upcoming strategy?

Technology has evolved to become an integral tool to help our

businesses run more efficiently and thrive. Our mindset has shifted

from allowing time for a question to be answered to requiring instant

information. Often the person asking the question will follow up with

a second question: How will you get back to me? Thanks to mobility,

you can be anywhere around the globe and still respond!

For the small business, this new demand for information and network

up time can prove to be either a boon or hindrance to corporate

growth. One thing is for certain, to stay competitive; the small-to-

medium size business must understand technology trends and use

them to their advantage.

To follow are 5 technology trends every business owner

should be aware of when strategizing for 2013:

The Saturation of Cloud Computing – The “cloud”

is a metaphor for the Internet. Cloud computing means: accessing

and processing files, spreadsheets and data via the Internet from

any mobile device. No longer does data have to reside on a local

hard drive, which can only be accessed via a finite location. Our

flexibility as an organization will help extend our corporate footprint

beyond our office walls to walls within our own home or even local

coffee shop! Great examples of cloud based file-sharing programs

include “Dropbox” or “Google Docs.” Salesforce.com is another cloud

application that allows your employees to store and access client

information. On a job site and want to add a quick note to your client’s

account – no problem! Just login and add your information. How is

that for productive!

Pull Out your Mobile Wallet - Mobile Pay (POS) Point

of Sale – You know that in a small business “cash is king!” Collections

are often the trickiest and most challenging component to running

a business. Chasing after a client to pay or even paying high credit

card fees can lead to a company’s undoing. Adding a “mobile

POS system,” also known as a “mobile wallet,” such as Intuit or

Square, a small business can be on an even playing field with larger

organizations, paying the same fees while collecting payment on site.

Resolve to turn collections around for 2013. Realize the gain while

alleviating the pain with this cloud solution.

Always on Mobile Workforce – In my recent article, “Is

BYOD right for your business?” I explored the benefits and risks of

the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend. I asserted that allowing

employees to use their own preferred device at the office improves

by Lisa Shorr

01

02

03


5 Technology Trends for 2013 | Small BUSINeSS

Lisa ShorrPC Troubleshooterswww.pctrouble.com

04

05

productivity as well as morale. Yes there are security risks but the

demands of our clients and their need for instant information outweigh

those risks. The notion of “away from the office” is virtually extinct. As

a small business owner, you must embrace BYOD and incorporate

a Mobile Device Management policy into your handbook. What files

are acceptable to access and which are not? What and when can the

employee use social media during the workday?

Outsource your IT – As a business owner or manager,

you only have so much time in your day. Instead of spending billable

time fixing computer problems, you should be servicing a client or

closing a sale. 2013 should be the year where you look at all of your

IT programs and determine if you can sub out any processes that

either you don’t want to or can’t afford to handle any longer. IT

service providers offer a solution called: Managed Services.

This means the IT Company will monitor and maintain various

aspects of your network remotely, proactively catching issues

before they arise and effectively alleviating the headache from you!

As mentioned above, our clients need us to be always present and

providing answers in a moment’s notice. You cannot afford any

downtime. Managed service offerings include: network monitoring,

data backup & recovery, email security and more.

Data zipping through the Internet at the speed

of 4G LTe! – High-speed mobile wireless being deployed by carriers

such as Verizon Wireless, Sprint and AT&T are ready to deliver your

data through the wireless Internet faster than ever before! 4G is up to

10 times faster than its predecessor 3G. What does this mean for the

SMB? You won’t need to pay a premium price tag and the connection

is available everywhere allowing you to work at the speed of light!

The most important trend in technology for 2013 is that it is always

evolving. Whether it is a new cloud application, mobile payment

option or increased Internet speed, we must have a plan for

technology in 2013 – otherwise, you will be left hanging in the cloud…

one thing is for certain,to stay competitive; the small-to-medium size business must understand technology trends

and use them to their advantage


Small BUSINeSS | SEED RI

As a U.S. Small Business Administration

(SBA) designated intermediary lender, South

Eastern Economic Development Corporation

(SEED) is the leading micro lender in

Southern New England. In fact, SEED has

made 26 micro loans in Rhode Island since

2009, totaling $758,000 and creating 64 jobs.

The SBA Micro Loan Program encourages

loans up to $50,000 for start-up and existing

small businesses, including home-based

businesses.

“We are very pleased to be able to assist

small businesses in Rhode Island to start-up,

grow and create jobs,” stated Maria Gooch-

Smith, SEED’s executive director. “As a non-

bank community lender, SEED can make

small business loans, which a bank might

not be able to make, such as loans to start-

up businesses and those with tight

cash flow and limited collateral,”

added Gooch-Smith.

According to Tamarah Bacon,

SEED’s business development

& assistance manager, loan funds

are flexible and can be used for:

• working capital

• inventory

• furniture and fixtures

• machinery and equipment

The maximum term on the loans is six years

and the current rate is six percent fixed with

no pre-payment penalty.

“A micro loan can be a portion of the total

financing needed by a small business,”

explained Bacon. “If a borrower needs to

finance $150,000, and a bank is willing

to lend $100,000, SEED can provide a

$50,000 micro loan, thus filling the gap and

completing the financing package for the

borrower,” added Bacon.

In 2012, SEED financed the following

Rhode Island businesses under the Micro

Loan Program:

• Yoga Antara, Providence

• Hair, Heart & Soul, Bristol

• Zingg Music Lab, Barrington

• Marathon Industries, Warwick

• Castle Awards, East Providence

• Bluemoonstone Creations, Providence

• JM Painting, Cranston

• Stock Culinary Market, Providence

• WSI Internet Consulting & Education,

Narragansett

SEED is also a Community Development

Financial Institution (CDFI), under the

U.S. Department of the Treasury, and

can make loans to Rhode Island

borrowers up to $200,000,

for working capital

and real estate projects.

The term on the loans is up

to ten years. If necessary,

longer repayment periods are

available. Interest rates range

from five to six percent fixed.

Small business owners need to

have at least a 600 credit score.

SEED focuses on the past

two years to see how debt has

been handled, and also reviews

the small business owner’s

household income to see if there

is repayment ability.

“SEED can be

flexible with repayment

terms and collateral, and is willing to take

a second or third lien position on the small

business owner’s home,” stated Bacon.

The application process for loans up to

$200,000 includes completing SEED’s

application form, and providing federal

income tax returns for three years for the

small business and the owners. The list of

other documentation required can be found

in the application form which is available on

SEED’s website www.seedcorp.com. The

approval process takes approximately two

weeks if the small business provides all the

necessary information.

For more information about the SBA Micro

Loan Program, or other SEED loan programs,

and free entrepreneurial workshops, please

call 508-822-1020 or visit SEED at www.

seedcorp.com.


Ecologic Spray Foam Insulation | Small BUSINeSS

Is it impossible to think, in this

economy, that a small business

cannot succeed and expand?

Absolutely not! At least not in the case

of Ecologic Spray Foam Insulation

(ESFI), that is. Co-owners John Peters

and Tom Kelly are a perfect example

of small business owners, who not

only have managed to survive in a

recession, but thrive. ESFI started their

spray foam insulation business in 2007,

with the help of Coastway Community

Bank (formerly Coastway Credit Union)

through an $80,000 SBA Patriot Express

Loan and a $15,000 micro loan from SEED

(South Eastern Economic Development)

Corporation. This financing package

allowed the small business to lease shared

warehouse space in North Kingstown, RI

and begin operations.

As ESFI has grown over the past

five years, Peters and Kelly made

the decision to expand. To that

end, in 2012, again with the help

of Coastway Community Bank and

SEED Corporation, they purchased a

mixed-use property and relocated their

business to 11 Hurst Lane in Tiverton, RI.

This acquisition allows ESFI to operate more

efficiently and be their own landlord.

ESFI’s focus is to improve the thermal

efficiency of new and existing residential

and commercial buildings by installing

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) insulation,

fiberglass batt insulation and spray applied

intumescent fire suppressant coatings.

ESFI also offers thermal energy efficiency

consultations. Their coverage area is wide

and includes Rhode Island, Massachusetts

and Connecticut.

ESFI has been featured in multiple nationally

syndicated trade magazines (Spray Foam

Magazine), construction-related television

programs (A&E’s Flipping Boston), various

local periodicals and also was the recipient of

SEED Corporation’s ‘2010 Start-Up Business

of the Year’ award. All-in-all, wonderful

accolades for a small business that started

right before the economic downturn and yet

continued to increase revenue, create jobs

and become property owners!

Co-owner John Peters is an active duty

military veteran, serving in Operation

Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring

Freedom. He graduated from Embry

Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.S.

in Aeronautics and went on to earn an

M.B.A. with a concentration in Environmental

Management from Salve Regina University.

Prior to starting ESFI, John worked as a

product manager and applications engineer

for a Providence-based manufacturing

company. He

currently lives in

Bristol, RI with his

wife Alicia and

dog Eli.

After graduating

Magna Cum

Laude from the

University of

Rhode Island

with a B.S. in

Accounting, co-

owner Tom (TJ) Kelly worked for a Fortune

100 company reviewing and implementing

financial and operational control procedures.

During his accounting career, he

successfully completed all four parts of the

Uniform CPA Examination. TJ currently lives

in Portsmouth, RI with his wife Erin, son Shea

and dog Mason.

EcologicSpray Foam Insulation

Angela KnightMarketing & Business AssistanceSEED Corp.


Small BUSINeSS | Have it? Use it! Tapping your Technology Resource for Growth

Tapping Your Technology Resource for Growth

Have It? Use It!

Imagine you’re a roofing contractor with

several committed and potential roofing jobs

to complete in the next several months. If

you want to handle more jobs and grow your

business faster than your competition,

you must invest in at least one pneumatic

nail gun.

As a CEO, divisional president or other

senior executive, what’s the technology

equivalent of the “pneumatic nail gun” for

your business? For Amazon, it is clearly their

e-commerce website. Perhaps for you, it

is your customer relationship management

(CRM) or ERP system. Certainly, your

“pneumatic nail gun” is critical to growing

revenue, managing working capital and

reducing expenses in your business. Are you

and your CIO actively seeking other ways

technology can accelerate growth? If not,

why not?

If you are like most executives, you’ve

cut your IT budgets to lower operating

expenses; but, was that the right thing to do?

According to Dr. Howard Rubin, president

and CEO of Rubin Worldwide, a Gartner

Senior Advisor and a noted technology

expert, each $1 of new investment in IT

between 2003 and 2005 helped drive $1.47

of gross profit in 2006. With such a multiplier

effect, why not look for other ways IT can

help your business grow and prosper faster

than your competition?

Technology has entered every aspect of our

lives and there is no going back. No longer

is the data center the heart of technology

within an organization; but rather, just a

component of the overall landscape. Think

about the Blackberry you depend on to stay

in touch. What would you do without it? You

would probably be much less effective (e.g.

making decisions more slowly, having fewer

touch points with clients and key constituents,

etc.). We all depend on technology to be

more productive.So again, how else can

technology accelerate your business?

We live in a connected world in and out

of the office. Ignoring the confluence of

social networking, web 2.0, and mobile

technology is paramount to going back

and living in caves! How are you using

these technologies to strengthen customer

relationships and increase wallet share?

We believe that ignoring the value of

intelligent, targeted and clever technology

deployments will put you behind your

competition and frustrate your investors.

You may be saying, “Hey, I can be as

formidable as Apple, Amazon or Google;

by Robert F. Johnson and Bob Wittstein

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Have it? Use it! Tapping your Technology Resource for Growth | Small BUSINeSS

but I produce, market and sell products that are increasingly being

commoditized by overseas competitors. How can I use technology

to improve revenue, reduce working capital and cut expenses?” A

fair question. Let us share an example from Sappi Fine Paper, North

America (SFPNA), a multinational manufacturing company in the forest

products industry pulling in $1.3 billion dollars in revenue. SFPNA

faces strong commoditization pressure from international imports.

Starting up front with marketing, SFPNA examined their messaging

and realized that their website spoke to investors and not to

customers. Sales personnel lacked visibility into factors that eroded

margin, and customers were forced to order products over the

phone, or through EDI or fax. So the Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain,

and IT departments partnered on several technology projects. The

website changed to educate customers about

product attributes and usage, to assist in finding

local distributors and to provide real time order

status. Mobile tools delivered to the sales force

provided order margin. In addition, an entirely

new ecommerce strategy enabled a quantum

process improvement in the order-to-pay cycle.

SFPNA distinguished itself as the easiest amongst

its competition for customers to do business with,

and consequently lowered customer service costs

and increased customer loyalty!

SFPNA used technology to analyze total

procurement costs across the entire organization.

They found multiple contracts at different price

points with the same supplier and higher than

market spending on several commodities. Armed with this research,

SFPNA renegotiated better payment terms and executed commodity

procurement strategies. This action reduced costs by $100 million.

Here are two final points. First, we have not mentioned “worker

productivity improvements” since it is difficult to measure and budget.

We believe worker productivity will improve as a natural consequence

of new integrated technologies; however, it is not central to your

technology investment business case. Second, none of the benefits

discussed can happen without a high degree of trust and partnership

between business savvy IT professionals and technology open-

minded business folks.

It is time to fuse IT with your business by partnering with your

technology folks and find other “pneumatic nail gun” technology

equivalents for your business to accelerate growth. If not, don’t be

surprised if your company’s roof starts leaking.

Bob WittsteinTechnology OfficerHarvard University

Robert F. JohnsonSenior Director of Strategic IntelligenceAtrion Networking Corporation

Car owners don’t need to know the difference between a valve and a piston. You rely on a trusted mechanic to help maintain your vehicle. Business owners don’t need to be tech savvy. We can be your trusted advisor, helping you make smart business decisions when it comes to technology.

Let RCC help you:

• Avoid the “Break-Fix” technology model

• Maximize productivity and reduce downtime

• Protect your business against security risks

• Know when to let go of aging equipment

• Choose effective options for upgrades and new technology purchases

RCCBrilliant solutions for smart technology

You don’t needto know everything.

Visit us online at www.RCC-pcSupport.com

40 Nashua Street, Providence, RI 02904401 272 9262401 351 4002

pf

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Small BUSINeSS | Sleeping Your Way To Success!

to suCCess!sleeping Your Way

“Early to bed Early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise!”

Benjamin Franklin, 1735

Sleep and proper rest are two underappreciated aspects of wellness

today. The fact that people increasingly try to fit more things into their

day has led to decreased time devoted to sleep, an essential part of a

healthy lifestyle. The ideal amount of sleep an adult person should get

per night is between 7 and 8 hours. Less than 7 and more than 8 have

negative results on your health.

Insufficient sleep creates a vicious cycle of diminishing wellness.

A lack of sleep contributes to overeating, and has been shown

to contribute to weight gain and obesity. Obesity contributes to

fragmentation of sleep quality and conditions like sleep apnea. A

cycle of poor sleep quality and increasing obesity is a recipe for poor

attitude and performance both at work and in family life.

“The solution [to weight loss] is not as simple as eat less, move more,

sleep more, however, an accumulating body of evidence suggests

that sleeping habits should not be overlooked when prescribing a

weight-reduction program to a patient with obesity. Sleep should be

included as part of the lifestyle package that traditionally has focused

on diet and physical activity.” Drs. Jean-Phillippe Chaput, Children’s

Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario and

Angelo Tremblay, Laval University, Québec, Quebec.

Not only does a lack of sleep contribute to poor attitude and attention

at work, it affects a person’s ability to learn and master new skills.

There are three stages of learning as defined by Dr. Robert Stickgold

from the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School:

Acquisition, Consolidation, and Recall.

• Acquisition - is when a person initially starts learning a new

skill or technique, where the brain is storing the information about

this learned activity in its neurons.

• Consolidation - occurs over the subsequent hours or even

days, when the brain reorganizes itself around the new activity

to best integrate the new activity into memory so that the activity

can be best duplicated.

• Recall - is when the learned activity is called upon from inside

the brain and acted upon to perform the learned activity

Sleep is an important part of the Consolidation phase. During sleep,

the brain strengthens and stabilizes what we learned, and integrates

it with older information previously learned. This is the step where

learned information goes from being memorized, to being part of your

personality; relevant to you and your experience.

For every hour that we are awake, it takes about a half hour to process

the information from that hour. Without proper sleep to complete the

consolidation phase, it takes longer to learn things, which affects

students and workers alike!

by Tim Sullivan

Tim SullivanLife-Panelwww.well-track.com



To some people, ‘networking’ is a dirty word. They cringe when

thinking about going to a networking event. The reason for that is that

most people do it wrong.

If you are going to networking events, such as the monthly

NetworkingRI event, hoping to sell something, you’re dreaming. Don’t

confuse direct selling with networking. Effective networking is about

developing relationships. Sure . . . there’s always someone out there

who says, “But, I’ve made a sale by attending a networking event!”

OK . . . no one is saying that it doesn’t ever happen; it does. I’m just

happens about as often as a solar eclipse. Face it, even a blind

squirrel can find a nut. Any businessperson can stumble on some

business at a networking meeting from time to time. However, when

you have most of the people at an event trying to sell and virtually no

one there to buy, you’re crazy if you think the odds are in your favor to

“sell” at a networking event.

So why go? You go because networking is more about farming than

it is about hunting. It’s about developing relationships with other

business professionals. Sometimes you go to a networking event

to increase your visibility, sometimes you go to establish further

credibility with people you know, and sometimes you may even go to

meet a long-time referral partner and do some business and move

to profitability. In any case, the true master networkers know that

networking events are about moving through the Visibility-Credibility-

Profitability Process and not about closing deals.

The question then is – how do you avoid getting into the “networking

disconnect” trap when attending networking events? Here are four

things you can do to avoid that mistake:

No. 1: Networking is not about a transaction, it’s about a relationship.

It works best when you’re striving to make connections that lead to

professional contacts. It doesn’t work well when you’re attending a

meeting just to make a sale. The root word of ‘relationship’ is – ‘relate.’

So, relate to them. Start to establish a connection whenever possible.

No. 2: Become a good interviewer. When you meet people for the

first time, learn how to ask questions that get people to talk about

their business. Be flexible, don’t just use a script but start with some

questions in mind and go with the flow. Ask them about their target

market, what they like most about what they do, what’s new in their

industry, what are some of their challenges in that business, what got

them in that profession and what they like most about the business.

No. 3: Diversity is an important key to building a power personal

network. Seek out people from diverse backgrounds. You never know

who people know. Take, for instance, the referral that came from a

cosmetics consultant who referred a client’s husband to a commercial

graphic design company. The referral was worth hundreds of

thousands of dollars. The irony was that neither the husband nor

the graphic design company thought that the cosmetic’s consultant

had the kind of contacts that would put them together. They happily

discovered the error of their ways.

No. 4: When you meet people at networking events that you want

to get to know better. Set up a time to do a one-to-one with them

later. Remember – this should not be used as an opportunity to ‘sell’

to them. It should be used as an opportunity to start a business

relationship. When you ask for the one-to-one, do so by telling them

that you want to learn more about what they do and how you might

be able to help them. Of course, you want them to help you – that’s

important. However, the best way to build a relationship with someone

is to find ways to help the other person first. It’s counterintuitive – but

it works.

People who have had bad experiences with networking are generally

victims of the “networking disconnect.” This “disconnect” is what

gives the word “networking” a bad name. But it doesn’t have to be

a bad experience. It can be positive if the networking is about the

relationship and not about the transaction.

dIsConneCT

neTWoRkInGTH

E

by Ivan Misner & Peter George

Ivan MisnerFounder and Chairman of BNI

Peter GeorgeDirector for BNI Rhode Island

The Networking Disconnect | Small BUSINeSS



FeaTUreD NoNProFIT | Capital Good Fund

Capital Good Fund’s (CGF) mission is to

provide equitable financial services that

create pathways out of poverty. Founded

in 2009, we are driven to address growing

inequality America. Our approach is

founded on the proverbial ‘Teach a man

[or woman] to fish’ philosophy, which sets

our clients on a path to true self-sufficiency.

Specifically, we help lower-income

Americans avoid the need for payday loans

and other usurious financial services, as

well as empower our clients to take charge

of their own lives. Every day we see people

who—because of a financial hardship, health

issue or family emergency—are forced to

turn to for-profit companies charging interest

rates in excess of 200% to meet their needs;

these unscrupulous companies reap huge

profits off the backs of the poor ($70 billion

in 2011 alone). As a non-profit, certified

Community Development Financial Institution

(CDFI), CGF serves its clients by providing:

• Loans with affordable interest rates for

consumers and small business owners

• Intensive, one-on-one financial

coaching, through which clients gain

the tools to meet their needs, plan for

the future and move towards their goals

• Free tax preparation

At a time when Rhode Island’s poverty rate

is approaching 15% and payday lenders

disbursed 180,000 loans in 2011 alone, CGF

is the only viable, affordable alternative for

those in need. We offer consumer loans for

a range of purposes—paying off a payday

loan, purchasing a computer, applying

for US Citizenship, etc—of up to $2,000.

Additionally, we provide loans for any income-

generating activity. We have seen some of

our successful microentrepreneurs go on to

start catering, cleaning, landscaping, soap

making and carpentry businesses.

Thanks to the products and services we

provide, as well as the relationships we build

with our clients, we are able to truly change

lives. Some examples include:

• Gretchen, who went from the verge

of homelessness to running a

successful business with over

$2,000/month in profit

• Magda, who saved $9,600 in one year

of financial coaching and was able

to cover three emergencies with her

savings—and not with a payday loan

• Princess, who completed CGF’s financial

coaching and used a loan to purchase

a vehicle so as to drive to a new job and

pick up her daughter from school

These are just a few of the dozens of lives

we have changed. In fact, through our free

tax preparation, we have 230 returns that

put $275,000 into the pockets of Rhode

Islanders. Through our lending, we have

disbursed over $270,000 hard-working

individuals and families. Finally, we have

graduated 180 people through financial

coaching, with tremendous social impact.

We are here to help Rhode Islanders better their lives. Whether it is teaching someone

how to manage their debt, providing an alternative to a payday loan, or issuing the capital

to get someone’s dream business off the ground—we take great pride in what we do and

firmly believe that this is the path to a stronger Rhode Island.

Capital Good Fund



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

content. Information is delivered through multimedia, written, and video platforms. All at GoLocalProv.com.

CCI Report Shows RI Economy ‘Shifting Into High Gear’

that has generated increased

economic momentum. It thus

appears that Rhode Island’s

economy has now shifted into

a higher gear.”

The Current Conditions

Index is meant to be viewed

as an indicator of an economy’s current

momentum. Its values, Lardaro said, “reflect

how broadly based economic activity is …

and the resulting underlying momentum.”

While November’s report is encouraging

from a recovery standpoint, Lardaro was

quick to caution that the report says

nothing about current levels, and

the state is not out of the woods

quite yet.

“This is where things get a bit

discouraging: while Rhode Island’s

economy is improving, the levels of key

variables like payroll employment remain

far below the values they attained at the

height of the last recovery,” he said, noting

that RI’s employment peak occurred in

December of 2006. “We still remain about

six percent below our employment peak.”

The CCI analyzes the state’s economy

based on 12 vital indicators, nine of which

improved in November. In fact, for only

the second time since the end of 2010,

the state saw an increase in its labor force

during the period.

Compared to last year, retail sales in the

state grew 6 percent, increasing for the 11th

time in 13 months.

“Benefit Exhaustions, reflective of longer-term

unemployment, also fell at a double-digit

rate (-12.3%), sustaining its downward

(improvement) trend,” he said.

Other positive markers included new home

construction which, based on single-unit

permits, rose by 3 percent during the month,

and a 1.8 percent increase in manufacturing

hours.

The only negative, Lardaro noted, was

in the category of layoffs as new claims

for unemployment insurance rose by 1.6

percent.

“The Current Conditions Index has shown

what appears to be a substantial uptick

in the pace of economic activity here,”

Lardaro said, noting he believes the state

is improving faster than official labor data

indicate. “This is certainly welcome news.”

Lardaro says the results should provide

Rhode Island some “margin for error in

dealing with whatever Washington sends our

way in 2013.”

Rhode Island’s economy has continued its

recovery with a strong showing in the month

of November.

According to University of Rhode Island

economist Dr. Leonard Lardaro, who

releases a monthly report titled the

Current Conditions Index (CCI),

the Ocean State posted an

official labor data score of

75 and a CCI score of 83 for

November.

This is identical to how the state

performed in October, the best month

Rhode Island had seen since the

beginning of 2011.

“This back-to-back strength provides a

critical piece of evidence supporting

the hypothesis that October’s strong

performance was not a ‘one month

wonder,’” Lardaro said. “What we

appear to be witnessing is a trend of

more broadly based economic activity


Providence | GoloCal

Smart Benefits: The New Year Means New Benefit DecisionsThe New Year will bring with it many new decisions regarding

healthcare benefits for Rhode Island companies – and the choices will

impact costs for many New Years to come.

Small employers: To Offer or Not to Offer

Small employers will have to decide whether to continue to offer

coverage since they are not subject to the employer mandate.

According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study, 16 percent

of employers with between 10 and 499 employees said they will

terminate their coverage.

What does that mean for the employees? They’ll be subject to the

individual mandate and have to either purchase through a state

exchange or pay a fine at tax time. Since employees are used to

employers choosing their health plans for them and handling enrollment,

this change will mean a lot more responsibility on the consumers.

Will Large employers Face Larger Numbers of enrollees?

According to the Kaiser study, large employers are more likely

to continue to offer employee health benefits, with only 6 percent

of respondents saying they will cancel coverage once the state

exchanges are fully operational. But they’ll likely have more

employees on their plans – instead of off – because of the new full-

time status rules.

Employers will now need to consider employees as full-time if

they work an average of 30 hours a week, which may increase the

number of benefit-eligible employees, particularly for employers in

seasonal industries.

Or Less?

If the employer offers coverage that doesn’t meet essential benefits

and is not affordable, employees may jump off the plan and opt for the

exchange plan instead. What happens if too many employees leave

the plan? The remaining population may alter the demographics of the

group and negatively change the rates, increasing employer costs.

To avoid employees switching to the exchange plan, employers may

want to add additional plan offerings that provide minimum levels of

benefits that are affordable.

education is key

No matter what employers decide, they will need to notify employees

of the exchange opportunity in March of 2013, with enrollment

following in October for coverage start dates of January 1, 2014.

To help employees understand their new choices, employers need

to start educating them now. While not all the information about the

exchanges will be available until the latter part of 2013, it’s not too

early to start preparing for the next New Year: 2014.

From Rhode Islanders

and for Rhode Islanders:

See it. Read it. Share it.

to help employeesunderstand their new

choices, employers need to start educating them now


Tools To Grow

Your Bottom Line

CaPITal CITy | Tools to Grow Your Bottom Line

In this New Year, the Mayor’s Office is pleased to partner with the

U.S. Small Business Administration again, in hosting free workshops

to strengthen your business and your bottom line. Beginning in late

January, we launched the first of five monthly workshops, rotating

them around the city, and between mornings and afternoons – to

make it easier for business owners to attend.

We started this unique partnership out of the recognition that

information about technical and financial resources is one of the most-

critical tools to success. This partnership has helped us bring the

experts you need to grow your business out into the field, including

the U.S. SBA’s partner agencies – the Center for Women & Enterprise

and the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center. Together,

we have brought information about our loan programs, business

planning, contract opportunities and more, to in excess of 200

business owners and entrepreneurs.

In those workshops we covered everything from preparing your

business for disaster before it strikes, to getting federal/state/local

contracts with government, to finding low-interest loans for working

capital and equipment and construction, to building a successful

social media presence. This year, based upon need and success,

we will be holding these workshops monthly. Our first workshop, in

January was on Business Licenses, Permits and Legal Requirements,

and we expect to repeat that workshop later in the year. Even if you

are not able to attend but want information from those workshops,

reach out to the Mayor’s Economic Development Office and the U.S.

Small Business Administration, and we can help.

Our upcoming series includes:

Loan Programs – Financing a Small Business

Wednesday, February 20, 8 am – 10 am, 444 Westminster St.

Have a dream and want to grow? Discover our many financial &

technical resources

Doing Business with Government/ Government Contracts

Wednesday, March 20, 4 pm – 6 pm, 444 Westminster St.

Each year government awards billions of dollars to small businesses;

why not yours?

Writing a Business Plan

Wednesday, April 24, 4 pm – 6 pm

RI Small Business Development Center at Johnson & Wales

The first step to a successful company is a writing a winning business

plan. Learn how to create one.

Business Continuity Planning

Thursday, May 30, 4 pm – 6 pm, 444 Westminster St.

Recovery starts before disaster strikes. Learn how you can protect

your business & employees.

For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office of Economic

Development at 401.680.8401, or the U.S. Small Business

Administration at 401.528. 4561. To register for workshop, space is

limited: pre-registration required.

Email [email protected] or call 401.528.4561.

by Mayor Angel Taveras

this partnership has helped us bring

the experts you need to grow your

business out into the field


Mental Clutter | WomeN IN BUSINeSS

how it depletes your energy & productivity

Mental and physical clutter causes

distraction, anxiety, anxiousness and stress.

All of these feelings will weigh on you

mentally and will deplete you of your energy

and decrease your productivity. Don’t we

have enough stress at work already? Here

are some tips to help you with mental clutter.

Save time looking for things. Have a home

for everything in your office. Know where

everything is and be able to find it quickly

without too much thinking involved.

Reduce paper piles. How does it make

you feel when you walk into somebody’s

office and see piles of paper everywhere? If

you are disorganized, think about the vibe

you are sending out about how you work.

Looking at the piles throughout the day will

cause stress and anxiety.

Plan, prepare and write things down. Get all

your thoughts about what you have to do,

where you have to be and what you have to

schedule out of your mind and onto paper/

electronics. This will greatly reduce your

mental clutter.

Have you missed important client

appointments or missed out on potential

clients because you couldn’t locate a phone

number or couldn’t remember when you

were supposed to attend a meeting? Think

about how you are viewed by potential

clients. Get yourself organized mentally and

physically and watch your business flourish.

Find time to declutter. Make a plan to

declutter on your off time. Weekends would

be better. If you decide to do it after work,

you may be too tired and stressed from the

day and the last thing you want to do is tear

apart your office. Plan to do it during a time

when you have little to no distractions.

Clear the mental clutter before you go to bed.

Are you thinking about work before you go

to bed? Are you waking up in the middle of

the night thinking of things you need to get

done the next day? Write it down before you

go to bed. Keep paper and pen by your bed.

If you wake up in the middle of the night, jot

down your thoughts to have a restful sleep.

We have enough going on in our personal

lives. When we try to remember work

happenings and things to do, if we don’t

write them down or keep track of them

we tend to forget. When you try to keep

everything in your mind without writing them

down it causes mental clutter and weighs

on us heavily even if you don’t realize it.

Organize your thoughts.

Also remember to eat healthy and exercise

which will help with mental clutter.

Organize!! Energize!!

by Kristin Carcieri-MacRae

Kristin Carcieri-MacRaeOwnerOrganizing In RI, LLC

Point of Sale Solutions

We Install and Service Point of Sale Systemsfor any Restaurant or

Retail Business.Credit Card Services Available

Call 401-255-6522for more information

or visitwww.POSinetPOS.com


WomeN IN BUSINeSS |

Patricia Raskin, President of Raskin Resources Productions, Inc., is a radio talk show host, award-winning producer, media coach and speaker. She is the host of “Positive Business” on AM790 on Fridays from 3-5PM, “Patricia Raskin

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

Motivating Employees/Team Members

Patricia RaskinRaskin Resources Productions

www.patriciaraskin.com

Before you hire a new employee or team

member, it’s important to find out why he or

she wants the job. The answer may seem

obvious, but sometimes the real reason is not

spoken. If money is the major motive, you

will most likely have an employee who cares

most about the bottom line, not the job itself.

Although it’s important to hire people more

excited about your business, you may be

facing someone in the job right now was

only motivation is a paycheck. Studies show

that the greatest motivators are not external

but instead internal motivators. Among the

greatest internal motivators are recognition

and acceptance. Getting recognition is not

a one time occurrence. It’s a process that

needs to be continually reinforced.

The following is a list of ways that you can

motivate your employees on a daily basis:

• Keep track of the positive. contributions

employees/team members make to

your business Examples are handling

a difficult customer affectively, working

extra hours, helping you solve a

problem, coming up with a Interesting

idea for your business, and anything

else that shows you did desire to help

your business grow.

• Reward the contributions by giving

your employees positive feedback

about their work. Show your gratitude

by doing something that you know

they will enjoy and appreciate.

• Have periodic meetings with your

employees to get their suggestions

and ideas about new products and

service and ways to handle customers

more effectively. Be sure to act on

their suggestions and give them the

individual credit for the idea.

• Offer training, workshops and

courses to employees to help them

increase their product knowledge and

develop new ideas to the opportunity to

network in these meetings with people

of like minds.

• Give your employees a reason to

want a career in your industry by

sharing trade magazines and statistical

information about growth trends and

stability in your field

Promote from within. Take care of your own

people. Instead of being in expert from afar

help your employees become the expert.

Let your people grow with you. One of

your greatest advantages is having people

besides yourself you know the insight details

of your business.

by Patricia Raskin

Among the greatest

internal motivators

are recognition and

acceptance. Getting

recognition is not a one

time occurrence. It’s a

process that needs to be

continually reinforced.



The Aspiration Project | WomeN IN BUSINeSSDoes My Butt Look Too Big In This? | WomeN IN BUSINeSS

Does My Butt Look Too Big In This?Aah, the age-old question. Timeless yet relevant

and, in spite of all the Beyonce, J-Lo and

Kardashian hype, a question that many still

dread being asked. Most would rather have a

brick dropped on their foot than answer, and

they often lack the vocabulary to respond with

enough grace, to escape the pained, tortured

look that could ensue.

Ladies, put your hand in the air if you are with

me on this one - we put on an outfit – any outfit

– and the first (or second) thing we do is turn

sideways to see how we look from behind. And

where does the eye fall? Oh, yeah. There!

If your significant other is unfortunate enough

to be the one you ask this question, they’re

probably wishing they’d excused themselves a

few minutes prior. Even your girl pals might lie

to you and as a business professional who must

always look sharp, you are not likely to find any

sympathy at the office either.

As a smaller figured woman, please know this:

I am not ‘hating’ on my fuller figured sisters. I’ll

be the first to agree that the female rear end has

garnered more attention now than at any other

time in history (I am no historian, so don’t quote

me on that one) and a well-formed derriere is

a thing of beauty. Show off what your momma

gave ya!!

But - not at the office. Drawing the wrong type of

attention to the wrong parts of your body is never

the best way to go, so let’s get to the point. Today

we are talking butts. That’s right. Butts.

If you are slight of frame like me, you want to

add more layers, to give the illusion that there is

a little more to you than meets the eye.

1. Pencil skirts are the ultimate illusion creator.

2. Belts make your waist look smaller, if you

have a very boyish/athletic build.

3. High heels will also work wonders because it

defines your posture, making your walk taller

and stand straighter, by pushing the butt

out instead of tucking it in.

If, on the other hand, you are of the

more-endowed variety, the rest of this

article is for you.

1. The color of your clothing is a

great place to start. As we all

know, light colors enhance,

darker colors diminish, so

go darker on the lower half

2. Wearing clothing that is

too tight is never a good

idea at the office. You can

certainly wear a close

fitting top, but make sure

it is long enough to sit mid

butt, and not at the waist.

3. Layer with a smart jacket

that sits a-top the curve of

your butt, about an inch shorter than

whatever you are wearing underneath.

4. Stay away from highwaisted pants, and go for

a low-rise waist-band. Make sure your pants are

not too baggy; opt for a straight cut or a slight flair.

5. A straight-cut skirt will look fab on

you, but watch for length. A hem line just at the top

of the knee will look sharp and chic.

6. Pointy-toed, slim heeled pumps will look too dainty

and make your butt look bigger; opt instead for a

more solidly bulit shoe, with a wider heel and a

rounder toe.

So there you have it, girls;

a few smart wardrobe picks, and you can walk tall, proud

and confident - no matter your size.

Yemi SekoniDirectorDonahue Models


by Yemi Sekoni


The North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce

was founded in 1929 by several area

business owners. The Chamber was

originally created to meet the needs of

the community, and to serve not only its’

members, but also the community at large.

For instance, after the devastating hurricane

of 1938 the Chamber played a key role in

restoring the Town of North Kingstown.

As with all organizations the North Kingstown

Chamber has transformed and adapted

over its 80 years, both to fulfill the needs

of the community and as its leadership

has changed. The leadership is shared

between an executive director and

a 14 – 18 member active board of

directors. Today our mission states

that the North Kingstown Chamber

of Commerce is a diverse group of

business, professional, civic, and

educational leaders who act on the

needs and interests of the business

community to make the area a

better place to live

and work. We fulfill

this message by

creating innovative

programs that

meet the needs

of our members.

The North Kingstown Chamber provides

many benefits to its members and

welcomes non-members to participate,

but membership has its privileges.

Understanding that most members want

exposure for their business we promote a

member in our “Business Spotlight” feature

in our twice monthly Standard Times page.

For any member holding an event we will

place that event on our Constant Contact

e-newsletter as well as on our website.

Special notices are also featured in our

North East Independent insert on a quarterly

basis. Each member is welcome to utilize

a complimentary webpage on our website.

For new members and new businesses

we place a picture of the new member or

ribbon cutting in our Standard Times page

and in the North East Independent insert. All

of our members are listed in our Chamber

Resource Guide and Business Directory

that are given out to residents, Chamber

visitors, area businesses, non-profits, civic

groups and people interested in moving

to North Kingstown. Referrals are given to

the numerous people calling and stopping

by looking for assistance. We also offer job

opportunity listings and commercial space

listing on our website to all members. These

are all services a business receives free with

a membership.

The many talents of our Board of Directors

are utilized by asking for their participation

on our ten committees as well as attending

functions such as our Businesses After

Hours and our Breakfast Before Business

events. Chamber members are welcome to

join the Membership committee, the Program

of Work committee, Government Affairs

committee, Facilities committee and the

Events committee.

North Kingstown Martha A. Pughe, Executive Director

8045 Post Road, North Kingstown, RI

401 295 5566 | www.northkingstown.com

F E A T U R E D

C H A M B E R



North Kingstown Chamber | FeaTUreD ChamBer

Recently the Board of Directors has

asked the Chamber to take a more

active role in the business community

and we have stepped up to the

challenge. The Chamber took the

lead role in educating business

owners about the new sewer

lines that have been laid on Post

Road. The Executive Director

represented business in a

visioning group for the Routes 2

and 102 area of North Kingstown.

The Chamber is also represented

on the NK Economic Development

Advisory Board by its executive

director. The North Kingstown Chamber

strives to be the collective voice for

businesses in NK. We have taken

a survey of our members and are

responding to their needs by creating a

Business Educating Business speaker

series which will kick off in February.

As our original mission stated, we

are here to meet the needs of the

community as well as the businesses.

We continue to achieve this today

through our Visitors’ Center and through

our 501(c) 3 organization, The NK

Chamber Charitable Foundation. The

Foundation held the outstanding and

successful family oriented Harbour Fest

in September at our newly renovated

town beach. Through funds raised

at this event, grants were given to

organizations and two scholarships will

be awarded to two North Kingstown

students. Plans are currently being

made for future events that the

Foundation will sponsor. Community

members as well as businesses are

encouraged to take part in the Chamber

Charitable Foundation.

The North Kingstown Chamber is

committed to helping business in NK to

grow and prosper. As a former NKHS

Principal was famous for saying…

We Are…NK. Students, community

members and the Chamber carry this

mantra forward.

East Bay ChamberMark G. DeVine, CPA, Chairman

16 Cutler Street, Suite 102, Warren, RI

401 245 0750 | eastbaychamberri.org

As the 2013 Chairman of the East Bay

Chamber of Commerce, I would love to hear

from you. I welcome any ideas to make the

Chamber better, improve our services and

assistance you as a business, make the

Chamber more relevant to the

business community or

any other suggestions

you may have. I also

welcome you to

get involved in the

Chamber, by joining

one of our committees

or becoming a Chamber

Ambassador. You can contact

me directly at 401.254.0151 or mark.devine@

devineaccounting.com.. If you are interested

in joining the East Bay Chamber, we would

love the opportunity to meet with you and go

over all that the Chamber has to offer.

New Members

BayCoast Bank

Newport County Computers:

Savon Shoes

Spa Yadira

Tinker’s Nest

Cranston Chamber

Stephen C. Boyle, President

150 Midway Road, #178, Cranston, RI

401 785 3780I | www.cranstonchamber.com

The Cranston Chamber of

Commerce recently completed

a Kick starter campaign

otherwise known as

crowdfunding for the Tom

Lanigan Band. The goal was

$6500 but we were able to

raise over $7,000 for the project.

The point of actually doing the project

was to learn how to do a campaign since

in 2013 crowdfunding is estimated to reach

Central ChamberLauren E.I. Slocum, President/CEO

3288 Post Road, Warwick, RI

401 732 1100 | www.centralrichamber.com

Networking – Support –

Advocacy. The Central Rhode

Island Chamber of Commerce

serves as a key partner with

many businesses. We work

with our members as part

of a tight-knit community in

order to promote their economic

prosperity. The cohesive relationships within

our community allow members to receive

numerous benefits and rewards. From

networking events to legislative advocacy,

we sincerely seek to further their goals. It

is of paramount importance to stay up to

date on today’s changing technology. In

order to consistently support our members,

the Central RI Chamber intends to release

an efficient, mobile friendly website around

Memorial Day.

New Members

Affordable Weddings in Rhode Island

Art Flair

Avis Budget Group

BCI Computers

BLU on the Water

CareWell Urgent Care

Clear Channel Media

Cowesett Home Care

Emanuel Lutheran Church

Emcor/New England Mechanical

Entertainment Under the Stars

Evergreen Plumbing & Heating

Frank Galasso

H&R Block

J.C. Electric

La Quinta Inn & Suites

Massart Photography & Framing

Meyer Electric

Mishnock Barn

Oceanstate Insurance Group

Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt

Subway

Telecom Consultants

The Office Kitchen & Bar

Wildbirds Unlimited


ChamBer ChaT | What’s New

update us on the progress made with Make

It Happen Rhode Island and the forum held

at the Rhode Island Convention Center in

September. Please be sure to register for

this great event of networking, fabulous food,

and an informative speaker.

The EG Chamber is part of the Rhode Island

Chamber Coalition and we will continue to

be a voice for East Greenwich’s business

community in 2013. Please visit www.

RhodeIslandBusinessVotes.com during the

legislative season to keep informed and to

be heard on what is happening during the

legislative season.

One of the highlights of 2012 was seeing the

vision of the re-opening of the Greenwich

Odeum come to fruition. A gala re-opening

event was held on December 1 and will

be followed by a January 26 celebration

featuring some great local performers.

Following that event will be a February 9

concert featuring Greg Abate and multi

Grammy Award winner Phil Woods.

For event and ticket information visit

www.theodeum.org.

New Members

Chamber Discoveries

Peoples Credit Union

Rok Bar N Grill

Hill and Harbour Veterinary

Budget Blinds

Inskip Warwick Automall

NewportJody Sullivan, Executive Director

35 Valley Road, Middletown, RI

401 847 1608 | www.NewportChamber.com

RI Department of Labor and

Training Director, Charles

Fogarty to Speak at State

of the State Economic

Luncheon

The Newport County

Chamber of Commerce

launched a networking group

aimed specifically at Young Professionals

last year. The Group was such as success

that the Chamber with the help of our

sponsors People’s Credit Union will be

continuing the program in 2013.Our focus is

to bring together younger members of the

business community to provide professional

development and networking opportunities in

a peer-based environment.

Our first networking meeting of 2013 will

take place at The Hotel Viking on Tuesday,

January 22 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30. Our

feedback on this new group has been

very positive and we are looking forward to

future events. Visit our website to watch for

upcoming meetings.

New Members

Coastal Angler Magazine

Rooted in Radiant Health

Aspire Dermatology

Batchelor Frechette McCrory Michael and

Co.

Serenity Deliver On Site Therapeutic

Massage

Northern RIJohn C. Gregory, President/CEO

6 Blackstone Valley, Suite 301, Lincoln, RI 02865

401 334 1000 | www.nrichamber.com

Happy New Year

from the Northern

RI Chamber of

Commerce; the NRI

Chamber launched a

FREE Prescription Drug

Card program where

cardholders simply need to

print the free card and receive prescription

savings of up to 75% off at over 56,000

pharmacies across the country. Although the

average savings is around 30%, the card

is especially helpful if you are uninsured or

underinsured. However, even if you have

insurance, you can still use the card to get

a discount on non-covered drugs. For more

information, contact the NRI Chamber at

401-334-1000 or [email protected]

$500 billion in funding and in this coming

year donors will be able to take an equity

position in companies looking to raise

capital. It is estimated that crowdfunding

will lead to a major influx of capital for small

business development and expansion.

Chamber President, Stephen C. Boyle

recently testified at the Health Insurance

Commissioners” hearing on a Blue Cross

proposal to increase health care premium

rates significantly. Boyle called the process

“ Healthcare Groundhog Day” where the

business community gets double digit

increases and then we must cut the plans,

pass more on to the employees, increase

deductibles and co pays and in most cases

where the business eventually drops it

entirely. Boyle called on all the carriers to

accelerate their reform efforts.

New Members

Legatus

LIberty Mutual

East GreenwichStephen Lombardi, Executive Director

580 Main Street | East Greenwich, RI

401 885 0020 | www.eastgreenwichchamber.com

The year 2012 was a

year of growth and

change for the East

Greenwich Chamber

of Commerce.

Despite economic

challenges, we added

76 new members, had

our first East Greenwich

Restaurant Week in September, and forged

a new and productive relationship with the

Merchants on Main Street.

We plan on building on last yeawr’s

success as we start out with our

Annual Meeting and Business

Expo, Thursday, January 31 at

Quidnessett Country Club. Our

special guest speaker is Neil

Steinberg, President and CEO of

Rhode Island Foundation. Mr. Steinberg will


What’s New | ChamBer ChaT

New Members

AARP-Rhode Island State Office

Allaire Fitness

B & M Printing & Trophies

Barden Family Orchard

Bernier’s Auto Body

Blackstone Valley Office Systems

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council

CAL Promotional Products Inc.

Chemart Company

Classic Electric Company, Inc.

Cox Business

d. carlo trattoria

Dasco Interactive, Inc.

DATACORP

Design Net Technical Products, Inc.

Dillon Acoustical

Diversified Distribution

Donna Dressler Jewelry Gifts & More

Dr. Day Care Family

Excellent Coffee Company

Fisher Appraisal Services Inc

G. L. Lapierre & Company, Inc.

Gardiner Whiteley Boardman Insurance

Agency LLC

Hamel & Newton Adjusters

Harmony Fire District

Jeffrey M. Marwell, CPA

Landmark Medical Center

Lefkowitz, Garfinkel, Champi & DeRienzo P.C.

Lia Sophia Jewelry-Karen Martin

Massud & Son’s Floor Covering, Inc.

Matrix Power Services Inc.

MBA for A Day

Miller’s Truck Sales & Repair Inc.

Mr. Aram P. Jarret Jr.

Napa Auto Parts

Navigant Credit Union

NEBCO

New England Enrollment Strategies

Providence Braid Co.

R. Falco Iron Works, Inc.

RDW Group, Inc.

Rhode Island Monthly Communications, Inc.

S & S Electric

Scentsy Wickless Candles

- Mary Kayata

Shove Insurance, Inc.

Spurwink/RI

Storage America

The Call

The Housing Authority of the City of

Pawtucket

Tony’s Wholesalers

Town of Lincoln

Trinity Health & Rehabilitation

Center

Vac-Forming Unlimited

William Burke Law Office

Southern RIElizabeth Berman, Coordinator

230 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI

401 783 2818 | www.srichamber.com

The Southern Rhode Island Chamber of

Commerce supports and enhances the

business community of Southern Rhode

Island and promotes opportunities for the

growth and development of its member

businesses. We hold 2 networking events

each month. Our First Friday Coffee, the

first Friday of the month, and Business

After Hours, usually the third Wednesday of

the month. The events are held a member

businesses and it is a great way to meet

other professionals and get involved in the

community. Our networking events

are open to everyone. We list all of our

events on the Rhode Island Small Business

Journals website, www.risbj.com as well

as our Calendar of events

at www.srichamber.com.

New Members

The Downtown Group

Puerini Design

Re Made In The USA

The Rhode Island Association of Realtors

Rhode Island Kingfish Lacrosse

Nixon Peabody LLP

bounce:

DiStefano Brothers Construction

Edge Wise - Fine Detailed Painting With

An Edge

Kettelle Building Movers

Mobile Arts Classroom

Ocean State Waves Baseball

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


THE RHODE ISLANDCOMMERCIAL & APPRAISAL BOARD OF REALTORS®

Butler RealtyGroup

Commercial • Investment • Residential

401-886-7800www.ButlerRealty.us

Several Prime Office Locations: Providence, Warwick, Johnston, North Kingstown, South

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

Call for details.

635 Arnold Road, Coventry: Great location at Exit 7 near Centre of New England. 800’ front retail/office- Rear 1700’ warehouse service area with

14’W x 10’L O.H. door. Fully air conditioned!! Recently TO-TALLY RENOVATED!!! RILiving.com MLS #1024237

747 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston: Great location near Rolfe Square. Three floors of office

suites from 200 sq. ft. and up. Good income generator or large owner occupied office. Owner keeping several suites

clear anticipating a larger use to buy/occupy andhave income. $800’s

333 Main Street, East Greenwich: Best location on Main Street. Bright and open 2nd floor unit with high ceilings. Parking lot across the street. Great office

or studio space! 1,250 sq ft, $12. psf/yr.RILiving.com MLS #1018391

269 Greenville Avenue, Johnston: Bright office/retail/general business space with open floor plan- Former tanning salon. PRIME busy corner location; easily accessible. Ample

parking. 3 phase electric. $700/per month. Unit C.Former Law/Financial Planning office. 3 phase 200 amp electric.

$1400/per month. Unit E.RILiving.com MLS #1010162 and MLS #1010159

776-782 Main Street, East Greenwich: Excellent visibility in the Greenwich Shopping Center

by the Dunkin Donuts on Main. 825 square feet with full glass and rear entrance. Retail, medical or office. Can be combined for 1,650 Sq Ft. MLS #1018795 (Unit 776) &

#1014642 (Unit 782) Ample parking in the rear.RILiving.com MLS #1014635

20 Centerville Road, Warwick: Former school; solid brick construction. Very nice 2nd

floor space; owner on 1st floor. Space plan attached. Great Apponaug location! Quick highway access and walk to Ap-

ponaug Village amenities!RILiving.com MLS #988739

39 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich: Great Rt.3 location just a mile north of Rt.95 Exit 6. Versatile building. 13,000 sq ft clear span with high ceilings, plus two offices/service areas, 2000 & 4000 sq ft. May divide. Other

end of this 40,000 sq ft building is to be shared with Church.From $5,50 psf/yr. RILiving.com MLS #1022330

74 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich: Great Route 3 location just ½ mile from Rt 95 exit 6,

nicely appointed office or retail suite with several officesand open area,was HQ for Bess Eaton & Tim Hortons.Fresh paint and carpets. 600-3600’, from $10 psf/yr.

RILiving.com MLS #990071

1755 Smith Street, North Providence: Former Dunkin Donuts for over 30 years (they bought &

moved across the street). Seats 30+. Has a drive-thru. Park-ing for 20+. GREAT for ANY fast food concept.

4500 sq. ft. $3,200/mo. RILiving.com MLS #1028322

24 Quaker Lane, Warwick: 1,000 sf street level retail - $900 mo. 1,000 - 3,000’ sf (3 units) 2nd level, bright second floor space from $750 mo. with high ceilings and sky lights. Zoned general business.

By Kent County Courthouse & “Miracle Mile” Rt.2/Rt.117. Great highway access & signage.


6828 Post Road, North Kingstown: Bright, light open floor plan. Signage on Post Road. Easy

highway access, near Quonset Gateway Plaza. Own bath and shower. Great location, value and flexibility. Plenty of park-

ing. Four units from $650-$1250. CHEAP SPACE, CALL NOW! RILiving.com MLS #986669

PROPERTY FOR LEASE

Many more Commercial Properties@ www.ButlerRealty.us ....

or email Jeff Butler at [email protected]

Trusted Real Estate Service Since 1977

Looking to Buy or Lease? Call the Butler!


THE RHODE ISLANDCOMMERCIAL & APPRAISAL BOARD OF REALTORS


Butler RealtyGroup

Commercial • Investment • Residential

401-886-7800www.ButlerRealty.us

400 South County Trail, Exeter: Great location!! Design Award of Excellence. Private baths. Centrally located 6 minutes South of Home Depot in North

Kingstown. Easy access at the gateway to South County. Taxes are approximate. Assessment as unfinished. 900-4,000 sq.ft.

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

81 West Industrial Drive, Cranston: Flex space, office/warehouse very convenient off Rt. 295 at Rt. Up to 2,000 sq ft office, 1,000+ sq ft warehouse 14’ OH door, end unit on dead end street offers parking and vehicle

flexibility. Great for contractors. $275,000

132 Meadow Street, Warwick: Great location off Rt.117, 1 mile East of Exit 10. Office/

Mfg Wrhse combo. Great value for user. Nice, clean, bright space! This bldg has been substantially updated & is turn key ready to go. Owner can also modify to suit! Lease op-

tion available. $525,000 RILiving.com MLS #1013527

845 North Main Street, Providence: Great location. 919 sq ft office condo in a medical building

near Miriam Hospital. Easy highway and city access by the corner of Branch Ave and North Main. Waiting room,

reception, private bath, 3 exam rooms, office. $50,000 under assessed value. $98,500 RILiving.com MLS # 1029651

17 Sandy Bottom Road, Coventry: Great location and set up for night club, restaurant or other food/entertainment venue. Very close to turnkey as night club. Lease, lease/option or buy. 326 capacity. $595,000


39 Nooseneck Hill Road, West Greenwich: Large multi-use building offers great flexibility, possible

multiple tenants. The church would consider a lease-back of 10,000-15,000sq ft. Additional 14 acres adjacent also avail-able. Great Rt.3 location just a mile north of Rt.95, Exit 6.

$1,750,000 RILiving.com MLS #1029643

440 Drybridge Road 1A, North Kingstown: 2100sf Contractor Condo w/700 sf office &750 sf warehouse (15’x50’)w/14ft overhead door, 20 ft ceiling, 3 phase power

including 8ft high 700 sf mezzanine. Office has central air, bath & shower. Also for lease. $179,900

RILiving.com MLS#1025512

111 Airport Road, Warwick: Very nice 2nd floor office space. Tastefully decorated, good

paint & carpet, possible office furnishings (nice stuff!) Three offices, conference, reception, lav., plus large basement stor-

age. $180/month condo fee. $89,000RILiving.com MLS #1012762

400 South County Trail, Exeter: Approved Development Zoned Business 17+acres.Current per-

mitted plans for 7 office building for total of 86,000net sf.MANY POTENTIAL USES. Central Rt.2 location minutes from Home Depot/Walmart in N.Kingstown. Easy highway access-strong

traffic count! $975,000 RILiving.com MLS #1029590

111 Hopkins Hill Road, West Greenwich: ½ acre – 16 acres Very fast growing area off Exit 6A near GTech, Amgen & Centrex. Front pad is busy Dunkin Donuts, balance of

site permits office, retail, warehouse & light industrial. Traffic count 15,000 and growing! Multitude of possibilities- 6 other

avail. lots. From $150,000 RILiving.com MLS #855989

0 - 59-1 Stilson Road Richmond: Great exposure on Rt95, just north of Exit 3. Owner will

divide,build to suit,sell or lease.Fast growing area of Rich-mond/South County. 9.995 acres, 418’ on Stilson Rd& 274’ on Rt95. An exceptional piece of land, many possibilities w/

proper approvals. $799,000RILiving.com MLS #1019500

7265 Post Road, North Kingstown: 7.82 acres on US Rt.1. Zoning permits apartments/office/medi-cal/retail. Many possibilities!! Will build to suit, sale or lease,

or land only. Great location. Dozens of acres and walking trails behind property. Adjacent 5+- acres also available.

Call For Details! RILiving.com MLS #856381

PROPERTY FOR SALE

HUGE REDUCTION

Many more Commercial Properties@ www.ButlerRealty.us ....

or email Jeff Butler at [email protected]

Trusted Real Estate Service Since 1977

Looking to Buy or Lease? Call the Butler!



Inside Cover C January 11 - 17, 2013 New England Real Estate Journal Visit the paper online nerej.comRhode Island

ProofSize: full Section: rIfrom: Karen Dowell x254 [email protected] Date: 1-11-13

Changes Proof ApprovedNew Proof

crop

2”

NE NYREal EstatE JouRNal

Tel: 781-878-4540

Peter M. Scotti & Associates, Inc. • 401-421-8888246 Hope Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906Visit our web page at www.scotticommercial.com

Peter M. Scotti & Associates, Inc.Brokerage/appraisal/ManageMent

A full Service Real Estate Company

MEDICAL OFFICE SUITES FOR LEASE49 SEEKONK ST., EAST SIDE/PROVIDENCE

2,000 - 9,400 SF SUITES AMPLE ON SITE PARKINGWET EXAM ROOMS, LABS GROUND LEVEL H/C ACCESSIBLEWAYLAND SQUARE LOCATION COMPETITIVE RENTS

RETAIL CENTER FOR SALE440 STAFFORD RD., FALL RIVER, MA

63,000 SF GROCERY ANCHORED RETAIL SHOPPING CENTER. 95% OCCUPANCY WITH GREAT HISTORIC CASH FLOW. 6 ACRE LAND PARCEL WITH SUBSTANTIAL ON SITE

PARKING. PRICE: $6,500,000 JIM MOORE EXT. 14

RESTAURANT FOR SALE248 ACADEMY AVE, PROVIDENCE, RI

3,400 SQUARE FOOT BUILDING CURRENTLY REGIONAL FRANCHISE USER OPERATING TURN KEY FACILITY IN MT PLEASANT AREA WITH DENSE

DEMOS, OFF STREET PARKING PRICE: $295,000.00

FOR SALE, bELLA NAPOLI96 ATwELLS AVE, PROVIDENCE, RI

REDEVELOPMENT SITE LOCATED AT THE GATEWAY TO FEDERAL HILLTWO BUILDINGS, 5,400 S.F. & 2,354 S.F. ON TWO LOTS, 7,000 S.F. OF LAND

zONED C-2 ALLOWING BROAD RANGE OF USES, PRICE: $995,000.00

AUTO DEALERSHIP FOR SALE296 g. w. HIgHwAY, SMITHFIELD,RI

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risbj volume 2 issue 1

Documents

set goals

business resolutions

clients business

key staff

company goals

business review sites

new years resolutions

long way