This editorial appeared in today's edition of North East Independent.
Twenty-one year old Englishman Samuel Slater left England in September 1789. Dressed as a farm laborer, he didn’t arouse any notice from the British troops and customs agents guarding the seaports against the illegal export or larceny of valuable manufacturing plans. The most important were plans based on British advancements in the field of water-driven textile machines. The American textile industry was offering bonuses of $100 ($2,510 in 2009) for technical knowledge of manufacturing machinery. Slater arrived in New York City in December 1789.
Though young, Slater had been apprenticed to work in a cotton mill at the age of ten, learning about machines, technology, operations, and factory management. At the conclusion of his apprenticeship, Slater left England to pursue greater fortunes in the land of opportunity. Less than a year later, Slater’s skills, experiences, and entrepreneurial drive led him to Obidiah (Moses) Brown in Pawtucket where he improved and expanded Brown’s fledgling cotton mill. An experienced young man, a skilled merchant and industrialist, and some natural water resources were joined together to establish Rhode Island as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Rhode Island offered the right place, the right people, and the right time. Rhode Island mattered and was a national leader.
Rhode Island still matters and it could be a national economic leader again with many of the same successful Rhode Island keys that drove and supported vital innovation 220 years ago. Here are three things we can do now to make our state number one.
+ First, encourage all students to gain real skills and get practical work-style experience before they finish public school.
+ Second, match successful business owners and managers with the new generation of inventors, scientists, and innovative thinkers.
+ Third, turn every public library in every Rhode Island community into idea and new business incubators.
When we support our state’s most important 21st century resource---people---we can achieve great success and show the world once again that Rhode Island Matters!
----------------------------------------------------------
*Adapted from Why Rhode Island Matters! First in Independence, Industry, Art & Innovation (Shoreline Press, 2010), by Ann Marie Marshall, Economic Gardener for Exeter & North Kingstown. She writes the weekly business blog, http://rieconomicgardener.blogspot.com. She is a Republican candidate for House District 31.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BORDER
An article in today's Hartford Courant lays out in microcosm the dire situation faced by Rhode Islanders suffering through another year of woeful unemployment and static prospects for future job growth.
For all the negative news, I believe that with the right encouragement of the ideas, ambitions, and entrepreneurial spirit of my fellow Rhode Islanders there could be an economic renaissance that would rival the advancements of the past three hundred years.
As I researched my book, WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!, I was amazed over and over by the perseverance of the early industrialists, inventors, and business managers who created the industrial revolution, modernized our society, and built several important industries that continue today, albeit in other states.
We could do what they did again, in a new way, for a new world.
Here is the link to the article I mentioned earlier. Read it and think about what you could do to change the future. Call me if I can help your vision happen.
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-rhode-island-0820-20100822,0,446120,full.story
Have a fantastically creative week-
Ann Marie
For all the negative news, I believe that with the right encouragement of the ideas, ambitions, and entrepreneurial spirit of my fellow Rhode Islanders there could be an economic renaissance that would rival the advancements of the past three hundred years.
As I researched my book, WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!, I was amazed over and over by the perseverance of the early industrialists, inventors, and business managers who created the industrial revolution, modernized our society, and built several important industries that continue today, albeit in other states.
We could do what they did again, in a new way, for a new world.
Here is the link to the article I mentioned earlier. Read it and think about what you could do to change the future. Call me if I can help your vision happen.
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-rhode-island-0820-20100822,0,446120,full.story
Have a fantastically creative week-
Ann Marie
Sunday, August 15, 2010
NEW INFORMATION STATION: WRIM
Greetings-
There's a new station on the positive information dial----WRIM.
WRIM stands for a new approach to thinking about who we have been as Rhode Islanders and what we could be again.
WRIM is Why Rhode Island Matters!
You'll be hearing about this and the title of my book---WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!---in the next few days and over the next few months.
It was written to remind ALL Rhode Islanders why our state has been a leader in so many areas throoughout history, and why it can be again.
As a native Rhode Islander, I have always been excited and impressed by my state---its natural beauty, its history, its vision in the fields of industry, art and innovation, and most of all, by its people and the families they are part of. I wanted to tell and re-tell some positive Rhode Island stories and share them with everyone.
WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS! will be released on August 25th.
The first limited signed and numbered edition of 500 copies of the book is being sold on a first come, first served basis at $10 per book (includes postage and handling to your home) and can be ordered direct by clicking on the BUY NOW button above my photo to the right of this blog or by sending your address and a check or money order for $10.00 to:
Shoreline Press
P.O. Box 555
Jamestown, RI 02835
All of the proceeds from the first edition will help provide free educational workshops on the subject of this book to students in middle and high schools around Rhode Island.
You'll want your own copy of this first edition book for yourself, your family, and your grandchildren.
Order a few copies for your friends in Florida and Arizona too.
If you'd like a copy, please order it today---!! It will be shipped to your home or office upon its release on August 25th.
Stay tuned for a list of presentations, talks and readings I'll be making about the book at venues statewide over the next 6-8 weeks.
Want to reserve a book or need more info?
Call me anytime at 401-667-0971. (Leave a message if I'm out.)
Here's wishing you a successful week-
Ann Marie
There's a new station on the positive information dial----WRIM.
WRIM stands for a new approach to thinking about who we have been as Rhode Islanders and what we could be again.
WRIM is Why Rhode Island Matters!
You'll be hearing about this and the title of my book---WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!---in the next few days and over the next few months.
It was written to remind ALL Rhode Islanders why our state has been a leader in so many areas throoughout history, and why it can be again.
As a native Rhode Islander, I have always been excited and impressed by my state---its natural beauty, its history, its vision in the fields of industry, art and innovation, and most of all, by its people and the families they are part of. I wanted to tell and re-tell some positive Rhode Island stories and share them with everyone.
WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS! will be released on August 25th.
The first limited signed and numbered edition of 500 copies of the book is being sold on a first come, first served basis at $10 per book (includes postage and handling to your home) and can be ordered direct by clicking on the BUY NOW button above my photo to the right of this blog or by sending your address and a check or money order for $10.00 to:
Shoreline Press
P.O. Box 555
Jamestown, RI 02835
All of the proceeds from the first edition will help provide free educational workshops on the subject of this book to students in middle and high schools around Rhode Island.
You'll want your own copy of this first edition book for yourself, your family, and your grandchildren.
Order a few copies for your friends in Florida and Arizona too.
If you'd like a copy, please order it today---!! It will be shipped to your home or office upon its release on August 25th.
Stay tuned for a list of presentations, talks and readings I'll be making about the book at venues statewide over the next 6-8 weeks.
Want to reserve a book or need more info?
Call me anytime at 401-667-0971. (Leave a message if I'm out.)
Here's wishing you a successful week-
Ann Marie
Friday, August 6, 2010
WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!
Greetings-
You'll be hearing about this book title---WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!---in the next few days and over the next few months.
It's my new book, published by Shoreline Press and developed with editor Ken Proudfoot.
It was written to remind ALL Rhode Islanders why our state has been a leader in so many areas and why it can be again.
As a native Rhode Islander, I have always been excited and impressed by my state---its natural beauty, its history, its vision in the fields of industry, art and innovation, and most of all, by its people and the families they are part of. I wanted to tell some of the Rhode Island stories and share them with everyone.
WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS! will be released on August 25th.
The first limited signed and numbered edition of 500 copies of the book is being sold on a first come, first served basis at $10 per book (includes postage and handling to your home) and can be ordered direct by clicking on the BUY NOW button above my photo to the right of this blog or by sending your address and a check or money order for $10.00 to:
Shoreline Press
P.O. Box 555
Jamestown, RI 02835
All of the proceeds from the first edition will help provide free educational workshops on the subject of this book to students in middle and high schools around Rhode Island.
You'll want your own copy of this first edition book for yourself, your family, and your grandchildren.
Order a few copies for your friends in Florida and Arizona too.
If you'd like a copy, please order it today---the publisher believes that all of the copies will be gone within the next 25 days. They are processing a number of pre-orders already and more are coming in. It will be shipped to your home or office on August 25th.
Stay tuned for a list of presentations, talks and readings I'll be making about the book at venues statewide over the next 6-8 weeks.
Want to reserve a book or need more info?
Call me anytime at 401-667-0971. (Leave a message if I'm out.)
Here's wishing you a successful week-
Ann Marie
You'll be hearing about this book title---WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS!---in the next few days and over the next few months.
It's my new book, published by Shoreline Press and developed with editor Ken Proudfoot.
It was written to remind ALL Rhode Islanders why our state has been a leader in so many areas and why it can be again.
As a native Rhode Islander, I have always been excited and impressed by my state---its natural beauty, its history, its vision in the fields of industry, art and innovation, and most of all, by its people and the families they are part of. I wanted to tell some of the Rhode Island stories and share them with everyone.
WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS! will be released on August 25th.
The first limited signed and numbered edition of 500 copies of the book is being sold on a first come, first served basis at $10 per book (includes postage and handling to your home) and can be ordered direct by clicking on the BUY NOW button above my photo to the right of this blog or by sending your address and a check or money order for $10.00 to:
Shoreline Press
P.O. Box 555
Jamestown, RI 02835
All of the proceeds from the first edition will help provide free educational workshops on the subject of this book to students in middle and high schools around Rhode Island.
You'll want your own copy of this first edition book for yourself, your family, and your grandchildren.
Order a few copies for your friends in Florida and Arizona too.
If you'd like a copy, please order it today---the publisher believes that all of the copies will be gone within the next 25 days. They are processing a number of pre-orders already and more are coming in. It will be shipped to your home or office on August 25th.
Stay tuned for a list of presentations, talks and readings I'll be making about the book at venues statewide over the next 6-8 weeks.
Want to reserve a book or need more info?
Call me anytime at 401-667-0971. (Leave a message if I'm out.)
Here's wishing you a successful week-
Ann Marie
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
GROWING OUR ECONOMY!
The middle of Summer 2010 is near---but much lies ahead!
Growing our economy, but more importantly setting the stage for solid, strong and positive growth, is now our first priority. As an Economic Gardener, I am constantly preparing the soil and setting the stage for all those who dream to build on the vision of our founding fathers and those brave entrepreneurs who came before us.
In the next few months, I will continue meeting and joining with the leaders of the next New Frontier in the Towns of North Kingstown and Exeter to build on the business education and civic pride of our business owners, their families, and our residents to create the basis for growth of our existing businesses, the creation of new businesses, and the education of the next generation of entrepreneurs who will lead us forward.
Are you interested in transforming the present into something even more exciting?
Please call me at 667-0971 or email me at annmariemarshall8@hotmail.com to begin a conversation, take action, and speed the plow that will till the soil to unearth exciting new possibilities for business and economic growth in our South County communities.
Growing our economy, but more importantly setting the stage for solid, strong and positive growth, is now our first priority. As an Economic Gardener, I am constantly preparing the soil and setting the stage for all those who dream to build on the vision of our founding fathers and those brave entrepreneurs who came before us.
In the next few months, I will continue meeting and joining with the leaders of the next New Frontier in the Towns of North Kingstown and Exeter to build on the business education and civic pride of our business owners, their families, and our residents to create the basis for growth of our existing businesses, the creation of new businesses, and the education of the next generation of entrepreneurs who will lead us forward.
Are you interested in transforming the present into something even more exciting?
Please call me at 667-0971 or email me at annmariemarshall8@hotmail.com to begin a conversation, take action, and speed the plow that will till the soil to unearth exciting new possibilities for business and economic growth in our South County communities.
Monday, June 21, 2010
BUILD YOUR BUSINESS THIS WEEK!!
Today is the day with the most daylight hours all year!
The weather is getting much better, much warmer, and delightful---maybe except for the humidity---and that means that business too will begin to heat up as we move into the second half of the year.
This week we'll talk about adding customers to your client roster.
The main criteria for success in this effort is to identify those potential clients and businesses that have a problem you know how resolve. By focusing on clients with problems, you will be 85% of the way to increasing your customer base.
This Thursday we'll learn how to grow your business by adding clients and cross-selling products and services to improve your overall sales renenues.
If you have questions in the meantime or simply want to get a jump on the competition, please call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
Please mark your calendar to attend my next Coffee Conversation at Updike's in North Kingstown on Thursday morning, June 24th at 8:00am.
See you again soon-
Ann Marie
The weather is getting much better, much warmer, and delightful---maybe except for the humidity---and that means that business too will begin to heat up as we move into the second half of the year.
This week we'll talk about adding customers to your client roster.
The main criteria for success in this effort is to identify those potential clients and businesses that have a problem you know how resolve. By focusing on clients with problems, you will be 85% of the way to increasing your customer base.
This Thursday we'll learn how to grow your business by adding clients and cross-selling products and services to improve your overall sales renenues.
If you have questions in the meantime or simply want to get a jump on the competition, please call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
Please mark your calendar to attend my next Coffee Conversation at Updike's in North Kingstown on Thursday morning, June 24th at 8:00am.
See you again soon-
Ann Marie
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Who Needs What You Have to Offer?
Greetings in this wonderful week in May!
If a satisfied client is the goal, how can you get more (some) clients?
The big question you must find the answer to is:
Who Needs What You Have To Offer?
If you have a wonderful product or an outstanding service that clients have found beneficial but you're still not as busy as you like to be, then you haven't found all of the people (or businesses) that need what you have to offer.
You may be saying, "I've looked and I can't seem to find any more clients."
Clients are out there, but they might not be visible or obvious at first glance. And you may be comfortable (but unsuccessful) looking in places where most of the current demand for your product or service has been fulfilled.
That said, there's still plenty of business out there for you and your business.
On Thursday morning at 8:00am, at Updike's Cafe (on Post Road, across from the main post office in North Kingstown), we'll talk about how to get more creative about re-thinking your client base, identifying future clients, and making small adjustments to your product or service to reach a wider clientele without making new investments.
Come for our Coffee Conversation and get your business revved up for a great second half of 2010.
See you Thursday at 8am-
Ann Marie
If a satisfied client is the goal, how can you get more (some) clients?
The big question you must find the answer to is:
Who Needs What You Have To Offer?
If you have a wonderful product or an outstanding service that clients have found beneficial but you're still not as busy as you like to be, then you haven't found all of the people (or businesses) that need what you have to offer.
You may be saying, "I've looked and I can't seem to find any more clients."
Clients are out there, but they might not be visible or obvious at first glance. And you may be comfortable (but unsuccessful) looking in places where most of the current demand for your product or service has been fulfilled.
That said, there's still plenty of business out there for you and your business.
On Thursday morning at 8:00am, at Updike's Cafe (on Post Road, across from the main post office in North Kingstown), we'll talk about how to get more creative about re-thinking your client base, identifying future clients, and making small adjustments to your product or service to reach a wider clientele without making new investments.
Come for our Coffee Conversation and get your business revved up for a great second half of 2010.
See you Thursday at 8am-
Ann Marie
Sunday, May 2, 2010
YOUR BUSINESS PLAN 1-2-3
Summer Weather Greetings!
Summer weather is finally here and since the real-life unemployment rate in Rhode Island is over 20%, I'll bet you've been thinking about finally starting your own business.
You've got a great idea. You think it will work. But everyone says you need to write a business plan first.
I know what you'll say---you don't have time or energy (or time) to write it.
I say---Why wait till you have a business plan written to start developing your business?
The business professors and the SBA people will argue with me about this advice, but most of them (almost ALL of them) have never ever started their own successful business!!
Let's press on!!
Here's a quick and easy way to figure out---in 3 easy steps---if your new business idea has a chance of succeeding without spending any money:
Get an answer to the following three questions:
1- What problem(s) will your business solve?
2- Who needs to have the problem solved (and can pay for the solution)?
[This can be people or a business or a combination of both.]
3- Find three people/businesses that will agree to pay you to solve the
problem you have proposed solving.
Get positive answers to these questions and you will be on your way to having a successful business before you spend any money [or lose any money]. If you can't answer the preceding three questions to your satisfaction, either change your idea, find another problem to solve, or keep looking for buyers.
We'll discuss these strategies and more at our weekly Coffee Conversation meeting at Updike's Coffee Shop in North Kingstown this Thursday morning at 8am.
If you need some ideas or help in the meantime, please call me at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
Summer weather is finally here and since the real-life unemployment rate in Rhode Island is over 20%, I'll bet you've been thinking about finally starting your own business.
You've got a great idea. You think it will work. But everyone says you need to write a business plan first.
I know what you'll say---you don't have time or energy (or time) to write it.
I say---Why wait till you have a business plan written to start developing your business?
The business professors and the SBA people will argue with me about this advice, but most of them (almost ALL of them) have never ever started their own successful business!!
Let's press on!!
Here's a quick and easy way to figure out---in 3 easy steps---if your new business idea has a chance of succeeding without spending any money:
Get an answer to the following three questions:
1- What problem(s) will your business solve?
2- Who needs to have the problem solved (and can pay for the solution)?
[This can be people or a business or a combination of both.]
3- Find three people/businesses that will agree to pay you to solve the
problem you have proposed solving.
Get positive answers to these questions and you will be on your way to having a successful business before you spend any money [or lose any money]. If you can't answer the preceding three questions to your satisfaction, either change your idea, find another problem to solve, or keep looking for buyers.
We'll discuss these strategies and more at our weekly Coffee Conversation meeting at Updike's Coffee Shop in North Kingstown this Thursday morning at 8am.
If you need some ideas or help in the meantime, please call me at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
Sunday, April 11, 2010
MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES!
The sun is shining this week!
Time to get out there and do
some harvesting!
As they always said at the farm,
it's time to
make hay while the sun shines!
Everyone knows that the best time to
harvest hay is when the sun is shining.
Wet hay is hard to cut and bale and
ends up rotting.
Same goes for sales.
When the sun is shining,
people are happier,
more productive,
and more
open-minded.
I'll bet you're already
happier and
more optimistic.
Let's meet this week at
Updike's Coffee Shop on
Boston Neck Road in
North Kingstown.
We'll talk about how to make
good things happen
in your business
and in your life!
The sun is shining!
SEE YOU THIS THURSDAY MORNING
APRIL 15TH AT 8AM!!
Got questions?
Call me at home
401-667-0971
Ann Marie
Time to get out there and do
some harvesting!
As they always said at the farm,
it's time to
make hay while the sun shines!
Everyone knows that the best time to
harvest hay is when the sun is shining.
Wet hay is hard to cut and bale and
ends up rotting.
Same goes for sales.
When the sun is shining,
people are happier,
more productive,
and more
open-minded.
I'll bet you're already
happier and
more optimistic.
Let's meet this week at
Updike's Coffee Shop on
Boston Neck Road in
North Kingstown.
We'll talk about how to make
good things happen
in your business
and in your life!
The sun is shining!
SEE YOU THIS THURSDAY MORNING
APRIL 15TH AT 8AM!!
Got questions?
Call me at home
401-667-0971
Ann Marie
Sunday, April 4, 2010
AFTER THE GREAT FLOOD!
Taking Action After a Tragedy!
The flood waters have subsided, but the world is different now.
Our faith has been rattled and our hopes have been challenged.
But we're still here even if some of our stuff and
parts of our plans are not.
What is left now is
what is
inside of us.
Will we cower?
Will we look back?
Will we retreat?
Will we fear the future bacause the
present has dealt us a harsh blow?
Or will we rally and thank God we are
still here and
we still matter and
we're still committed to
moving forward?
How you think is
Everything!
And the way you think
about what is next
is everything
as we look forward.
And
we ARE
looking forward!!
So, in spite of the dark days of this
challenging economy and
flooded neighborhoods
we will survive and
thrive!
Most of it will be about how we
THINK!
SEE YOU THIS THURSDAY MORNING
APRIL 8TH AT 8AM
We'll talk about how to make
good things happen
again!
Got questions?
Call me at home
401-667-0971
Ann Marie
The flood waters have subsided, but the world is different now.
Our faith has been rattled and our hopes have been challenged.
But we're still here even if some of our stuff and
parts of our plans are not.
What is left now is
what is
inside of us.
Will we cower?
Will we look back?
Will we retreat?
Will we fear the future bacause the
present has dealt us a harsh blow?
Or will we rally and thank God we are
still here and
we still matter and
we're still committed to
moving forward?
How you think is
Everything!
And the way you think
about what is next
is everything
as we look forward.
And
we ARE
looking forward!!
So, in spite of the dark days of this
challenging economy and
flooded neighborhoods
we will survive and
thrive!
Most of it will be about how we
THINK!
SEE YOU THIS THURSDAY MORNING
APRIL 8TH AT 8AM
We'll talk about how to make
good things happen
again!
Got questions?
Call me at home
401-667-0971
Ann Marie
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Power of Twenty Dollars!
Can you use an extra twenty dollars this week?
If you had it what would you do with it?
Could you turn it into $2,000 as one of my students did one year?
Could you change the world? Would you even Dare to try?!?
When we think about capital, so many of us think about thousands or millions or in this day and age of big government---trillions!
But what of the power of 20?
Is it too little?
Or does it have the potential for greatness? For motivating change? Or for encouraging something new to grow or to exist or to be...?
The biggest challenge with our money, whether one dollar or a million one dollar bills, is the management of that money. But even more important is the planning of what the money can accomplish and what return it can produce and hopefully, what kind of good work it can accomplish when it is properly directed and professionally managed.
What would YOU do with twenty dollars?
How would you change the world?
How would your idea change the way we think and live?
So, could you use an extra twenty dollars?
Come to my weekly Coffee Conversation at Updike's at 8am this Thursday, April 1st.
I'll have some twenties to share with the best ideas.
See you then-
Ann Marie
If you had it what would you do with it?
Could you turn it into $2,000 as one of my students did one year?
Could you change the world? Would you even Dare to try?!?
When we think about capital, so many of us think about thousands or millions or in this day and age of big government---trillions!
But what of the power of 20?
Is it too little?
Or does it have the potential for greatness? For motivating change? Or for encouraging something new to grow or to exist or to be...?
The biggest challenge with our money, whether one dollar or a million one dollar bills, is the management of that money. But even more important is the planning of what the money can accomplish and what return it can produce and hopefully, what kind of good work it can accomplish when it is properly directed and professionally managed.
What would YOU do with twenty dollars?
How would you change the world?
How would your idea change the way we think and live?
So, could you use an extra twenty dollars?
Come to my weekly Coffee Conversation at Updike's at 8am this Thursday, April 1st.
I'll have some twenties to share with the best ideas.
See you then-
Ann Marie
Sunday, March 21, 2010
NATIONAL SMILE WEEK
Spring arrived yesterday (Saturday), and since then it has been just glorious! Warm weather means warm clients and marks the end of the doldrums of winter.
I am calling this "National Smile Week," only because I think this is the time to smile and be more friendly and use this action to keep your business moving forward.
Your smile is a great tool for disarming the sourpuss, entrancing the mildly awake, and standing out in every opportunity to set yourself apart from the numerous sad sacks that seem to dominate in every situation. Attiude matters. Your winning smile can make all the difference between great success and abject disappointment.
Just smile.
This Thursday we'll talk about how your internal attitude is made obvious to clients by how they perceive your outside appearance. Key among all these outside characteristics is your smile.
Bring your best smile and your positive attitude to our Coffee Conversation this coming Thursday morning. We'll talk about how to turn your smile into more business.
Btw, smiling is the greatest low-cost, no-cost tool your business has!
If you have questions in the meantime or simply want to get a jump on the competition, please call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
Please mark your calendar to attend my next Coffee Conversation at Updike's in North Kingstown on Thursday morning, March 25th at 8:00am.
See you again soon-
Ann Marie
I am calling this "National Smile Week," only because I think this is the time to smile and be more friendly and use this action to keep your business moving forward.
Your smile is a great tool for disarming the sourpuss, entrancing the mildly awake, and standing out in every opportunity to set yourself apart from the numerous sad sacks that seem to dominate in every situation. Attiude matters. Your winning smile can make all the difference between great success and abject disappointment.
Just smile.
This Thursday we'll talk about how your internal attitude is made obvious to clients by how they perceive your outside appearance. Key among all these outside characteristics is your smile.
Bring your best smile and your positive attitude to our Coffee Conversation this coming Thursday morning. We'll talk about how to turn your smile into more business.
Btw, smiling is the greatest low-cost, no-cost tool your business has!
If you have questions in the meantime or simply want to get a jump on the competition, please call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
Please mark your calendar to attend my next Coffee Conversation at Updike's in North Kingstown on Thursday morning, March 25th at 8:00am.
See you again soon-
Ann Marie
Sunday, March 14, 2010
INCREASING YOUR CUSTOMER BASE!
The weather is getting better, warmer---except for all the rain---and that means that business too will begin to heat up as we move toward the middle of the year.
This week we'll talk about adding customers to your client roster.
The main criteria for success in this effort is to identify those potential clients and businesses that have a problem you know how resolve. By focusing on clients with problems, you will be 85% of the way to increasing your customer base.
This Thursday we'll learn how to grow your business by adding clients and cross-selling products and services to improve your overall sales renenues.
If you have questions in the meantime or simply want to get a jump on the competition, please call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
Please mark your calendar to attend my next Coffee Conversation at Updike's in North Kingstown on Thursday morning, March 18th at 8:00am.
See you again soon-
Ann Marie
This week we'll talk about adding customers to your client roster.
The main criteria for success in this effort is to identify those potential clients and businesses that have a problem you know how resolve. By focusing on clients with problems, you will be 85% of the way to increasing your customer base.
This Thursday we'll learn how to grow your business by adding clients and cross-selling products and services to improve your overall sales renenues.
If you have questions in the meantime or simply want to get a jump on the competition, please call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
Please mark your calendar to attend my next Coffee Conversation at Updike's in North Kingstown on Thursday morning, March 18th at 8:00am.
See you again soon-
Ann Marie
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Reduce Your Costs of Operation
OUR FOCUS
One sure way to increase your profits is to reduce the cost of operating your business. It is one of the two not-so-secret keys to the success of Wal-Mart.
In these times, the quicker you evaluate and review every single cost of doing business, the faster you can free up cash in your business and boost your profits.
Ask yourself three questions about everything you are currently paying out each week or month to operate your business:
1- Is this expense absolutely necessary for the survival of my business?
2- If it IS necessary, is there a cheaper alternative I can use, either another supplier or another service company?
3- Can I reduce the use of a needed product or service by even ten percent and thereby save money, lower my operational expenses, and boost profits?
Every business can find savings in their operations or their purchasing that can help the bottom line. You will, too!
I'm on vacation this week and next.
I'll have a special report for you from Florida next Sunday.
Please mark your calendar to attend my next Coffee Conversation at Updike's in North Kingstown on Thursday morning, March 11th at 8:00am.
See you again soon-
Ann Marie
One sure way to increase your profits is to reduce the cost of operating your business. It is one of the two not-so-secret keys to the success of Wal-Mart.
In these times, the quicker you evaluate and review every single cost of doing business, the faster you can free up cash in your business and boost your profits.
Ask yourself three questions about everything you are currently paying out each week or month to operate your business:
1- Is this expense absolutely necessary for the survival of my business?
2- If it IS necessary, is there a cheaper alternative I can use, either another supplier or another service company?
3- Can I reduce the use of a needed product or service by even ten percent and thereby save money, lower my operational expenses, and boost profits?
Every business can find savings in their operations or their purchasing that can help the bottom line. You will, too!
I'm on vacation this week and next.
I'll have a special report for you from Florida next Sunday.
Please mark your calendar to attend my next Coffee Conversation at Updike's in North Kingstown on Thursday morning, March 11th at 8:00am.
See you again soon-
Ann Marie
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Boosting Customer Counts
THIS WEEK'S FOCUS
Increasing the number of customers frequenting your retail location or viewing your web site is important for several reasons:
1- All businesses lose customers constantly, due to moving, job loss, death, change in family status, or change in lifestyle choices.
2- You need to think about how to replace lost customers and incorporate your strategy as one of your DAILY business activities.
3- Getting new customers, and MORE customers, will lead to long-term business growth, both in revenues and in the value of your business.
Interested in getting more customers?
We'll take up this subject as well as addressing your current business needs at our weekly Coffee Conversation on Thursday and begin the process of developing a plan to take you and your business to the next level.
Our weekly Coffee Conversations at Updike's NewTowne are getting noticed and people are excited! There's always room for you, too!
We'll meet you this Thursday morning, February 18th at 8am to help small business owners who want to grow their sales and profits and also help those who want to start-up their own enterprise to get started right.
Updike's NewTowne Coffee Roasting Company and Cafe is located at 7726 Post Road in North Kingstown (across from the town's main Post Office). This is the sixth in a weekly series of coffee conversations to boost businesses in our community.
Have questions? Call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
Increasing the number of customers frequenting your retail location or viewing your web site is important for several reasons:
1- All businesses lose customers constantly, due to moving, job loss, death, change in family status, or change in lifestyle choices.
2- You need to think about how to replace lost customers and incorporate your strategy as one of your DAILY business activities.
3- Getting new customers, and MORE customers, will lead to long-term business growth, both in revenues and in the value of your business.
Interested in getting more customers?
We'll take up this subject as well as addressing your current business needs at our weekly Coffee Conversation on Thursday and begin the process of developing a plan to take you and your business to the next level.
Our weekly Coffee Conversations at Updike's NewTowne are getting noticed and people are excited! There's always room for you, too!
We'll meet you this Thursday morning, February 18th at 8am to help small business owners who want to grow their sales and profits and also help those who want to start-up their own enterprise to get started right.
Updike's NewTowne Coffee Roasting Company and Cafe is located at 7726 Post Road in North Kingstown (across from the town's main Post Office). This is the sixth in a weekly series of coffee conversations to boost businesses in our community.
Have questions? Call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Creating Higher Profit Margins
Our weekly Coffee Conversations at Updike's NewTowne are getting noticed and people are excited! There's always room for you, too!
We'll meet there again this Thursday morning, February 11th at 8am to help small business owners who want to grow their sales and profits and also help those who want to start-up their own enterprise to get started right.
THIS WEEK'S FOCUS
Profit is what allows a business to grow. It is also the difference between survival and thriving in the marketplace. Building greater long-term success in your business includes re-thinking your profit margins. There are several ways to do this.
1- Lower your costs of goods and materials.
2- Decrease your operating costs.
3- Re-think how you charge for your products and/or services.
4- Compare pricing at your competitors or similar businesses.
5- Increase your prices.
6- A combination of the previous strategies.
We'll take up these issues as well as addressing your current business needs at our weekly Coffee Conversation on Thursday and begin the process of developing a plan to take you and your business to the next level.
REMEMBER: Only you have the passion and the power to make your business grow. So, come with your passion and get ready to make things happen!! Join me in improving our business community!
Updike's NewTowne Coffee Roasting Company and Cafe is located at 7726 Post Road in North Kingstown (across from the town's main Post Office). This is the fifth in a weekly series of coffee conversations to boost businesses in our community.
Have questions? Call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
We'll meet there again this Thursday morning, February 11th at 8am to help small business owners who want to grow their sales and profits and also help those who want to start-up their own enterprise to get started right.
THIS WEEK'S FOCUS
Profit is what allows a business to grow. It is also the difference between survival and thriving in the marketplace. Building greater long-term success in your business includes re-thinking your profit margins. There are several ways to do this.
1- Lower your costs of goods and materials.
2- Decrease your operating costs.
3- Re-think how you charge for your products and/or services.
4- Compare pricing at your competitors or similar businesses.
5- Increase your prices.
6- A combination of the previous strategies.
We'll take up these issues as well as addressing your current business needs at our weekly Coffee Conversation on Thursday and begin the process of developing a plan to take you and your business to the next level.
REMEMBER: Only you have the passion and the power to make your business grow. So, come with your passion and get ready to make things happen!! Join me in improving our business community!
Updike's NewTowne Coffee Roasting Company and Cafe is located at 7726 Post Road in North Kingstown (across from the town's main Post Office). This is the fifth in a weekly series of coffee conversations to boost businesses in our community.
Have questions? Call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Boost Your Gross Revenues in 2010
January is over already!
As you make your plans for February and beyond, now is the time to create a strategy for increasing your gross revenues. This is the idea of maximizing every selling and service opportunity and monetizing those opportunities.
First, you need to set a sales goal.
What are your gross sales goals for each day, week, and month?
Remember: If they're not written, they're not real.
Write your sales goals. Read them out loud. Make plans to succeed.
Second, review your list of products and services that offer the possibility for increased sales. What are you overlooking that could help produce new revenues?
Third, come to our Coffee Conversation this Thursday, February 4th at 8am at Updike's NewTowne Cafe and join us to discuss how you can meet your sales goals and your business's need for growth in 2010.
I can help keep you focused on your goals.
In the meantime, call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
Best wishes for a successful week-
Ann Marie Marshall
As you make your plans for February and beyond, now is the time to create a strategy for increasing your gross revenues. This is the idea of maximizing every selling and service opportunity and monetizing those opportunities.
First, you need to set a sales goal.
What are your gross sales goals for each day, week, and month?
Remember: If they're not written, they're not real.
Write your sales goals. Read them out loud. Make plans to succeed.
Second, review your list of products and services that offer the possibility for increased sales. What are you overlooking that could help produce new revenues?
Third, come to our Coffee Conversation this Thursday, February 4th at 8am at Updike's NewTowne Cafe and join us to discuss how you can meet your sales goals and your business's need for growth in 2010.
I can help keep you focused on your goals.
In the meantime, call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
Best wishes for a successful week-
Ann Marie Marshall
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Building [Greater] Success in 2010!
Our weekly Coffee Conversations at Updike's NewTowne are getting noticed and people are excited!
We'll meet there again this Thursday morning, January 28th at 8am to help small business owners who want to grow their sales and profits and also help those who want to start-up their own enterprise to get started right.
THIS WEEK'S FOCUS
Building greater sales success in your business includes helping your present customers increase their purchases. There are numerous ways to do this, but two old fashion strategies seem to work best:
1- Listening more to, and better understanding your customers' needs;
2- Communicating to them more clearly about your capabilities and
ability to help solve their problems
We'll take up these issues as well as addressing your current business needs at our weekly Coffee Conversation on Thursday and begin the process of developing a plan to take you and your business to the next level.
REMEMBER: Only you---not government---can make your business grow. So, come with your passion and get ready to make things happen!! Join me in improving our business community!
Updike's NewTowne Coffee Roasting Company and Cafe is located at 7726 Post Road in North Kingstown (across from the town's main Post Office). This is the third in a weekly series of coffee conversations to boost businesses in our community.
Have questions? Call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
We'll meet there again this Thursday morning, January 28th at 8am to help small business owners who want to grow their sales and profits and also help those who want to start-up their own enterprise to get started right.
THIS WEEK'S FOCUS
Building greater sales success in your business includes helping your present customers increase their purchases. There are numerous ways to do this, but two old fashion strategies seem to work best:
1- Listening more to, and better understanding your customers' needs;
2- Communicating to them more clearly about your capabilities and
ability to help solve their problems
We'll take up these issues as well as addressing your current business needs at our weekly Coffee Conversation on Thursday and begin the process of developing a plan to take you and your business to the next level.
REMEMBER: Only you---not government---can make your business grow. So, come with your passion and get ready to make things happen!! Join me in improving our business community!
Updike's NewTowne Coffee Roasting Company and Cafe is located at 7726 Post Road in North Kingstown (across from the town's main Post Office). This is the third in a weekly series of coffee conversations to boost businesses in our community.
Have questions? Call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Identifying New Paying Customers
Our first Coffee Conversation at Updike's NewTowne this past Thursday was a success!
We'll meet there again this Thursday morning, January 21st at 8am to again help small business owners who want to grow their sales and profits and also help those who want to start-up their own enterprise to get started right.
THIS WEEK'S FOCUS
One key for escaping the doldrums of recession is to expand your customer base. This means moving beyond the geographical and self-imposed limits you may have previously set for your business. There are worlds beyond South County, beyond Providence, and beyond our state and national borders.
Yes, for some businesses, retail for example, your location is vital---it is where your customers arrive and interact. But every business can and must re-examine their product and service lines and ask three important questions:
1- Do I have a product/service that people in other places might
find helpful for solving their problem or meeting a need?
2- Who are these people (and/or businesses) and where are they located?
3- How can I deliver my product/service to them?
We'll take up these questions at our weekly Coffee Conversation on Thursday and begin the process of developing a plan to take you and your business to the next level.
Only you---not government---can make your business grow. So, come with your passion and get ready to make things happen!! Join me in improving our community!
Updike's NewTowne Coffee Roasting Company and Cafe is located at 7726 Post Road in North Kingstown (across from the town's main Post Office). This is the second in a weekly series of coffee conversations to boost businesses in our community.
Have questions? Call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
We'll meet there again this Thursday morning, January 21st at 8am to again help small business owners who want to grow their sales and profits and also help those who want to start-up their own enterprise to get started right.
THIS WEEK'S FOCUS
One key for escaping the doldrums of recession is to expand your customer base. This means moving beyond the geographical and self-imposed limits you may have previously set for your business. There are worlds beyond South County, beyond Providence, and beyond our state and national borders.
Yes, for some businesses, retail for example, your location is vital---it is where your customers arrive and interact. But every business can and must re-examine their product and service lines and ask three important questions:
1- Do I have a product/service that people in other places might
find helpful for solving their problem or meeting a need?
2- Who are these people (and/or businesses) and where are they located?
3- How can I deliver my product/service to them?
We'll take up these questions at our weekly Coffee Conversation on Thursday and begin the process of developing a plan to take you and your business to the next level.
Only you---not government---can make your business grow. So, come with your passion and get ready to make things happen!! Join me in improving our community!
Updike's NewTowne Coffee Roasting Company and Cafe is located at 7726 Post Road in North Kingstown (across from the town's main Post Office). This is the second in a weekly series of coffee conversations to boost businesses in our community.
Have questions? Call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
Sunday, January 10, 2010
WEEKLY COFFEE CONVERSATIONS
I hope you'll join me this Thursday, January 14th, at 8am at Updike's NewTowne Coffee Roasting Company and Cafe at 7726 Post Road in North Kingstown (across from the big Post Office). This is the first in a weekly series of coffee conversations to boost businesses in our community.
Come with the issues you have and what you need to be more successful with your business this year. We can do it.
I'll have my simple one-page Grow Business Check Card that you can use to identify the areas of your business you want to improve. Then we can create a plan to make those changes happen. You don't need to make an appointment---let's get it done!
Only you---not government---can make your business grow. So, come with your passion and get ready to make things happen!! Join me in improving our community!
Have questions? Call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
Come with the issues you have and what you need to be more successful with your business this year. We can do it.
I'll have my simple one-page Grow Business Check Card that you can use to identify the areas of your business you want to improve. Then we can create a plan to make those changes happen. You don't need to make an appointment---let's get it done!
Only you---not government---can make your business grow. So, come with your passion and get ready to make things happen!! Join me in improving our community!
Have questions? Call me anytime at 401-667-0971.
See you soon-
Ann Marie
Sunday, January 3, 2010
What Do You Need NOW to Grow Your Business?
There's plenty of TALK everywhere in our state about "creating jobs" and "getting the economy moving," but where is the ACTION!?
As a business owner or someone who wants to start your own business, the only thing that makes anything possible is to take some ACTION!
My work as Rhode Island's Economic Gardener is to take action, connect people and businesses, find resources, and make things happen so you can reach your business and personal goals and in the process improve our communities in Exeter and North Kingstown. With that in mind, I have a question for you:
What do you need NOW to grow your business?
It might be different results: more sales, more clients, lower costs, better suppliers, better employees.
It might be useful tools: a business plan, marketing plan, web site, online strategies, or even a personal business coach.
Finally, it might be financing or an investment in your business: building loan, line of credit, working capital loan, equipment financing, or an equity investor.
Whatever you need to grow your business, I can help you obtain it. Whatever your business goal, I can help you achieve it.
In the next week, I will launch a weekly series of business growth gatherings at local coffee shops around our two towns: Sophie's, Jitters, and others, all located in neighborhoods that are near where you live and work.
I will have my Economic Gardener Growth Checklist for you to fill out and help us get started on growing your business and growing our local economy!
Start-ups and people in transition always welcome!
Let's take action and make your business grow!!
Ann Marie
As a business owner or someone who wants to start your own business, the only thing that makes anything possible is to take some ACTION!
My work as Rhode Island's Economic Gardener is to take action, connect people and businesses, find resources, and make things happen so you can reach your business and personal goals and in the process improve our communities in Exeter and North Kingstown. With that in mind, I have a question for you:
What do you need NOW to grow your business?
It might be different results: more sales, more clients, lower costs, better suppliers, better employees.
It might be useful tools: a business plan, marketing plan, web site, online strategies, or even a personal business coach.
Finally, it might be financing or an investment in your business: building loan, line of credit, working capital loan, equipment financing, or an equity investor.
Whatever you need to grow your business, I can help you obtain it. Whatever your business goal, I can help you achieve it.
In the next week, I will launch a weekly series of business growth gatherings at local coffee shops around our two towns: Sophie's, Jitters, and others, all located in neighborhoods that are near where you live and work.
I will have my Economic Gardener Growth Checklist for you to fill out and help us get started on growing your business and growing our local economy!
Start-ups and people in transition always welcome!
Let's take action and make your business grow!!
Ann Marie
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