Volume 2, Issue 1
Table of Contents

Cover Story:
For RBD, It Was
a Very Good Year

Feature Stories:
Lessons Learned
Starting a small business can be a daunting proposition
Web Masters
RBD's online presence is a natural progression

RBD Round-Up:
How's Business?
The results are in from our
first survey
RBD Business Survey
What's your take on the rising cost of healthcare?

DEPARTMENTS:

Economic Round-Up
• The Smart Investor
How to minimize the affect of the Alternative Minimum Tax
• Economic Viewpoint
Interpreting the Inverted
Yield Curve
• Visitor's Guide
Tour busses in Rockland?

Retail Round-Up
• Where the Jobs Are
Tips for students looking
for work

Business Round-Up
• PSI Health Plans
Offer flexibility and
cost savings
• Marketing By Design
The top 15 campaigns of the last 100 years - Part 2

Ask The Expert
• The Human Factor in
Human Resources

Invest in Your Community
• Looking For a Better Way
Tomorrow's Workplace
offers help
• Leadership Rockland
Graduates class of 2007
• Youth Forum & Awards
Rockland Youth Volunteers Honored

Odds & Ends
• Letters to the Editor
• Rockland Newsmakers

Dedicated Section:
Rockland Business Association:

The President’s Desk
Heart-felt Congratulations
to Rockland's only B2B resource

RBA/United Way Golf Outing
A beautiful day for all

RBA Happenings
• Committee and Council Info
• Calendar of Events
• New Members

Q: I attend a lot of networking events and am never quite sure of how best to present myself in my 30 second pitch. Can you help?

A: The goal is not to memorize a canned speech. The goal is to be so incredibly clear about what you bring to your clients and customers, and to be so in LOVE with what you do, that the words roll off your tongue.

The key thing to keep in mind is: when people ask you what you do, they are really asking “what can you do for me?” Listen for that unasked question and answer it with what you will provide, not what you do. Here you need to be specific about how your business will help them. When you are specific you will engage in meaningful conversation. This is a conversation which builds relationships and moves you towards a sale.

Q: I have an employee who is doing a terrific job. I want to give him a raise but it’s just not in the budget right now. How do I keep him motivated and happy?

A: Cash rewards can be terrific and greatly appreciated, but are not the only way to reward a team member…and in some cases, not even the most effective way. There are other, proven ways that don’t cost money.

Public praise is one of the best rewards. Money cannot buy the power that public praise bestows. It results in increased self-confidence, self esteem, peer respect, and a heightened sense of personal value to the company.

Another non-monetary reward is to allow team members to set their own work schedule. They decide when to take breaks, lunch, etc., and for how long. You allow them to work to a flexible schedule … provided they put in the minimum required hours. They’ll gain a sense of importance and increased value and will rarely abuse the trust placed in them.

You may also reward them with participation in a special task force or focus group. This added prestige and stimulation can go a long way in maintaining enthusiasm and loyalty. RBD

Peter Karp is a Certified Business Coach who owns ActionCoach of Rockland and Westchester. He coaches business owners to reach financial freedom and balance in their lives. Peter can be reached at (914) 328-3080. Website: www.actioncoaching.com/peterkarp.