When it comes to finding a great name for a business, brand, product or service, it really comes down to this: A good name should make someone smile or nod, not scratch their head in confusion. more

The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries. more

Jo-Ann Schofield, president and chief operating officer of the Rhode Island Mentoring Partnership, was recently appointed to a national advisory panel for mentoring. As a member of The Mentoring Partnership Advisory Council, Schofield and her colleagues from around the nation will focus on topics in the areas of quality-based mentoring, resource development, public awareness, public policy and research. Schofield, who recently earned a certificate of nonprofit studies from Rhode Island College, describes herself as a lifelong learner. She has been mentoring a child for three years who is currently in fourth grade. more

Ask writing coach Lisa Tener how to pen an inspirational memoir, and she’ll point to one of her own success stories, Dr. Tim Warren. more

The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries. more

When you’re asking an existing or prospective customer a question, the object is to get them to think and respond emotionally. more

With employment growing at a gradual yet steady pace, an increasing number of employers are expected to thaw their hiring freeze and take on new workers in 2013. But companies that placed hiring on the back burner for the past few years may have a surprise in store. more

Customer referrals are one of the most powerful and lucrative ways of building business. While word-of-mouth gets you noticed, referrals are even better because the best ones bring purchase-ready customers or clients right to your doorstep (or website) complete with an existing customer’s endorsement. more

The Providence Business News Executive Poll is a weekly survey of 70 business leaders throughout the state, representing small and large companies in a variety of industries. more

A well-known radio personality was speaking with a rainmaker I know. At the end of the conversation the radio person made an interesting comment: “You actually connected with me.” For him that was an unusual experience. more