November 9, 2026

It is time for the business expo!

Greetings!

Tomorrow, November 10th (Tuesday) is the OCEAN STATE BUSINESS EXPO at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI (start time is 3pm). The nice thing about this expo as compared to a full conference or giant expo or trade show is it is only one day, and it is only 4 hours. Bigger shows can be a heavy lift for small businesses. This one is very doable and there is a ton of benefits for a smaller show. It is VERY worth having a table at if you are part of the small business community (especially if you are in the business-to-business world).

It really does not matter what business you are in. Whether you are a B2B or B2C, a solopreneur or a 100-employee business owner, a nonprofit organization or a big money-making business, you need to at least attend this show! The networking is some of the best you will find in the state. You never know who you will meet or what you will learn. You just have to go to find out!

(Note: Before you go to the expo, read my article below on the essentials of networking. The event is a perfect place to network so review the essentials to make the most of this opportunity-see below).

And don't forget to stop by the BREW WORK table at the expo and say hello!

CHEERS!

“For the rest of us, the Elevator Pitch is a crock. It's a bad idea. Real humans have back-and-forth conversations. We don't blast other people with the audio versions of our business cards.”

– Liz Ryan



The Mission of MOMENTUM

is to support the local small business community and entrepreneurs by encouraging them to:

ENGAGE (get out to seminars, networking and other events); 

EDUCATE (commit to lifelong learning); 

ENJOY (if you cannot laugh and have a little fun, then you are not doing it right!).

See you out there!

P.S. Have you bought your toys yet? Now is the time to get out there and buy some so you are ready to go for what we hope is our biggest BUSINESSES GIVE BACK TOYS FOR TOTS event ever. The event will be held on November 16th at the Guild in Pawtucket RI from 5pm-9pm. I am delighted to thank all of our 2026 official business sponsors---a combination of some nonprofits, marketing and media companies, networking organizations, contractors and other businesses. They are all different, but they all have one thing in common: THEY CARE ABOUT KIDS! All are welcome at this event! Please plan on attending this party that the sponsors help make happen. We've got live music, free food, Santa Claus and more. All you have to do is bring some new, unwrapped toys for our drive. We would love to hit 2500 toys this year so whatever you can do to help us reach that goal, we appreciate! See the poster below for more information and the logos of all of this year's amazing sponsors.

THANK YOU!

The 3 Absolute Essentials of Networking

-by Bob Salvas

The three absolute essentials of marketing can be perfectly summed up by a quote I first heard from sales and leadership expert Shelley Potente:

"Show up, speak up, and follow-up.”

Let’s dive deeper to understand the nuances of each of these 3 absolute essentials:

SHOW UP- We’ve all heard the famous saying that 80% of success is just showing up. There is a lot of truth in that, but we do need to understand that we also need to show up often over time and we need to have a good attitude when we do show up. Showing up at every networking event in January and then not showing up at any other events until NEXT January is, well, NOT really showing up. And if you do show up a lot but are always in a bad mood, that is not going to get you very far either!

“Showing up is essential. Showing up consistently is powerful. Showing up consistently with a positive outlook is even more powerful.”

-Jeff Olson

SPEAK UP- This one is a little trickier...  

CONTINUE READING

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking

(real estate)

at T's Restaurant,

East Greenwich RI

November 10, 2026

8am-9am

At Trust Networking - East Greenwich, you'll have the chance to expand your professional network, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or simply looking to meet new people, this event is perfect for anyone interested in fostering meaningful connections.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking Newport (Real Estate)

at Wyndham Hotel, Newport RI

November 10, 2026

8:30am-9:30am

Trust Networking - Newport, RI

Join us at our newest chapter: Trust Networking - Newport Real Estate. This new Real Estate focused group will meet on Tuesdays from 8:30AM - 9:30AM at Johnny's Restaurant @ Wyndham Hotel. This in-person gathering is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals in the Real Estate related world.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Event:

Ocean State Business Expo 2026

at the Crowne Plaza, Warwick RI

November 10, 2026

3pm-7pm

This is one of the biggest and best events of the year!

The 2026 Ocean State Business Expo kicks off another year of outstanding support for the small business community. The event takes place on November 10, 2026 from 3pm-7pm at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI.

PURCHASE YOUR TABLE AT THIS EVENT. DON'T MISS OUT!

ALSO, BE SURE TO STOP BY THE BREW WORK TABLE WHILE YOU ARE THERE!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXPO

Why is it so important to go to IN PERSON events when we live in an increasingly digital world? It is precisely BECAUSE we live in an increasingly digital world! Check out this article for more information:

The Future of Connection: Why Event Marketing Reigns Supreme

Happy Veterans Day!

November 11, 2026

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking Mansfield

at DataPay Payroll, Mansfield MA

November 13, 2026 9am-10am

Trust Networking - Mansfield

Join us for referral networking at the Mansfield, MA chapter.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking

November 13, 2026

noon-1pm

Trust Networking's first B2B group is the B2B CUMBERLAND TRUST GROUP and it is in a brand new location at Phantom Farms Brewing Co in Cumberland RI. Come for a visit and see what the excitement is all about.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Event:

The New England Patriots vs the Detroit Lions

at Allianz Arena, Munich Germany

November 15, 2026

9:30am

The Patriots and Lions travel overseas for just the third time the NFL has played a regulation game in Germany. PROST! And of course, GO PATS!

In-Person Event:

Puffs & Pawns

at White Ash Cigar Lounge, Pawtucket RI

November 15, 2026

1pm-5pm

On Sunday November 15 at 1pm, the PUFFS 'N PAWNS gathering will take place. If you like chess and cigars, this is the place for you. Come out and play some casual chess and enjoy a cigar and a drink. All are welcome!

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Event:

The 2026 Businesses Give Back Toys for Tots Event

at the Guild Brewery, Pawtucket RI

November 16, 2026

5pm-9pm

The 2026 BUSINESSES GIVE BACK TOYS FOR TOTS event will be back at the Guild Brewery in Pawtucket RI on November 16, 2026 from 5pm-9pm. This is a great event for a great cause. Free music and BBQ and great tasting beer and other drinks to enjoy. All you have to do is bring some new toys with you for the donation. We collected over 2,000 toys last year!

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Little Rhody Professional Networking

at Juncal Mexican Grill & Bar, Cumberland RI

November 17, 2026

6pm-8pm

Little Rhody Professional Networking would like to invite you to our November RI Networking @ Juncal Mexican Restaurant in Cumberland, RI

Little Rhody Professional Networking would like to invite you to our November Rhode Island Business Networking & Social Event at Juncal Mexican Restaurant in Cumberland, RI from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Tuesday, November 17th.

All professionals are welcome whether you are simply working on building your network, looking for business leads, looking for a new job or just like to meet people.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

The Heart of RI Networking

at CIC, Providence RI

November 18, 2026

8am-9:45am

One of the more popular monthly networking events is the HEART OF RI and it routinely sells out. So you might want to reserve a spot NOW! Always a lot of great networkers at this event.



REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Trust Networking

at Englund Studio, North Kingstown RI

November 18, 2026

12pm-1pm

At Trust Networking - North Kingstown, you'll have the chance to expand your professional network, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or simply looking to meet new people, this event is perfect for anyone interested in fostering meaningful connections.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Heart of Massachusetts Networking

at the Springhill Suites by Marriot, Wrentham MA

November 18, 2026

5pm-6:30pm

The Heart Of Massachusetts

Gather and collaborate with The Heart of Massachusetts to connect, grow, and thrive in a vibrant, community-focused event.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Good Networking Coffee Hour

at Good Working

November 19, 2026

8am-9am

Good Working Coworking .

585 Smithfield Road,

North Smithfield, RI



What to Expect: Join fellow professionals at our monthly Good Networking Coffee Hour (on the last Thursday of the month) held at the cozy and inviting Good Working co-working space. Whether you're a freelancer, business owner, etc.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

(almost) Last Friday Coffee

with Englund Studio

November 20, 2026

8:30am-10am

at the Quonset Office Park

70 Romano Vineyard Way, North Kingstown, RI

Bring plenty of business cards and a positive energetic business attitude. Stop by and meet new contacts and, as always, rebuild your associations.



REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

Funny 4 Funds

at the Guild Brewery, Pawtucket RI

November 20, 2026

6:30pm

Funny 4 Funds is back with a comedy fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer's Association on Friday, November 20, 2026. The event will be held at the Guild Brewery in Pawtucket RI with doors opening at 6:30pm and the event wrapping up around 10pm. Come out for a night of laughs to support a great cause!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In-Person Networking:

Cigar Networking

with Sal and Uncle Jay

November 25, 2026 4pm-6:30pm

Regency Cigar Emporium

752 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI

Join us at the Regency in East Greenwich for a little casual business-to-business networking.

Sit back and relax, enjoy a cigar and adult beverage.

Discuss the issues of the day and unwind from the grind.

REGISTER HERE

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 26, 2026

In-Person Networking:

Small Business Saturday Shop RI

at the Crowne Plaza, Warwick RI

November 28, 2026

9am

Celebrate 10 years of shopping small at Rhode Island’s holiday shopping showcase! Small Business Saturday Shop RI brings together more than 150 diverse vendors all under one roof. The event takes place on November 28, 2026 at 9am at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In-Person Networking:

RI Women's Expo

at the Crowne Plaza, Warwick RI

November 29, 2026

11am-3pm

RI WOMEN'S EXPO- a Pat Cruz event, comes to the Crowne Plaza in Warwick RI on Sunday November 29, 2026. It runs from 11am-3pm. This lifestyle event for women & drink, shopping, fashion, prizes, giveaways, personal growth and LOTS OF FUN! Don't miss this one!

This is not just an expo. This is an event dedicated to 'all wonderful things women' and honestly, you deserve it!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

In-Person Event:

The New England Patriots at the Los Angeles Chargers

at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles CA

November 29, 2026

8:20pm

The Patriots travel to the west coast to face the LA Chargers. GO PATS!

In-Person Networking:

Non-Profit Connections RI

at the Working Man Distillers, Pawtucket RI

December 3, 2026

5:30pm-7:30pm

After a short hiatus, the NONPROFIT CONNECTIONS RI is BACK! Lots of new stuff happening (new dates -first Thursday of each month and new home base- Working Man Distillery!) and each month will feature a different sponsor.

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Event:

The Buffalo Bills at the New England Patriots

at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA

December 6, 2026

4:30pm

The Patriots return home to face their big division rival, the Buffalo Bills. GO PATS!

In-Person Networking:

Cigar Networking

at the White Ash Cigar Lounge, Pawtucket RI

December 7, 2026

5:30pm-8:30pm

Kamil Sarji concludes celebrating his 10th year of hosting Cigar Networking with the annual holiday gathering. Join us to raise a glass (and a cigar!) to the holiday season!

Ten years ago, a small group of business owners and professionals sat down, lit up, and started talking. That first Monday in May 2016 turned into a monthly tradition — and this year, we’re celebrating 10 years of Cigar Business Networking.

If you’ve never been, here’s the idea: every first Monday of the month (unless that falls on a holiday), we gather at White Ash Cigar Lounge in Pawtucket for a relaxed evening of real business conversation. No stiff name tags, no forced small talk — just good people, good cigars, and genuine connections.

You don’t have to smoke to belong here. What brings people back month after month is the room itself — entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners who actually want to grow and help others do the same. (note: White Ash is now an official CIGARS FOR WARRIORS location!)

REGISTER HERE

In-Person Networking:

BREW WORK

at Long Live Beerworks, Providence RI

December 9, 2026

5:30pm-7:30pm

This is a BRAND-NEW networking series of events that started in September. If you love local craft beer (or at least love to support local brewery businesses) and you love casual business networking, then you are going to want to jump on board with BREW WORK. For December, we visit Long Live! Complete schedule below.

REGISTER HERE

LAST CALL FOR BREW WORK MEMBERSHIP VALUE PACKAGE!



You get entry to the next ten BREW WORK networking monthly events (the final one is September 14, 2027) PLUS you get the official first year BREW WORK T-shirt! But you MUST sign up by December 9th!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR 2026-27 MEMBERSHIP

In-Person Event:

The Minnesota Vikings at the New England Patriots

at Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA

December 10, 2026

8:15pm

The Patriots are home again to face the Minnesota Vikings. GO PATS!

In-Person Event:

The New England Patriots at the Kansas City Chiefs

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City MO

December 21, 2026

8:15pm

The Patriots head to KC to face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. GO PATS!

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2026

In-Person Event:

The New England Patriots at the New York Jets

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford NJ

December 27, 2026

1pm

The Patriots travel to the New York area to face the division rival Jets for the second time. GO PATS!

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2027

In-Person Event:

23rd Annual Polar Plunge to benefit A Wish Come True

at Easton's Beach, Newport RI

January 1, 2027

Noon

A Wish Come True challenges the community to brave the cold at its 23^rd Annual Polar Plunge Challenge in Newport.

New Year’s resolutions come and go, but some experiences stay with you forever. This January 1^st, challenge yourself to something unforgettable and help a local child facing a life-threatening illness experience the magic of their greatest wish. 

A Wish Come True invites the community to kick off 2027 at its 23^rd Annual Polar Plunge Challenge: Freezin’ for a Reason on January 1^st at Easton’s Beach in Newport. Hundreds of plungers will brave the freezing Atlantic Ocean to help grant magical wishes for local children. 

The plunge begins at 12:00 p.m. sharp on January 1, 2027, at Easton’s Beach in Newport. You can start a team, register or donate to the cause.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For 44 years, the Pawtucket St Patrick's Day Parade has been a highlight event in the month of March. The parade kicks off on March 7, 2027, but there will be many fundraisers and events leading up to parade day. Support this great Rhode Island tradition.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The biggest home and consumer show in southern New England will take place in Providence RI (Convention Center) from April 9-11, 2027. Exhibitor spots are already being sold so lock yours in before all the spots are gone!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

National Small Business week takes place from May 2-8, 2027. The final event that week is the awards luncheon. You can submit a nomination now for some of the awards being given. You will soon also be able to buy tickets to that luncheon. Keep supporting small business!



FOR MORE INFORMATION

Let's be sure to reach out in gratitude to those who have helped us succeed in business and in life. Make that notion of gratitude more meaningful by sending something TANGIBLE to those you appreciate. I like to call it MOMENTUM MAIL- sending tangible thanks not only makes you feel good but it builds momentum for your business and for your life!

Many of you will think about this but then get too busy.

Trust me, MAILBOX POWER is the solution you have been looking for.

Send small gifts or cards affordably and conveniently right from your laptop.

CHECK IT OUT HERE!



This is an easy and creative solution to gift giving and card sending, so I encourage you to take a closer look at MAILBOX POWER (try it free for 14 days). Everything can be done from your laptop and at an affordable price too!

LET YOUR CLIENTS AND PROSPECTS KNOW YOU APPRECIATE THEM!