d-mars.com Business Journal 96

Business Journal Inspire, Inform & Educate

August 2015

INSIDE

Connect With Us

facebook.com/dmarsmarketing

96th Edition @dmars_com

@dmars_com

The Power of Effective Communication

Gain Effective Communication for Business Success

By Dawn Paul The theme for this issue of the Business Journal is The Power of Effective Communication.

PAGE 6

PAGE 8

By Cynthia Nevels

Humanizing Capitalism: What’s the Alternative for Funding a Small Business?

Are You Responsible?

By Noel Pinnock Good leaders never embrace a victim mentality.

PAGE 10

PAGE 11

PAGE 4-5

Anthony Newton & Kaduceus Holdings, Inc. Bridging the Skills Gap Nationwide

By J. Thomas Smith

To Get a Good Job, Get a Good Education

Learning from Rejection

By Chaz Pitts-Kyser “You didn’t get the job?”

Don’t you hate when people ask that question right after you told them you didn’t get it?

PAGE 20

A man without ambition is dead. A man with ambition but no love is dead. A man with ambition and love for his blessings here on earth is ever so alive.

- Pearl Bailey

August 2015 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

Office Manager Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Power of Effective Communication is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Business Journal.

Being in the media business, it is a must that d-mars.com effectively communicates information to the community. I know first-hand the importance of effective communication. Communicating effectively in your business can create unlimited opportunities and business success. The cover story and other articles in this journal will inspire you to tap into your power to communicate effectively.

This month’s cover story is on Anthony Newton and Kaduceus Holdings, Inc. Newton has an amazing story. He had humble beginnings, but he didn’t give up. He knows that effective communication is one of the keys to his success. Because of his communication skills, Kaduceus’ curriculum is in over 200 school districts around the country. There is great power in effective communication. Newton’s cover story and other articles in this issue will encourage you to use your power of effective communication to create success and opportunities for yourself.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work.

Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

Dawn Paul

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cynthia Nevels Noel Pinnock J. Thomas Smith Chaz Pitts-Kyser

Contents Anthony Newton & Kaduceus Holdings, Inc...........................................................................................................................................4-5 Gain Effective Communication for Business Success............................................................................................................................ 6 Humanizing Capitalism: What’s the Alternative for Funding a Small Business.............................................................................. 8 Are You Responsible?......................................................................................................................................................................................10 To Get a Good Job, Get a Good Education................................................................................................................................................... 11 The Power of Effective Communication.....................................................................................................................................................16 Learning from Rejection................................................................................................................................................................................20

Are you Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

MR. D-MARS

499.99

Tip of the Month

.99 2991year

“You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.”

- Michael Jordan

Presents

BLACK PAGES ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY What this means to you,

The Business Owner: • The ability to stimulate money in our communities • Publicity at an affordable price • The professionalism it provides to black-owned businesses

It’s time we put our future finances into our own HANDS! We must encourage members to patronize black-owned businesses to further expand the economic power of African American merchants and the households that support them.

ADVERTISING | MARKETING | MEDIA | COMMUNICATIONS

Call today 713.272.9511

It’s Just That Simple!!!

www.d-mars.com

contact@d-mars.com

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

4 August 2015

Anthony Newton & Kaduceus Holdings, Inc.

Bridging the Skills Gap Nationwide National Educational Expert Raises the Bar and Sets the New Trend for Hands-on Career Training

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

T

he caduceus is a medical symbol that is associated with healing and medicine, and it’s one of the most recognizable symbols in this country. When it comes to healing your body or your loved ones, you look for the most experienced in the medical field. When it comes to training the next generation of medical experts, Anthony Newton has raised the bar and set a new trend when it comes to career training.

Newton is a national educational consultant and expert. Kaduceus Holdings, Inc. (Kaduceus) is his career training company that has healthcare programs that are being used around the country. His partnership with over 200 school districts is bridging the skills gap nationwide. After a decade of dominating the career training industry, he sees more opportunities for growth to help students reach their career goals.

Newton grew up in a two-parent modest household with old fashioned values.

Neither of his parents received a traditional college education or graduated high school, but they were inspired to return to school and get their diplomas years later. Their objective was to lead by example, and they did just that. Their key to success for their children was to work hard and get an education. Instead of opting for a four-year degree, Newton took college courses that would be beneficial to his goal and career path.

“I believe my biggest contribution to society is in the Career & Technical Education (CTE) arena of secondary education. Kaduceus is helping to bridge the skills gap nationwide by providing opportunities for high school students to graduate with a diploma in one hand and a national career certification in the other. We are providing a way for high school students to start a career immediately after graduating, or they have the option to work their way through college with a good paying job.”

– Anthony Newton, Founder & CEO of Kaduceus Holdings, Inc. He identified early on that effective communication would be the key to his business success. He admits that he was not the most articulate in his younger years. He remembers saying the prayer, “God, please help me elevate my speech.”

Newton realized that without effective communication, he could not be a successful business owner. He recalls walking around with a thesaurus to look for words to replace the simple ones he was using, so he would sound more intelligent. He understood that without effective communication, no one would follow him as a leader. “I am proud that I have become an effective communicator after years of working on it,” says Newton. He is a shining example of how the power of effective communication can create business success.

Newton got the idea for the name of his company from a doctor he worked with

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015 5

when he first started working in the education field. The caduceus symbol signifies healing and medicine, and he knew the name of his company would be based on that. Kaduceus signifies that there is a solution to a problem. Working for companies like Kaplan and Everest, he learned first-hand how educating and career training changes lives. He believed and still believes in what Kaplan, Everest and similar companies are doing to assist in helping adults obtain career certifications. However, the problem Newton identified was that after students would receive their certificate, there was great concern regarding student loans. Students were obtaining employment in their respective fields of study, but like many students across the country, the student loans were a burden. He saw students paying money towards student loans for just a certificate. This did not sit well with him. He was determined to do something about it. In order to provide students with quality and relevant career training, certification and eliminate any issue of student debt, he decided to channel his company solely to high schools. Newton states, “Kaduceus is getting students certified, and they don’t have to pay back student loans. They can concentrate on learning and being equipped to work in the competitive healthcare industry.”

Kaduceus is currently in over 200 school districts around the country, and there are no signs of slowing down. Newton continues to increase Kaduceus’ profitability. The company has been in the black for 10 consecutive years, which is pretty impressive for a small business.

It is very difficult to get a curriculum into schools districts, but the districts love Kaduceus’ curricula and programs. The programs are well accepted, because they aide their students in learning. Students love the programs, as they allow them to get a head start before going to college or entering the work force. It is a win-win for everyone.

“Kaduceus is doing its part to help students succeed and to combat the dropout rate. We give them a goal to strive for. As I observe students succeeding with Kaduceus’ programs, it brings me great pleasure to see them reaching their goals,” Newton says.

This makeover provides all the equipment and supplies to the district that are needed for simulated labs.

Newton takes pride in the fact that Kaduceus is engaging students. He does not want students robbed of the hands-on experience, and the students appreciate Kaduceus’ programs. A Kaduceus student expresses, “I would recommend this program. It’s so informative. The learning material makes it easy to learn. It’s also good to meet with other students going into this healthcare industry. It has shown me the way. The teachers are inspiring. It’s been awesome!”

Kaduceus has developed programs and curricula that educates students in the areas of Pharmacy Technician (PT), Medical Billing and Coding (MBC) and Veterinary Assistant (VA). Recently, Kaduceus has added a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.

Kaduceus has a hands-on approach that students will not get anywhere else. There is currently a push for online education, and there is nothing wrong with taking classes online, but in certain professions you need the hands-on training element. Though you can learn essentials online, the unique and beneficial approach that Kaduceus uses provides a tangible curriculum, an online component and a hands-on component, which is like modern day labs. Kaduceus provides the experienced and compassionate instructors with everything they need to facilitate a lab, which is referred to as the “classroom makeover.”

All career paths offered are national certification programs and curricula that are results-driven. Kaduceus has an impressive pass rate, and they have earned their bragging rights. Over 90% of their students complete the course, and they have an 85% passage rate for certification. Students see this opportunity as a foundation. The programs and curricula light a fire under these students, so that they have aspirations to go on to pursue a higher education. “I believe Kaduceus’ curriculum has given me a good introduction and given me a sense of college in a high school setting. I‘m prepared for what I’m going to

face in college. It’s been fantastic,” says another Kaduceus student.

Newton knows the success rate at Kaduceus would not be possible without their dedicated instructors.

Kaduceus provides their teachers with refresher courses every year, and this comes with a stipend.

Kaduceus does not bring in consultants to review curriculum, but instead they use their own teachers and faculty to do a yearly review of the curriculum.

Newton says, “It all starts with the teacher. I went to Kashmere High School in Houston ISD. There was a teacher there who took me by the hand and told me I would be in the health co-op program. The opportunity and guidance of that one teacher exposed me to an entirely new outlook and way of life. The motivation and encouragement of this teacher allowed me to grow and pursue a job teaching at the National Institute of Technology (now Everest Institute). I appreciate the hard work that teacher put in to train the next generation of healthcare professionals.” Another unique and amazing facet to Kaduceus is that their teachers can concentrate on teaching versus developing, which is rare in the school system. Newton explains, “Teachers love us, because they can focus on teaching. We have the latest technology to grade papers, develop lesson plans and handle other duties, so all that our teachers have to do is teach. We take the burden off of them, and they renew every year.”

Kaduceus has over 250 teachers, and their teachers get what they deserve. Every year, Newton hosts (he pays for this out of his own pocket) the Diamond Teacher Recognition Banquet, where he rolls out the red carpet for his teachers. He takes this time to show the Kaduceus teachers and staff that their work is greatly appreciated by presenting awards and awarding scholarships to a student from each program. Newton shows his appreciation in hopes that it will motivate these great educators to continue to effectively equip and educate students going into the competitive medical field.

Though Newton is now reaping the benefits of his labor, it did not come without struggles, and he gives all the glory to God. There was a dark point in the beginning, when he was homeless for 6 months and living in his office after losing his only contract. Although it was a difficult time, he did not waver from giving to God during his moment of homelessness.

Newton says, “I would write affirmations and put them on the wall in my office to encourage me. I would cry, but even though it was hard, I didn’t give up.” Kaduceus has grown over the years. Kaduceus started with 1 school district, and it now has contracts with over 200 school districts in 6 states (TX, CA, IL, NC, NM and SC), with plans for expansion nationwide. Newton has received awards and recognition for the Kaduceus programs and curricula, but for him it is not about accolades. Newton is honored that he can provide students with a quality curriculum and certification, without the burden of a student loan. Kaduceus is providing a necessary foundation for the young generation to achieve goals. Kaduceus is equipping students and laying a foundation for future healthcare professionals to achieve success, whatever path they choose. To read more about Kaduceus, please visit www.kaduceusinc.com.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

6 August 2015

Gain Effective Communication for Business Success

By Dawn Paul

T

Associate Editor

he theme for this issue of the Business Journal is The Power of Effective Communication.

This theme is especially fitting when it comes to your business. How do you communicate with your employees? How do you communicate with clients and potential clients? These are some questions that you must ask yourself as a business owner. There are some people that excel in business because of their effective communication skills.

How are your communication skills?

Do you have improvements to make in the area of communication? If so, no worries. It’s not too late to take a hard look at your approach when it comes to communication. Many people don’t realize their communication could be keeping them from lucrative and beneficial opportunities that can help their business grow. If you are not sure, it could be likely that there’s work to do.

The fact that there’s work to do is nothing to be ashamed of. Like anything in life, it takes hard work to make improvements. If you work at your communication skills, then in no time, you’ll be on your way to making beneficial connections to help you succeed in business.

When it comes to finance and business information, Forbes magazine is a

leading source. Below please find some suggested tips found on their website (www.forbes.com) that can be beneficial when it comes to communication and business.

1. Generate trust, rather than distrust. Effective communication requires trust in you, your message and your delivery. We tend to trust people that we think are like us. People who are optimistic, confident and demonstrate competence, generate trust. Are you one of these?

2. Be collaborative, rather than present a monologue. Collaborating for influence has become a fundamental leadership skill. Be known for the questions you ask – not the answers you give. Statements imply that you intend to control the interaction, whereas questions imply that other input has value to arriving at a mutually beneficial decision.

3. Aim to simplify, rather than inject complexity. Simplicity leads to focus, which produces clarity of purpose.

People distrust what they don’t understand, what they perceive as doublespeak, or things made unnecessarily complex. Influencing people to change their mind or actions requires building an intuitive simple path to your answer.

4. Deliver with tact, and avoid insensitivity. Some word choices turn people off because they are tasteless, tactless or pompous. Phrase your communication to avoid biases that might

create negative reactions. Consider using other authority figures or quotes to deliver a more persuasive message, while eliminating any sensitive implications.

5. Position future potential, instead of achievements alone. The allure of potential is normally greater than today’s actual achievements. This is especially true for career advancement, motivation and the power of systems. For customers and clients, let them have it both ways. Consider what you can package as your own untapped potential.

6. Consider the listener perspective, rather than the presenter. Listeners tend to average all the pieces of information they hear and walk away with a single impression. More is not always better, so reduce the length of presentations and speeches. Perceptions are more important than reality. Avoid the overhelpfulness syndrome.

7. Tend toward specifics, rather than generalizations. Many executive speeches miss the mark, because they aim for the general constituency and hit no one. People need to know how a message relates to them personally, not just what has to be done and why. Your challenge is to make the future seem attainable and applicable to each listener.

8. Capitalize on emotions, as well as logic. Emotion often overrides logic, but logic rarely overrides emotion. For many listeners, a logical explanation merely justifies and supports an emotional decision that has already been made. Recognize and calm first any emotional reactions of fear. Engage multiple senses to reach a listener’s emotion.

9. Lead with empathy before your own perspective. Empathy starts with active listening to what’s being said and what’s not being said. Listen for the gaps and distortion between perception and reality, and then focus on closing these gaps before any persuasion to your own perspective is attempted. Let others help you listen, and tune your response.

Now that you have read some of these suggestions and tips, you should be on your way to being a better communicator and opening doors for yourself in business.

It’s important to communicate effectively in order to network and seal those lucrative deals. There’s no better time than now to start improving your communication skills. There is great power when you communicate effectively.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015  7

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

8 August 2015

Humanizing Capitalism:

What’s the Alternative for Funding a Small Business?

T

By Cynthia Nevels Contributing Writer

he number one problem small businesses have when it comes to growth is deficient access to capital.

Acquiring capital for your small business is a process.

This process is sometimes technical and can dehumanize the experience for some entrepreneurs.

Traditional Capital Acquisition Traditionally, financial institutions will not take into account why you started your business, the social impact your idea may have, or your level of passion (albeit, passion is not a safe gauge for risk and potential success). Bank and credit union underwriters simply want the facts about your credit, capacity and credibility when calculating their risk tolerance.

This traditional lending experience has often left some entrepreneurs out in the cold and unable to acquire the capital needed, thus leaving some ideas on the shelf, stagnating growth, limiting the development of new jobs and dampening innovation in some markets.

All that is changing. There is a shift happening based on new technologies, changing federal regulations and new investment models that offer alternative funding options to entrepreneurs that may have never had access to traditional capital or massive potential investor populations.

“New technology is essential to large populations making sense of each other,” said Judd Hollas, CEO of EquityNet. If you have a micro enterprise or startup, you may no longer have to go through the, some would call, dehumanizing lending process to obtain the funding you need to see your idea come to life.

Alternative Financing Options There are new and not so new funding models and options available to those who are ready to take their business idea to the next level, such as: • Equity Crowdfunding – a method for raising capital and selling shares or ownership in your business using online crowdfunding platforms • P2P Lending – peer-to-peer lending is the non-traditional practice of raising capital through loan funds from unrelated peers outside of a traditional financial institution • Program Related Investment – investments made by foundations to support social activities that involve potential return of capital within a given time frame; PRIs can be a combination of funding options, such as bank loans, loan guarantees, linked deposits and equity investments in commercial ventures for charitable purposes

Alternative funding sources are growing in popularity due to demand for options; and with new regulations surfacing, the supply is stepping up to meet the challenge and reap the financial and social rewards.

los, California, is preparing to offer accredited investors the option to use self-directed individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401Ks to invest in small businesses tax free using online crowdfunding platforms. So, the next time you attend a local networking event and exchange business cards, you may no longer ask yourself, “Who does she know?” You may ask, “How much does she have to invest?” Research published by Dr. Richard Swart of UC Berkeley shows more than 90 percent of businesses raising $5,000 through crowdfunding turn into viable businesses.

Potential Investors

What’s the Secret?

Recently, experts at the Impact Texas Summit held in Austin, Texas, shared new ways private and charitable foundations are helping to fund for-profit social ventures.

“If we can help small businesses grow, it will create jobs for people and often address many social and environmental challenges some face,” said Randall Kempner, Executive Director of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs. The need for alternative funding is on the radar of many individual investors. Today, everyone is a potential investor.

Some unaccredited investors are anxious to see how the new Title III regulation of the JOBS Act will help them take advantage of new opportunities.

The market may soon be flooded with dollars searching for the next Amazon.com or the next innovative food chain. IRA Services Trust Company located in San Car-

Alternative funding sources, technology and federal regulation offer windows into the brain trust of stagnate micro enterprises and offer entrepreneurs a way to connect with a large population of like-minded investors on a human level. Unlike most traditional lenders and underwriters, individual investors care more about the human story behind the people, the ideas and the social good or problems the ideas can solve.

Never fear, the numbers remain important and regulations are being reviewed to ensure there’s safety in numbers.

Cynthia Nevels is a Senior Partner for Integrality, LLC of Dallas, Texas, a global management consulting firm providing accounting, data integration, business financing and marketing services to small to mid-size businesses and government agencies for over fifteen years.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015  9

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

10 August 2015

Are You Responsible?

G

By Noel Pinnock

Contributing Writer

ood leaders never embrace a victim mentality. They recognize that who and where they are remain their responsibility – not that of their parents, their spouses, their children, the government, their bosses, or their co-workers.

They face whatever life throws at them and give it their best, knowing that they will get an opportunity to lead the team, only if they have proved that they can carry the ball. When an archer misses the mark, he turns and looks for the fault within himself. Failure to hit the bull’s-eye is never the fault of the target. To improve your aim, improve yourself.

Unfortunately, there are so many who like to shoot first, then draw the target. This may guarantee you a bull’s-eye, but it is a false sense of security and ultimate victory. Here are some questions to ask: • Are you on target when it comes to responsibility?

• Do others see you as a finisher and a value-added resource?

• Do people look to you to carry the ball in pressure situations?

• Are you known for excellence?

If you have not been performing at the highest level, you may need to cultivate a stronger sense of responsibility, and make a concerted effort to mitigate. The most important aspect of taking responsibility for your life is to acknowledge that your life is your responsibility. No one can live your life for you. You are in charge. No matter how hard you try to blame others for the events of your life, each event is the result of choices you made and are making.

• Listen to the voice in your head. Eliminate blame; eliminate excuses. If the blame track or the excuse track plays repeatedly in your mind, you are shifting responsibility for your decisions and life to others.

• Second, listen to yourself when you speak. In your conversation, do you hear yourself blame others for things that do not go exactly as you want? Do you find yourself pointing fingers at your co-workers or your upbringing, your parent’s influence, the amount of money that you make, or your spouse? Are you making excuses for goals unmet or tasks that missed their deadlines? If you can hear your blaming patterns, you can stop them.

• Third, if an individual you respect supplies feedback that you make excuses and blame others for your woes, take the feedback seriously. Control your defensive reaction, explore examples and deepen your understanding with the co-worker or friend. People who responsibly consider feedback attract much more feedback. #getatit! www.noelpinnock.com

Over 50?

Time for a financial checkup.

Brandon Herndon, Agent 10103 Fondren Houston, TX 77096 Bus: 832-431-4222 brandon.herndon.rv4s@statefarm.com

1001303.1

Especially as you near retirement.

Be proactive when it comes to your financial health. It’s never too late to get on the right path to a healthy financial future. Let me help you get where you need to be.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015 11

To Get a Good Job, Get a Good Education

I

By J. Thomas Smith Contributing Writer

can recall as a child, I often heard the phrase, “If you want a good job, get a good education.” There was never a question in my mind about whether or not I would go to college, even though no one in my family had gone to college before.

However, there was uncertainty as to how it would be paid for. I have always shunned student loans. I was by no means an exceptional student. This was partly because I had worked part-time in junior high and throughout high school. So, the word scholarship seldom came my way.

When I was an undergraduate student at Detroit College of Business (now Davenport University), education seemed to be intended to not just prepare one for a job, but rather to develop the individual.

So, as a business major, I was required to take courses in ethics, aesthetics and philosophy, along with accounting, management, algebra, psychology and the like.

When I got into broadcasting, I had to drop out of school on several occasions, often in the middle of a semester. This was

usually because of conflicts with work and several times because a new job required me to travel out of state. So, with a burning desire to obtain a good education, I sought out alternative education opportunities that I could pursue.

There came a time that I considered myself an expert in the area of alternative education, mainly because I knew something that many of my contemporaries had yet to discover, and they sought out my counsel. Most of those academic programs were tied to campus-based schools, but with an independent study option.

Discovering this new world of educational opportunities made it much easier for me to work in the broadcasting field and continue my education. I always knew that there would be a time that I might have to choose a different kind of work. I used the luxury of short hours, a good salary and unlimited curiosity to pursue the study of whatever interested me – whether it was religion, metaphysics, history, psychology or broadcasting. I also learned a great deal

from life. Life is a great teacher, but often the curriculum is abstract.

Lifelong learning recognizes that learning does not stop after childhood, nor is it limited to the lecture hall. Learning takes place throughout life and in a broad range of situations. During the last half century, there has been innovation – both technologically and scientifically. These changes have had a significant impact on how people learn and their style of learning. Even if we wanted to, we cannot restrict learning or cause it to be divided into a particular place or time, nor can we limit its application to the workplace. Instead, we learn in all venues and on an ongoing basis from our daily interactions with friends, coworkers, the web and the world around us.

Most colleges and universities in the United States encourage lifelong learning to non-traditional (older) students. Many colleges and universities offer professional licensure and certification programs for teachers, counselors and other profession-

als, but the opportunities are not limited to the professionals.

No matter your dream or aspirations, there can be a school in your mailbox or on your computer screen. You can pursue a course at your community college or university. You can get specialized learning in a seminar or workshop, or you can read books, watch videos or listen to mp3s or CDs. I encourage you to pursue your dreams. Pursue your career, your avocation or your business idea. If you don’t know what to do to accomplish your goal, research the idea. Get counseling or coaching, and you can learn what you need to do. Why not get started today? No excuses! Whether you learn from your day-to-day experiences on the job, online or in the classroom, there is no limit to what you can achieve, as long as you keep your eye on the goal. I’ll see you at the top!

J Thomas Smith, J.D., Ph.D. is an attorney specializing in IRS Tax Defense, Consumer Bankruptcy and Family Immigration. He is a mental health consultant, author and host of “Sunday Morning Live” on KMJQ/Majic 102.1. His book, “The Secret to a New Life,” is available through your favorite bookseller or online at www.TheSecret toaNewLife.com.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

12  August 2015

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015  13

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

14  August 2015

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015  15

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

16 August 2015

The Power of Effective Communication

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

D

o you ever wonder why some business owners consistently grow their business and some just can’t quite make it to that level of great success? Do you ever wonder how someone always lands that dream job? Sometimes it has to do with communication and networking. The truth is, you can have a great product, business or resume, but if you don’t connect to the right people, things will not go very far. Networking is a key to building relevant and necessary business relationships that can take you to that level of success you are trying to achieve.

Though networking seems easy, it’s more than just shaking hands and passing out your business card.

If you know how to network effectively, doors can start opening for you in your career and the business world. There is power when you communicate effectively.

Here are www.careerealism.com’s list of some common networking mistakes to avoid: 1. Neglecting the Power of Face-To-Face Contact 2. Expecting Too Much Too Quickly 3. Not Being Specific 4. Not Having Patience 5. Forgetting To Say “Thank You”

Neglecting the Power of Face-To-Face Contact “Job seekers want to do everything online, without actually pressing the f lesh and meeting people in person,” says networking and communications technology expert, David Strom. “There is no substitute for getting out there and introducing yourself to people who might know someone who is hiring,” Strom adds. An article written by Ruth Mantell on the Wall Street Journal website titled “Networking Mistakes We Often Make” agrees with Strom’s deduction. Job seekers are misusing the Internet by relying too much on its networks and forgetting there is less room for rejection when meeting with someone in person (no unanswered e-mails, for example). “Go to at least two or three meetups a month, and bring business cards and introduce yourself to random people,” said Strom.

Strom expresses, “Don’t be shy, even if you aren’t the most outgoing person, talk to one or two strangers at these meetups, and see if you can find common ground.”

Dice Holdings, reflected on an executive who was too vague: “A very experienced product executive told me during a single lunch that he wanted to start a company, go back to school and serve on a board.

How on earth could I ever help that person? My take-away was that he didn’t know what he wanted to do.” Be specific, and try not bombard your contacts with different, unrelated things you want to accomplish in your professional career.

Not Having Patience “Building a professional relationship is a lot like a romantic one – fragile,” says Khan.

That being said, you shouldn’t be afraid to work hard to build relationships, but one of the top networking mistakes is a lack of patience in conversations and wanting to pitch your sale from the beginning. You have to build up to your pitch. Focus on the other person for a while and find ways where you two can continue to connect.

Forgetting To Say Thank You In an article on Forbes.com titled “4 Networking Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making,” the author highlights that not showing gratitude to your networking contacts can make a negative impression. That’s not what you want to leave others with. Since life can get busy and it’s easy to forget to send out a thank you card, setting a reminder on Gmail to say thank you can help you remember to show your appreciation to your newly acquired professional contacts.

If you have made any of the above mentioned mistakes when networking, don’t beat yourself up.

It has happened to all of us. Instead of dwelling on the mistakes, look at those mistakes as lessons learned. There is great power in effective commu-

nication, so don’t focus on the past. Brush yourself off. Take the above-mentioned networking mistakes, and do some self-assessment. Start using the power inside of you to effectively communicate, and you will start to open doors of success.

Expecting Too Much Too Quickly In his article on Inc.com, “Top 5 Most Common Networking Mistakes,” author Jeff Haden writes that it is important to not ask for what we want from networking contacts right away. We’ve got to give before we get. Take some time, get to know your contact, and see what skills or services you can provide for that person. Try not to think about what they can do for you just yet. The goal is to broaden your network and make meaningful connections so that they can help you later. So, start networking early.

Not Being Specific When we meet with what we hope are our next job referrals, we want to be specific about our skills and talents. That way, our contacts know who we are and who they should refer us to. In an article for the Wall Street Journal, chief executive Scott Melland of

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015  17

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

18  August 2015

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015  19

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

20 August 2015

Learning from Rejection

By Chaz Pitts-Kyser

D

Contributing Writer

“You didn’t get the job?”

on’t you hate when people ask that question right after you told them you didn’t get it?

It’s okay to pout a little, but it’s not okay to get depressed and let your discouragement keep you from being optimistic about the next interview.

Understand that when you’re competing with people for a position—or anything in life for that matter—someone isn’t going to get it. Unfortunately, sometimes that someone may be you. You may not have been chosen for the job for any number of reasons. It might be that you were great, just someone else was better qualified. It could have been that despite your upbeat, professional demeanor and impressive skill set, the employer felt you might not be the very best fit based on the culture of the department or organization as a whole. You can’t help that. Maybe something about you reminded the interviewer of a person

he or she doesn’t like—and yes, this really happens.

The bottom line is that you shouldn’t view a rejection as an insult or barrier to your achievement. You don’t know what the universe has in store for you. Just focus on how you can do better next time. The following are various reasons employers give for not offering someone a position: 1. Poor personal appearance: You were underdressed for the interview; wore inappropriate attire, accessories, shoes or makeup; looked a bit disheveled; or worse, had a bad body odor or smelled like cigarettes, liquor or food.

2. Overly aggressive: You came off as cocky instead of confident, or made demands during the interview related to your salary, work hours or work conditions.

3. Inability to communicate information clearly: You did not fully answer questions; answered with just a yes or a no; or babbled a bit, leaving the interviewer unsure of what you said.

4. Lack of interest and enthusiasm: You appeared bored during the interview through your facial expressions, monotone voice or posture.

5. Lack of planning for your career: You didn’t explain how the position, or the ones before it, fit in line with your career goals, making the employer think that you lack career ambition.

6. Nervousness, lack of confidence and poise: You appeared restless and fidgety, making the employer assume you lack confidence and may not be able to deal effectively with stress.

7. Overemphasis on money: You brought up your salary before the employer (always a no-no) and spoke more about the

salary than you did about other benefits of the position.

8. Unwilling to start at the bottom: Despite you’re not having all the experience needed, you came off as “too good” to work your way up within the company.

9. Lack of tact and courtesy: You addressed the employer by first name (without receiving the okay), used slang or answered questions much too bluntly.

10. Lack of maturity: Your speech, dress or certain things you said showed that you still have some growing up to do before you are ready for such a position.

11. Negative attitude about past employers: You bad-mouthed your former company, boss or colleagues, suggesting a lack of loyalty and inability to see your own flaws.

12. No genuine interest in the company or job: You did not explain why the position was a great fit for you, leading the employer to think you have an “any job will do” mindset.

13. No eye contact with the interviewer: You looked everywhere but at the employer, which shows a lack of confidence or that you are hiding something.

14. Application form is incomplete or sloppy: You didn’t take the time to fill out application materials clearly and professionally, showing a lack of thoroughness.

15. No sense of humor: While there is no need to make jokes during the interview, you appeared much too serious or ill at ease, and made the employer think that is how you are all of the time.

16. Late for the interview: You didn’t arrive on time, nor call to say you might be late, indicating thoughtlessness and the inability to plan or meet deadlines.

17. Failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time: You made the interview all about you and did not thank the interviewer verbally.

18. Failure to ask questions about the job: You didn’t ask questions related to your position, such as the culture of the department you would work in, your supervisor’s expectations and needs or your workload and hours, which indicates a lack of real interest in the position.

19. You used your cell phone: You failed to turn your ringer or vibration setting off and had to fumble to turn it off during the interview, or worse, you actually answered the phone.

20. You didn’t follow up. You did not reiterate your interest in the position and company with a nice thank you letter or email, or follow-up later regarding your candidacy for the position, indicating a lack of enthusiasm.

If you really want to know why you didn’t get the position, ask the person who interviewed you via email. Be very tactful and explain that you’re inquiring, so you can be more successful on your next interview. While many employers may be reluctant to respond, seeking feedback can’t hurt you. In any case, a position that fits your background and interests is out there.

Work on your interviewing skills, so you can land the next job.

Chaz Pitts-Kyser is the author of “Careeranista: The Woman’s Guide to Success After College,” and she is a speaker focusing in the areas of academic success, career development, workplace diversity and women’s work/ life issues. Learn more about Chaz and her career guide through www.thebook.careeranista.com.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015  21

T H E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

22  August 2015

TH E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

|

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015  23

T H E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

d-mars.com AdVeRtising | MARKeting | MediA | coMMunicAtions

Experience Our World dmars_com

dmarsmarketing

dmars_com

dmarsmarketing

social@d-mars.com

Call Today 713-272-9511

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

24  August 2015

TH E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015  25

T H E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

26  August 2015

TH E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

d-mars.com AdVeRtising | MARKeting | MediA | coMMunicAtions

Experience Our World dmars_com

dmarsmarketing

dmars_com

dmarsmarketing

social@d-mars.com

Call Today 713-272-9511

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015  27

T H E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

28  August 2015

TH E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

d-mars.com AdVeRtising | MARKeting | MediA | coMMunicAtions

Experience Our World dmars_com

dmarsmarketing

dmars_com

dmarsmarketing

social@d-mars.com

|

Call Today 713-272-9511

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

August 2015  29

T H E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

30  August 2015

TH E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication