d-mars.com Business Journal 003

Behind the

Journal Publisher Keith J. Davis, Sr. Editor-in-Chief Joie D. Rasberry Vice President of Operations Marlon Jackson Multimedia Director Jasen Adams Assistant Multimedia Director Albert Reff Multimedia Designers Andrea Hennekes Mike Shurtleff Marketing Director Saundra Fletcher Distribution Greg Williams Booker T. Davis, III Administration Detricia Pineda

Contributing Writers Carrie Dixon Ramone Harper Jock Hughes Donna Lewis Dacia Williams Carroll Robinson, Esq. Wendy Johnson, PhD Lillie Green Raquel Wheeler

D-MARS Business Journal 9898 Bissonnet, Suite 570 Houston, Texas 77036 713-272-9511 Phone 713-272-6364 Fax 1-800-453-8752 Toll Free www.d-mars.com

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Let’s Make It Happen Publisher’s Message Keith J. Davis, Sr.

At one time or another we’ve all wished we could have more money, or at least figure out the secret to acquiring wealth. On the other hand, we’ve heard certain individuals say that money isn’t everything, and that we should focus on what is really important. Let me ask you a question: Is your health, children, family, safety, security, stability, education and general happiness important?

Make no mistake about it, wealth-building is not accidental, it happens on purpose.

Building wealth starts inside of your mind.

Without acquiring, adopting and integrating the active beliefs that create wealth, obtaining wealth is virtually impossible. The five P’s of success come into play, PROPER PREPARATION PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE. Building wealth happens because of well designed intentions followed by well designed actions. It is the ability to make something come from nothing. It’s taking the seed, planting it, and watching it bear fruit. Abundance is conception. It appears we have a greater impact within our own lives than we ever thought possible. We have the ability to create the experi-

Limitless Possibilities

ence of reality. We can reach goals, create happiness in our life, and move in the direction of abundance.

Cultural traditions are like second-hand clothing. We get them from our parents, coworkers, supervisors, friends and relatives, all handed down and never considered again.

They simply become truth. If the beliefs you have are not leading you to abundance, it’s time to dump the old one’s that don’t work and replace them with powerful ones that will push your life forward.

Most importantly you have to conquer laziness or procrastination. Your dreams are compelling. They’re even exciting. There is a part of you that just doesn’t want to get out of bed, do the project, write the proposal or fall in love with someone. You are just one step away from happiness.

There is no time to grow weary. You’ve got work to do. Make getting wealthy and creating abundance a priority. Work hard, save, enjoy life and don’t forget to help someone else along the way.

Keith J. Davis, Sr. president@d-mars.com

street. Rather than step over it, and keep on walking, stop. See it for what it is. Picking Editor-In-Chief it up and expressing gratitude will keep you Joie D. Rasberry in an abundant state of mind.

“Money isn’t everything,” as motivational Grateful for Every speaker Patricia Russell-McCloud would Single Penny say, “But it sure is a good down payment.”

Money won’t rid you of all the demons in When I was kid, money did not seem hard your life, but it can pay tuition for a child to get at all. I would easily find ways to earn who wants to enter college. It can be a nest money by babysitting, saving aluminum cans egg for retirement years. It will allow you to or helping an elderly neighbor. I was a young enjoy a special vacation. Most importantly, speaker and always had offers from adults to it can be the means by which you can help a speak at events. On top of this, my parents friend or family member who may be going gave me and allowance and allowed me to through a difficult time. work a summer job, providing I had good grades.

There are times when you may have to work There were always reminders of how poor we more than one job to attain the things that were and what we lacked in the inner city. I you want. You may have to work at jobs never once believed in lack, despite what the that you don’t particularly like. It may mean media had to say. working overtime and other sacrifices.

My allowances along with my summer jobs were my first experiences handling money. Whatever the case, we cannot succumb to It was all about having an inner picture of mediocrity. Obtaining wealth is not for the abundance and thinking in unlimited ways. weak at heart. In fact, if obtaining wealth Being open to the guidance that receiving was easy, we’d all be rich. money provides showed me avenues of attaining wealth. Every time I find a coin on the ground, I stop. I pick it up. I put it into my pocket and say out loud, “Thank you, God, for this symbol of abundance.” Every Joie D. Rasberry joie@d-mars.com penny counts.

Try this the next time you see a coin in the

Table of Contents From the Publisher Desk………2 The Curtain Exchange of Sugar Land…........................……………4 Houston’s Training and Education Center……................5 Stocks and Mutual Funds….....5 Credit Report Card……...…….7 Fighting the Odds: The Marilyn Gambrell Story…........................7 Lemond New World Cuisine in Pearland…......................………..8 What is Education? ……….......8 Providing References in Employment Situations...........11 Democratic Party Presidential Nomination……...................…..11 Writing Press Releases..….….14 Small Businesses Using More than One Account.....................14 Ideal Energy Interview………16 How to Prepare for an Interview…........……………….19 The Power to Get Wealth……20

The Good Land Retail Plaza at U.S. 59/Bissonnet, formerly Ninfa’s Restaurant Building site is undergoing renovations and new construction which is set to open soon.

Following a growing trend in the commercial real estate retail center industry, the Good Land Investment developers of Houston are converting the former 5500 square-feet stand-alone Ninfa’s building restaurant that sits on over an acre on the highly com-

mercialized Hwy 59 south in Houston, into a retail plaza with over 15,000 square-feet.

The 15,000 Square-feet Good Land Retail Plaza, on Bissonnet at U.S. 59, is schedule to open this year.

“The Good Land Retail Plaza offers huge, existing structures with the potential to house a multitude of companies,” says Steve Soyebo, Senior Vice-President of Good Land Investments Group, Good Land Retail Plaza LLC.

“This kind of capacity lends itself to businesses in need of a stand alone building and other small to medium size businesses such as Financial, TeleCommunications, Insurance, Kolache Factory, Dry Cleaners, Quizno’s Subs, Papa Johns Pizza, Video-Outlet, Beauty Supply Companies - our target tenants,” Steve says.

tail center/plaza, with state- environment. of-the-art security system to be installed upon request by Not only will the retail Plaza be an adornment to the area, it tenants. will create jobs and revamp a Besides catering to the ten- part of Houston that has been ant’s needs, Good Land retail overlooked by businesses for plaza will cater to the ten- too long. The Good Land Reants’ employees as well. The tail Plaza is a sole venture of retail plaza plans to employ Faithland Investments and Ficourtesy officers to patrol the nancial Services Corporation. building seven days a week.

Renovations and new con- Numerous parking lot surveil- For Information Contact: struction are underway for the lance cameras and abundant Ph: 281-236-2368 building to anchor the retail exterior lighting will be there www.goodlandplaza.com plaza and create a modern re- to ensure a safe working

Influential black magazine publisher John H. Johnson dies His periodicals Ebony and Jet fought stereotypes in the U.S. media

By HERBERT G. MCCANN Associated Press John H. Johnson, left, is seen with actor Bill Cosby, center, and Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1982. Johnson launched Ebony after World War II to highlight the positive in black life.

CHICAGO - Publisher John H. Johnson, whose Ebony and Jet magazines countered stereotypical coverage of blacks after World War II and turned him into one of the most influential black leaders in America, died Monday. He was 87.

LaTrina Blair, promotions manager with Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Co., confirmed Johnson’s death. The cause of death was a heart attack.

Johnson broke new ground by bringing positive portrayals of blacks into a mass-

Juanita Brown The Curtain Exchange of Sugar Land

By Joie Rasberry

Covering the Town with Style Juanita Brown, mother of NBA Allstar Rashard Lewis of the Seattle Supersonics, is a curtain design consultant and owner of The Curtain Exchange of Sugar Land. Her windows covering boutique offers “ready to hang” designer curtains in a variety of luxurious fabrics.

Prior to opening The Curtain Exchange of Sugar Land in 2004, entrepreneur Brown worked in the field of Interior Decorating and Design for several years. She was a consultant on various interior decorating projects, including residential decorating and the Higher Dimension Church in Houston.

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It is not easy for women in general and an African American woman in particular,

market publication and encouraging corporations to use black models in advertising aimed at black consumers.

Born into an impoverished family in Arkansas, Johnson went into business with a $500 loan secured by his mother’s furniture and built a publishing and cosmetics empire.

Johnson built Ebony from a circulation of 25,000 on its first press run in November 1945 to a monthly circulation of 1.9 million in 1997.

Jet magazine, a weekly, was founded in 1951 and a third magazine, Ebony Man, a monthly men’s magazine, was started in 1985.

Johnson launched Ebony just after World War II, as black soldiers were returning home. At the time there were no black players in Major League Baseball and little black political representation.

With blacks’ incomes far below white Americans, the idea of a black publishing company was widely dismissed. Civil rights to break into an industry where they are not highly represented. Juanita Brown has broken through stereotypes and is adding her own style and purpose to Houston and its surrounding areas.

With sheer ambition, Brown is not afraid to provide customers with beautiful and unique decorating solutions for all shapes and sizes of windows.

Brown is not only an example of a successful business woman, she is also a pioneer in the field of interior decorating. Although women are becoming more prevalent in a variety of business ventures, only 2% of all furniture and home furnishing stores are owned by African American women.

If you are tired of looking at the same old draperies and you want to add life and flavor to your home or business, check out The Curtain Exchange of Sugar Land.

leader Roy Wilkins advised Johnson to forget the publishing business and save himself a lot of disappointment; Wilkins later said he gave Johnson bad advice.

Ebony — named by Johnson’s wife, Eunice — was created to counter stereotypical portrayals of blacks in whiteowned newspapers, magazines and broadcast media. The monthly magazine highlights the positive in black life.

“We try to seek out good things, even when everything seems bad,” Johnson once said of the magazine’s purpose.

Johnson also encouraged major white companies to advertise in black media.

“We couldn’t do it then by marching, and we couldn’t do it by threatening,” Johnson said of gaining advertisers. “We had to persuade people that it was in their best interest to reach out to black consumers in a positive way.”

Besides his wife, Johnson is survived by a daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, president of Johnson Publishing.

Correction Notice Aaron Glenn and Jason Medlock Story featured July/August 2005 An error was made in the last issue of our journal which featured Aaron Glenn, NFL Pro Bowler and business partner Jason Medlock.

Correction: Williams Chicken spans five counties.

The error read five countries.

Making Dreams Happen in Houston Texas

Comprehensive computer training programs are Ms. Boutte’s door is always open. She genuinely ideal for the 21st Century. The training offered cares about what’s going on in the lives of her at Houston’s Training and Education Center students.When she asks, “How are you doing?” continues to advance individuals and businesses she really wants to know.” to the next level.

The facilities at H-TEC are top of the line.

Stephanie Boutté, Local Business The flat screen monitors and the LCD panel Owner and Celebrity Motivational are similar to any corporate training facility.

Speaker, Helps Make Dreams Happen The classes are small to give each student the attention they need. Each class is instructorin Houston led.

Stephanie Boutté’s mission is to grow her business and support her community. She wants to help make dreams happen. Seeing a need to help the underserved community, Stephanie founded the Houston’s Training and Education Center eight years ago. She has helped at least 118 people in the welfare to work program.

Stephanie gives people a chance to change their lives.

Her students soon learn that education opens new avenues toward success.

Even with a highly successful business, Stephanie Boutté, owner of Houston’s Training and Education Center never forgets that she was once a young teenage mother with hopes and dreams. She would not, and did not, let her circumstances become bigger than her dreams.

Now, as one of the most successful business owners in Houston, Texas, she opens her heart and gives time and money to help those who are just like she was.

Times were hard growing Being a teenage up in Louisiana where mother and someone she was raised by her who has experienced grandparents. Stephanie homelessness developed many firsthand, she refused wonderful attributes to give in. Through training at a vocational from them. They taught her to always want school and four years of college at Northwestern more and to get all life has to offer.

State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, Stephanie Boutté proved that you can Her leap of faith was difficult and trying, yet, overcome.

Stephanie refused to give up. She experienced homelessness, attended vocational school and On behalf of D-Mars, we wish Stephanie Boutté completed college. It has all paid off. Eight years continued good fortune in the pursuit of her ago when she founded Houston’s Training and dreams as she helps make dreams happen in Education Center (H-TEC), her dream came Houston! true.

At Houston’s Training Center, students train to become Medical or Dental Assistants, Computerized Office Administrators or Computerized Accounting Specialists. The school also offers courses in ESL (English as a Second Language), and Computer Applications.

Ms. Boutté is committed to improving lives one student at a time. Classes offered are informative, educational, fun and effective. Students achieve academically. Their academic achievement gives them the opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of their family.

“Education is paramount, and self-attained “H-TEC” is different than most schools. They knowledge, with classroom instruction care and love the students who enroll in their combined, makes for a winning combination,” programs. They have been successful over the she states. years because they focus on what’s important, education and training.”

No doubt, Boutté has achieved beyond what others deemed possible. The community is a better place because of her willingness to help others. Stephanie’s life is one of inspiration and hope. She is a beacon of light and an example as one who has overcome and achieved. This is the message that she hopes to convey to students who enroll in classes at Houston’s Training and Education Center. You can overcome and achieve. Stephanie Boutte continues to Make Dreams Happen in Houston!”

On behalf of D-Mars, we wish Stephanie Boutté continued good fortune in the pursuit of her dreams as she helps make dreams happen in Houston!

Stocks and Mutual Funds By: Lillie Green Financial Broker Group Who should invest in stocks and mutual funds?

Anyone who is feeling lucky! If you play the lottery, gamble at the casino, or bet at the tracks, it is basically the same. Some win, some break even, and many lose. You pay fees with mutual funds whether you gain or lose. With the changes in our economy, can we afford to take a chance with our future? Employers are downsizing, streamlining, and merging to realize a profit. Taxes and insurance in Texas are sky-high! There are no nice words to describe the cost of gasoline which affects so many other industries. According to research, the deficit of our government is astronomical, so don’t count on Social Security or health care for the elderly.

What can we do to “CREATE, BUILD AND PROTECT WEALTH?” Did you know that there are investments that yield “STOCKMARKET LIKE RETURNS” and you are guaranteed to NEVER LOSE MONEY? Many of them allow your money to COMPOUND, grow TAX DEFERRED and some allow you to access your money TAX-FREE. Before you pull the handle on that “one armed bandit,” throw that dice, play that number, invest in that stock……INVESTIGATE CAREFULLY! DECISIONS MADE TODAY DETERMINE TOMORROW!

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Credit Report Card Day Students across the country have recently reported back to school. Do you remember how you felt as a student on the first day of school? How about how you felt on report card day?

You’re all grown up now and don’t have to worry or wonder about what you get on your report card…OR DO YOU? You’re credit score is actually your financial report card…everyday! Each significant financial transaction or process you have been involved with, as an adult, has been reported to the three major credit bureaus…Equifax, Experian and Transunion.

So, when is the last time you saw your financial report card? It’s your responsibility to find out what’s on your credit report. Remember when you were a student, the school would let you know how you were doing (excellent, good, fair or poor). Now it’s your responsibility to find out how you’re doing in your financial life. By law, you are entitled to one free credit report per year.

Marilyn Gambrell Transforms the Lives of Students

By Joie Rasberry Marilyn Gambrell, former Texas parole officer and founder of No More Victims (NMV) is more than just a Houston hero; she is the embodiment of hope for many high school students as she continues to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others.

Fighting the Odds: The Marilyn Gambrell Story aired recently on Lifetime Television, sharing an amazing, yet complex chronicle of events. It’s the story of a woman, along with her colleague Perry Beasley, who began a program in the inner-city at M.B. Smiley High School in northeast Houston, to help students with incarcerated parents.

You have a pretty good idea of what’s on you credit report. Do you remember that first credit card and how you maxed it out? Maybe it was the gas card that kept your tank full. The department store instant credit card which took care of that wild-weekend shopping spree…now that was fun!

But what isn’t funny is how your poor decisions from the past are still having a negative impact on your present life, which is clouding your future.

It is a message of perseverance and striving and love that drove Gambrell to go to battle daily to save precious children. The tougher the student, the tougher the job; but never once did Gambrell give up on a student.

Some situations may have appeared dim, but wherever you found Gambrell, you also found hope and possibility.

If you have recently or ever been denied a credit card, home, auto or school loan due to your poor credit score, it must have felt like a personal assault. When another person pulls your credit reports, looks at your scores, then looks back at you and says, “Sir/Ma’am, unfortunately you don’t qualify for…” it’s surely a humbling experience for you. If it seems like you were denied within a few minutes, it’s because that’s all it takes is a few minutes to look at your credit scores. Keep in mind, your credit score is your adult financial report card and that’s the bottom line.

Regain your financial freedom. It’s important you get the education and information needed to improve your credit profile. You’re not alone.

Seek professional advice and assistance. Be a knowledgeable student about the subject of credit, change your financial report card and change your life!

There are no lost causes in the No More Victims program which began in 1993 and entered Smiley High School in 2000. Many students, once victims of abuse and neglect, with the help of Gambrell, are now productive citizens who are making a difference in the world.

Jock Hughes Credit Restoration Specialist

Students will tell you that to know Marilyn Gambrell is to love her. Whether a student needed help in the middle of the night or in the early morning hours, Gambrell appeared, and her presence for those students has become the voice of reason, a calming spirit during a raging storm.

When Gambrell entered Smiley High School the odds were against them. She encountered angry students, a small program budget and faculty that was skeptical of what No More Victims promised to achieve.

“They are leaders. All they need is a sense of direction. Children need to know and feel that we care,” Gambrell states. To try and describe what Gambrell has done is an understatement.

She has taken discombobulated, hurting lives and shaped them into amazing human beings.

Simply refusing to give up and refusing to give in has made the difference.

Fighting the Odds gives a whole new meaning to children of incarcerated parents.

It has somehow opened up a Pandora’s Box, one that we can now talk about without fear of being judged. With No More Victims, students become family. They share joys and fears, defeats as well as triumphs, and more importantly, they are surrounded with support and encouragement. Their environment teaches that the incarceration of a parent is not their fault and that no matter what, they are more than conquerors.

Gambrell will be the first to say that it takes a great deal of striving and though it isn’t always easy, students learn that at the end of the day, they are ultimately responsible for some of what happens to them. Once they reach the age of accountability, they will be required to make choices that will either catapult their lives to another level or they will opt to choose a path of least resistance.

Through emotional and physical trauma, Gambrell’s students continue to survive.

Through heartache and pain, they are still here.

The northeast Houston subdivision, North Forest Independent School District, the City of Houston, the State of Texas and the nation have something to be proud of.

Marilyn Gambrell has dedicated her life to hurting children, and the No More Victims program is just the outlet she needs to continue performing miracles in the lives of her students. Each time a student graduates, returns to the class with a renewed sense of hope and possibility, achieve against the odds or makes better choices that will enhance their lives, Gambrell knows assuredly that the journey of trying to save these students has not been in vain.

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Lemond New World Cuisine in Pearland, Texas

offering suggestions as she allows curious minds to sample some of Chef Reggie’s famous items.

What is Education?

Chef Reggie prepares meals quietly and meticulously. For guests, it is a place to come and have a great Exhibits Excellent Food, Wine and Service meal, but for Chef Reggie, what he does is an art, By: Carrie M. Dixon a passion, and the omen he lives by. He is of few

By Joie Rasberry words, yet, his food preparation and presentation Parents are understandably excited when their Extraordinary food, delicious desserts, great wine speaks volumes. and excellent service is “Lemond New World Cui- A little yellow plastic table sits in the dining area. little ones walk across the stage at the kindergarten sine” and what owners Merinda and Reggie Martin It belongs to the Martin’s daughter, three-year-old graduation complete with cap, gown, and diploma, are all about. “Lemond New World Cuisine,” opened Elizabeth Martin. In watching her entrepreneurial flashing a toothless smile. These parents are even August 3, 2004 and was named a great place to dine parents, Elizabeth is well on her way to following in willing to spend enormous amounts of money

by Alison Cook of the Houston Chronicle. Pat Sharp her parents’ footsteps. You can hear her at any given on high school graduation paraphernalia and of the Texas Monthly went on to state, “Every neigh- time in the restaurant offering suggestions, giving or- extravagant gifts. As these young people receive borhood deserves a place like this.” ders and keeping the staff in line. She is sweet, yet college diplomas, theirs parents could not be more proud. They have undoubtedly reared educated Lemond New World Cuisine, located in beautiful gusty, and her childhood innocence does not prevent children. Or have they?

Pearland, Texas, is just 15 minutes away from Down- her from yelling, “Order Up,” and it certainly does What is education? town Houston. With years of catering experience, not refrain her from sharing with guests, “I hope you Reggie and Merinda Martin have created a state-of- enjoyed the meal.” She goes on to say, “My daddy Is it defined by a successful score on a standardized the-art restaurant specializing in American, French- owns this restaurant and we would love for you to exam or receipt of a diploma from a highly acclaimed institute of higher learning?

Creole and Southwestern Cuisine. The taste of each come back to Lemond New World Cuisine.” item is unique and authentic. The presentation as well There are weekly specials, Sunday brunch, private Is one who is able to memorize addition facts, as the ambiance of the restaurant forces you to want and semi-private parties in the restaurant as well as multiplication tables, and chemical formulas educated? to come back for more. full service catering throughout the Houston – PearIs one who is able to explain the law of gravity The Martin’s wanted a place where they could work land area. From wine tasting to cooking classes for and Einstein’s theory of relativity educated? together, draw from a culinary background and fo- children with Elizabeth, as well as classes for adults cus on their passion, “Cooking, Style, Eloquence and with Chef Reggie, Lemond New World Cuisine ca- Is one who is able to classify animals by their family, genus, and species educated?

Service.” Of the utmost importance to the Martin’s is ters to your culinary needs. to share with their guests the love of fine food, and The restaurant offers blackened chicken salad, herb Is one who is able to recite the Gettysburg Address create an atmosphere where they can relax and enjoy roasted chicken, gourmet hors d’ oeuvres and appe- and the Preamble to the Constitution educated? a level of hospitality that makes for a memorable din- tizers, salads, Louisiana bread pudding, butter cream Education is future-oriented. It is about ing experience. cake, chocolate gateaux, gumbo, rotisserie chicken, development and growth. It involves activities Executive Chef Reginald L. Martin, Jr., a 1990 grilled shrimp salad, delicious cappuccino and the that are intended to stimulate thinking and foster graduate of Texas A&M University, also attended best honey-wheat bread your pallet can imagine. The learning. It should be a lifetime experience, not Houston’s LeNotre Culinary Institute where he was list of restaurant and catered items are endless, while limited to the youth years. trained to prepare classical French dishes. On the the Martins continue to differentiate their own style Education involves the processing of knowledge, other hand, his wife, Merinda, graduated from Rice of healthy good cooking.

University with a degree in Business and Econom- “Lemond New World Cuisine” design approach is an using inspiration, visionary ambitions, creativity, ics. Their skills make for a fine combination. The two open plan where the guests can capture a glance of risk, ability to bounce back from failure, and have catered events for heads of states, gala extrava- each of the adjacent spaces throughout the restaurant. motivation. These skills are associated with ganzas, tailgate parties, weddings, business functions Merinda wanted to have a touch of charm, and the understanding the value of knowledge. The fact is, and hundreds of other special occasions. The growth flare of the bistro is reflected in the design of their what is exercised grows stronger; what is ignored stays dormant. Knowledge only has value when it of the restaurant has been fast and exciting. restaurant. To create that feeling, the design of the is exercised.

Merinda offers this advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, restaurant and the many surrounding what-knots will “Be prepared for your chosen venture.” Whether it is capture and tug at the very core of your existence. There is no definition of education that is agreed upon by all. However, many agree that achievers education or licensing, proper preparation is the key.

She also mentions, “One must be able to understand It is truly an inspiring place. The overall décor of in life succeeded because they knew how to all areas of the business they are interested in.” Me- the restaurant is done with sheer sophistication. The research, collect information for a selected project, rinda will also be the first to say that coming across combination of the colors and the open feeling of and process knowledge. such a fabulous facility in a prime location is nothing the restaurant create an atmosphere of warmth and Information is important, but ways to get short of amazing. Her faith is whole as she speaks of charm for the guests of Lemond New World Cuisine, worshiping at the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in where they may enjoy great food, a selection of fine information are more important. Education entails Houston, Texas. “One of the first things we did was wines, incredible desserts and a heightened level of having experience in thinking about and weighing the facts discovered, in reasoning about them asked our pastor to come and pray for the success of hospitality. and coming to conclusions in regard to them. It our business,” states Merinda. requires acting upon the judgments reached and Customer Service is vitally important to the Martin’s. being able to express those judgments to others, in The level of commitment they have toward their spoken and written form, definitely and effectively. customers is evident. Business partner and owner Education should develop such qualities as those of of Music Depot, Tanya Smith, play an integral role. initiative, originality, imagination, and leadership.

She greets guests with a warm and congenial smile, There is an almost unlimited field and demand for and then eloquently runs down items on the menu, those who have them.

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To Tell or Not to Tell: Providing References in Employment Situations By: Dacia Williams Have you ever been concerned about the type of job reference a former employer would provide a prospective employer with?

Have you ever wanted to let an inquiring prospective employer know just what he or she may be getting themselves into should they hire this particular employee— particularly tell the potential employer about how poor the employer’s job performance actually was! The issue of whether or not an employer should provide a negative reference to a prospective employer is one that affects both employers and employees on a daily basis.

The Law in Texas regarding whether or not an employer is allowed to provide negative information about a former employee suggests that as long as the information provided is truthful, the employer may be protected from civil litigation . The employer is allowed to tell the prospective employer whatever he or she wants to about the employee’s job performance, as long as the employer reasonably believes that the information is true. Unless it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that the employer knew he or she was providing false information about the employee, the employer may be protected from civil litigation to the contrary. In addition, unless the employer was being malicious or reckless in providing information to a potential employer about the employee, the employer may be protected. The exception to the general rule comes in to play for employers who attempt to provide potentially negative references for nurses. In Texas, licensed nurses must be afforded the opportunity to provide a statement prior to any negative reference being offered by a former boss.

According to the legislature, this protection is afforded to employers for the protection of the public’s welfare. For example, perhaps if prospective employers were more informed in making their employment selections, the need for postemployment litigation, mediation and arbitration, or the high incidence of paying out unemployment compensation and the costs associated with this process may be decreased, thereby resulting in a benefit to society, especially from a cost-efficient point of view.

Whether a your motives for wanting to provide a potentially negative reference about an employee are altruistic or vengeful, employers may want to

err on the side of caution in providing information to prospective employers. Most employers usually only provide dates of employment in response to inquiries about an employee’s job performance this is probably the safest route for an employer wanting to ensure that they do not subject themselves to defamation and other civil lawsuits. Conversely, if you are a current or former employee who wishes to minimize the possibility or effect of being the subject of a potentially negative reference, you might want to consider requesting the contents of your personnel file. Upon examining the contents of your file and discussing ways in which you could improve your job performance with your current or former boss, you could receive valuable criticism with respect to your job performance, gain insight into what a former employer may say about you to prospective employers, and if nothing else, open up the lines of communication with a former employer!

This type of conversation could possibly lead to future employment opportunities with a former employer!

leadership and national convention delegates would have accepted and nominated him and that the majority of the party’s grassroots activists would have supported a Kerry/McCain ticket that would have won the general election.

If the Democratic party was willing to nominate and support John McCain for Vice-President in 2004 as a part of a grand “fusion” strategy, why not nominate him in 2008 and also work to help him win the Republican Party nomination that year to finally put the fusion strategy to the test.

As the nominee of the two major political parties, McCain could help heal the political divide in our nation by eliminating the likelihood of a mean and divisive presidential election in 2008.

If Democrats have now changed their mind (and their tune) about healing the country by welcoming John McCain onto the party’s presidential ticket, there is another option available to McCain.

He could reach out to Colin Powell to run

Another Name to Consider For the 2008 Democratic Party Presidential Nomination Carroll G. Robinson, Esq.* If Senator Hillary Clinton wins re-election to the United States Senate from New York in 2006 she will cement her position as the presumptive front runner for the Democratic Party’s 2008 presidential nomination ahead of even John Kerry and John Edwards, the party’s 2004 presidential and vice-presidential nominees respectively.

A number of other Democratic Senators and Governors are also being mentioned as likely candidates for the party’s presidential nomination in 2008.

Interestingly, pundits and prognosticator aren’t mentioning the highest profile candidate for the Democratic Party’s 2004 vice presidential nomination as a potential candidate for the party’s 2008 presidential nomination.

No one is mentioning Senator John McCain.

Everyone knows that John Kerry asked John McCain, a Republican, to be the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 2004 on several occasions. If McCain had accepted the offer, the expectation was that the Democratic Party

with him on an Independent “unity” ticket for the White House. If not Powell, then McCain should reach out to Senator Barack Obama or Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico, a former Ambassador to the United Nations and Secretary of Energy in President Bill Clinton’s administration.

An even more compelling unity ticket would be a McCain/Clinton or Clinton/McCain ticket in 2008. (I leave it up to the two to decide whose name goes first.)

Some combination of these possible pairings could just be strong enough to beat the extremes of both the Republican and Democratic Parties in 2008.

Think for yourself how liberating this would be for our nation.

America needs to find common ground and concensus solutions to the economic, social and security challenges on our nation’s horizon.

If politics is really about “the people”, 2008 may just turn out to be an interesting and inspiring year that unifies and lifts our nation to higher political ground and substantive policy achievements. * Associate Dean of External Affairs and Assistant Professor, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas.

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Writing Press Releases

By Donna Lewis

Houston Chronicle Account Executive

Classified

Press releases are one of the easiest, least expensive and most effective ways to keep the media – and through them, the public – abreast of what’s going on with your company and its events. Not every press release grabs the media’s attention but lots of them do and it certainly doesn’t hurt to give them a try.

However, you do need to follow some basic rules to write press releases that work.

First and foremost, remember your audience is the media and not the consumer. Your goal is to get the reporter or editor of the publication to notice the release. A press release should read like news – not sales or marketing promotions.

If they read like advertising, editors will ignore them. Many times media outlets will pick up a press release to run in their publication with little or no modification. Often journalists use press releases as the basis for a feature story and may incorporate what you have written -- but only if it is newsworthy.

Be concise. Keep your press release short, just one or two pages. Write a powerful opening. An interesting lead should get to the point fast. If you don’t grab the reader’s interest immediately, don’t expect them to continue reading.

Eliminate industry jargon. Your press release should be easily understood by anyone reading it. It should appeal to a general audience.

Your information should be current. Include the release date or “For Immediate Release” at the top of the page under your contact information, and write “NEWS RELEASE” in the upper right corner.

Don’t reissue old press releases. Include a contact name with telephone number and an e-mail address.

Check carefully for spelling and grammar errors before you send it.

If sending photos, be sure to include a caption on a separate piece of paper. Attach it to the back of the photo with transparent tape. Include sources, contacts and a release date.

Know your audience and don’t blindly send your press release to a wide audience.

Develop a targeted list of the journalists and publications that cover your subject matter and are likely to be receptive.

When reporters contact you, respond promptly. The reporter may have a deadline and if you call back too late, you won’t make it into the story. Take deadlines and lead times into account.

Most magazines work several months in advance, newspapers need copy daily, and wire services and Web sites can generate new copy hourly. Pay attention to editorial calendars.

Try to find out the journalist’s preferred method of contact. Many like e-mail, but some may still prefer to receive a fax.

Follow up. Reporters receive numerous press releases on a daily basis. If you decide to follow up with a phone call, tell them immediately the topic of the release and the exact date you sent it. Don’t just ask them if they received your press release.

Spread the word about your business and best of luck. I hope to be reading about you soon!

Why would a small business ever need more than one account?

By: Jeff Boney /Washington Mutual VP Many small businesses are accustomed to paying fees at their current bank, and spend their lives managing out of one business account to avoid paying any additional charges.

Accountants often suggest that a business keep their payroll funds in a separate account. A few reasons for this are: 1. Business owners can keep a better eye on their accounts in the case of fraud. Payroll checks are targeted via internal employee theft and external check fraud.

2. Business owners can reconcile their accounts easier. If you have several employees, you can keep your account separate, giving you the ability to reconcile the payroll account yourself.

This also prevents employees from having access to the pay information of other employees.

If you have at least two employees, it is a good practice to set up two separate accounts: 1. Operating or Main Account (Deposits and Check clearing) 2. Payroll (Checks and ACH direct debits for employee pay) But there are other types of accounts that can also assist you as a small business owner: 1. Merchant Card payment account • If you take merchant card payments from your customer(s), a separate Merchant Card payment account allows you to track merchant deposits better, and allows you to reconcile your books easier. Remember, no one likes giving people access to their accounts, so giving out a separate account for the vendor to use, keeps your main account and your funds safe.

2. Tax Account • You can have your taxes debited by the government without the worry of giving anyone additional access to your main operating account, which typically holds the majority of the company funds.

3. Business Money Market or Business Platinum Savings • If your business has additional cash sitting in a non-interest bearing account, it is a good idea to start making your money work for you by establishing a Business Money Market or Business Platinum Savings account.

4. Petty cash • It is a great idea to keep a small balance account for your Administrative Assistant, Office Manager or any other employee that you send off to purchase office items or fulfill certain tasks. You can allow them access to buy stamps, emergency supplies, etc. Most businesses keep anywhere from $100 to $500 in this account and reconciles the account at the end of each month.

5. Wire transfer • If you send or receive wire transfers domestically and internationally quite often, having a separate wire account could be beneficial to you. You would not have to give out your main operating account number to vendors and allow anyone access to withdraw funds from that account.

As a Washington Mutual customer, you can get the benefits of free Business Checking with no monthly fee, no per-check fee and no balance requirement, as well as free Business Online Banking and Bill Pay and our free Visa Business Check Card.

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Many people have a banking institution, but they truly need a banking partner. Let Washington Mutual Bank assist you with your business needs.

Ideal Energy, Inc. Interview Denise Fields President/CEO Mary Ann Welch Vice President The New Kids on the Block Ideal Energy is ready to bring cheaper electricity prices to your home. Denise Fields and Mary Ann Welch are just getting started, so stay tuned for some constant innovation. They want to serve every one in Texas and the United States. Marlon Jackson on behalf of D-MARS Business Journal had the pleasure of interviewing Denise Fields, President and CEO and Ms. Mary Ann Welch, V.P. of Ideal Energy, the power ladies.

listen for the opportunity. After listening I realized that it was strictly a matter of running a business, learning new rules and regulations, and that it required a huge capital investment. After due diligence, it was apparent that we could carve out our niche in the market and be successful. At that point I welcomed the challenge and opportunity.

Jackson: Mary Ann what inspired you to go along with this?

Marlon Jackson: Denise, where are you from?

Ms. Welch: Part of it was for selfish reasons. I have a son 27 year old son who is growing in the energy business.

He works with an energy company. I had this vision of him growing our company and taking it to another level.

He is a smart young man and is learning so much about the business while pursuing his MBA.

Mrs. Fields: I’m from Canton Mississippi, home of the Canton Spirituals.

Jackson: Is he here now?

Marlon Jackson: Where did you attend college?

Mrs. Fields: Mississippi State University, I graduated from there in 1987 with a degree in Business Administration with three areas of concentration, management, finance and business information systems.

Jackson: Ms. Welch, Where did you attend college and where are you from?

Ms. Welch: I’m a native Houstonian and I graduated from Dominican College here in Houston, Texas where I received a BS degree in nursing in 1969.

Jackson: From my understanding Mary Ann, you and Denise are partners in this business.

Ms. Welch: Yes we are.

Jackson: Can you tell me how you met Denise and how you started partnering?

Ms. Welch: I met Denise in 2000 when we worked with a HCS (Home Community Support) program, a provider for the state taking care of MHMR clients with disabilities. We worked together very well delivering services to our clients. I thought of Denise as a smart young woman and encouraged her to start a business while I am still productive and could be of help. While I thought it would be delivering health care, imagine my surprise to find out it would be delivering energy.

Ms. Welch: No, Tony lives in Oklahoma City with Shannon, his new bride. They are both very busy with careers and finishing graduate school. I would love to have them closer when they start a new family.

Jackson: So your son gave you the thought process to make you believe you can do this.

Ms. Welch: When I told him about it he was really excited, and said, “Mom, go for it”.

Jackson: Denise I heard you talk about your husband.

Tell me a little about your family.

Mrs. Fields: I have been happily married for 18 years and counting. I married at a young tender age. I have two sons, Winfred 15 and Elijah 7. Two very intelligent and handsome young men I might add. They are just the joy of my life. We are a very close knit family.

Jackson: Is any of your family working in this business with you?

Mrs. Fields: Not at this time, no, but they all are very supportive and in fact they all have Ideal Energy now.

Some of them have businesses of their own and we service them as well.

Jackson: Mrs. Fields, what inspired you to get into the energy business?

Did someone come to you one day and say, “Denise you look like you can do energy”.

Jackson: Mary Ann, you told me about the son in Oklahoma, is that your only child, if you will, tell me a little about your family.

Mrs. Fields: Absolutely not. That’s a pretty funny story actually. Mary Ann and I were looking for a business that we could start. My husband had planted the seed about starting my own company and she confirmed it one day. Once we agreed that it was time, we turned this assignment over to my enterprising husband to find us a business opportunity. He came home one day and said, “Well, I found a company for you”. “You’re going to start an energy company”. Of course I was looking at him like he was crazy. He said, “ don’t rule it out”.

“I have a client that I been talking to who’s been in this industry for a long time”. “There is a lot of opportunity there, so I want you to at least hear it before you rule it out”. I did just that. We had lunch and she explained to me that we didn’t have to have the big trucks and did not have to have people out reading meters and all of that. That put my mind at ease and opened it up to

Ms. Welch: As I said earlier, I am from Houston, Texas and I have been here most of my life. I grew up with a family of three brothers, my father, who was a police officer is deceased. My mom is still living. I have one child. I’ve been a single parent for twenty-five years so he is the joy of my life.

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Jackson: Ms. Welch, when you look back on your life who was inspirational, who drove you to want to keep going to do this kind of stuff.

Ms. Welch: Certainly my parents were instrumental, because of the love and support I got from them, but my mom’s sister gave me the drive and desire to be successful, to work hard. My father always told me, “If you get it in your head nobody can take it from you”.

My memories of my aunt and my son have given me the

inspiration to do this business. He is my success story. I believe with qualities of leadership, dedication commitment and accountability you can achieve success. Ideal Energy will be my next success story.

Jackson: What was your aunts’ name?

Ms. Welch: My aunts’ name was sister Mary Clementia. She was a principal at our Mothers of Mercy Catholic School for 12 years where she taught physics and calculus to the seniors and taught music to everyone else in the school. She was truly a renaissance woman with business savvy. She was brilliant, and ran the school like a business.

Jackson: Denise, let me ask you the same question.

Mrs. Fields: I have to say my mother. I lost my dad my freshman year in college and I was so close to him I wanted to drop out of school when it happened. My mom encouraged me to go on and make him proud, and that’s what I set out to do. Secondly, I’ll have to say my husband. He encourages me daily. He feels that through Christ I can conquer all.

Jackson: Denise, how did you and Mary Ann come up with the name Ideal Energy.

Mrs. Fields: Initially we were going to call the company Sterling Energy. We almost registered under that name.

The name just came to me. I said to my husband, I kind of like the name Ideal Energy. We kept saying, this is an idea whose time has come. We thought it to be the “Ideal Choice”. You could really play off that name.

Jackson: Are you looking for any employees right now and if you are what particular area.

Mrs. Fields: Primarily looking for customer service reps and sales people at this time. We’re looking for bilingual people right now. We’re really tapping the Hispanic market. We want them to have the same access to information and assistance as everyone else. We are also looking for motivated sales people. Foot soldiers need to be out there putting our name out in the community.

We have opportunities for people to come on as independent sales contractors, which is attractive to people looking to supplement their income..

Jackson: When are you going to be looking for these people?

Mrs. Fields: Immediately. Interested candidates can call our office at 713.979.4800 or fax their resume to 713.979.4801.

Jackson: What do you like doing when you’re not working Mary?

Ms. Welch: I am busy taking care of my aging mother.

When there is time I enjoy traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Jackson: Denise, what do you do on your spare time?

Mrs. Fields: My spare time.

Jackson: When you’re not working Mrs. Fields: I’m very active in my church. I’m a proud member of the choir.

Jackson: What church do you attend.

Mrs. Fields: Riceville Mt. Olive Baptist Church Pastor Joe D. Johnson. He is a pillar in the community. He just celebrated his 38th anniversary. I enjoy mentoring the youth at our church as well.

Ideal Energy Continued...

Jackson: So what do you do when you’re not working?

Sometimes you don’t work, right.

Mrs. Fields: I enjoy spending quality time with my family, going to the movies, out to eat, road trips and of course shopping.

Jackson: So spending time with your family and shopping is how you relieve yourself.

Mrs. Fields: Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes.

Jackson: We all have to leave this world one day. What would you want people to say about you as you lay on your way to hevan.

Ms. Welch: If they will say she cared about others and made a positive difference. She did bring Joy to someone’s life. She was a good and faithful servant Jackson: Denise have you had time to think about what you want people to say as you lay on your way?

Mrs. Fields: Often times we become successful and that’s the extent of it. I pride myself on reaching out to help others. Advising is one of the reasons I’m so involved with our youth starting with my own. It costs you nothing to give information and be a mentor. It doesn’t cost a thing. So when people call me and say I’m thinking about doing this, what do you think? I know I have put something on their mind. Give me a call before you make a decision. You can have a strong impact on young lives. That’s one of the things I really want people to know and remember. To whom much is given, much is required.

Jackson: That you were a mentor.

Mrs. Fields: And that I genuinely cared about people in general Jackson: This is your last question to give you an opportunity to express to our readers what you want them to know about you and Ideal Energy and what you want them to do. Like, I want you to switch over.

Mrs. Fields: Of course switch. But more importantly get informed. We have talked a little to you about what our primary focus is, to educate the community. We have been on radio and television shows. We’re doing some things in the community ongoing. We have opportunities for people to call our office and bring their electricity bills. We teach them how to read their bills, understand their rates, and to know when they’re being overpriced on their bill. Most people can’t intelligently read their bill to know if it’s right or wrong. They simply feel that they have got to have electricity so they just pay the bill. From May to June most peoples’ rates doubled. Most people attribute that to it being summer time and they are using more electricity. They believe that is why their bills are higher. On a personal note, my adopted grandmother at my church, an elderly woman, is on a fixed income. Her bill in May and June was 300+ dollars. She had to look at some other alternatives. I encourage people to come to these free events that we have to be an educated consumer. Call our office for more information. We’ll be happy to take the time to go over your bill with you. Many people have called us, our phones are ringing constantly because we are extending that education and people are taking us up on it. They call saying, “I have my bill in front of me, do you have the time”? Sure, we do. We have people that go out and read their meters while we are still on the phone.

All in an effort to help them understand how to read the current read versus the previous read. We try to make them understand what all those numbers mean on their bill. To most people they are just a bunch of numbers.

They have no clue what the numbers mean or even if the numbers are right. The numbers could be wrong for all they know. Ideal Energy, Inc., being the new kid on the block is separating ourselves from the rest by caring enough to educate people on how we can save them money. We are no different than Reliant or TXU in that we all sell electricity. The lines and the poles are serviced by Center Point. They will continue to service your lines whether you have Ideal Energy, Reliant, or TXU. When there is a power outage, Center Point will come out to make repairs, not Ideal, Reliant or TXU. Most people don’t know that. In our education process we try to dispel all the misnomers. We just want to inform and educate people of the fact that there is a choice and that the reliability of service will be the same.

Jackson: Mary Ann, would you like to add anything to that?

Ms. Welch: Just to magnify what she said about the service itself and Center Point. Center Point Energy is responsible for turning on and turning off the power. They read the meters and they are responsible for repairs during power outages. We don’t turn off the lights here at Ideal Energy. If there is a power outage Center Point handles that. We want to make sure people understand that about our services. Just like Reliant and TXU, we only sell the electricity.

Mrs. Fields: The only differences will be that we will have cheaper rates and that we’re going to extend ourselves to educate people, whereas our counterparts are not. We are excited and ready to serve.

Jackson: Who are you looking to as a customer in the Houston area?

Mrs. Fields: Everybody that has a light switch to turn off and on. We service residence, both homes and apartments, commercial, industrial, cities and municipalities.

We service everyone. We’re not defined or limited by race, nationality, age, or sex. Everybody in the deregulated areas of Texas is eligible to be an “Ideal Energy” customer.

Richard P. Browne Creates Master Plan For Historic Imperial Sugar Site in Sugar Land Cherokee Sugar Land, LP, a joint venture between W.C. Perry Land Development, LP and Cherokee Investments Partners, L.L.C., has selected internationally renowned developer Richard P. Browne to create the vision and master plan for the historical Imperial Sugar site located in Sugar Land, Texas.

The developers and Browne will be meeting over the next several months with neighborhood associations and business leaders. Included are the local Chambers and Economic Development groups.

These meetings will foster helping information in determining the wants and needs of the community.

Brown realizes that this is a unique and rare opportunity, considering the refineries historic architecture and the sites rich history. The community has to play a major role in the decision-making process.

Brown is noted for creating the master plan for George Mitchell and The Woodlands. With many developments centered around water, Brown has work that expands local, national and international borders.

Fellowship in Business Relationships

By Julia Whitley On the Spiritual Side You cannot steer your ship alone. Help is

Ms. Welch: You mean the whole United States.

on the way, only if you allow others on board. Many potential partnerships have been developed. Partners have been connected in partnership, but who has God chosen to sail with you? One that hopefully will not sink the ship while on your business journeys. Even Jesus on his journey knew he needed fellowship with others so that the scripture would be fulfilled. Eccl. 4:9-10 reminds us that two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor. If they fall, the one will lift up his fellow (Business Partner), but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

In order to expand your territory, you must be willing to connect to others, with common interests and goals.

Jackson: So you intend to reach across America?

How else can you enlarge your business?

Mrs. Fields: Oh Yeah

According to II Ch 4:10, if Jabez could call on God to bless him and enlarge his coast, while protecting his business and keeping him from evil for his good, then the same can be done for you and I. Before making a business transaction that might sink your ship, notice what could potentially happen. Bear in mind that the creator did not attempt to reach the world alone. He sent them out two by two. They worked in partnership.

Jackson: In the next ten years will you be in the whole state of Texas.

Mrs. Fields: Within a year, we will have lights on in all deregulated areas.

Ms. Welch: Oh Yeah Mrs. Fields: Our plans are to start here in Houston perfect a system that works and then we can take that system anywhere we want. Webster defines Ideal as a perfect model. We concur wholeheartedly.

In achieving your goals in business, a circle of counsel is often needed. Even while maintaining focus, as leaders, there are certain things we will not see. Therefore, it is imperative to select a counsel to increase the quality of your decision making in business. This is the practice of every king and world leader. This type of fellowship will help keep your business afloat. Bon Voyage!

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How to Prepare for an Interview

•

By: Wendy Johnson, PhD

• •

Congratulations, you just received a call,…you’ve got an interview. • Now what? Are you ready for the interview? In order to be considered for any job, you must ensure that you do some homework. Below are several tips that should help • you properly prepare for an interview.

• • Practice Interviewing • Before you go on an interview, it is a good idea to practice. This gives you an opportu nity to work through any “interview jitters” you may have.

• It also gives you a chance to review your interview tactics before the big day. When you do this, ensure that you practice with a person that can guide you as well as give you costructive criticism.

• Conducting a practice interview should result in you receiving constructive feedback from a person that can help you improve your interview strategy.

• • • •

Research Do some research on the organization to ensure that you are able to answer questions the interviewer my have.

This can be done by surfing the Internet or going to your local library.

Employers like to see that a person has done adequate research on the organization before they attend the interview. It shows that you are interested in knowing about the organizations’ mission and the culture of the organization, etc. Some of the information that you can research are:

•

• • • • •

•

Locate the organization’s mission statement.

Locate the core values (if any).

Find out how long the organization has been doing business.

Find out who the important or the key players.

Find out what kind of service the organization offers.

Find out all of the locations.

How is the organization structured – try to locate an organizational chart, etc.

Arrival Time Be on time! Ensure that you arrive 20 minutes before the actual interview starts.

Give yourself enough time to arrive at the interview location so that you can go to the restroom (if needed), relax, fill out any necessary paperwork, etc.

• •

Greeting Ensure that you extend a firm handshake.

This applies to female applicants as well.

• •

Eye Contact During the interview, ensure that you maintain good eye contact with the interviewer.

Keep from looking around the room or up at the ceiling when you are asking or answering a question.

•

• • • • • •

Example topics to research • • •

Ensure that you are properly dressed for the interview.

Interview Location Ensure that you know exactly where the interview is going to take place.

Look up the address on the Internet to ensure that you know how much time it will take you go get there – As you know, this is Houston so allow for extra time, due to various construction projects.

• •

•

Ask Questions Ensure that when the time comes, you ask questions about the organization and the responsibilities of the job.

Never go to an interview and leave without asking questions.

Never inquire about money and benefits at the first interview.

Exit Strategy Right before the interview is over, let the interviewer know that you are interested in the position and find out when they plan to fill the position.

Ensure that you extend another firm hand shake.

Obtain a business card from each person that interviewed you - (If they do not have a business card, ensure that you write down the correct spelling of their full name and title).

Send the interviewer/s a hand-written “Thank-you” card. Do not send a Thankyou email. As you know, people get inun dated with emails and your email may get over-looked.

Doing adequate research should provide you a surge of information that can be used at Following these various steps should help you the interview. Finding the information for the interview is good,…just ensure that you during the interview process. Good Luck! make it to work for you.

Dress for Success

Marlon’s Corner How To Get Customers In America there are not many companies that can operate without customers. It is not the type of businesses; it’s the understanding that whatever business you decide to enter it is customer driven.

Take examples: a CPA is a person that can do unbelievable things to help a company understand their year end balance. A tax person can help save people money at tax season.

The only problem is that it does not matter how sharp you are at your craft, or how wonderful your office looks if no one comes to use your service. I went around the United States helping businesses get their numbers up. I realized one common denominator when it came to the businesses that were struggling. The owner was in the office all day watching his workers or becoming a worker.

Business is similar to politics. In politics, if no one knows you are running or your policies, you most likely will not get their vote. In business, if no one knows who you are and what your service entails, they most likely will not come receive your service.

It’s nice to look nice and act like an owner, but who cares? The best thing that can happen to a business owner is that people know what you do before they know your name. If you are in the tax business it would be better for some one to say, “Hey, there goes the tax person.” A customer does not have a certain look. When trying to decide what a customer looks like you probably will guess wrong 75% of the time. It’s better to see everyone as a customer.

One thing a politician and a business owner should have in common is shaking hands and kissing babies. A consumer will buy you before they buy your product or service. They want to see your character and integrity. Business is a combination of two things, strategy and character. If you have to get rid of one of these features, get rid of the strategy. I’m not saying it is not a smart thing to have a strategy or look nice. I am saying look nice where you can be seen looking nice and don’t let your strategy cloud your character. Go where the customer is and pass out as many business cards as possible. Business cards are a very inexpensive way to let people know who you are and what you do. The rule on business cards is the “three foot rule”. Anybody within three feet of you should get a business card. Utilize a referral program. The true key to getting customers is keeping the ones you have and make them foot soldiers through a well thought out customer service plan. A plan that is superior to your competitor. A happy and satisfied customer will send you three people. A customer scorned will loose you ten.

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The Power to Get Wealth

By Deacon Ramone Harper In 2003, my pastor, Rev. Terrance H. Johnson, preached a sermon series entitled “The Power to Get Wealth.” How befitting for this month’s business journal dealing with wealth building. As always, I must write from a biblical slant on all my articles because I believe that is what I am called to do: to teach business principles to the world through a biblical point of view. Since the earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof, it just kind of makes sense to me that we screen everything through His eyes. In Pastor Johnson’s sermon his scripture reference came from Deuteronomy 8:18.

What a powerful message God sent thru this scripture, and Pastor Johnson. It reads, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” God in his awesomeness wants to give us wealth, but there is a condition for it. It must be for His glory that we seek it. I can hear Pastor Johnson saying, “You don’t have to chase money because if your motive is pure (meaning you want to help God) and your passionate about what you do, then money and success will chase you!”

As I move back to the scripture, there are some important principles and promises found here.

• Number One: God says that when you become prosperous, don’t forget it was God that got you the wealth. So many times when we make a little change, get the new home in the burbs and the sports coupe, we not only forget about where we came from, but we forget the source of which it came. Now, we don’t have time to pray, time to serve in ministry. We have money but now we don’t tithe because we can use that 10% to invest in a new business venture or to acquire more material stuff. We also forget the hoods we came from, and surely don’t ask us for a ride somewhere or show up unannounced in our newly gated community. God must be turning up his noise in disgust because the very wealth that He gave you is now being used for your own personal goals instead of his agenda.

• Number Two: The reason God gives us wealth is to do His will here on earth. The scripture says He gives you wealth to confirm His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers. God had a plan way before you came to this earth and He is only confirming a promise to your ancestors that you would be blessed so that He could be glorified. God is looking to be glorified here on earth like He is in heaven. So by establishing you as a wealthy entrepreneur he is hoping that you testify about him to more people now that you have greater influence.

Your place of business should be an extension of the church. It really is a missionary field where people who don’t expect to see God will see Him in your business and want to know more about Him.

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Many times we get so successful that we think we may offend a potential business partner, employee, or customer, so we remain silent about our faith.

Remember what God says in Luke Chapter 9 verse 26, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Pastor Johnson says that the higher we go in life, the louder we ought to shout about God’s goodness.

• Number Three: You can lose your wealth by disobeying these commands. The next verse in Deuteronomy states, “If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I will testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.” Your companies, your wealth, your accomplishments, the deals you have done are not to be worshipped. If so, then they have now become your gods. A few years ago you were on top of the world, the hot new business on the block, D-Mars was spotlighting you in his business journal, you were the talk of the town, your pockets were fat, deals were coming from out of the sky it seemed (well it was because God was sending blessings to you), and everything you touched was prospering. Then, all of sudden the deals stop coming, the phone stopped ringing, the people stopped singing your praises, hell started breaking loose with your employees, and now your wondering if you are in the right business or should you go bankrupt. Here is the word for you found in Revelations 2:4-5 which states, “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen!

Repent and do the things you did at first.”

So remember, the only way to get wealth and maintain it is to glorify God through your business, understand the reason you are being blessed (to advance His kingdom) and lastly don’t forget who wealth comes from (Jehovah Jireh – God our provider). The goal once you acquire wealth is to keep it, so don’t lose your blessing by being disobedient and self centered. That is great to know that God wants us to be prosperous not only financially but also most importantly spiritually. John 3 says, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

For more business counseling from a biblical perspective, join me on the 4th Saturday of every other month at Higher D where Pastor Johnson hosts the Entrepreneurs Networking Breakfast. Our next one will be September 24th, with guest speaker Dr. Teresa Hairston, publisher of Gospel Today magazine. She will be talking about how to successfully market your business. This will be a special edition in celebration of Rev. Johnson’s 6th Pastoral Anniversary. A five star brunch will be served and tickets are on sale at the church starting at $35 per person. To purchase tickets or acquire the series entitled “The Power to Get Wealth,” contact us at (713) 271-7217.

God’s GRACE is Sufficient By: Joie Rasberry Grace L. Butler, PhD She brings a message of hope, encouragement and love to those affected by cancer A bridge between God and Colon Cancer, Grace Butler – scholar, educator, mother and Christian – is one of the most brilliant individuals of our generation.

Where there is inspiration and hope, there is Grace Butler. She is living proof that recovery from any situation is not only possible, but it is ours to have if we tap into our own personal power and inner strength.

Butler is humble and understandably comfortable with taking what could be deemed as an unfortunate situation and turning it into a ministry. For her, it was and still is a matter of perspective. Instead of asking the Creator why did he allow cancer to infiltrate her body, Butler asked, “What is it you will have me do now that this has happened?”

Sick or well, Butler embodies perseverance, and it is her strength and undying spirit that forces all of us to take a closer look at what really matters. The simple things in life that we often take for granted such as the sound of laughter, a little child playing in the sandbox, a meal shared with a loved one; all of a sudden takes on new meaning.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Butler became a cancer survivor in April 27, 1999. While ailing for about eight months, Butler was admitted to the hospital on a Thursday morning for testing and according to the gastroenterologist test results, nothing was found and Butler would be discharged Monday. Inquisitive in nature, and though happy with the good news, Butler replied, “You’ve looked at part of my colon. I think you need to look at my entire colon.” The gastroenterologist then replied mentioning two procedures and Butler asked, “Which is the most precise.” He said, “The colonoscopy.” Butler replied, “That is the one I want.”

She meekly and quietly persisted because she knew her own body and that intuitive spirit proved to be right, it was indeed a positive diagnosis.

“When the excruciating pain struck my body the week before hospital admission, my thoughts focused on ulcer, appendicitis, abdominal pain etc.

Colon never entered my mind, at least not at that time. In as much as I am not a medical doctor,

God’s Grace is Sufficient continued... those were the areas of illness that my mind took me to. The miracle is this. I do not know the anatomy of the body; God used my voice to respond to the doctor.

It was He who said look at my colon. I had been in the hospital since Thursday and had nothing by mouth since the day before. By Sunday, I was weak and not very alert. That is why I know my response was “God directed.” I never would have thought about colon on my own. Every time I think about having been discharged from the hospital with Stage III cancer lurking in my body I glorify God. He intervened and spared my life!”

After months of chemotherapy, it seemed as though everyone had a solution to prevent the cancer from resurfacing. Family and friends offered advice, “Eat this. Take that. Drink this.” And though Butler was appreciative, none of the advice improved her circumstances.

of the Partners in Courage Award and an American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Brest Cancer Community Partnership Grant. Recently she has been invited by the Chief of Resources and Training Review of the National Cancer Institute to accept a four year appointment to the National Cancer Institute Initial Review Group-Subcommittee A for Cancer Center reviews across the nation.

Her maxium, which she often shares with others, “Look for the blessings.” Throughout her journey with cancer and her survivorship, Butler recounts the many blessings that can be attributed to her battle with cancer. Dr. Butler attributes her success and healing to a deep abiding faith in God and a willingness to serve others, despite whatever situation life offers.

When adversity came to Butler, she chose to look outward, beyond self, and in doing so, she was able to find a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Life is beautiful, no matter what, and Butler continues to show us how to catapult ourselves to that divine level each and every day.

What Butler discovered is that belief and behavior go hand in hand. Her own intellectualism rescued her from chasing every piece of advice given to her.

lence, leadership, workplace diversity, business ownership, women, men, singles and youth issues. She has been the speaker of choice for churches, corporations, foundations, government agencies, school districts, colleges and universities, and civic and community organizations throughout the United States and abroad. She is living proof that your circumstances do not define who you are or what you can be come.

As her health improved and as she gained her strength, she began to pursue her assignment that God had given her, “Go forth and serve my children who have been touched by cancer.” First, she turned to her church family and established the cancer ministry. Her Pastor, Kirbyjon Caldwell, and others welcomed this initiative and were very supportive of this effort. The LIFE Ministry at Windsor Village United Methodist Church, still serves those battling with cancer.

Looking past her own pain, Butler realized that there are hundreds of people in Harris County alone who do not have health insurance and who are medically undeserved. From this realization, her vision of an organization to help cancer patients was formed.

Hope Through Grace, Inc., a 501(c)(3), has three specific goals, financial support to help cover the cost of screening for early detection of colon and lung cancer, survivorship support and cancer education programs to the larger community.

As an academician, Butler has two Music degrees from, one from Xavier University – Bachelor of Science, the other from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. – Masters of Music and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from New York University.

She has taught in the New York public school system, accepted faculty appointments at The Ohio State University, The University of North Texas, Texas A&M University while settling in Houston to accept the position of Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs at the University of Houston. Currently, she holds the distinctive honor of Professor Emeritus at the University of Houston.

Butler has been bestowed with several honors and awards to this date, but none as honorable as finding purpose in any given situation. She is the recipient

Professional Orator, Writer, Radio Personality and Actress releases highly talked about Motivational/Inspirational CD From Jensen Drive to Pennsylvania Avenue D-MARS Promotions presents From Jensen Drive to Pennsylvania Avenue, Joie Rasberry’s inaugural CD. Rasberry is an extraordinary professional orator who delivers some of the most thought-provoking, honest, inspirational, motivational, spiritual and compelling messages ever.

Rasberry was identified by Ebony Magazine as one of the best young motivational speakers in America. Presenting more than 200 speeches annually, her message of hope and limitless possibilities encourage individuals from every walk of life to never give up, no matter how dim things appear. Her ability to address issues is inclusive of achieving excel-

Rasberry has starred on Broadway, performed at the White House for the President of the United States of America, won the title of Miss Texas Southern University, traveled around the world speaking at churches, schools, businesses, conferences, seminars and gala affairs, grew up on Houston’s north side and went on to be labeled one of the greatest young speakers of our time. Her star-studded performances in Paris, France, Rome, Italy, Prague, Czechoslovakia, Johannesburg, South Africa and Vancouver Canada have earned her international success.

Order your copy of the CD now!

For information on CD Purchase or to book Ms. Rasberry for your event call:

D-MARS Promotions

9898 Bissonnet, Suite 570 Houston, Texas 77036 713-272-9511 Office 713-272-6364 Fax 1-800-453-8752 Toll Free Saundra, Fletcher, Marketing Director Keith J. Davis, Sr., Executive Director

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Raquel Wheeler Medical Billing Service You Can Do It Raquel Wheeler, a native Houstonian and graduate of North Shores High School, started her journey from working to owning after 16 years in the medical services industry. It seemed as if she was working 24 hours a day with 2 ambulance services. It was taxing on her when she decided to start looking for another direction in the medical services field. She did not have a problem with the industry. She wanted to do something in the same career that was not taking up all of her time and energy. The ambulance services work load was getting heavy and she was becoming a stranger to her only child.

The more Ms. Wheeler learned, as she did her business, the more she realized it was billing that she enjoyed the most. She receives a run sheet provided from EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and her company bills the patient’s insurance company. Since she decided to pursue a career in medical billing, her life has been changed forever. Now with eight employees and three years of being an owner, she can say she has found happiness. Raquel’s company serves eighteen doctors in the Houston market. Her goal is to duplicate her services to other cities in the next ten years. As growth is in her future, she is looking for dependable employees that she can train to accommodate the different needs of her clients.

Ms. Wheeler wants people to know that anything is possible. You do not have to have a college degree, but you must have desire and perseverance. You can learn on the job and one day own the same business you work in. Many opportunities have been presented to Ms. Wheeler. She hopes that when her time is over on this earth, that people will say she was a kind, considerate, understanding and giving person. Ms. Wheeler says, “I try to live my life to the fullest and I try to do unto others the way I would like them to do unto me.” Owning your own business may not be for every one. If Ms. Wheeler would not have stepped out of her comfort zone, she would never have known. She truly wants everyone to know, “You can do it.”

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