d-mars.com Business Journal 07

D-MARS

7th Edition FREE

May/June 2006

Photo By: Zach Jones

Sharing Knowledge to Gain Wealth

Je’Caryous Johnson

Keith J. Davis, Sr. Jeanette Williams

I’m Ready Productions

“Mr. D-MARS”

Mikki’s Soul Food Cafe

Pastor Terrance H.Johnson

Keith J. Davis, Jr.

Higher Dimension Church

Keith J. Davis Jr. Foundation

David Edwards

Cynthia Nickerson

Chef Ral and Rhonda Nwosu

Business Professional Committed to Community Service

Grow Business with Video

Winning Ingredients

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Learn and Live

Journal

Publisher’s Message Keith J. Davis, Sr.

Tableof

Publisher Keith J. Davis, Sr. Operations Director Ana Romero Multimedia and Layout Director Jasen Adams Assistant Multimedia Director Albert Reff Multimedia Designer Andrea Hennekes Graphic Designer Juan Larios Video Operations Director Ralph Nickerson Video Operations Producer Cynthia Nickerson Corporate Sales Deshawn Colbert Distribution Phagan, Inc. Booker T. Davis, Jr.

Contents

If you attend any of the D-Mars Business Connections, you are bound to see businesses making their mark. Successful business owners from all over Houston attend these events.

But it’s not just the social aspect that these individuals come for. They come to give back.

These business owners know one crucial thing: You can’t be a success without helping others succeed.

Anyone who knows me knows I believe wealth building is not accidental, it happens on purpose. It’s a mindset, first of all.

You must acquire the beliefs that create wealth. Then you must work tirelessly and diligently to achieve that wealth.

But once you’ve achieved that wealth, it’s important to realize that your journey is just beginning.

Oftentimes, many in the African American community are accused of being “crabs in a bucket.” Pastor Terrance Johnson has an interesting philosophy about changing that crab mentality: Instead of trying to step on one another to get out of the bucket, let’s work together to help everyone get out of the bucket. I think that’s a philosophy business owners should develop.

In this “I got mine” world, it’s important to note that a true measure of success is not in the accolades you get, the number of digits in your bank account, or the number of businesses you can amass.

The true measure of success comes in the number of people you take along for the ride.

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Behind the

Publisher’s Desk…….............…...3 Video and your business………...5 Advice from the Pros ....................7 Getting Published ..........................8 Winning Ingredients......................9 Cover Story....................................10 Finance/Business..........................16 Business Fashion.............................19 Using Community Radio................22

Administrator Kristal Duhon

Contributing Writers Janice D. Miles Cynthia Nickerson ReShonda Tate Billingsley Kenneth Glover Keith J. Davis, Jr. Crystal C. Brown Veronique Landry Deacon Ramone Harper Pat Wilson

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month

After you achieve success... reach back and take someone else along for the ride.

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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Advice From The Pros WHAT CAN VIDEO DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

By Cynthia Nickerson Executive Producer, D-Mars Video Video can demonstrate, motivate, educate and communicate, all of which can equal more clients and increased revenue.

You may already be acquainted with the top quality printed material D-MARS designs to boost your marketing. Expect that same quality in the video projects we produce.

To take your business to the next level, consider a commercial.

You may be thinking that a commercial is way out of your budget, but we can produce an affordable, yet memorable and persuasive spot that will engage viewer’s emotions, which can help guide them toward your product or service.

We can also create a package of airtime that will fit into your budget, so that your spot can get as much rotation on as many different channels as possible.

Another alternative for broadcasting your commercial is the internet. You may be receiving the unique and memorable e-blasts produced by D-MARS. These are e-mail “posters” designed to catch your eye immediately when you open it. Add to that sound and motion and you’ve got a v-blast. It’s a unique alternative to sending text and still pictures.

A v-blast can range in cost and production value. Our most affordable option is you, your company spokesperson or our host on camera speaking about your product, service or upcoming event. But you can also add video, graphics and a variety of other elements to create a custom v-blast designed to drive home your unique message. Send your v-blast out utilizing our extensive database as well as your client list. You can also use your v-blast as a “video welcome” on the home page of your website. As your business budget grows, you may choose to use your v-blast as a 30 second spot on television.

Your business likely has a variety of communication needs that can easily and more efficiently be accomplished with video. For example: Training Videos: A convenient and low cost alternative or addition to holding training seminars. Can be distributed worldwide and viewed anytime.

Product/Service Demonstration Videos: Show potential customers and/or investors what a brochure can’t. Use video to show various angles and views of how your product/service works, along with a detailed explanation either done by you, your spokesperson or our voice talent.

Testimonial Videos: Have your best customers explain in their own words their positive experience with your company and its products and services. Distribute this at trade shows, through the mail and on your website to educate anyone interested in your company.

Employee Recruitment/Orientation Videos: Show the opportunities within your company. Introduce new and potential employees to your organization, its policies and corporate culture.

Employee Handbook Video: Give your HR managers a tool to assist them. Produce a video to clearly state what you expect from your employees to reduce misunderstandings. This can also be used to explain health care and other benefits, as well as emergency procedures.

Several of the suggestions above can be combined into one video, creating a promotional DVD with a menu option so that viewers can choose their segments.

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Finally, it’s always wise to establish a video archive of your key speaking engagements. Capture your public speeches to incorporate in company marketing and training videos.

Video can help your business grow. Choose the company you’ve come to know and trust with quality marketing materials to make your video engaging, educational and memorable: D-MARS Video Marketing!

Cynthia Nickerson is Executive Producer of D-MARS Video Marketing.

She has more than 18 years of television experience as a News Reporter/ Anchor. She is a skilled on camera host, voice talent, writer and producer.

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Advice From The Pros Five Tips You Need to Know When Buying a Home The so-called American dream includes a new home, fancy car and white picket fence. While this vision may not come true for many of us, it is worth striving for. So, what happens when the dreams cloud your reality, and you end up with much more than you bargained for?

Case in point: buying too much house.

Mike Sullivan, director of education for Take Charge America, a non-profit credit counseling company, says a home is one of the most important investments you can make, but buying the wrong home could put you in the poor house for a very long time.

“Ruining your credit to buy a home is not worth the long-term repercussions,” he advises. “It is vitally important to live within your means in order to build your credit.”

Sullivan has five tips you need to know about buying a home: • More Than a Mortgage – Traditionally, your mortgage payment should be no more than 28 percent of your income. Your total mortgage payment, combined with your monthly debt payments, should not exceed 36 percent of your income. But keep in mind, a mortgage is only part of the picture. Before buying a home, investigate what the common utility bills are when the home is fully occupied.

You also need to take into account other expenses like yard and pool maintenance, as well as unexpected maintenance and repairs.

• Sell & Downsize – If you have already fallen victim to too much house, or perhaps the kids have moved out, it is time to reevaluate your housing needs, rather than your housing wants. Consider selling your home and downsizing. Do you really need two guest rooms? Do you need a pool? The profit you make from selling your home can also be used to pay off credit card debt, or reinvest into a savings or retirement account.

• Get a Roommate – If you are living slightly outside your means, or you are trying to save up money, getting a roommate could be a simple solution. If you place an ad for a roommate, check their credit report and perform a background check. The fee associated with these reports will be well worth the peace of mind and potential hassles in the long run. Don’t get scammed! Always have a roommate sign a lease, which protects both parties.

• Refinance – Refinancing your home can reduce monthly payments. In addition, you could eliminate mortgage insurance, escrow payments or get extra cash. However, the amount of money you save depends on your total refinancing costs, whether you plan to sell your home in the near future and the effects of refinancing on your taxes. Talk with a lender or credit counselor before making this move.

Of course, the better your credit score, the better chance you have of obtaining the lowest interest rate. Don’t forget to check your score and clear up any problems that may be affecting your score.

• Don’t Cash Out All the Equity – Cashing out the equity in your home to pay off other bills sounds tempting, but it’s not a good idea.

Homeowners who cash out usually end up paying more in the long run because their payments are stretched out over a longer time period.

Plus, if the market shifts, you could be left owing more than your home is worth.

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Lifestyle Habits of the Rich Take Care of Business and Business Will Take Care Of You

By Janice D. Miles Contributing Writer We’ve all heard the stories before. One celebrity after another who went from living on top of the world, to filing bankruptcy and being forced to sell their home, cars and sometimes even their wedding rings to make ends meet. It’s a terrible story, but the fact is that most people’s biggest financial troubles start when they see their first million or so.

The problem is that most people who lose their fortunes don’t make plans on how they’re going to keep their income from surpassing their expenses. And before they know it, they’re in a hole they can’t get out of. Many people think that once they’re rich, they can just spend as much money as they want to, no matter how much money they have coming in every month.

The difference between people who fall off and people like Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Arthur Blanks is that they all own businesses that provide enough income to allow them to live such extravagant lifestyles and continue to grow their net worth at the same time.

Therefore, it’s not really them that pay for their lifestyles, but their businesses, in the sense that they may not have to work hard at all.

They just have a system in place that provides them with hundreds of millions or billions of dollars annually in income.

What people like Gates, Buffet, and Blanks do is exemplify the phrase living off your assets. They use their initial fortunes to buy or build lifelong cash-producing assets, such as football teams, and Fortune 500 companies. This approach is totally opposite of what most people do who fall off from their fortunes. The ones that get their money and right away buy a depreciating Mercedes, depreciating jewelry, and anything else they can get their hands on that depreciates in value as soon as they touch it.

I’m not saying you can’t have these nice things, because you can. Just don’t pay for them with your money. Instead, put your money to work for you, and then let your asset that produces continual income pay for all the nice things you want.

For example, say you want a S600 Benz. Instead of going out to buy one with your own money, buy a small apartment building that has enough excess income monthly to pay for the note. That way, you’re not paying for the depreciating toy, but instead your asset is, and that is what it means to live off your assets.

Another thing that successful people do is give. Most of them are all big givers, and it is normally not just for a tax write off, because they only get a percentage back of what they gave in tax savings, so throw that myth out the window. They give because they know you reap what you sow. Just like a farmer who plants corn seeds. He plants them because he likes getting more corn once the harvest comes in. So give and it will be given to you.

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V-BLAST Your Business to Success!

By Cynthia Nickerson Executive Producer, D-MARS Video You’ve already seen the unique D-MARS e-blasts: full color posters with information about business services or upcoming events emailed to thousands of Houston professionals (if you are not on that list, get on it as soon as possible by logging on to www.d-mars.com).

Now, we’re taking that one step further, with V-Blast. V-Blast combines video and e-mail for the newest, most immediate way to advertise! Video engages the senses and can sell your product or service using sound, sight and emotion. In addition, video shows the world that your business is successful, innovative and large.

Your V-blast can be as simple as a 30-second message from you, your spokesperson or a D-MARS host to promote your business, organization or upcoming event. Or it can be a full fledged commercial in which we will combine the on camera message with video of your product or service and additional narration if you choose.

Video motivates people to buy or act. Use video to communicate how your business is different from the competition. Use video to educate your customers and employees. Use video to get results. And use DMARS to produce that results-oriented video!

Call us today at 713-272-9511 to schedule your V-Blast.

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Advice From The Pros Is there a book in you?: Different Options to Getting Published

By ReShonda Tate Billingsley Writer Let me guess….your publishing dream goes something like this: You sit down, crank out a novel or a non-fiction book. A few agents hear about it and call you, begging to represent you. You narrow it down, choosing one who then sends your manuscript to several publishing houses. A couple of weeks later, the publishers begin a bidding war to buy your book. You sign with one, get a three-book deal, a $500,000 advance and live happily ever after.

Reality: You toil over your manuscript for years, finally getting it finished. You mail it out to a hundred agents. Only ten bother to respond, with a standard form letter that says, “Not for us.” You try sending directly to a publisher, only to have them send your manuscript back, unopened, saying: “No unsolicited manuscripts.”

For thousands of hopeful authors, the latter is the reality of trying to get published.

Everyone wants to be the next great author…

In fact; publishers receive in access of 100 manuscripts a week. But in this era of advanced technology, you no longer have to sit back and wait for someone to decide your book is good enough to print. And if you’re a business owner who speaks at a lot of venues, a book is invaluable marketing tool to promote your business and your knowledge. Not to mention the fact that you have a built-in audience.

Getting Published The field of publishing is exciting and competitive.

In 2004, book sales totaled more than 25 billion dollars, a 3.4 percent increase over the previous year, according to sales figures released by the Association of American Publishers (AAP). Book publishing is big business. And the African American market makes up a large chunk of that. According to a recent study by Target Market News, African Americans spent 295 million dollars on books last year. The American Booksellers Association estimates the number of black adult book buyers at nine point nine million, with black women accounting for ninety percent of the market.

So how do you break in?

Mainstream Publishing For most, this is the preferred method.

You solicit an agent you believe may be

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interested in your work (agents can be found in a variety of places, including Writer’s Digest’ Guide to Literary Agents). The agent agrees to represent you. You sign a contract, and the agent begins shopping your manuscript/book proposal around. A publishing house editor shows interest in your book, takes it before their editorial board and they agree to take on your book.

The problem with this is…editors are inundated with manuscripts/book proposals so yours has to really stand out (and not just because your Aunt Erma thinks it will). The sad reality is that only a handful of people can break into publishing this way.

Self-publishing Self publishers are responsible for every aspect of the publication of their own material: writing, editing, designing page layout, choosing the cover, copy, etc, getting the printing done, arranging for distribution, handling publicity and sales and footing the bill for it all. It can be a very risky business and it can carry a sort of stigma with it. But thanks to self-published authors like Karen Quinones Miller (Satin Doll), Omar Tyree (Flyy Girl) and Zane (Addicted), some of that stigma is being lifted. In the black community, especially, self publishing appears the best way to go. Self publishers are able to show a proven track record that their books can sell.

And that’s what editors want to see.

The price to self publish can range anywhere from $2-$5 per book for a soft back and $5-$8 for a hard back. Children’s books run a little higher because they are full color illustrations.

Print-on-Demand (POD) On demand publishers set up your digital manuscript to be printed one book at a time. You pay a fee between $350 and $1,250 and receive in return, one hardback copy and one soft back copy of your book.

On demand printing also allows publishers to economically keep a book in print that may sell only a handful of copies per month after the book has run its course in the marketplace.

The drawback to this is many bookstores won’t stock PODs, a fact many publishers are trying to remedy by setting up distribution programs for their authors. It’s definitely an area you’ll want to research. You’ll also want to make sure you’re allowed to keep the rights to your book.

Some PODs want the rights to your book for a year or so. This means if a Random House comes along and wants to buy your book, you’re out of luck. Research the POD contract thoroughly. Some on-demand publishers:

Xlibris, 1stBooks, Iuniverse.

Small Press The Big publishers are reluctant to take chances on unknown writers, but small presses are more willing to take chances. There are thousands of independent book publishers, most of whom never see themselves mentioned in the New York Times Book Review or on the bestseller list. But these small presses know how to reach specialty and special interest markets. Small presses release fewer titles a year, their print runs are smaller and so are sales. Staff might consist of one or two people wearing many hats, from editor and publisher to errand runner and mail clerk.

You can often approach these presses without a literary agent, and, once in, you’ll find yourself getting more individual attention.

Subsidy/Vanity Publishers While traditional publishers are always overrun with manuscript submissions, subsidy publishers have to advertise their need for manuscripts. It’s the writers who pay the subsidy publishers, not the readers. The author receives only a few copies of the book, and is promised royalties on those copies that might be sold by the subsidy press.

Subsidy publishers are also known as vanity presses because it implies that the published book has no value other than to stroke the author’s ego. These presses they prey on writers who have not been able to break in yet-and on writers who just don’t know any better. They present themselves as commercial publishers, offering to evaluate your manuscript (they accept all manuscripts).

But when it comes time for payment, you pay the publisher instead of advances and royalties coming to you.

Subsidy publishers do put a manuscript into print. Some offer minimal help with marketing. But libraries and book reviewers recognize subsidy publishing when they see it and won’t buy or review those books.

Electronic Publishing Electronic publishing is a emerging as an alternative delivery system for books-or so they say. In theory, people pay for, then download material. They either read the material on their computer screen or a handheld device designated for the purpose, or they print out individual copies of the work. This print on demand is carried out at some bookstores or in the customer’s homes.

Many traditional publishing houses have created websites to promote their traditionally published books. One such publisher tried an experiment, providing a Stephen

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King serial only to online customers. Another followed suit—but then the fad rolled to a halt.

The question is, will these cyber books ever become more than a fad? Again, no real figures are available to back up the claims electronic publishers make.

For writers, the on-line option might seem like an easy avenue to publication and

less expensive than working with a vanity press.

And there are no more stacks of books sitting in the garage. But again, there’s that stigma.

Resources The Self-Publishing Manual, Dan Poynter How to Self-Publish and Market Your Own Book, Mack and Sara Freeman Smith

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is the national bestselling author of I Know I’ve Been Changed, Help! I’ve Turned into My Mother, Let the Church Say Amen, My Brother’s Keeper, and Four Degrees of Heat, all published by Simon & Schuster.

A Partnership with Winning Ingredients

By Crystal C. Brown Contributing Writer Many husband and wives envision sharing their hopes, goals and dreams together. After twelve years in the catering business, Chef Ral Nwosu and his wife Rhonda are living that dream.

Ral’s Cafe Bistro, located at 1330-D Wirt Road, opened in June 2005 and is a lovely and quaint restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ral’s restaurant concept is unique in that a patron can choose from a casual café on one side of the facility - complete with staffed, full counter service, serving signature and freshly made soups, salads, pastas and sandwiches (available for dine in or take-out), or a bistro dine-in concept with fine linens set for plated entrées, paired along a fine selection of wines and in-house custom desserts.

As a small boy born in Nigeria, Chef Nwosu took great delight in watching his father prepare meals. And in order to prepare himself,

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he took jobs in London studied in Hungary. Prior to forming the Ral’s business units, he worked for the River Oaks Country Club and a large, well-known Houston restaurant chain. Chef Nwosu quickly developed a loyal patron base due to his signature cooking style and friendly demeanor. Some of his specialties include cilantro chicken and crab cake salad topped with grilled okra.

Prior to taking an executive role within the restaurant, Rhonda worked in research development and managed a successful mental health counseling practice aimed at youth. The Houston native holds a business degree and graduated from Milby High School.

Ral’s Fine Catering was among the 2005 Top 25 caterers (based on sales) ranked in the Houston Business Journal and was also named 2006 Caterer of the Year at the GPC Conference by The Port of Houston Authority. In addition, Chef Nwosu was recently voted Best Chef by HTexas magazine readers.

Chef Nwosu and Rhonda demonstrate that teamwork, commitment and drive are their ingredients for success. The milestone reaching couple hopes to expand the restaurant concept to Atlanta, Los Angeles and Dallas as well as Africa and the United Kingdom.

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Cover Story

Sharing Knowledge, Building Wealth \By Veronique Landry Contributing Writer On any given Sunday, you may find Houstonians packing into Higher Dimensions Church in Southwest Houston to hear Pastor Terrance Johnson.

Afterward, many will file over to Mikki’s Soul Food Café to get their grub on with delicious cuisine by Jeanette Williams.

And occasionally, after that, they’ll head out in droves to check out the latest Je’Caryous Johnson production.

It’s a full day made possible by three hard-working individuals who know the meaning of building wealth.

But the thing that makes Terrance Johnson, pastor of Higher Dimensions Church, Jeanette Williams, owner of Mikki’s Cafe, and Je’Caryous Johnson, CEO of I’m Ready Productions, so successful in their respective endeavors is not their ability to turn a profit or touch lives. It’s that they know in addition to building wealth, it’s crucial that they share their knowledge.

“It’s important to me because I’m helping other people grow their business. I needed information and direction and someone helped me. So I have to help someone else,” Williams said.

“All of us are turtles on fence posts. That turtle didn’t make it there by itself. It had help,” Rev. Johnson said. “Just like where I am, linked to a collaborative effort, people contributed to my success. I feel responsible to help other entrepreneurs, other men, other African-Americans, to reach their God-given potential.”

Johnson, Williams and Johnson recently shared their knowledge in hopes of building wealth at the April D-Mars Business Connection. The monthly networking event was started by D-Mars president, Keith Davis, Sr., aka Mr. D-Mars for that purpose.

“When I started out in business, I didn’t really feel there was anyone out there that I could turn to for help. I wanted to change that. So I created the Business Connections as a way to get businesses and aspiring business owners together so that we can share our knowledge,” Davis said.

One of the things Davis focuses on, and those who shared at the latest Business Connection, firmly believe in, is wealth building.

“It’s important that we recognize

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wealth-building as our only source of freedom, especially as African Americans.

And I’m talking about generational wealth.

Alot of us have figured out how to get money, but we need to focus on wealth building as well. They are two different things. Wealth building establishes a legacy,” Je’Caryous said.

And while some people may see the helping other businesses as a form of competition, Je’Caryous says that’s definitely not the case with him.

“There is nothing wrong with competition, it’s the bloodline of good business. Competition is a good thing because it keeps you from doing things in the same way. It challenges you to see things differently and find ways to improve,” he said. .

“People can be self centered,” Reverend Johnson added. “They embrace the culture that says ‘look out for number one.’

We’ve got to restructure our crab mentality.

Now, once the crab gets out of the bucket, reach back and help another crab adopt that philosophy. That way, everybody gets out.”

It’s a belief Williams knows all too well. She says that is what has made her

business so successful. That, and the fact that her customers can “taste the love.”

“It’s the fact that I care about quality as well as seasoning. It makes a difference,” she said. “People cook just because they want to get it out of the way. It really matters to me. Almost all the food I cook, I use 6 to 7 seasonings. People can never figure it out.”

Williams says she’s proof that sometimes your business plan may not be God’s plan for you.

“I never wanted to open a restaurant.

It decided me. I was trying to do a catering kitchen. I was referred through D-Mars.

A client brought me to this spot and things started happening, like a radio station offering 20,000 free publicity. I had to say to myself, maybe this is what I’m supposed to do, even

though its not what I wanted to do,” Williams said.

Pastor Johnson said that’s part of realizing your purpose.

“We got it twisted in terms of our existence. We think God exists for us. People think God is a bailsman. ‘I push a button, call him when I need him.’ God created me for Him. I don’t go around saying what I want to do. God created me for two purposes. A general purpose - to pray, worship, witness, etc. Then a particular purpose. This is what God has created you to do - open a business, write a book, become an athlete. Discover your God-given purse. Once you discover your particular purpose, God underwrites it,” Rev. Johnson said.

And he should know. In just 10 short years, he’s taken his Southwest Houston Church from 25 members to more than 7,000.

He has plans to expand the church, even building the Higher Learning Academy, a school for grades K through 12.

Business is good for Je’Caryous as well. With Tyler Perry out of the playwriting business, he’s the number one playwrite in America. His plays, Cheaters, Friends & Lovers, Maintenance Man, Casino, and Men Cry in the Dark have made him a household name and put the 28-year-old in high demand.

People like Babyface want to work with him.

He’s in talks with Bob Johnson (formerly owner of BET) about producing a movie. And his biggest accomplishment, he was able to throw his grandmother the retirement party to end all retirement parties – just weeks before her death.

Not bad for the Nimitz High School graduate who borrowed (and lost) money from family members to produce his first play.

“Failures are sometimes more important that successes. Failure gives you direction as to what happens when you go wrong.

With success you can’t know how to analyze something. Failure allows you to know the potholes. Without failure, your chances of duplicating your success are slim.”

And part of networking means passing those failures along.

“Building wealth and teaching allows you to learn from pitfalls, network, and learn from the mistakes we made,” he said.

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Call David L. Edwards

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Finance Is it Time to Update Your Asset Allocation Strategy?

By Ken Glover, Morgan Stanley Contributing Writer

This situation might call for an aggressive growth model with the majority of your portfolio in stocks, a sizable amount in bonds, and the remaining in money markets.

After retirement, you might shift some of your stock allocation into bond or money market holdings to provide the income stream you will need. You might keep some portion of assets in stocks in seeking growth to help outpace inflation and to help fund your later years.

Refining Your Model Along the Way Your asset allocation should change as you reach different stages in your life or as you approach your goals. The key considerations will be the level of risk you are willing to take on, the rate of return and income you require and your investment time horizon. With this information, you can develop a personal model with the goal of controlling risk and helping you to meet your goals.

Your Financial Advisor can recommend an allocation model that meets your individual goals and circumstances and help you refine it as needed.

As you move through the different stages of life – buying a home, starting a family or retirement – your investment needs change. There are times when you may be willing to increase investment risk in seeking to capture growth opportunities. Other times, you may want to decrease risk in seeking to secure a steady flow of income. Does your portfolio represent your current needs? If not, you may want to consider updating your asset If you’d like to learn more about asset allocation, please contact Ken Glover with Morgan Stanley at 713-968-3051. allocation strategy.

Spreading your money across various types of investments is called diversification. Asset allocation is a strategy to help you effectively diversify your portfolio among asset classes, including stocks, bonds and cash/money markets. Your allocation strategy is an important factor influencing your portfolio’s return as well as risk, perhaps even more important than the actual investment selected. Also it is important to remember that asset allocation and diversification do not assure a profit or protect against a loss.

Choosing Your Asset Allocation Model Your strategy or model should depend on whether your primary need is to produce income or to grow the value of your investment. For example, a retirement portfolio will not need to produce income until you retire. Therefore, depending on your tolerance for risk and time frame, your model might focus on growth until you are near retirement.

Changing jobs or retiring?

Newsmakers

Should you rollover your 401(k) or reallocate your retirement assets? Whether you’re changing jobs or retiring, Morgan Stanley can help you review your situation to help protect your nest egg for when you need it.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Partners With Merrill Lynch

Call Morgan Stanley today for a free Employer Plan Distribution Analysis to examine your current position. Your Financial Advisor can also help you get the information you need to develop an asset allocation plan tailored to your retirement needs.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter recently partnered with Merrill Lynch to present the youth financial literacy program, “Investing Pays Off” (IPO) to James Madison High School students. IPO aims to prepare young people for tomorrow by arming them with the knowledge and know-how essentials for financial and career success.

Under the theme, “On the Money”, Merrill Lynch representatives presented two sessions at 9:00 am and 10:30 am to the next generation to motivate them to strengthen their financial readiness and hopefully become the next future of entrepreneurs.

After the presentation, students were given a financial challenge by the members of Alpha Kappa Omega chapter. The student who was the first to complete the challenge correctly won a $50 US Savings Bond.

Ken Carwin Glover Financial Advisor Galleria-Houston 2200 West Loop South, Suite 100 Houston, Texas 77027 Ph: (713) 968-3051 | Fax: (713) 968-3200 Toll Free: (800) 359-4358 email: kenneth.glover@MorganStanley.com

visitmorganstanley.com/kennethglover

Send your business related news to: businessjournal@d-mars.com

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Do you want to be rich or wealthy?

By Deacon Ramone Harper Contributing Writer First of all, let me apologize to those of you that look forward to reading my articles.

I wasn’t able to submit my article in the last edition, but I thank God for Mr. D-Mars allowing me to be a part of this edition that is dealing with the topic of wisdom and wealth.

Do you desire to be rich or do you desire to be wealthy? Or do you think that they are one in the same? Let’s see how the dictionary defines these two terms. According to Webster, rich is defined as having abundant possessions and especially material wealth. Wealth is defined as having wealth, extremely affluent or characterized by abundance. They sound really similar correct? Well, let’s go a step further and see how God views these terms.

Proverbs 13:7 says “One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.” There is a major difference between being rich and being

wealthy. Being rich is having the financial means to obtain any material want that your heart desires. Wealthy means having enough of all the essentials in life - love, good health, friends and family, spirituality, and of course, money. It is a shame to have all the money in the world and yet be so bitter that you can not enjoy the money that you have.

Being wealthy is a state of mind that has a total package of daily love, good living, giving, laughter, joy, peace of mind, serenity, and money combined with absolute contentment for life just where you are. 1 Timothy Chapter 6 says that godliness with contentment is great gain. Some days being wealthy has everything to do with money, but you must also know that, if by chance, your “money is funny, change is strange and checkbook is in a cast”, then you are still a wealthy person nonetheless.

I would take wealth over riches any day because I believe that wealth gives you the ability to produce riches.

Look at this phrase found in the book of Revelation 18:19, “’Woe! Woe, O great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth!” This city became rich through her wealth. Meaning if I am wealthy with livestock and cattle, then I can sell you beef, make milk, and also reproduce more cattle

Black businesses on the rise A recent government study shows black-owned businesses are among the fastest-growing segments of the American economy. The number of black-owned businesses grew by 45 percent from 1997 to 2002, more than four times the national rate for all businesses, according to a report by Census Bureau.

Revenues from black-owned businesses increased by 25 percent during the period, to about $89 billion.

However, nearly all black-owned businesses are small – 92 percent had no employees other than the owners. By comparison, about three-fourths of all U.S. businesses had no employees.

“We do have challenges, we are making progress,” said Ronald Langston, director of the Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency. “This is the real challenge: to move these smaller businesses into the next step of growth.”

The report is the third in a series of Census Bureau reports on businesses owned by women, Hispanics and blacks. Together, the reports show that the three groups are underrepresented in business ownership but are narrowing the gap with white men.

From 1997 to 2002: --The number of all U.S. businesses grew by 10 percent, to about 23 million.

--The number of businesses owned by women grew by 20 percent, to 6.5 million.

--The number of businesses owned by men grew by 16 percent, to 13.2 million.

--The remaining 3.3 million businesses reported in 2002 were either jointly owned by men and women or the owners could not be determined.

The number of those businesses shrank during the period by 18 percent.

--The number of Hispanic-owned businesses grew by 31 percent, to nearly 1.6 million.

--The number of businesses owned by white entrepreneurs grew by 8 percent, to 19.9 million.

Black entrepreneurs owned 1.2 million companies in the 2002, or

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so the cycle of obtaining riches continue. If I am rich then I have the things that I want but if I am not wise to invest my money, then when those riches depart then I very easily could go back to being poor.

So what am I really saying? I am saying that true wealth and riches come from God. It is God’s desire that you be wealthy in all things. Not just with money, but with peace, love, joy, faith, patience, etc.

Deuteronomy 8:18 says “But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth”.

As entrepreneurs, don’t focus your energy on trying to be rich. If you receive the blessings of God and allow him to make you wealthy, then you will have all the riches, the bling-bling, and all the other material blessings that you desire.

My pastor, Terrance Johnson, frequently states that when you leave this earth there will not be a U-Haul behind you. What he means is that you will not be able to take all those riches with you into the grave.

So set your mind on eternal riches and invest your time, money, and talent in God’s kingdom so you and your family can truly enjoy the wealth that God so desires for you.

about 5 percent of all nonfarm businesses in the U.S. Hispanics owned about 7 percent and women of all races and ethnicities owned 28 percent, according to the Census Bureau. Blacks made up about 12 percent of the population in 2002.

“We’re about halfway there,” said Harry Alford, president and CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. “The future is bright.

We will continue to spiral up.”

Alford said black entrepreneurs have been helped by improved education levels and increased incomes among black consumers and business owners.

Blacks as a group still trail whites in education and income, but they have made gains in the past half-century. In 1950, only 14 percent of black adults had high school diplomas, compared with 36 percent of whites, according to the Census Bureau. The gap narrowed by 2000, when 72 percent of black adults had at least a high school diploma, compared with 84 percent of whites.

“We’ve got the first generation of significantly educated people,” Alford said. “There’s a black middle class like never before.”

The report is based on administrative records and a survey of 2.4 million businesses. The Census Bureau defines black-owned businesses as private companies in which blacks hold at least 51 percent of stock or interest. The report does not classify public companies, with publicly traded stock, because they can be owned by many stockholders of unknown races and ethnicities.

The largest sector for black-owned businesses was health care and social assistance, with 246,000 back-owned firms. The second largest was other services, such as personal services, repair and maintenance, with 210,000 firms.

However, in some states, black-owned firms are concentrated in urban areas. About 80 percent of all black-owned businesses in Illinois were in Cook County, home to Chicago. Los Angeles County was home to nearly half the black-owned firms in California.

New York state had the most black-owned firms, with 129,324.

It was followed by California, Florida, Georgia and Texas. Together, the five states are home to 44 percent of all black-owned firms in the country.

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Business Top 50 Companies for Black MBAs Looking for the best place to put your MBA to work? If you don’t want to branch out on your own, and instead prefer to go to work for another company, Black MBA Magazine says Verizon Communications is the best way to go. Verizon holds the No. 1 spot on the magazine’s Top 50 Companies for “Black MBAs to Work” issue.

Rounding out the top ten on the list are Hilton (No. 2); Abbott Laboratories (No. 3); Rohm and Haas (No. 4); Nike (No. 5); SunTrust Banks, Inc. (No. 6); Hershey’s (No. 7); Marriott International (No. 8); Citigroup (No. 9); and United Technologies Corp. (No. 10). The list and related stories appear in the Spring 2006 issue of Black MBA Magazine (www.blackmbamagazine.net). Black MBA Magazine is the official magazine for the National Black MBA Association, Inc. (NBMBAA), the country’s largest minority business professional organization.

“We are very pleased to announce the top 50 places to work for African Americans with an MBA degree,” says NBMBAA President & CEO Barbara Thomas. “The NBMBAA commends these companies for their commitment to diversity, their leadership and development of their minority employees, and unparalleled opportunities they have afforded African American MBAs.” Other companies that made the Black MBA Magazine’s top 50 list were PepsiCo, The Coca-Cola Company, General Motors and Wachovia.

In its 36th year, the NBMBAA has more than 6,000 members and

Getting the best value for your car Any car loses value over time. How much it loses is, to some extent, up to you.

There are lots of things people commonly do, or don’t do, that can pound down a car’s eventual resale value much faster than the simple passage of time and ordinary wear.

If want to keep your car’s resale value as high as possible, perhaps you shouldn’t get that monster stereo system installation or munch on that burger with fried onions while you’re in the driver’s seat.

Kelley Blue Book, known as a resource for used car values, offered this list of things drivers often do that damage their cars’ value.

Toss maintenance records It’s easy to scrap that oil change receipt or forget to have your dealership initial your service manual for the 50,000 mile check up.

But the best way to ensure a buyer that your vehicle was properly maintained and cared for is through documentation. Taking care of your car’s engine is great. But without proof, all that work won’t be worth much at trade-in time.

Pick a wild color That metallic purple paint job may seem attractive on the sales lot, but many times car owners find it harder to sell those exoticcolored cars later on. Instead consider a more

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39 chapters across the country and represents more than 100,000 black MBA graduates. Aimed at creating partnerships resulting in increased intellectual wealth and economic vitality in the black community, the association focuses on education, employment and entrepreneurship.

NBMBAA continues to form strategic partnerships with the country’s leading Fortune 500 companies, business corporations, organizations, universities and colleges.

An expected 13,000 attendees are scheduled to attend the NBMBAA’s 28th Annual Conference & Exposition in Atlanta from September 26th through October 1st. Last year’s conference featured one of the country’s largest career fairs with more than 460 of the Fortune 500 in attendance. The annual conference offers participants job matching and networking opportunities, a series of professional development workshops, and career coaching.

In addition to the conference, the NBMBAA has a host of other program offerings. Most recently, the NBMBAA took its Local Empowerment Initiative (LEI) to Dallas, Tex. The LEI featured a keynote speech by bestselling author Stedman Graham, free GMAT preparation courses and a career fair. At the LEI, the NBMBAA awarded $22,000 in grants to students in the Dallas area affected by Hurricane Katrina through their Student Empowerment Relief Fund (SERF), which has raised more than $50,000 since its announcement in September 2005.

For more information, visit http://www.nbmbaa.org.

popular color such as black, silver or white, recommends KBB. Get unpopular options Picking out options on your new car that suit you may seem like a no-brainer, but be sure to include equipment that other buyers will want such as anti-lock brakes (ABS), alloy wheels, a CD player or leather-upholstered seats.

Eat and go It may be unavoidable at times, but eating in your seat is a fast track to damaging the interior of your car. If possible, consider the mess potential of any foods you might eat in the car.

Personalize permanently KBB also recommends passing on the vehicle personalization’s for your new car or at least keeping them to a minimum. Who’s going to want to buy a car with your nickname emblazoned on the trunk lid?

Let the interior go Neglecting your vehicle’s interior is one way drivers can ruin their car’s resale value.

Instead make sure the upholstery and mats in your car are in good shape.

Pump up the volume Your driving experience may not be the same without that extra subwoofer or those upgraded speakers, but replacing the factory stereo, especially if it means carving away parts of your car, may jeopardize your vehicle’s resale

value.

Mix-and-match tires Buying mismatched tires and forgetting to have them checked and rotated regularly is another trap many car owners fall into. Buy a complete set of the same brand for both safety and to maintain your car’s resale value, KBB suggests.

Ignore those door dings That scratch or ding may not look like much from the outside, but they could have a lasting impact on your car’s value if not fixed in a timely fashion. Often those blemishes are the first step toward rust and could result in expensive damage to your car over time.

Choose poorly from the start It’s tempting to pick the car that grabs your eye at the dealership, but make sure you pick a vehicle that has a good projected resale value. KBB says if you do your research ahead of time, it could save you money down the road.

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2006

Business Understanding the Business of Business Casual

By Janice D. Miles Contributing Writer You hold the memo in your hand - the company is going business casual or has implemented a ‘casual Fridays’ policy. Confusion and chaos are spreading through the office like wildfire. You feel relieved, but part of your brain is going through your closet in a panic. Do you have the right clothing for your job? What is business casual, anyway?

This mystery has been plaguing employees since the business casual revolution of the mid 1990s. With small business and start-ups on the rise, better telecommunications keeping clients out of the office and changes in human resources policy driving a more casual workplace, formal dress codes have become largely passé. Even large law firms - long a bastion of ultra-formal dress - are adopting the business casual look.

But the contradictory nature of the term “business casual” can confuse and intimidate employees who are used to more rigid guidelines.

In its strictest sense, the only true rule of business casual is simple - no denim, ever. But don’t go running for your shorts and tennis shoes with a sense of liberation - not just any clothing will do. Conservatism is always a good rule of thumb in an office environment, and caution and good judgment go a long way in picking appropriate business casual attire.

Good news for men - you can leave your tie at home. Pressed

khaki pants and button-down shirts are de rigueur for a business casual look. Make sure to make up for your lack of tie with a good ironing for your shirt, an appropriate undershirt and a leather belt and shoes.

Ladies can rejoice - you’ve been liberated from itchy, ill-fitting pantyhose. That doesn’t mean you can dress for the beach, however.

Tight, revealing clothing and baggy, shapeless exercise wear is still out.

Stick to basic dark or neutral colors and coordinating tops and skirts or slacks. Liberal use of the iron will go a long way in ensuring that your look is casual, but not sloppy.

When in doubt, err on the side of conservatism. In an environment where you might interact with clients or future business contacts, your clothing does make an impression, dress code or no. A little common sense goes a long way. Excessive hair gel, makeup or perfume is a no-no in any office, as is dirty, baggy or too-tight clothing. But with a bit of caution, you can enjoy a business casual atmosphere without becoming the office scapegoat.

Bottom line: relax. But not too much. There’s still a bit of ‘business’ in business casual.

TAKEAWAYS: • In its strictest sense, the only true rule of business casual is simple - no denim, ever.

• Liberal use of the iron will go a long way in ensuring that your look is casual, but not sloppy.

• Caution and good judgment go a long way in picking appropriate business casual attire.

Becoming An Entrepreneur

By Keith J. Davis Jr. Contributing Writer The more I learn about becoming an entrepreneur, the more I realize how really blessed I am to be the son of Keith J. Davis Sr., who is better known as Mr. D-MARS. My father is a very successful entrepreneur who has placed me directly under his wing in order to teach me step-by-step what being an entrepreneur is all about.

Being under my father’s wing really helps me to understand more about the business world. It also allows me to travel to many different places, and at the same time be introduced to many successful entrepreneurs.

Since starting my entrepreneurial training, I had the opportunity to meet Farrah Grey, a very successful 20-year-old entrepreneur. I recently attended one of Farrah’s speaking engagements at the Power Center. As I sat and listened to him tell his story about how he started with nothing but by continuing to press forward and staying focused, he is a great success today.

Farrah’s story motivated me to realize what I really want to do.

As a result, I am now in the process of writing my story to tell to others in an effort to motivate them to succeed in whatever their career choice might be.

Meeting Farrah Grey has been one of the most stimulating events of my new entrepreneurial career.

I urge all teens and young adults to surround themselves and consult with the professionals in the area of your career choice.

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On the job: Turning your layoff into a blessing standard practice for employees in your situation. If you can, talk to According to Business Week, the average employee has a one- others whom the company has terminated. in-three chance of getting fired. Here’s what you’ll need to know in the You can argue your case on merits such as length of service, event that the ax falls on you! specific accomplishments and amount of time required to find comparable employment in today’s labor market. Be sure to document your achievements, and if your family has special needs (due to illness Q: Is it better to pre-empt a firing by resigning instead?

A: In most cases, no. Out of pride, many people fall into this trap and or disability) you may want to let your company know the hardships wind up waiving claim to severance pay, benefits, earned bonuses and this termination may cause.

Remember, money is not the only thing at stake. Consider how commissions, and unemployment compensation. With so many victims of downsizings and reorganizations, being “let go” doesn’t carry the long you will continue to be covered under company health and life stigma it once did -- in fact most prospective employers won’t even bat insurance and the status of any earned -- or close to being earned -bonuses, commissions, vacation time and vesting in 401(k), pension and an eye! profit sharing accounts. You also may want outplacement services or an agreed-upon letter of reference. Also think about getting your severance Q. Should I try to negotiate a better severance package?

A: By all means yes! According to the National Employee Rights payment as salary continuation rather than a lump sum agreement.

Institute (NERI), employees have more bargaining power than they Salary continuation often allows for a continuation of disability benefits realize. Don’t be pressured into signing anything on the spot. Tell your and also lets you answer “yes” when asked if you’re still employed. employer you need to review the proposed agreement with your legal and financial advisers.

Then, check the company policy manual to find out what is Continued on page 22

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Layoff, continued from page 20

Q: What’s the best course of action for finding a new job?

A: Take a day or so to process what has happened and vent to your spouse or best friend. Then, after shoring yourself up by reviewing your strengths and accomplishments, start calling people in your network who can be helpful to you, including former co-workers, suppliers and Then, work on your résumé and start an all-points attack that, in addition to networking, includes contacting recruiters, conducting industry research, cold-calling target companies and searching online job listings.

Q: How should I respond to those who ask why I left my last position?

A: Keep it brief. Be calm and objective; never assign blame. End your explanation on a positive note by emphasizing your main accomplishments and what the experience has taught you.

Q: How can I keep my spirits up?

A: Recognize that you will likely experience the five steps of dealing with loss: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally, acceptance.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you get down now and then.

On the other hand, try not to dwell on anger or bitterness; instead channel that energy into your search. Take care of your physical and emotional health by exercising, eating well and surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people. And make sure you start each day with a plan. A sense of purpose and accomplishment will go a long way in making you feel better and landing you that new job!

DAVID L. EDWARDS, CEO United National Insurance Agency “A true professional who is committed to both business and community service!”

David L. Edwards, a native Houstonian, product of the Houston Public Schools and business/ accounting graduate of the University of Houston, has excelled in his career as a Systems Financial Planning & Reporting Analyst. Having previously worked in corporate America, he decided to change his venue of service and to continue in his family’s footsteps by becoming an entrepreneur specializing in financial systems. Consequently, he successfully launched the United National Insurance Agency (UNIA) over 20 plus years ago, one of the first African-American independently owned, full-service insurance agencies in Texas that provides both commercial and personal lines.

Edwards, CEO of UNIA, along with his staff has consistently served the community as a premier financial and insurance services agency. One of his main focuses has been the capability of identifying a client’s needs and targeting exactly how his extensive line of A+ carriers may serve their needs, thus creating a perfect fit for them and their portfolio. “We don’t just sell insurance, it’s important that we service and educate our clients so that they will have the type of coverage they really need to meet their individual, family or business needs, whether it is personal or commercial coverage”, remarks Edwards.

Mr. Edwards has an extra “eye” for the business owner. With for profit business interest in UNIA and Access Development and Consulting, LLC, Mr. Edwards understands first hand the importance of proper insurance coverage and how it plays such an important part in financial matters to move your business forward in addition to asset protection.

He also recognizes the importance of giving back to his community and understands the insurance needs of non-profit organizations by continually donating his time and contributions to his own non-profit clientele as well as other community organizations. He initiated the Texas Association of African-American Insurance Agents (TAAAIA), serves as Founding Board Member of the Midtown Redevelopment Authority & the Texas Prostate Cancer Coalition.

Using Community Radio to promote your business

By Pat Wilson Contributing Writer When it’s time to advertise your business, chances are you think about heading to one of the major radio stations. But if your budget keeps you from shelling out the big bucks to advertise, you might want to consider Community Radio.

One place to consider is KPFT, 90.1 FM, which also airs on 89.5 FM in Galveston. This station’s platform could open your business, project, or upcoming event to an entirely new audience.

KPFT is the local affiliate station for the Pacifica Network, which consists of five stations through out the country. The difference between KPFT and your regular commercial radio stations is nearly 90 percent of KPFT’s funding comes from individual listener-members.

The station has no large corporate sponsors. That means those programs air completely commercial free, which translates into more music, more talk and more time with and for listeners.

There are several programs on KPFT that offer a listener call-in format. But the best thing about this community radio station is the fact that one needs not be a professional to access the airways.

According to KPFT’s Program Director Ernesto Aguilar, the station’s format is geared toward the community because it’s made possible through members of the community.

“It’s very grassroots and open to the community,” said Aguilar.

“At KPFT you’re able to come in and speak to the community directly over the air.”

Some of the shows on KPFT are as follows: Talk: The Haiti Show with Jonas Elindur Sundays 5-5:30AM Pan African Journal with host Akua Holt Sundays 8-9PM Self Determination with Obidike Kamau Sundays 9-11PM Community Dialogue with Clif Smith Sundays 11 PM –Midnight.

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Building the Gulf Coast with Marsha Wilson Rappaport Mondays 11:30Noon.

Earth 101 with Hitaji Aziz Tuesdays 10-11:30 AM Connect the Dots with Minister Robert Muhammed Wednesdays 10:3011 AM SisterSpace with Anelle Williams Thursdays 10-11PM Music: Blues on the Move with Mr. & Mrs.. V, Sundays 8-11 AM Zydeco Pas Sale’ with Mary Thomas Sundays Midnight-2AM World Village Café’ with Matthew Momoh Mondays 9-11PM Songlines with Clif Smith Mondays 9-11PM The Groove with Bobby Phats Tuesdays 3:30-5:30 PM Aguilar said KPFT is a great way to reach the community.

“Because of our variety of shows and programming, we often reach out to the local organizations or local experts for information to keep the public informed,” he added.

Every weekday at noon, KPFT features programming by members in the community. The show is called Open Journal, and it’s an experiment in truly community radio. On Open Journal, listeners come into KPFT’s studios to host their own programs. Sometimes it’s talk. Sometimes it’s music. But it’s always unique. Open Journal airs weekdays at noon, right after BBC headlines at 12:01.

You can even participate and host your own Open Journal, or if you’d like KPFT can provide someone to interview you about your topic of interest to the community. Just complete an Open Journal application and send it to pd@kpft.org. The station provides the help. You provide the knowledge.

According to Aguilar, “Public community radio media tends to have open ended conversations. Where on commercial radio and TV you have short soundbites, on our format you may have an ongoing discussion that easily stretches an hour or two.”

What a way to reach prospective customers.

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