d-mars.com Business Journal 15

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Business Journal September / october 2007

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

15th Edition

MR. D-MARS

Kirk White Kaufhaus Group, Inc.

Charity Onu Artistic Director FBAAD

Byron L. Murray Pastor Fellowship of Purpose

Margaret Sides Life Coach Love-Living-Life, LLC

Kacy Lewis President One on One Security

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Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr. SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. JR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Jr. EDITING CONSULTANT ReShonda Tate-Billingsley OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Ana Romero ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Jennifer Cobb MARKETING CONSULTANTS Tyffanie Rosser Kenya Melton MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Albert Reff Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik Hiram Lewis Ernesto Canas DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. PHOTOGRAPHY Albert Reff CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Veronique Landry Pastor Byron Murray Pastor Fred F. Wynn Carla Lane Dacia Williams Soloman Ruth Keith J. Davis, Jr. Dr. D.L. Jones Darryl V. Samuels

My mother used to have a saying, that if you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’re going to keep getting what you’ve been getting. I never knew just how insightful that comment was until I went into business for myself.

I always have had a drive to get ahead and after just a short time as an entrepreneur, I found myself saying, ‘why am I not moving as fast as I want to move, why is my business not growing as fast as I want it to grow?’ Then I realized it was because while I was moving and shaking daily, it was the same hustle. It definitely brought measurable results but I soon realized that in order to grow, I had to change my hustle. I had to upgrade.

So, now, I’m constantly looking at ways to upgrade, everything from my personal life to my business. By upgrading we’re able to see things in a different light, we’re able to see how far we can go, then actually find a way to get there. Sometimes those upgrades might not produce the results we want, but most often they will. You’ll never know unless you take that chance.

That’s why we wanted to devote this issue to upgrading you and your business. Inside, you’ll find tips for you to get that job, then ways to upgrade once you do. We’ll also give you some ideas for upgrading your business.

This is definitely an issue you’ll want to read cover to cover. And as always, please support our advertisers. And if you’d like to see something in the Business Journal that’s not currently here, let me know.

Remember if you want something different, do something different.

CONTENTS Upgrade Your Business Today.............................................4 How to Make a Positive First Impression ............................6 What Exactly is an Upgrade?.............................................12 Fall is Job Hunting Season................................................15 Theft in the Workplace.......................................................18 Movin on Up?.....................................................................22 Distracting Thoughts?........................................................23 Helping Businesses Grow..................................................27 Where are the Black Folks?...............................................28

MR. D-MARS

D-MARS Business Journal

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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

What you put in is what you get out!

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pgrade Your Business Today Partnership aimed at taking businesses to the next level

Like many businesses, Keith J. Davis Sr., aka “Mr. D-Mars” depends on his computer system to keep his business afloat. And like many businesses, Davis’s business would be crippled if something were to happen to that system.

“You hate to think about disasters like Hurricane Katrina, or fires destroying your server, but it can happen,” he said. “If your building burns down, it could literally ruin your business or it can cost you more to pick up the pieces.

Prior to starting CITOC, Farmer was a partner in a privately held consulting firm focused on customizable, proprietary, accounting software for brokerage firms. There he performed network assessments, product implementation and testing. He also worked with end-users to define requirements and future requests for new and existing applications. In addition to managing the consulting firm’s customer base, Farmer negotiated partnership agreements with several key technology vendors. Before this partnership, Farmer was involved in a variety of sales, accounting and management related positions.

Farmer says his clients can rest easy that he’s qualified to keep their systems intact. He has many Microsoft and Citrix certifications and his company and engineers are vendor trained and cerThat’s why Davis is working to get businesses to upgrade to a tified for every product they offer. system that would combat a computer catastrophe. The marketing guru is partnering with BJ Farmer, president of CITOC, Inc., For Davis, the merger is about TAKING THINGS TO THE NEXT a premier provider of enterprise network services, disaster recov- LEVEL. ery and Voice over IP Telephony solutions.

“When you look at ways to Farmer is garnering worldgrow your business, you have wide attention with a manto look at what it takes to eleaged service called Constant vate your company to the next Office, which provides an arlevel. This is an opportunity to ray of essential IT services on do that,” he said. Farmer, who a flat rate subscription basis used to provide on-site services to small and medium sized for companies, said business businesses. This minimizes owners should not let the cost the hidden costs of PC ownerdismay them. ship, which are considerable.

A dedicated server, which “A lot of companies are saying stores all of your company’s ‘that’s a lot of expense, its just crucial information, will keep one more thing to maintain. your business up and flowing Is there a cheaper way, a betsmoothly. ter way?’ Our data center is a better way and our rates are “It saves the cost of having to cheaper, making it a win-win for buy that server, especially if everyone.” you’re a growing business,” Farmer said. “We also do all “It’s just another way we’re of the maintenance and you growing business through marcan work from anywhere.” keting and technology,” Davis said.

“His company is big with technology,” Davis said. “And with me understanding how companies have to build for the future and people losing back-ups and understanding the industry and expanding, he has a way to keep servers off site in a secure facility. You can be anywhere in the world and work off the server.” september / october 2007

You can reach D-mars.com Constantoffice.com at

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How to make a Positive First Impression

By Veronique Landry Contributing Writer You’ve heard it countless times, first impressions are lasting impressions. Research has shown that the first impression you make on a job interviewer really sticks. In one study, untrained subjects were shown 20 to 32 second videotaped segments of job applicants greeting their interviewers. When the subjects rated the applicants on attributes like self-assurance and likeability, their assessments were very similar to the interviewers’ – who had spent more than 20 minutes with each applicant.

That’s why you want to always put your best foot forward.

Here are some tips to make a positive first impression: Be on Time Few things give a worse impression than showing up late for an important meeting.

Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the interview in case you have trouble finding the office. But earlier isn’t necessarily better. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early and beeline for the reception area, your in-

Kacy Lewis

One on One Security Kacy Lewis never knew his desire to protect and serve would lead to a career doing just that.

As president of One-on-One Security, Lewis provides security services.

The Port Arthur, Texas native admits that it was his size that landed him his first security gig.

“My size helped me land my first security job at Delta Security, in Port Arthur. I was fresh out of high school and playing september / october 2007

terviewer might feel rushed and you might appear desperate. If you arrive early, take a bathroom break, grab a cup of coffee, or take a little time and just enjoy the view.

Ideally, you should check in five to 10 minutes early, and always be courteous and professional to everyone you meet – you never know how much influence the receptionist may have on the hiring decision.

Appearance Like it or not, people make judgments on appearances, so it’s important to arrive at the interview looking like the seasoned professional that you are. But if you dress too formally, you’ll look stuffy, and if you dress too casually, the interviewer may think you’re not serious about the job.

Never wear anything sloppy, tight or revealing to an interview. High-quality, tailored business suits are always appropriate for both men and women. Don’t forget the details: Make sure your shoes and accessories are clean and polished. And hair and hygiene are crucial. You never want an interviewer to smell you before they see you, so always bathe the morning of the interview and avoid wearing perfume or cologne. You never know when you’ll get an allergy-prone interviewer. Cover any tat-

football at Lamar University.

The owner of the company said I had a very strong presence,” Lewis said.

While attending Lamar University, Lewis attained a BS degree in Criminal Justice and an AS degree in Law Enforcement. After graduation, he was hired by Galveston County as an Adult Probation Officer, where he worked for nine years.

“I moved up in the probation department quickly from a regular caseload to intensive supervision. In my third year, I was moved up to a gang caseload becoming the liaison for the Galveston County Adult Probation.”

From there, he served on the Mayor’s Gang Task Force and the Mayor’s Coalition for a Drug Free Galveston.

“In my fourth year of service, I was given the responsibility of supervising the maximum level

toos, and limit visible piercings to one in each earlobe. Leave the tongue rings at home.

Handshake Your grip speaks volumes. Offer a limp hand and your partner will think you’re hesitant or meek. Give a bone-crunching squeeze and you can appear overly enthusiastic or aggressive. But when you shake with a medium-firm grip, you convey confidence and authority.

Body language Don’t underestimate the importance of your posture and subtle movements. To ensure your body language signals your confidence, sit up straight with your shoulders back. Avoid crossing your legs, and don’t adopt a casual pose – even if your interviewer does. Even if you’re nervous, try not to fidget. Don’t play with your jewelry, twirl your hair or cross your arms, and try to maintain eye contact with the interviewer. If staring straight into the interviewer’s eyes makes you uncomfortable, look at the bridge of his or her nose instead – it looks like you’re still making eye contact, but might be less distracting.

of supervision - Surveillance Probation. I continued to perform on that level until I left in 1999. While working for the probation department I received training in weapons and self-defense (Galveston County Sheriff Dept.).”

Lewis enjoyed a career in law enforcement and got a personal fulfillment from it.

“I have worked in law enforcement and security most of my life. It’s a part of me and I love it.”

But eventually, he decided to try something else.

“After working with gangs for many years, I decided to try to make a difference on another level. I became a school teacher in 2000. I felt I could become closer with children to assist in guiding them down a path void of violence and drug abuse.

My presence was felt everywhere I taught and I am preswww.

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ently a classroom teacher. My principal says I bring a presence to her school that promotes discipline and safety.”

It’s that sense of presence that caused Lewis to step out on his own and start his own company, One-on-One Security.

“I have been told about my presence so many times that I have decided to step out and use what has been given to me to the fullest,” he said.

And he’s enjoying what he’s doing and the people who are there to share it with him.

“I am married to a wonderful, supportive, accomplished physician and entrepreneur. We share the responsibility of raising three fantastic children who are 3 1/2, 7 and 12 years old. We are a tight unit. We love the Lord and each other. HE is the presence in my home and he has given me the presence to give others peace of mind.”

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For the Health of it...

The

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Diabetes

African Americans, an estimated 39.2 million, are well-positioned in second place, accounting for 13 percent of the total U.S. population. Regardless of subgroups, Hispanics, an estimated 41.3 million, making up fourteen percent of the U.S population, are currently ranked third in the generational genealogical pandemic of diabetes. Asian Americans, an estimated 14 million, or five percent of the U.S. population, do not appear to be largely affected by diabetes; however, they account for the highest incidence of cancer and liver disease in the U.S. Diabetes, and its secondary successors such as chronic kidney disease, are no longer disguising themselves as equal opportunists. Approximately forty percent of the dialysis patient population is secondary to diabetes, most notably Native Americans, African Americans, and Hispanics. However, it is important to emphasize that one cannot consciously exclude any populace of individuals because of the known diversity of obesity. With the ongoing issues surrounding basic health care and the disparity of available funds to educate the underprivileged and impoverished, maybe it’s time to put those forty acres and a mule on the back burner. There are definite common denominators within all ethnic groups that allow for the invasion of certain chronic illness and disease. There are inherent traditions that influence who we think we are as a people. This is not necessarily a good thing when it comes to food etiquette and stressors. Lifestyle changes are crucial if generational habits are to be expunged.

We respond to the insurmountable responsibilities of life by coddling depression with vices such as fast food, cigarettes, gamBy Cindy Barclay bling, alcohol, and other mood-altering substances. Socio-ecoQuality Dialysis nomic status does not appear to have compromised accessibilOut of the estimated 300 million people that reside in the ity to television, computers, cell phones, or fashion. Redirecting United States, the highest percentages diagnosed with diabetes hard-earned dollars toward your health is a sure and guaranteed are minorities. Paradoxically, Native Americans, an estimated 4.4 way of securing your family tree. million, are the primary minority shareholders of diabetes in the United States. This number is alarming when you consider that Cindy Barclay is the CEO of Quality Dialysis and the author of, That they account for a mere one percent of the total U.S. population. Damn Dialysis!

Making it on ONE INCOME The thought of moving from a two-income family to one can be frightening for many couples, but it is possible to reduce your expenses to make the transition easier. Here are the top money saving tips for families who find themselves facing one income, whether it’s by necessity or choice.

Refinance Your House Consider refinancing your house at a lower interest rate.

Also consider lengthening the terms of your mortgage; going from a 15-year to a 30-year mortgage will reduce your payments. september / october 2007

Sell Or Trade Your Second Car If you have two car payments, consider selling or trading one car. This can save you a considerable amount of money both in the car payment and in reduced insurance and maintenance fees.

Eliminate Unnecessary Luxuries There are many ways to save $50-$100 a month just by eliminating some unnecessary expenses. For instance, cell phones; do you really need two cell phones, or even one? Cable

or satellite subscriptions can also be reduced by changing plans, or eliminated altogether.

Examine Your Grocery Budget Groceries are another expense that most families can reduce with some work. Plan a weekly or monthly menu, make a shopping list, and stick to it.

Try to cut out prepared foods and eating out.

Consider working at home Ask your current employer about the possibility of telecommuting from home. You might also consider opening a home daycare or some other business you can do from home.

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Use Coupons You can use coupons for more than just groceries. You can save on hotels, diapers, gas, computer products and many other items. With a little work and organizing, using coupons can save you a substantial amount of money each month.

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hat exactly is an Upgrade?

By Margaret Sides Love•Livinig•Life, LLC

No one would argue whether a Masarati is an absolute fine piece of automotive artengineering that produces an unparalleled all-sensory experience for the devil lucky enough to navigate it, and its covetous-repenting, on-lookers standing by. No doubt, when it’s nestled outside a sprawling estate with impeccably maintained greens, the impression one concludes from the outside is the epitome of arrival.

But, what happens when we shift our focus to the inside? What we may find is that the poor soul who drives the Masarati earned her spoils by making a deal with the devil. What if, the price she paid in rising to the top of her game, included sacrifices of strained and shallow relationships, poor health, fatigue and burn-out, and such long hours at the office that the people who ended up enjoying the estate, without a care in the world, were the hired help? This isn’t exactly the picture of what we would call an upgrade, after all, is it?

As we continue on our journey to seek and acquire more, we find that the exhilaration we felt from our much-sought after material gains fleeted shortly after the acquisition. If done out of balance, at a certain point in our ultra-successful lives, after we have accomplished much, and acquired even more, what is left is still a sense of searching for, yet again, more.

At some point, this internal discomfort pushes us to shift our focus from the more obvious, external, and material to the more obscure, inward search of growth and awareness that begs such questions as, “What is it all for?” “Now that I have everything, why am I still unfulfilled?” “Will I ever find more time for the people and things that I love?” “What is my purpose?” What is my mission?”

Downsize to Upgrade: Less is More The key to success in life begins with the discovery that life is a journey, not a destination: One who lives, never arrives; for life is a continual process of discovery, growth, and evolution. In this realization, comes a sigh of relief in knowing that, although the material things we acquire in life are enseptember / october 2007

joyable, they are not the source of our joy.

Inherit joy comes from understanding that each of us were uniquely and wonderfully made with peculiar talents and gifts, which were designed for a distinct purpose and to touch specific lives, and then, choosing to live our lives on purpose, one day at a time.

Shifting our focus to self-discovery and self-awareness allows one the ability to gain clarity, laser-focus goals, and to downsize all of life’s business and minutia. The goal is to seek clarity and to choose to live a life of fulfillment authentically, effortlessly, and harmoniously. Easer said than done? You bet! Living your life out loud requires you to run every dimension of your life like you run your business.

Here are some Change-Agent Principles that you can implement today to begin upgrading your quality of life:

5. Just say, “No.” Who are you giving your power to? Who is controlling your schedule? What is emergent vs. urgent?

You can please most of the people, some of the time, some of the people most of the time, but never all of the people all of the time.

6. Learn to Be Comfortable with the Uncomfortable. Discomfort is a catalyst for change. Don’t run from it, embrace it.

What good result came from a “bad” situation in your past? How can a renewed perspective during life’s challenges be used to your advantage? Make lemonade out of lemons.

7. Choose to Live your Life in Balance.

Determine where your life is out of balance and implement a corrective plan of action to live harmoniously. Do you want to improve your marriage? Do you finally want to write that book? Do you want to lose 20 lbs? Do you want to discover more meaningful work? Do you want to have a stronger relationship with God? Do you want to help the less fortunate or serve in a meaningful way? What is inside of you that is screaming to get out?

1. Effective Asset Management of your Most Important Asset: Yourself. Invest time and energy in yourself and increase your net worth and ROI. What is your life’s purpose right now? What do you wish you had more time to do? Are you allowing yourself time to refresh, recharge, and reThe bottom line is that you need to slow new? Take the time to fuel and tap into your down in order to gain clarity. When you creativity. gain clarity you can make better decisions.

2. Get-Reacquainted with Yourself: What Better decisions can lead to less stress and comes naturally to you that doesn’t to any- an overall increase in quality of life. Help one else? What do you enjoy? You will yourself first, and you can, in turn, help so never work a day in your life when you dis- many others. cover and do the work you love.

Want More with Less Effort?

Choosing to live your life authentically is 3. Understand that Less is More: Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? What very rewarding and gratifying, but it can be can you get rid of in your life? How can a bit overwhelming without a support sysyou downsize your schedule? How would tem and accountability. That’s why when your life change for the better if you simpli- it comes to carrying the weight, complexities, and busyness of life, some executives fied it? are taking control and enlisting the support 4. Laser-focus your Overall Vision and of personal professional life coaches.

Throughout my practice as a professional Choose Wisely: At this point you have proved that you can be Superman; but, at personal life coach, I help ultra-successful what cost? Maybe your health, relation- leaders discover that the key to life’s fulfillships, spirituality, or fulfillment, to name a ment is to run their lives like they run their few? Be realistic in your goal setting. What business. These discerning types are lookdo you need to let go? What will you gain ing to work hard, play harder, and to live life out. They know that if they continue to give when you finally do? www.

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everything they have to their work, they will eventually reach burnout, without having anything left for themselves, the things, or the people they love.

Enlisting the services of a professional, certified life coach is an intelligent choice, which enables these over-achieving types strategically balance and run every dimension of their lives, including relationships, health, career, finances, personal and spiritual development, with the same intensity, harmony, and success as they run their business.

Can a Personal Life Coach Help Me Upgrade My Life?

As a matter of fact, working with a life coach produces amazing results! According to a survey conducted by the International Coach Federation (ICF), a few of the outcomes that life coaching clients reported include: 1. Setting better goals.....................62.4% 2. More-balanced life.......................60.5% 3. Lower stress levels......................57.1% 4. Improvement in quality of life......43.3% 5. Better family relationships...........33.3% 6. Health or fitness improvement....33.8% 7. Stopped a bad habit....................25.7% 8. Increased energy.........................31.9% 9. More fun.......................................31.9% 10. More income................................25.7% 11. More free time..............................22.9% Cite: 1

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That’s why ultra-successful executives, reaching burnout, who want to excel at the fine art of balancing life’s work and play, enlist my expertise to get and keep them on track to Love Living Life.

Upgrade From the Inside Out (Sides, © 2007) All copyrights reserved. Reprints to by copied and published only by permission. Margaret Sides, M.B.A., C.C., is a professional executive life coach and is the owner of the coaching practice, Love Living Life, LLC (South Shore Harbour, League City, TX; Phone: (281) 383-8071; E-Mail: Margaret@lovelivinglifecoach.com). Designed with the busy professional in mind, her one-on-one coaching experiences are customized for each client and conducted via telephone on an ongoing basis. Ms. Sides received training from the Life Purpose Institute in San Diego, CA, and is certified in both life and career coaching.

Ms. Sides is masters prepared with an M.B.A., from St. Xavier University in Chicago, IL and a B.S.B.A. from Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Ms. Sides has over 16 years of leading teams and individuals in the corporate setting to achieving extraordinary results with firms including UnitedHealthCare, Great-West Life, and SSM Health Care.

Follow your Dreams

By Pastor Byron Murray Contributing Writer

Henry Thoreau once said ‘most men live lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with a song still in them.’

He wrote this 140 years ago, yet the sentiment is still true today.

Many of us leave our God-created potential for the grave. The song in us, the invention in us, the entrepreneur in us, the life of purpose in us….all left to rotten and ruin. And what a shame, since it is God himself who has given us those dreams-- not to fill the grave with, but to enrich the world for His glory.

Nobody intentionally sets out to live a life of quiet desperation. It happens subtly. The once lofty dreams that captivated us slowly dissolve into a dull emptiness that eventually we barely recognize. No fan fare, no dramatic shouts of ‘I’ve

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given up’ capture the moment that we settle. But it happens.

Somewhere along the way, it becomes preferable to live a life of unrealized potential than to risk failure for the hope of purpose and significance.

Many of the reasons why people give up are understandable. Financial hardships, emotional and physical tragedies, lack of vision and direction --all of these things make it difficult to achieve our goals. But just because a reason is understandable doesn’t make it acceptable. Don’t allow the understandable hardships of your life to become the acceptable reason why you fail.

If you want your life to change, you must first start with the recognition that there is no failure in your past, present or future that has the power to derail the plans that God has for you. Failure is merely lessons to

learn. Absorb the lessons and move on. Secondly, stop being okay with your settled existence. Stop accepting mediocrity as if that’s all you deserve.

Third, don’t let the facts of your current reality define your future. What if Oprah, abandoned by her mother, sexually abused by a relative, and dirt poor as a child, had defined her future by her early existence? What if Lance Armstrong, seven-time winner of the Tour De France, riddled with cancer and given a diagnosis unto death, would have succumbed to the facts of his reality? Neither would have achieved their dreams. Fourth, stop waiting for someone else to kick-start your life. Knights in shining armor are for fairy tales. If you find your purpose, it will be because you set off on your own personal journey, not because you’ve waited for someone else to change your life. And lastly, don’t wait!

Start today by upgrading your mind, body and soul: conduct research on what it will take to realize your dreams; rid your www.

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life of toxic and uninspired people; and begin searching God’s word and reveling in His promises. He has promised great things for you, He’s just waiting on your determination to bring it to pass.

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Fall is Job Hunting Season

By Carla Lane DiverseStaff In the job hunting world, there are two peak seasons yearly in which most disenchanted workers set their marks and get set to go. The first is in early January, on the heels of New Year’s resolutions by bored workers across the land promising themselves they’ll find more inspiring work that year.

The second is the day after Labor Day, when the sight of kids going off to college and school, starting anew reminds workers when they, too, used to be enthused about learning new things.

But if you think you could be in the former camp by the year’s end, recruiters say you might want to think about jumping in now. Here are a few tips to get the search started.

1. Don’t Quit Your Day Job No matter how loathsome your job is, and how frustrated you are with the amount of time you’ve been on the job hunt DO NOT QUIT your current job before having found a new one. Though many will tell you that it’s because you really don’t know how long it will take until you find your next job, and if it is a long time it will do your resume a disservice, the real truth is that an unemployed job hunter reeks of more desperation than one who knows where their next paycheck is coming from.

2. See and Be Seen Increasing one’s visibility is key when looking for a new job, and the good news is that the Internet has made it even easier to network without leaving your desk. Posting on blogs, starting your own and keeping your social networking profiles up-to-date are widely used ways to increase one’s professional network. Don’t just sit there.

Get out there and meet people. This goes along with not just quitting your job and expecting the next one to come along.

3. Reinvent Yourself Go one step further and learn complementary skills to the skills they may already have, and find new uses for your talent. Keep your skills sharp. Stay aware of the ways you can take advantage of your knowledge by networking. Find new places that people are looking for your skills.

4. Don’t Discount Smaller Job Boards It would be naïve to ignore the market share of Monster, CareerBuilder and Hot-

Jobs when launching your job hunt, but it would be risky to limit your job seeking to only the big sharks. There are dozens of job boards, all of which boast a lower signal-to-noise ratio for workers who don’t want to wade through irrelevant job ads.

5. Consider Smaller Companies If a large corporation wants to hire 2 or 2000, it barely has to market itself before it is flooded with so many applications that it would impossible to read every one. But Houston is the home of thousands of small businesses who need qualified people.

They just may not have the overhead or able bodies to go out and find them, and even if they can find them, they cannot afford to train them.

The True Worth Good Health Plays in Prosperity

By Pastor Fred F. Wynn Contributing Writer Looking back, it’s hard to believe it has been 10 years since I have been on Dialysis. And even harder to believe that 17 years ago, thanks to Hurricane Andrew, I lost thirteen homes in the Homestead, Florida area.

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as great as that could never happen to me again.

I witnessed God’s blessings when the computer manufacturing and sales company I started in the mid 1990s produced more money than I had lost in all of my real estate. End of a success story? Not by a long shot. You see, to produce such dynamic results required me to work six or seven days a week, 15 to sometimes 18 hours a day.

During that time I completely ignored what doctors had stated time and time again during and after my 24 years of military service - my kidneys were

in trouble of failing.

Even though I had many of the symptoms and other indicators like, family history of diabetes, stroke, and blindness, I continued to play Russian roulette with my health and with my life.

Then, in September 1997, tragedy struck. I was rushed to the emergency room, where I was fighting for my life as my body shut down. My kidneys had stopped working. I was having seizures and had suffered a major stroke. I had a blood sugar level of nearly one thousand.

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African Americans and is the leading cause of adult-onset blindness, kidney failure, amputation, strokes and heart attacks.

The doctors gave me less than a twenty percent chance of surviving. But, GOD IS SO GOOD. I survived. And today, many years later and still on dialysis, I see me walking around in the form of countless minority men and woman that have many of the signs that led to severe health issues for me. They have signs like high blood pressure, being overweight and under exercised, too much continued stress from their jobs and a lifestyle and a family history working against them. It is up to you to keep yourself fit and healthy.

Knowing that good health plays a vital role in your overall prosperity will make and keep you always a success.

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Theft in the WORKPLACE

By Dacia Williams Contributing Writer No matter what type of business you are in, chances are, one or more of your employees have stolen from your company in a way that could have a negative impact on your company’s bottom line. Employee theft is an increasing problem in our society that oftentimes leaves business owners feeling victimized, bitter, and skeptical about their employees.

A general misconception about employee theft is that it is legally classified and treated differently than thefts that occur outside of the workplace. Employers often think of thefts that occur in the workplace as embezzlement, larceny, conversion, or swindling. However, the Texas Legislature has consolidated all of these activities into one Theft statute. Taking someone’s property without his or her lawful consent is theft, whether or not the taking occurs in the workplace.

The dollar amount of what one of your employees steals from you determines the level of classification of the crime they have committed against you. It is very common for employees to commit Class C misdemeanor thefts within the workplace on a daily basis. For example, employees steal things such as writing utensils, paper, paper clips, and other common office supplies on a consistent basis. When they engage in this activity, they are more than likely committing a Class C theft, which represent the lowest level of criminal theft since the property taken is often valued at less than $50.00 per occurrence. Employers usually do not feel the need to address the impact of these losses, however, these

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employee theft include performing pre-authorized and pre-employment background checks of potential employees, thorough reference checking, and a confidentiality policy that allows for anonymous reporting of suspicious activity so that claims of employee theft can be thoroughly investigated. Remember, consent is a defense, so if an employee takes something from you or your company with your lawful consent, they are not stealing. Again, clear guidelines in the form of company policy and procedures can provide employees with activities can result in unexplained invento- a clear understanding of what constitutes ry losses that cannot be recovered. These theft and/or consent. losses may not affect you today, but they The information in this article is not intended to could impact your company’s bottom line constitute legal advice. Please contact an Attortomorrow. ney for your legal needs.

Employers are more likely to act on employee theft that is felonious in nature, which manifests itself in the form of employees stealing company merchandise and equipment valued at $1,500.00 or more. When employees steal company merchandise and equipment, the company can be double-penalized because the theft results in a loss of the potential profit the company could have gained from selling the merchandise at a higher price than what the company paid for it, as well as time and replacement costs associated with the theft of merchandise in some cases as well.

In addition, employees often steal time by improperly reporting sick and vacation leave. Clear guidelines in company policy that prohibit these practices and that require documentation in the face of excessive absences are good methods in discouraging this type of theft.

In order to minimize the effects of theft in the workplace, a company should have a clear written anti-theft policy so that employees will be put on notice that employee theft will not be tolerated.

Other methods that can reduce

Dancing to a Dream

ways loved dancing. In fact, the Charity Onu – FBAAD, Fort Bend Academy Houston native has spent the last 20 years pursuing her pasof Arts and Dance sion.

“My early dance training beFort Bend Academy of Arts and Dance Owner and Artistic gan as a prodigy of the Houston Director Charity Onu has al- Independent School District. It september / october 2007

was in this primary education where I discovered my talent and love for dance,” Onu said.

“After participating in many musicals, montages, recitals, concerts, competitions, and workshops; I knew my career and profession would include dance.”

But an unexpected pregnancy would temporarily put a halt to Onu’s dreams.

“I became a teenage mom my senior year in high school, www.

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but I did not let that stop me,” she said.

After graduating with honors in high school, Onu went on to Houston Community College where she worked with many local and national artists including Debra Quinam, George Henderson (formerly with Alvin Ailey), and Rick Braume (formerly with Michael Jackson’s Thriller); and performed at the Heinen Theatre and the Jewish Community Center. After grad18

uating at HCC with honors and receiving an Associate of Arts in Dance, she went on to Sam Houston State University.

“I lived as a single mother in a one bedroom apartment, making it all work: daycare, school, and dance. I had very little time for extra curricular outside of dancing at “Sam.” But, I made time to put God first in all I do,” she said.

At Sam Houston, Onu was an active member of the Soul Lifters Gospel Choir when she discovered she wanted to own her own business just like her father.

“I fundamentally prepared for my future in dance and business. I trained extensively in ballet, modern, and jazz dance, while studying management, marketing, advertising, economics, and accounting. This

prepared me for today!”

After college, Onu began her professional career, teaching Algebra, then dance in Aldine I.S.D. After getting married and taking time off to raise her second child, Onu was able to return to her dance roots at H.I.S.D. “I was over the dance department at Robert E. Lee High School and directed the Lee Guard Drill Team. The Lee Guard Dance Team became H.I.S.D’s drill team champions, performing for the Houston Rockets, and winning many other drill team competition awards,” she said.

That was just the spark she needed to upgrade what she was doing.

“After deciding to pursue my future goals more aggressively; I retired from teaching full time and the responsibilities of a drill

team. I substituted while working on my business plans. I took all of my notes and plans to sub- jobs, and worked on my lunch breaks and planning periods. I was a true ‘bag lady.’”

A heart wrenching divorce threatened to derail her plans, but Onu chose to persevere.

“Everything works together for the good of those who love the Lord! After the rain came the sun. After my divorce, my future looked brighter and I started walking into my destiny. That which I was planning, working, and praying for came into existence. Many trials, obstacles, and disappointments came but I never let go of what God had given me. I truly believe, when God gives a vision, he also gives the provision.”

And Onu says He hasn’t stopped providing for her since.

“Today, I am peacefully happy with my two children, Cassidy(15) and Mikial (9). They, along with my family have supported me from day one. I would not be where I am without them. As my eyes swell with tears, thinking about how blessed I am. I truly believe God knew what I needed before I even knew. Fort Bend Academy of Arts and Dance was predestined. Anyone looking for greatness should know that it doesn’t happen over night.

You’ve got to put in some time and work, and have faith.”

FBAAD, Fort Bend Academy of Arts and Dance is a quality professional fine arts dance school passionately dedicated to “Education and Empowerment Through the Arts.” They offer morning dance classes to day cares, seniors and retirement communities; and afternoon, evening and weekend dance classes, along with workshops, recitals, education, and outreach . Studio rentals are available for private practice and birthday parties.

By Soloman Ruth Contributing Writer KSBC all started with a vision. A Biscuit. The thoughts of biscuits were not unusual coming from a family raised in Mississippi. There are 3 women and a man who all joined together for a common goal, feeding their community. The running of the business starts with them but has a forefront of 2 young adults, a daughter and son of the twins that are a part of the partnership. Solomon Jr. and Ashley are young, humble, and educated.

Gourmet Koffee was the most logical accompaniment for biscuits.

With thorough brainstorming of how to bring forth the satisfaction of every appetite there came all types of dessert and “stuff’d biscuit.” We want to introduce to the world a new way of thinking about breakfast and lunch through the biscuit. We are providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere with a unique experience that supports a social environment all while satisfying every appetite. We want to become a household name by building relationships and providing unforgettable customer service. We not only serve biscuits and Koffee but a variety if southern entrees. Come out to support a family owned business with young adults heading the operation at The Koffee and Stuff’d Biscuit Co. better known as KSBC! september / october 2007

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Movin’ on up?

Make sure your cover letter is together When you meet someone new, what is the first thing you notice about them? Is it their smile? Their clothes? Their hair?

Now imagine someone has a piece of spinach between his teeth, toilet paper stuck to his shoe, or is avoiding eye contact. While these may not be the kinds of things you’d hold against someone, an employer may not be as forgiving if that first impression is not a good one.

Too often, people forget that their cover letter is a first impression. Before an employer sees your résumé or meets you in person, they begin forming an impression about you from your cover letter.

Here are some tips to tighten your cover letter:

by mentioning the company name and doing a little research so you can say something flattering about the company. You can learn what companies pride themselves on, including their products and achievements, by checking their Web sites.

Don’t appear desperate.

Avoid comments such as “I’ve already by contacting the company’s human resources department, or address your letter sent out a bunch of résumés without much “Attention: Human Resources Department” luck.” Employers may wonder if there’s a good reason why no one else has hired if they won’t give you a name. you.

Don’t forget to say which position you Don’t challenge them to hire you. are applying for.

Employers will be turned off if you say Many companies advertise more than something like “It’s your loss if you don’t one position at a time. hire me.” Instead, show them, with examDon’t send a cover letter that has not ples of your accomplishments, why you would be an asset to their company. been thoroughly proofread.

Remember, to leave a good impression, Typographical and grammatical errors (such as confusing “you’re” with “your”) treat your cover letter as if it were the first meeting with your potential employer. Not create a poor impression. many employers will give you a second chance (i.e. an interview) if you leave them Don’t focus on what you want.

Focus instead on what value you can with a bad first impression. So, make your bring to the employer, such as increasing cover letter count. revenues or cutting costs.

Don’t address the letter “Dear Sirs”.

The person reading your letter may be a woman who won’t be impressed with this Don’t send a generic letter. salutation. Instead, find out the name of the You can make a much better impression person who will be reviewing your résumé

Upgrade your

Leadership Skills

By Keith J. Davis, Jr Contributing Writer

School is finally in, and for this new school year I want to encourage students, athletes, young entrepreneurs, and young adults to UPGRADE you or your business and become a leader of today and the future.

For me, leadership and guidance go hand in hand. A leader is someone who positively teaches others their knowledge, skills, and personal outlook in an attempt to help those individuals understand the idea of becoming successful in all different aspects of life.

As the leader of the Keith J. Davis Jr. Foundation, I have benefited myself by becoming a leader for the future. So I encourage other young entrepreneurs to do the same and begin to reap the benefits and take your business to the next level for now and later.

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needs?

Distracting THOUGHTS money...no hope stress???...

By Dr. D.L. Jones Contributing Writer On your way to work this morning did you notice the birds singing and the beautiful array of flowers in your neighbor’s yard? For months the birds have been singing and the beautiful flowers growing, but you haven’t noticed because your mind is probably filled with distractions. Not only do distractions clutter our mind and prevent us from seeing the natural beauty of God’s creation, it also is the tool the enemy uses to keep us from our God-given purpose on earth. You must be ever cognizant in keeping the grates of your mind narrow enough to filter out life’s distractions. If you don’t keep your mind focused on your purpose and what you want to achieve – you’ll never get anything done. If you are to control your mind, you must first alleviate counterproductive distractions that rob you of your purpose.

Distracting thoughts will enter your mind only to serve as an obstruction to achieving your goals. Distracting thoughts will tell you that there’s no need to change, that things are fine just the way they are. Distracting thoughts will tell you that you don’t have time right now to do the things you need to do to create the change you want. Distracting thoughts will tell you that it’s no use things will never get better.

But the truth is that you must never give up on your dreams and things will get better. However, if you don’t stay focused on your purpose, you’ll give in to those distracting thoughts and nothing will get better.

When you learn how to control distracting thoughts, you’ll learn to take control of your mind and direct it towards achieving your goals. You essentially learn how to think and create the life you want. Controlling distractions become your instruction book for the mind.

In life, two of the biggest obstacles are what you hear and what you see. They distract you from your goals and instead of working daily to achieve your goals; you wrestle with daily frustrations both consciously and unconsciously. Life simply becomes a drive down Park Avenue where you don’t see the beautiful flowers, only the distractions of your mind.

One reading this article may be thinking that ‘this does not apply to me; my mind is never distracted.’ This may be true for only goaloriented people deal with distractions. If you don’t have anything on the ball, it’s impossible september / october 2007

for you to become distracted. Remember the immortal words of Billy Preston “Nothing from Nothing leaves Nothing.”

Have you ever met a person who’s down to do whatever? What about the person who’s down to go wherever, no matter what time of day? These are the people who can’t possibly begin to comprehend what a distraction is because they are not operating in a goal oriented life. Distractions don’t exist because they have nothing to be distracted from.

You see, without purpose and goals in life, you are simply driving down the highway called “nowhere.” There’s a law in life that when a person becomes goal oriented and decides where he wants to go, distractions will pursue him. Many people underestimate the law of distractions, therefore never fortifying their minds with the best anti-distraction technique commonly known as “staying focused.”

Whatever goal, dream, or aspiration you have in life, if you’re not focused, you will soon miss the mark by way of distractions. Let me share with you some powerful truths on focusing: Focusing allows you to have 20/20 vision.

Your focused thoughts become your third eye and the focal point of your attention. Staying focus helps you achieve your goals and exclude whatever or whoever is a distraction.

Focusing doesn’t come easily; it is a learned skill that you must work on every wakening moment of your life. Through practice, you can focus automatically, unconsciously bringing your body and mind in alignment with your goal.

Focusing produces calmness and keeps you grounded. When your focus is centralized on your goal and purpose, it will heighten your mind, body, and spirit, working in harmony against all distractions and producing creative powers towards achieving your goal.

Lastly, focusing helps eliminate fear, anxiety and paralysis. Many people like me, at some point in life battled with the distraction of fear.

For example, I’ve never read where there’s pain associated with death; however, millions of people fear death. The same is true with being successful; America’s millionaire count falls woefully short due to the fact that many brilliant people are paralyzed with the distraction of “fear.”

So, my friend, the next time you wake up with an awesome idea or plan, don’t let the enemy of distractions abort your dream and leave it as road-kill on the side of life’s highway. Stay focused. www.

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“I’m in the music industry,” he said, as to why he’s been so successful. “I’m around a lot of different owners. I’m a people person. People feel comfortable dealing with me.”

White thinks it’s especially important to focus on small businesses.

“Small businesses create a majority of the jobs. Me being a business owner, I’m most likely going to do business with other small business owners. I don’t know the owners of Wal-Mart. I don’t exchange dollars with them. I don’t see their money.”

The Amarillo, Texas native decided to pursue a career in the financial industry after seeing the lack of black owned businesses as he was growing up.

“You hardly ever saw that when I was growing up and I wanted to change that for future generations.”

White has worked with businesses ranging from entertainment to medical.

“I believe every business should have the opportunity to grow,” he said.

White owns two companies himself - Unkutt Records and Spencer Investment Group - and he believes that also helps him Kirk White to relate to his clients.

Kaufhaus Group, Inc. “I know the triumphs and the challenges so I can understand Kirk White has always realized the importance of small busi- what other business owners are going through. And most impornesses. That’s why he makes it his business to help entrepre- tantly, I have a passion for what I do,” he said. neurs find money. As senior sales manager with the KaufHaus Group, White has a commitment to helping small businesses acquire funds.

“Advertise with D-MARS.com” “I’ve seen how small businesses changes people’s lives. It “We are accepting applications for a Senior Editor. Please helps the community. I want to do whatever I can to assist in that send your resume to president@d-mars.com” process,” he said.

White has only been in the finance industry for two years, and “We are accepting applications for a Marketing Consultant.

Please send your resume to president@d-mars.com he’s already working with numerous businesses to get working capital to expand their business.

Helping Businesses Grow

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WBlack Folks?

When was the last time you saw an African American on a road construction crew or at a day labor campsite? When driving around Houston do you notice that most of the road construction crews are people of Hispanic descent? Is the airport shuttle driver that you passed of Sub-Saharan African descent? When you filled your tank at your local Stop N Go does the attendant have an Arabic given name? And when you are working late at your office and interrupted by a Salvadoran janitorial worker have you ever stopped and wondered: Where are the African Americans? Do they do this work anymore? What must we do to get them back in these jobs?

According to statistics, documented and illegal aliens make up approximately 50 to 70 percent of local construction, kitchen staff, janitorial crews and other menial jobs across the city. Houston´s economy is totally dependent upon foreign labor and the AfricanAmerican community is compromised because we fail to recognize the impact proposed Federal immigration legislation has on our local economy and community.

Proposed Federal legislation curtails the influx of illegal aliens into our country for economic and security reasons. Immigration bills call for fortifying our borders, requiring employers to document their workers, giving amnesty to those who qualify, rounding up those that don’t and send them back to where they came from. The current administration is making this a landmark issue that definitely changes the political, economic, social and cultural landscape of our country. We are big on building monuments to our presidential leaders. We have the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, presidential libraries scattered across the country and if current proposed immigration laws pass, get ready for The Great Wall of Bush along the U.S. Mexican border from California to Texas.

I agree with the intent, but not the functionality. It does nothing to penalize major companies that pay undocumented workers in cash and nor does it require employers to pay employee taxes or health benefits. The cost is trickled down to taxpayers and we are seeing it in the City of Houston’s new Pay to Play Clause that requires city contractors to pay a $1 per man-hour surcharge for each employee on a city contract if they do not provide health insurance for their employees. Regulation and enforcement is non-existent allowing for abuse and deplorable work conditions. Sub minimum wage salaries, extreme, intense working conditions, occupational hazards and negative attitudes towards menial jobs and work itself are associated with firms who employ this practice. Our workers must be protected and paid equitably.

Our dependency on undocumented workers nearly shut us down

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By Darryl V. Samuels Contributing Writer

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here are the

last year. Houston got a taste of what’s yet to come if proposed legislation passes when the downtown janitorial workers walked off the job in a battle for equitable pay and the Hispanic community staged a strike in protest of the current administration’s immigration laws. For days, there were many unkempt office buildings and closed restaurants, grocery stores and construction projects throughout the city. Local commerce was virtually stopped and business and community leaders took notice that the meek had indeed inherited the earth!

If we lose this labor base and don’t have an ample labor supply to fill the void, market prices will skyrocket out of control. We complain about gas prices being high at $3.00 gallon. Image paying $10 for a head for lettuce at the local grocery store.

We, in the African American community, can not afford to let that happen again. African Americans, especially those between the ages of 16 to 25, must heed the call and fill the voids created by this threat. The call to action is three fold…

1. Education is the key!

We must continually educate ourselves in regards to immigration, employment and business issues and the legislative process. We must hold our elective officials and business leaders accountable and the only way we can do that is if we are competent, astute and vocal about our concerns.

2. We must work with other ethnic groups.

Their problem is our problem. We must work outside of our comfort zones and gravitate towards others and address these issues as a collective. I can not emphasize this enough.

3. We must fill those jobs!

Leaders must lead, preachers must preach, teachers must teach and parents must parent our youth to understanding the value of hard work, dedication and persistence. The ends justify the means. We must lead by example. Our children need to understand the value of dreams and aspirations, but be grounded. You have to start at the bottom and work your way up to be successful. It’s a transitional thing.

Menial work builds character and nothing ventured is nothing gained. This city has too many resources that train people for success. The jobs are plentiful. This must be done.

This is not a test and the revolution will be televised! We need you to act both swiftly and succinctly because your actions determine our outcome.

Darryl V. Samuel is the Project Manager, Grijalva & Allen and President, NAMC, Inc. Greater Houston Chapter, Inc. He can be reached at (832) 752-8769 september / october 2007

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Pinnacle Awards HUGHES TO SPEAK AT

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Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Radio One, the largest African-American owned and operated broadcast company in the nation, will be the keynote speaker at the 13th Annual African American Business Achievement Pinnacle Awards gala (Pinnacle Awards) on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007.

This black-tie gala will be held at the Hilton Post Oak, 2001 Post Oak Blvd., beginning at 6 p.m. The event will include a silent auction and a private VIP President’s Reception. Hughes will address more than 600 expected attendees at the black-tie gala hosted by the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce (HCCC). The gala theme is “Igniting the Pathway to Entrepreneurial Greatness.” Hughes is a sterling example of igniting pathways to greatness. She owns 71 radio stations in 22 urban markets in the U.S. Radio One is the first African-American company in radio history to dominate several major markets concurrently. She also is the first African-American woman to head a publicly traded company on a stock exchange in the United States. In Jan. 2004, Radio One launched a national cable and satellite television network called TV One. Additionally, Radio One’s chief executive Alfred Liggins III bought a controlling stake in radio personality Tom Joyner’s media company for $56 million, furthering his attempt to turn the radio company his mother began out of a trailer 24 years ago into a diversified media group aimed at the Black community. Today, Radio One is worth $2 billion and reaches 16 million Black listeners daily.

In the Houston market, Radio One owns KBXX-FM (97.9 “The Box”), KMJQ-FM (102.1 “Majic 102”), and KROI-FM (Praise 92.1).

“We are honored to welcome Ms. Hughes to Houston,” said Pinnacle Awards Chairman Jeffrey L. Boney, small business banking vice president of Washington Mutual Bank. “She epitomizes everything the Pinnacle Awards represent. We eagerly anticipate receiving from Ms. Hughes the principles we all need in our lives to achieve unprecedented success and greatness in all that we do!” september / october 2007

The Pinnacle Awards spotlight AfricanAmerican businesses that have achieved success by combining vision, determination, commitment, and perseverance along with a dedication to building strong communities.

On achieving success, Hughes commented, “In my opinion, success comes on the day that they’re reading your eulogy. The determination of whether you had a successful life is how many people you helped. If, in fact, you are doing it the correct way that does not stop until the day they close that casket.”

Four Pinnacle Award winners will be chosen from among Houston’s top 10 African-American entrepreneurs who are “doing things the correct way.”

HCCC is introducing two new awards in addition to the Pinnacle. The first award is the Mack H. Hannah, Jr. Upstart Business Award, which is designed to recognize and provide resources to a burgeoning African-American business with a high potential for success. The award package includes a $2,500 cash equity injection, 14-week Texas Southern University School of Business course titled “Business Planning & Financial Management Workshop,” corporate branding package designed by D-MARS, one year’s advertising in Minority Executive Report, and more.

The second new award is the Advocate Award, which was created to honor an organization that has been a true champion for African-American small businesses in the Greater Houston Metropolitan area.

These organizations are diligently working to ensure the stability and growth of small businesses through its diversity supplier programs, community outreach and education.

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