d-mars.com Business Journal 16

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Business Journal november / december 2007

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

16th Edition

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Jason Medlock, Dr. John Codwell, III, Carla Lane, MR.D-MARS and George E. Johnson, Jr.

Photo By: Albert Reff

Robert Garner Jewelry Expert

Dr. Anastasia Gentles, Connie Cazares, Zawadi Bryant: NightLight After Hours Pediatrics

Michael T. Bailey Nationwide Insurance

Demetrius Early Citywide Business & Associates

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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 DIRECTOR Bernard Johnson MARKETING CONSULTANTS Tyffanie Rosser Kenya Melton MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Albert Reff Andrea Hennekes

People stop me all the time to congratulate me on all the success I’ve encountered on my road to becoming a nationally-known marketing consultant and business owner.

And while I am grateful for the accolades, I know that as high as I’ve climbed on the ladder of success, there are still rungs to be conquered. To many, I might have reached my pinnacle. To me, I’m still striving for it.

I think that mindset – the one that doesn’t let you get complacent in your journey to success – is the real secret to success. In this issue, I am proud to share with you how others define success as well. You’ll also discover the tools they use to achieve success, and how you, too, can reach your pinnacle. But in order to do this you have to ask yourself, am I on top of my game?

Being on top of your game may mean making sure you’re giving 110 percent – because 100 percent is no longer good enough. Being on top of your game means you’re playing to win. It means that you are developing habits and employing attitudes that help you become the person you want to be. There are many things that will affect your ability to succeed, and it is those under your immediate control that it is best to focus on. Once you do that, then the characteristics you develop can be applied to becoming successful in a range of activities and pursuits.

What is important to you is that you, as you start to reach milestones in your ambitions, you appreciate your own achievements. It is a boost, of course, if others appreciate what you have done too, but appreciating yourself will strengthen your self belief, and reinforce your determination to succeed.

I know that you will enjoy this edition as it’s packed with invaluable information that I have no doubt, will help you reach your pinnacle and stay on top of your game.

As always, I have to ask that you support the advertisers in this, and all the D-Mars Business Journals. Until the next issue, be prosperous!

CONTENTS On Top of their Game ................................................................4-5

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik Hiram Lewis

Reaching your Pinnacle ................................................................6 Play the Right Cards ...................................................................10 The Road to Success is in the Fast Lane .....................................11

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr.

Staying on Top of your Game .....................................................22 How to tell you’re on the Path to Success ..................................22

PHOTOGRAPHY Albert Reff

Who is to Blame? ........................................................................23

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Veronique Landry L. Ron Hubbard Dr. Wendy Carla Lane Dwayne Thomas, M.S. MPA Dr. D.L. Jones Darryl V. Samuels Lester James Landry

Want to Achieve Success? Do what makes you Happy! ............34

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Are you a Professional ................................................................23 Building the Right Team to Grow your Business .......................34

MR. D-MARS

D-MARS Business Journal

Tip of the Month

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

“Success is a journey, not a destination.”

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Success does not come easy. Just ask any of the people featured in our cover story. These business people are definitely on top of their game. And they stay there by exercising some basic principles and business philosophies, ranging from everything like taking one deal at a time to being passionate about what you do.

These business owners recently received top honors at the 13th Annual African-American Business Achievement Pinnacle Awards, which spotlights and honors African-American businesses that have achieved success by combining vision, determination, commitment, perseverance and dedication to building strong communities.

Ten finalists were honored and four took home the Pinnacle Award.

OnTop Dr. John Codwell, III and Mr. D-Mars Dr. John Codwell, III Codwell Family Food Center, P.A.

Jason Medlock and Mr. D-Mars Jason Medlock and Aaron Glenn 3131 Properties, LLC Launched in 2000, 3131 Properties, LTD., operates on the “Magic” Johnson model of economic and community development. Medlock and Glenn have brokered over $127 million in deals including sports, real estate, construction and franchises.

As developers, they deliver their services to historically under-developed communities with the hope of stimulating local economies and providing new employment opportunities. The company’s newest subsidiary, GlennLock Foods, LTD., employs 315 individuals. The Frenchy’s Chicken brand has been extremely successful for 3131 Properties.

“We take one deal at a time. We always look at a deal and say, ‘What’s the worst that can happen? What’s the best that can happen?’ We then grade those and decide if we’re going to take a chance. We look at the realness of a deal. We take a lot of different things into consideration before we decide if we are going to take a project off the ground. We assess the needs and look at the demographics,” Medlock said.

The key to their success has also been in the ability to hire great leadership and choose deals that make sense in the Sugar Land area. Medlock and Glenn chose prime real estate at the right price and at the right time. Also, the team was able to duplicate the historic Frenchy’s Chicken brand to mimic the original Scott Street location’s flavor pattern.

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In 1995, Dr. Codwell started his practice with just one employee (himself) and a 950-square-foot office. Today, Dr. Codwell offices in his own building and has a staff of five. The center provides medical and surgical care of both the foot and ankle.

Like many African-American small business owners, Dr. Codwell’s greatest challenge was in finding start-up capital to launch a legitimate, viable medical practice. However, his perseverance and belief in serving the community paid off.

To encourage increased African-American business ownership, Dr. Codwell believes early exposure of the entrepreneurial world to our children is key, as are mentorship programs.

Dr. Codwell believes the secret to his success has been to educate his patients and to take the necessary time with them to explain their medical challenges.

ment opportunities for its associates. Lane’s business strategy for growing DiverseStaff is, “Take care of the people and the bottom line will grow.” Under Lane’s leadership, the DiverseStaff footprint has grown by an additional seven states, increased its portfolio to include Fortune 100 and 200 clients, and has become a leader in government contracting.

Lane distinguishes DiverseStaff from other staffing firms by ensuring she connects with the candidates, the associates and the clients. She also delivers quality to her clients and associates – she believes in exceeding expectations. Lastly, Lane believes she provides a service, she never forgets that. If she doesn’t do it well, someone else will. Lane says her commitment to her job is what makes her so successful.

“You have to be passionate about what it is that you do. And of course, you have to maintain a standard of excellence when you do it,” she said.

The company’s keys to success has been application of its “7 Keys to Success:” “Take Charge;” “Know Where You Are Going;” “Spread the Word;” “Do What You Do So Well They’ll Come Back and Bring Their Friends;” “Train, Train and Retrain;” “Measure Everything;” and “Celebrate Your Victories.”

George E. Johnson and Mr. D-Mars George E. Johnson George E. Johnson Development, Inc.

Carla Lane and Mr. D-Mars Carla Lane DiverseStaff, Inc. DiverseStaff was launched in 2003 with Carla Lane as senior vice president and chief operating officer. The company is dedicated to providing organizations with quality staffing solutions resulting in excellent employwww.

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George E. Johnson Development, Inc. was founded in 1974 as Johnson & Sons Realty. Since that time, the company has evolved into a premier comprehensive real estate development firm specializing in residential, commercial and community-developments projects.

As the company’s slogan indicates, “Big enough to serve you, small enough to care,” Johnson Development represents individual clients with their home-buying needs as well as public, private and faith-based organizations with their development needs. Through real estate brokerage, project management and owner’s representative services, the company has completed assignments and managed projects in excess of $1.1 billion.

Johnson states that the greatest challenge of starting the business was being the first African-American-

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of theirGame franchised real-estate broker. There were no examples.

They worked hard and were encouraged by earlier black real-estate pioneers such as Mr. Judson Robinson, Jr., Mr. Hubbard Coleman, Ms. Lily Fonteno and others.

said Bryant. “We are now involved in the African-American business community and it feels great to have so many people rooting for our success. We have access to businesses that have been around much longer than us. We have reached out to some of them for advice. We’ve already seen patients as a result of winning the Upstart award. Also, I learned some great tips for our next location from the [Texas Southern University] small business workshop provided to all Upstart finalists. I learned how to analyze our lease and finance terms to a greater level.”

Pinnacle Award Finalists

Dr. Anastasia Gentles, Connie Cazares, Zawadi Bryant Mack H. Hannah, Jr. Upstart Business Award Nightlight Pediatrics The Mack H. Hannah, Jr. Upstart Business Award was created to recognize and provide resources to a burgeoning African-American business with a high potential for success. The winner must complete a 14- week course developed in partnership with Texas Southern University.

Then, it is awarded a business package that includes a $2,500 cash injection, a laptop from HP, cell phones and service from Cricket Communications, business cards and logo creation from D-Mars.com and other prizes.

This year’s winner is NightLight After Hours Pediatrics. Founded in 2005, NightLight provides quality, affordable, compassionate, urgent care for infants, children and adolescents when the primary pediatrician is not available. NightLight is owned by Dr. Anastasia Gentles, Connie Cazares and Zawadi Bryant.

Since winning the Upstart award] “We have been exposed to a greater level of support and a larger network,”

BalyProjects, LLC Jacqueline Baly Chaumette

Houston Training & Education Center, Inc. (H-TEC) Stephanie Boutte’-Phillips

MaxwellO Dental Spa & Wellness Dr. Letitia Plummer

Quality Dialysis Cindy Barclay

Masterpiece Solutions, LLC. Dr. Laureen Wishom

Sprinklisms, Inc. Jonathan Sprinkles

“Success doesn’t come to you...

YOU GO TO IT.” -- Marva Collins NOVEMEBER / DECEMber 2007

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REACHING YOUR

By Dr. Wendy Contributing Writer

Being all that you can be is not an easy task. It takes a lot of hard work, sacrifice, determination and drive. So often, I hear people...talk a good GAME, they have good ideas, dress well and they even attend several networking events…but what are you doing to reach your pinnacle?

According to the dictionary a pinnacle is: The highest or culminating point, as of success, power, fame, etc.: the pinnacle of one’s career or the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development.

In order to reach your desired “pinnacle” it is imperative that you know who you are, what you are capable of doing and you must know your talent or “gift”.

Knowing these things are great, as many people do not - but…you will not reach your pinnacle unless you know how to properly communicate, articulate and execute your plan.

Below are seven recommended “core” steps to take in order for you to “reach your pinnacle”: 1. Do not be complacent – If you are currently doing something that you are not happy with, do something about it. Take a step back, do some self assessing and determine your passion. If you no longer

enjoy working for someone else, take the necessary steps to start your own business.

Research your area of interest; obtain small business information and MAKE IT HAPPEN! Starting your own business and/or earning a degree will not happen overnight, as the goal is for you to “take that step”.

2. Strategically communicate your plan/ idea – Having a good business idea and sharing it with others is expected. But, before you disclose the inter-makings of your business inspiration it is important that you properly secure your idea. This can be done by ensuring that your plan is appropriately copy written, your domain name and/or intellectual property is secured and obtain the assumed name, etc. After you have taken the necessary steps, then you can share your vision, as you never know who can assist you along the way.

3. Develop a success road-map and measure the results each month or quarter – Once you determine what you are going to do…write it down. In order to see results, but you must create a success roadmap. This map is devised to help you mapout your plan. Typically, when people take the time to create a plan, they are serious about seeing results. When creating this map, ensure that your monthly or quarterly goals are realistic, as you do not want to be too aggressive, as doing this can be

Pinnacle

a deterrent. To stay on track, it is best to keep the lines of communication open. do something every day that helps you get 6. Join the age of technology – Do not closer to your goal. take this technology age lightly. As a busi4. Surround yourself around positive ness owner, it is important that you know people – Discovering your passion and how to use the Internet and you must have creating a success road map is definitely a website. Having a business card and a step in the right direction, but you must some brochures is great, but if you want also ensure that you assess who your “sup- to be taken seriously in this day and age… porters” are and are not. This can be a you must have a website. difficult task for some, as people that you thought were “on your team”…really are 7. Be ready for success – If you do your not. This may also mean that you start sur- research, become a subject matter expert rounding yourself around a different “cir- on your area of choice, be patient, assercle” of people. If this occurs…it is okay, tive and work your plan you will see reas there will be some casualties along the sults. Do not underestimate your ability to start your own business, earn a degree way. or anything else you choose to do in life.

5. Find a Mentor – Locate a person that Just ensure that you are prepared for the is currently doing what you have a passion journey and the success that comes, as it for and let them know that you need their is easy to start a project, but so few people assistance. So often…people aspire to do see the process through because results do “big-things”, but fail to realize that it can- not come as fast as anticipated. not be done alone. Yes…you will do the Now that you have been given some work needed to reach your pinnacle, but it is okay to ask for help. Once you meet this pinnacle tips…it is time for you to “take person, it is imperative that they want to that step”. Do not let time pass you by…as assist you. Do not try to force the relation- time waits for no one. Take control of your ship. Once this mentorship has been estab- destiny; do not let it take control of you. lished, you must nurture the relationship. The sky is the limit, but you must be willThis is done by properly following-up and ing to start the process, weather the storm ensuring that you contact that person on a and stand strong if you want to succeed. regular basis, as you do not want them to forget you. I recommend that you suggest a certain day and time each month or every quarter to talk to this person. This helps

Building a Successful Business is a Team Effort

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There is a popular saying that there is no ‘I’ in ‘Team.’

This is a crucial mindset when you’re trying to build a successful business when someone else is on board.

Most of the time we achieve our successes as part of a team. We are all part of teams. Our family is a team. Our place of work is a team. The community groups we belong to are teams. Sometimes we are the team leader or “coach,” while other times we fulfill the role of follower, or “player.” It is so important then for us to understand teams and how they work, especially those who achieve success – the achievement of their desired goal.

However, there are a few basic principles that can help turn any lackluster team into an outstanding one! These principles can be applied to your family, your business or your organization.

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Communication Leader

Follower

The leader needs to communicate the vision. If they are setting the pace, they need to let people know where they are going so that the team can follow. The coach always does a pre-game talk, laying out the vision. The leader communicates the vision frequently, so as to always be updating the team as to where they are at and what changes need to be made. The coach doesn’t relegate the direction he gives to the pre-game, he coaches and communicates all the way through the game.

Several great leaders will tell you that the secret to getting things done lies not only in great leadership, but in how well the rest of the people follow the leadership.

Good teams are filled with people who are committed to following and getting the job done.

Team Watch a good basketball team. They are talking to each other all of the time. Helping one another out, encouraging one another, praising one another, and telling each other how they can make changes so the same mistakes aren’t made again. The same is true of successful teams in the professional world and in life in general.

Excellence The truly great teams are teams that are committed to excellence. In everything they do, their goal is to achieve at the highest level. And this commitment is held throughout the team and at every level. A successful team cannot have members who are not committed to excellence because in the end they will become the weak link. www.

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Understanding Roles Every team works best when the members of the team have clearly defined and understood roles. Some do one thing, others do another. One isn’t better or more important than the other, just different. When teams operate out of their strengths and their roles, they win. Every team member has strengths and weaknesses. The successful teams are those who on a regular and consistent basis enable the members to operate out of their strengths and not out of their weaknesses. And what is one person’s strengths will cover another’s weakness. This is teamwork, enabling all of the bases to be covered.

Fun The team that plays together stays together. Is your team all work and no play? If you’re smart, that will change.

Get your team out of the office once a month and go have some fun. Enjoy one another. Enjoy life. It will bring a sense of bonding that can’t be made even in “winning.”

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his article is the first of a series of five designed to prepare African American firms to bid on public projects. Vince Lombardi, the famed football coach of the Green Bay Packers, stated ¨The quality of a man’s life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field of endeavor. I recently read his book, What it Takes to Be Number One, and put his words in context to motivate Houston-based African American businesses to successfully secure public contracts.

Now, is the best time to be an African-American business owner in Houston. We are at the forefront of monumental spending from public agencies to improve the infrastructure, schools, hospitals and housing in the greater Houston metropolitan area. The Houston Independent School District (HISD) recently passed a bond initiative to build new schools and repair existing buildings, The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) is building a new rail system, and there is always work available at The Texas Medical Center. The opportunities are there, it’s a matter of going after them.

You have to be smart to win a contract, and can win if you play your cards right.

Pursuing a public contract is like a card game. You have to commit to winning, understand the game, analyze the competition, and play the hand that you’re dealt.

My favorite card game is Spades. Spades is a team sport requiring partners to work together to win the best of 13 books (1 book equals 4 cards) per hand using spades as trump cards. Higher cards win, face cards are good but spades are ideal. Estimating your hand, counting cards, throwing off, and feeding your partner to trump your opponent are essential to winning.

Sometimes you carry the load, sometimes not. Underbidding is tolerable, but unacceptable if you do the opposite. A team is set when they don’t meet their designated number of books. Distractions are plentiful. However, the best players take calculated risks because they are focused and know how to read their partner and opponents.

Mental toughness – King of Spades Mental toughness is the ability to hold on to your goals in the face of the pressure and stress of your current situation. This is not for the feint hearted, Be accountable. Success has a price you have to determine if you want to pay it.

Habit – Queen of Spades Winning is a habit. Preparing a winning bid response is a habit. If you don’t think you are a winner, and don’t put the time in to respond to bid proposals, this is not your game.

Faith – Jack of Spades Believe in a higher power and use your faith as a personal tool for discovery, challenge and renewal.

Passion – Ten of Spades Believe in what you are doing. It’s tough to win a contract if you can’t energize yourself, or your people.

Scoring is as follows: Public contracts are awarded to companies that have proven track records for results, not for being right, or for simply being a minority firm. Results come from mistakes – being wrong- and leaders must possess mental toughness to handle mistakes, take accountability for them and quickly abandon efforts that fail to produce results. You have got to be in the game for the long haul.

Too often, our firms are set because they let too many distractions force them to throw the wrong cards. Distractions are caused by not understanding how procurement works and allowing frustration and disenchantment set in. Our objective is to win the game. Next issue, we will discuss consultative sales strategies to help your firm focus on getting past the public agency procurement gatekeepers.

Darryl V. Samuels is the Project Manager of the Grijalva & Allen, PC HUB Advisory Services Program at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. He is also the president of the President of the NAMC, Inc. Greater Houston Chapter. For more information, please call him at 832.752.8769.

You should prepare your response to a public bid the same way you would play a game of Spades. I’m proposing a Spades variation. In this game, the two of diamonds and clubs, which symbolize race and self-doubt cards, are removed from the deck.

Truth Do the right thing every time. Be honest with yourself and those around you.

Stay within your limitations and bid projects that match your capacity.

High Spades are replaced by the following cards

Commitment - Big Joker It takes commitment for winning to do things right all the time. No excuses, no loafing, no idling, no standing around or playing the blame game. Do what you say you are going to do and follow-up.

Discipline – Little Joker Responding to a request for proposal is hard work, sacrifice, time and mone.

All too often our culture celebrates success without any sweat. There are no overnight successes. Hard work develops self-control that keeps you focused. When you’re focused you ignore the setbacks and temporary failures and move on.

by Darryl V. Samuels

Excellence – Ace of Spades The will to win means nothing if there is any will to excel. Mediocrity is unacceptable. Excellence means to be the best. African American firms can no longer tolerate just getting by. If we want the best, we have to act like we are the best and doing so means being the best. Can’t fake the funk anymore!

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You succeed based on the quality of your work, the amount of work we can do and one other factor: speed. How fast can you go?

“THE RAPIDITY OF PARTICLE FLOW ALONE DETERMINES POWER.” L. Ron Hubbard The power and progress of our society is based on speed. When your particle flow (information, services, goods and so on) is slow, the rest of the world speeds on by. For example, can you imagine working without a computer, telephone, fax machine or the Internet? Can you imagine traveling without a car or an airplane? Imagine being in a world where the telegraph and railroad were major improvements.

Personal Success How quickly can you move the particles (communications, projects, services and so on) in your life or work? How fast are you?

When you wait, avoid and make excuses, you kill your speed. You delay your success. When you respond quickly, act without delay and complete tasks faster than anyone else, you have power.

For example, high-school graduates Lynn and Chris both want to become school teachers. Lynn says, “I’ve got all those years of school in front of me. I’m taking a year off to ride my bike around Europe before I start.” Chris says, “I can’t wait to teach. I’m taking classes this summer and will get my degree in three years.”

Who do you think becomes the other’s principal? The only road to significant success is in the fast lane.

Business Speed Speed of particle flow determines the power of a business. The faster the business’ particles (service, sales, payment, delivery and so on) the more Ten Tips for Speeding up Your Success prosperous it becomes. For example, you want to buy carpet for your home. Two companies sell the exact carpet you want. One says, “We can install it in six weeks” and the other says, “We can install it tomorrow.” 1. Jump into projects as soon as possible.

Who do you pick?

2. Act quickly on opportunities. If you see what you want, jump on it If the price and quality are comparable, the company that can deliver the before you lose the chance.

goods the fastest always wins in the end. In many cases, speed is more 3. Push yourself to walk faster, talk faster, read faster and move faster. important than quality or price.

For example, fresh ripe tomatoes from Mexico in February may cost more, but they sell out quickly. Without fast delivery, they are inedible. 4. Keep up your speed with good habits: sufficient sleep, good food, regular exercise and so on.

Imagine fast service in all areas.

You call and say, “Hello, I was calling to see if you could send someone to fix my furnace.” The furnace company says, “Is ten minutes okay?”

You call your dentist and ask, “How soon can I see the doctor?” The receptionist says, “How about 1:00 today?” You call an auto dealer and say, “I’d like a fully-loaded 2003 Midnight Blue Mercedes 450SL with white leather seats.” The dealer says, “It’s right here. You can pick it up or we can deliver it to you in an hour.”

5. Reduce or eliminate people or things that delay or stop you from moving quickly.

6. Whenever you think something can’t be done quickly, ask “Why not?”

7. Constantly look for faster methods to get the same result.

Business owners who take forever to make decisions soon lose money. 8. Send and return communications with as little delay as possible.

Managers who can spot problems and correct them within minutes are valuable and hard to find. Workers who move like lightening are soon 9. Set tough deadlines for completing tasks and make them promoted.

10. Challenge yourself by taking on more work than ever and getting it Companies that can quickly change their direction are the most success- done in less time than ever. ful. For example, chain bookstores did not start selling books over the Internet until Amazon.com was in business long enough to work out their systems and take over the market. Chain bookstores lost millions Copyright © 2007 TipsForSuccess.org. All rights reserved. Grateful acknowledgment is made to L. Ron Hubbard Library for permission to because they took too long to act. reproduce selections from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.”

Visit www.tipsforsuccess.org.

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Stayingon Top of YOUR Game

By Dr. D.L. Jones Contributing Writer At twenty-five years of age, I remember vividly sitting in the chair of an African-American dentist with my mouth wide-open, looking up at the ceiling as he cleaned my teeth. He began to talk to me about my future, what I wanted out of life and my plans for achieving my dreams.

I began to tell him that I wanted to obtain a doctorate degree but at the age of twenty-five, I would be at least thirty-five before I finished. He stopped and looked me dead in the eyes and said: How old will you be if you don’t finish?

Needless to say, that was a significant moment in my life when time stood still. “How old will I be if I don’t get

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a doctorate?” Forty? Fifty? Wisdom revealed to me that I’d rather be fifty years old and successful than fifty years old and unsuccessful. What am I trying to say? Whatever your goal is in life; stay on top of your game. Success will come if you just: Believe in yourself! Trust yourself! And never give!

Obstacles, doubts, and misfortunes all happen to us from time to time, but stay on top of your game, be committed to achieving your goal and commit daily to the things that will lead you in that direction. Be committed to your plan and continue to grow as a person through self-discipline and personal development. If you truly believe in something, than you can achieve it.

Unbelief is a roadblock to your dreams. When God gives you a dream, a goal of success, don’t even think about it, JUST DO IT! If you dream something it is because it is meant to be, you just need to stay on top of your game and make it a reality. There comes a point in life when one needs to give something up in order to gain something better, but here are the questions we all ask ourselves; what if I don’t even try? what if I don’t fulfill my dreams? This is where positive energy comes in.

Self-empowerment is a state of mind. You must have the right attitude, and you must be committed to success because life isn’t going to roll out the carpet of success for you. Self-empowerment moves you from the sideline to the playing field. When you’re on the playing field of life invariably you will make a wrong turn, call the wrong play, but the fact remains that you’re in the game of success.

You know why haters rarely accomplish anything?

They’re on the sideline of the game more concerned with watching your flaws, never realizing that you’re in the

game and playing to win. The only way one has the remote possibility to score in the game of success is to be on the playing field making it happen.

Staying on top of your game is a conscious decision.

That’s right, it is as simple as that. Successful people simply decide to be successful. However, there’s more to the equation of success. One must follow the decision of being successful with an unwavering and uncompromising belief that nothing will impede the pursuit to achieving your dream, even when it seems that nothing is happening. This is why you need to write yourself a personal growth and development plan tailored to your specific goals.

What that dentist told me at twenty-five years of age blew my mind. It was at that very moment that I realized that the level of success I wanted to achieve was all in my mind. Feeding your mind with empowering information and deleting thoughts of “I can’t” is the first step towards achieving your goal. Like many of you, I’ve had people tell me how refreshing it is to see a young black man with a PH.D. What they don’t know is that I am just an average brother from the hood with a personal story filled with lots of disappointments. I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth behind the walls of the Buckingham Palace. Staying on top of the game took persistence, determination, and belief in myself to get to the place where I am right now and continuing to grow and evolve.

Many of you have dreams and goals that you have not yet achieved, but you can if you just STAY ON TOP OF YOUR GAME.

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How to tell you’re on the Path to Success Growing up, you may have had a dream of becoming a famous movie star, a professional athlete, or just an aspiration to be a millionaire. But as years pass and illusions fade, each of us must come to terms with the success we achieve—or fail to achieve. Success may be defined in different ways, such as gaining the respect of friends and relatives, attaining proficiency in the arts and sciences, or living a satisfying domestic life. For many, though, a large part of success is denoted by financial achievement. Along those lines, here are a few ways to tell if you’re on the path to success.

You take in more than you spend.

As a first step toward success, you must embrace a fundamental concept: Income exceeds outgo. This is the most important principal to which you must adhere. It goes without saying that there are times, such as medical emergencies or personal mishap, when unanticipated expenditure is incurred. In these instances you’ll vary from our rule of frugality.

But, at other times, you will consistently live below your means. Persons who fail to comply may expect a series of misfortunes with no relief.

You honor your financial commitments.

Those who promptly fulfill their financial obligations will find all involvement more profitable. Conduct your affairs in this manner and success will court you.

date that interest is charged. Follow this rule and success will follow. If you cannot regulate your credit card use in this manYou don’t owe anyone.

One important factor separating win- ner, destroy your cards. ners from losers is debt. Although mort- You control the present. gage financing to acquire real estate, as As we journey through life, there are well as wisely arranged business loans, three principal objects upon which we may can prove beneficial, personal borrowing fixate: the past, the present, and the future. is normally a mistake. This means that the All three serve a function. It’s important to clothes on your reflect upon back, the furthe past, for niture in your by evaluathome, and the ing earlier vehicle you performancdrive, are owned es we fashwithout obligaion a guide tion. I’ll concede for handling that you may new deappear prosmands. It’s perous behind equally vital the wheel of a to keep an newly financed eye on the Mercedes Benz, future, as but your actual how a course prosperity is is steered vastly enhanced determines if your auto is its outcome. fully paid for, But it’s neieven if you must ther the past drive a 1984 Toyota Corolla. And concern- nor the future over which we exercise ing debt, credit card use can be a problem. control. It is only the present that affords It’s my belief that a credit card serves a an opportunity to grapple with events and single purpose: a convenience when neither check nor cash is handy. Most importantly, when the monthly statement arrives, pay the full cash balance due before the

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arrange favorable results. If you regularly conduct your affairs so to resolve situations in ways that satisfy you, you are exhibiting qualities that lead to success.

You have a reputation for honesty.

A reputation as an honest individual is among the most valuable assets you can possess. There are no limits to the doors that open and the opportunities afforded a man or woman whose words and actions can be trusted. Whether you are of truly high moral character, or possess the personal values of con man, is not the issue.

Conduct your affairs in a way that your reliability can never be questioned, even if it goes against the grain. This quality is truly a mark of success.

Wealth, at least a certain amount of it, is a necessary criterion for success. However, the possession of wealth is not in itself sufficient, and there are people with net worths of seven and eight figures that are failures in every respect. It’s the combination of assets, lifestyle, and attitude that proves someone has truly achieved success.

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Who is to Blame?

By Dwayne Thomas, M.S. MPA Contributing Writer I have witnessed African boys who, at the age of 16, were at the top of their class, maintaining A averages and excelling outside the classroom in sports, music and other extra curricula activities. While I have seen this up close, many within the African-American community have never witnessed boys in their community excel to great heights. Achievement is replaced by despair.

In five years of teaching and mentoring young men in the Sigma Beta Club, the youth affiliate group of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., I have seen young men literally change their lives from one of crime, drug abuse, and an overall menace to society, to becoming law abiding young men in college, studying education, social work, physics, English and physics.

Although this has been my experience, it would be an understatement to note that most African-American boys remain underachievers. This remains a growing and depressing fact. African-American boys continue to lead in categories like crime, drug abuse, gun possession, un-fathered, imprisonment, drop-outs, etc...

As an African-American man and future university professor, this discussion troubles me. How can a race of people one generation post Jim Crow allow the continued demise and destruction of its young men? One would think nearly 100 percent of all African-American boys age 10 and older would embrace education to elevate their lives, which ultimately change their community. Most often, this is not the situation. Rather they are inundated with negative music videos, television programs, movies, print material and men of poor character who give puny and beggared examples of manhood.

What separates the young men I have witnessed succeed and those that appear lost? One glaring answer is MENTORSHIP. All young men have the potential to succeed but need guidance. Mentors create an aura of self worth that when matched with inspiration and ones God-given talents and abilities bring achievement. Through mentorship, these young men begin to realize their responsibility to God, Family and Community.

We all know the problems but where are the answers? We must answer the call to stand in the gap and tear down the challenges that come against our young men. We must mold and train our young men to become men of God. As we do, the gain will be immense. If we do not, the loss is great.

Are you a Professional?

How you look, talk, write, act and work determines whether you are a professional or an amateur. Society does not emphasize the importance of professionalism, so people tend to believe that amateur work is normal. Many businesses accept less-than-good results.

Schools graduate students who cannot read. You can miss 15 percent of the driving-test answers and still get a driver license. “Just getting by” is an attitude many people accept. But it is the attitude of amateurs.

1. A professional learns every aspect of the job. An amateur skips the learning process whenever possible.

10. A professional handles money and accounts very carefully. An amateur is sloppy with money or accounts.

2. A professional carefully discovers what is needed and wanted. An amateur assumes what others need and want.

3. A professional looks, speaks and dresses like a professional. An amateur is sloppy in appearance and speech.

11. A professional faces up to other people’s upsets and problems. An amateur avoids others’ problems.

12. A professional uses higher emotional tones: Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, interest, contentment. An amateur uses lower emotional tones: anger, hostility, resentment, fear, victim.

4. A professional keeps his or her work area clean and orderly. An amateur has a messy, confused or dirty work area.

13. A professional persists until the objective is achieved.

An amateur gives up at the first opportunity.

5. A professional is focused and clear-headed. An amateur is confused and distracted.

14. A professional produces more than expected. An amateur produces just enough to get by.

6. A professional does not let mistakes slide by. An amateur ignores or hides mistakes.

15. A professional produces a high-quality product or service. An amateur produces a medium-to-low quality product or service.

7. A professional jumps into difficult assignments. An amateur tries to get out of difficult work.

8. A professional completes projects as soon as possible. An amateur is surrounded by unfinished work piled on top of unfinished work.

16. A professional earns high pay. An amateur earns low pay and feels it’s unfair.

17. A professional has a promising future. An amateur has an uncertain future.

9. A professional remains level-headed and optimistic.

An amateur gets upset and assumes the worst.

The first step to making yourself a professional is to decide you ARE a professional.

Are you a professional?

Copyright © 2007 TipsForSuccess.org. All rights reserved. Grateful acknowledgment is made to L. Ron Hubbard Library for permission to reproduce selections from the copyrighted works of L. Ron Hubbard.” Visit www.tipsforsuccess.org.

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By Lester James Landry Contributing Writer

D

emetrius Early is a former Pro Football player that has turned to real estate and investing as a means of making a statement in his personal life. It is not so much the financial gains that motivate Early, but rather the pleasure he gets out of giving the average person financial empowerment.

After a failed football career, due to a neck injury and financial losses in real estate, in September 2001, Early started his company Citywide Business and Associates and launched his first major investment venture of a six condo complex in the Galleria area of Houston. A $1.4 million profit was realized from this investment in this upscale area of Houston. This helped fund the capital needed to start his company. Though not very knowledgeable about the real estate industry, Early learned many valuable lessons the hard way and has taken advantage of these lessons to help create and structure his present day company.

CBA has always maintained 70- 100 investors at any given time, and Early credits that as one of the reasons for its phenomenal success.

CBA has had successful ventures with builders like Kickerillo Custom Homes and Supreme Custom Builders in Houston as well as Windward Lakes Condominiums in Pompano Beach, Florida. CBA has many success stories with its investors and it makes customer service its main priority.

Demetrius Early was born February 2, 1973 in Shreveport Louisiana to the proud parents of George and Phyllis Early. He had a normal childhood for that day and time. He graduated from high school and went on to attend South Dakota State College in 92-93. He did not graduate but went on to play pro football in 94-95 for the Arizona Cardinals.

Personally, Early enjoys spending time with his three children, who he is very proud and protective of.

After a few unsuccessful practices, Early decided to surround himself Early believes in leading by example and sets the standards in his with some knowledgeable and capable individuals. CBA’s mission company from dress to how to conduct yourself in a professional and objectives changed and it became not only about profits from in- manner. vestments but about educating consumers on doing it for themselves- Early is a very personable individual with a captivating smile and a demeanor that says “I am very confident, aware of my surroundings the right way. and I know who I am.”

“Real estate investing is not a new concept and I did not create the aspects or concepts that I now use, but merely fine-tuned and tweaked them to create empowerment and wealth for anyone that wants financial abundance,” he said.

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obert Garner has always had an appreciation for fine jewelry. And he’s turned that appreciation into a successful business. “I am a jewelry coach of sorts,” Garner, a Houston native and graduate of Jones High School, said. “I try and give people knowledge about buying jewelry.” Jones, who also attended Texas Southern University, says he has watched as people just walked into a store and haphazardly given up thousands of dollars to purchase fine jewelry. It’s something that makes him cringe.

and Linda Johnson Rice. He’s been in business for over 20 years. He’s a member of the International Jewelry Guild and has traveled throughout the U.S. and to Brazil to learn more about the trade. “I bought my first Rolex 20 years ago, then sold it made a profit.

“A lot of people just go in and buy what they like. Lot of people have misconception. A lot of us don’t know about it from selling it to buying it. Diamonds are a precious commodity and buying jewelry is an art.

You have to know the FOUR C’s – CARE, COLOR, CLARITY and CUT.” With his business, Robert’s Fine Jewelry, he’s enjoyed selling dia monds to a number of celebrities and athletes, including Mel Farr

One piece of advice Garner gives is make sure you know who you’re buying your jewelry from. “A lot of people get ripped off by buying from people they don’t know and are sick when they realize they could have purchased a car or home with all the extra money they wasted. You should never buy a diamond from someone who can’t buy it back.”

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It was then that I became intrigued with buying diamonds. I’ve been a personal shopper for people. I advise on what not to buy. I am an expert at buying and selling diamonds and I want to teach other people to make their spending worthwhile.”

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Michael Bailey Michael Bailey is one of the few lucky people who get paid for doing what they love to do. The owner of the Michael T. Bailey Agency of Nationwide Insurance, Bailey graduated from the University of Illinois, then started his insurance career as an adjuster in 1992.

After only four years, he took a position as a Risk Manager for one of the world’s largest industrial gas companies. He recalls his interviewer telling him that he was “way underqualified” for the position, and that the interview was a clerical mistake. His knowledge of the products, coverages and processes changed the interviewer’s mind. He recalls being so excited by the job offer that he forgot to ask what his salary would be.

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“I didn’t want to scare them off, so I just waited for payday to find out. I quickly figured out that there was a big difference in handling a few thousand dollars personal lines claim versus a several million dollar corporate claim. All that college math, accounting, and chemistry I thought I would never need suddenly became very important. I spent numerous nights and weekends erasing the learning curve. Being a true entrepreneur by nature, the corporate job began to be uncomfortable. You had to dress a certain way, speak to only the ‘right’ people, and do it their way.”

Michael remembers his manager telling him that he was a great person, but a lousy employee. Rather than going with the flow, he was always looking for a better way. Big companies like tradition, whether right or wrong. The only way he would ever be happy would be to do his own thing.

“I took his advice and turned in my resignation the next day. God has been blessing my family ever since.”

In 1997, he started a claim-consulting firm located in Houston, Texas. “I enjoyed working for myself more than any job I ever had. More satisfying was that I was able to utilize all the ‘insurance secrets’ I learned through years of experience for the policyholders. Money is nice, but the best reward is when you hand a person a check just when they thought all was lost.”

After doing battle against the insurance companies for years, he decided it was time to “change the beast from within.” He opened his first Nationwide office in 2001.

“Insurance is a very important product. It is what helps us all sleep at night. Although there are several major companies to choose from, they generally offer similar products. The difference tends to be the agent,” he said.

Michael prides himself on having an extremely knowledgeable team. “No one can truly claim to know everything, but my combined crew gets pretty close with regards to insurance and financial products.”

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His agency provides home, auto, life, health, and commercial insurance. They also provide financial products such as mutual funds, IRAs, 401Ks, SEPs, and Annuities.

The agency has been a community pillar since inception. They participate in several charity events and fund raisers.

Junior Achievement, Houston Citizens Chamber, Cub Scouts, Urban League, and Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are just a few organizations they actively participate in.

“Paying it back” is a big part of my success.”

They also have an internship program, whereby one can learn the business, and position him or herself to be in business for themselves.

“The crabs in a barrel stigma has to stop somewhere.

Why not with my agency? I take pride when someone I trained outgrows the need for my knowledge. That’s yet another ally I have in the business arena.”

Our focus for 2007 was to bring finance to the forefront in the underserved communities. Too many of us know nothing about investing, retirement, or life insurance. All too often, we wait until junior year of high school to start thinking about paying for college. We consume plenty, but own little. This mentality must change. Our agency has worked in unison with various religious and financial institutions to perpetuate this change. This will continue to be the agency leadership’s focus in 2008.

“When you speak to one of my agents requesting insurance on your new business, their follow up questions will definitely be regarding your employee benefits, retirement, and succession plans. I love this city. We have more diversity and opportunity than anywhere else I’ve seen. With proper planning and determination, anyone of any race or sex can succeed. My agency will be here to ensure that dream in progress.”

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Want to Achieve Success?

Do what makes you Happy!

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By ReShonda Tate Billingsley

wants you to be happy. Maybe it’s in your current job or maybe it’s in doing your own thing. Sometimes that may mean walking away from the security of a stable job. That doesn’t mean just up and quit (you still have to eat) but come up with an exit plan. Or maybe you just want to open a business in addition to your day job but you’re worried about failing or simply don’t think you can do it? Sometimes, you just have to step out on faith. Just do it. I’m living proof that when you do, God has got you!

Marcus Davis over at The Breakfast Klub once told me, “What are you scared of?

Do you think God is going to let you down? Do your thing, girl.” I didn’t listen then, but I’m glad that I finally did. There were also people who told me, “Girl, you’re crazy.

You’d better not quit that good job.” Those are the people who will be stuck in a job they really don’t like, doing something “just because it’s safe.” Those are the people who – no matter how much they make – will probably never know what true success feels like. Surround yourself with dream builders, not dream stealers.

As I prepare for the release of my 11th book, The Pastor’s Wife, get ready to start shooting “Let the Church Say Amen,” the movie (of which I’m an Executive Producer), and continue touring the country promoting my books, I can’t help but be grateful for the dream builders in my life. I can’t help but be grateful that I decided to truly listen to God. Because now, I can honestly say I’m doing what makes me happy, and that, above all else, is the true measure of success!

When I left my job as a reporter with KRIV, Fox 26 News a year ago this month, I was scared to death. I’d been working since I was fifteen years old and had never been without a steady job. But my literary career was really taking off. I was getting movie offers, more book deals and an abundance of speaking engagements – all while trying to hold down that full-time job. While trying to chart the next chapter of my life, I prayed, asking God to send me a sign on what to do. He did. Time and after time and I never listened. I kept saying, “But, God. I won’t have direct deposit. But God, I like the security.” Finally, I decided to be still and hear Him. I mean, really hear Him. When I did that, he said to me clear as day, “ReShonda, I got you. Step out on faith and I’ll take care of the rest.”

And He did.

Since I left my job as a reporter, the blessings haven’t stopped coming. In fact, I’m financially better off than I have ever been in my life. The literary career, which was ReShonda is a national bestselling author of five adult novels, three inspirational teen already on the rise, SOARED. I’m sharing this with you to say when you turn to God for novels, one non-fiction book, and two anthologies. Visit her online at www.reshonanswers, make sure you listen so you can truly hear His response. And know that God datatebillingsley.com.

Building the Right Team to

Grow YOUR BUSINESS

By Carla Lane DiverseStaff Being supported by the right team of professionals as you grow your business is essential. Your employees will provide the service to your clients, that you the business owner sell. Recruiting the right individuals is essential, but the other side of the coin is retaining them.

A recent survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) revealed the following: Employees cited three top reasons they would begin searching for a new job: 1. 53 percent seek better compensation and benefits.

2. 35 percent cited dissatisfaction with potential career development.

3. 32 percent said they were ready for a new experience.

HR professionals were asked which programs or policies they use currently to help retain employees.

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The following three are the most common pro- 9. Recognize excellent performance, and especially, link grams employers are using to retain employees: pay to performance.

10. Base the upside of bonus potential on the success of 1. 62 percent provide tuition reimbursement. both the employee and the company and make it limit2. 60 percent offer competitive vacation and holiday less within company parameters. (As an example, pay ten benefits. percent of corporate profits to employees.)

3. 59 percent offer competitive salaries.

11. Recognize and celebrate success. Mark their passage as important goals are achieved.

In addition to the three retention tips offered by HR 12. Staff adequately so overtime is minimized for those professionals in the SHRM survey, competitive salary, who don’t want it and people don’t wear themselves out. competitive vacation and holidays and tuition reimburse13. Nurture and celebrate organization traditions. Have ment, these are your key retention strategies. Select the a costume party every Halloween. Run a food collection right people in the first place through behavior-based testdrive every November. Pick a monthly charity to help. ing and competency screening. The right person, in the Have an annual company dinner at a fancy hotel. right seat, on the right bus is the starting point.

14. Provide opportunities within the company for cross1. Offer an attractive, competitive, benefits package with training and career progression. People like to know that components such as life insurance, disability insurance and they have room for career movement.

15. Provide the opportunity for career and personal flexible hours.

2. Provide opportunities for people to share their knowl- growth through training and education, challenging asedge via training sessions, presentations, mentoring oth- signments and more.

16. Communicate goals, roles and responsibilities so ers and team assignments. people know what is expected and feel like part of the 3. Demonstrate respect for employees at all times. in-crowd.

4. Listen to them deeply; use their ideas; never ridicule 17. According to research by the Gallup organization, enor shame them. courage employees to have good, even best, friends, at 5. Offer performance feedback and praise good efforts and work. results.

6. People want to enjoy their work. Make work fun. EnNow that you have the list, why not work to make gage and employ the special talents of each individual. your organization one of the few, that truly honor and ap7. Enable employees to balance work and life. Allow preciate employees. If you treat your employees wonderflexible starting times, core business hours and flexible fully, you will never lose them. ending times. (Yes, his son’s football game is important.)

8. Involve employees in decisions that affect their jobs Carla Lane is Chief Operating Officer of DiverseStaff, and the overall direction of the company whenever Inc. DiverseStaff is a full service staffing firm offering, direct hire, contract, temp to perm and temporary staffing possible. solutions. www.

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