d-mars.com Business Journal 30

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30

Inspire, Inform & Educate

Edition

Eddie Reynolds & Joni Hamasaki Iluminar/OcuSure

Jacqueline L. Giles JLG Productions

Alana Hall

Victor Walker Ameriprise Financial Financial Advisor

ProMed Medical Solutions

Terrance Henderson, Robert Fleming, Maria Perales, Shon Tillman, & Tony Duncan Levin Schwartz, & Kellenberger LLC

Corinda Melton and Sarah Daniel of Imagine International, LLC. are helping people change their lives by helping them to UNDERSTAND AND REPAIR THEIR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS CREDIT.

(left to right) Ladys Who Lunch Brother D-MARS, Corinda Melton, Sarah Daniel & MR. D-MARS

Kenneth (Kenny) Banks Principal/CEO Houston KACO

Teresa A. Whitaker President/CEO Whitaker Business Solutions

Yvette Lightfoot & Ty Taplin Helping people to drop 3 sizes in ten minutes!

Ardyss International

(left to right) Germaine Stewart, Jamyrus Cox, William Chiles, Anjanette Wyatt, Darius Darden & Arron Clark SOLUTION

Lenore Benoit & Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. d-mars.com Marketing Consultants

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Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr. SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. JR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Jr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis EDITING CONSULTANT ReShonda Tate-Billingsley OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Jennifer Cobb ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla PHOTOGRAPHY Leon Galbreath MARKETING CONSULTANTS Lenore Benoit Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik (Faith) Myron Davis

Not a day passes that I don’t have someone applaud all that I do here at D-Mars. They compliment the product I put out, the quality of the work my company does. But what many people don’t realize is that I don’t do anything alone. The success here at D-Mars is completely a team effort. I think it’s crucial to understand that success is a team effort. That’s why I wanted to dedicate this issue to the fact that “You Can’t Do it Alone.”

I’m confident th at this edition will arm you with the necessary tools to make your business a success by creating a cohesive team.

In this issue, you’ll hear from experts on how to build an effective team, how to get the best creativity from your staff, learning to delegate, and how employees can turn your business into a reality.

This issue is stock full of news you can use and it is my hope that you will pass the word and the magazine.

As always, please support our advertisers. It’s because of them that we’re able to keep educating, informing and enlightening you at no cost.

Your support is the best way of saying thanks.

CONTENTS Imagine International, LLC…………………………..........................…….4 Who is Kenny Banks of Houston KACO, Incorporated?.........................5 Dr. Anjanette Wyatt & SOLUTION……………………...........................…9 Don’t fool yourself: You Need Help!......................................................12 Lead Your Team to Greatness………………………….......................….14

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ron Reynolds, Esq. Charlotte Jackson Jesse Muhammad Dr. Wendy Carla Lane Marnie E. Trotter Christina Robinson Grochett Dr. D.L. Jones LaTrice Martin-Gault Cornelia Jammer Elvia Lynn Valdez Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. Lenore Benoit Eileen Peters-Franklin

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Marketing Basics……………………………………............................….15 A Grandmother’s Wisdom…………………………........................……..16 Employees Can Turn Your Vision into Reality…….......................……..18 Get Your Piece of the Stimulus Pie………………......................……….24 Slow Down and Let go...........…………………………...........................26 Let’s Talk: Raising the Bar on Mental Health………….....................….28 Learning to Delegate……………………………………...........................29 Shining a Light on Iluminar & OcuSure…………………........................30 Building Success in Healthcare…………………………....................….36 Seeking Help from a Financial Advisor………………….....................…37

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month

Success is a team effort

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D-MARS Business Journal 7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 806 Houston, Texas 77074 713-272-9511 . Phone 713-272-6364 . Fax 1-800-453-8752 . Toll Free www.d-mars.com 3.

Corinda Melton & Sarah Daniel:

“I became a part of the Imagine International vision because I clearly saw the passion that Joanne had and I knew this company had the potential to become a major player in an arena dominated by companies like Mary Kay, Pre- Paid Legal and the Trump Network.”

With first year sales projections expected to reach an estimated $1 million, Imagine International is the only nationwide company in existence that

opportunity to own their own busi- offers it’s representatives and clients ness at a very low cost,” she said. the opportunity to improve their perIn building Imagine International sonal credit, build business credit and into the mega company she envisioned, start a lucrative business for less than Joanne began to seek out women who $100. With organizations established had been proven successes in the field across 23 states in less than 90 days, of network marketing. Within a few the Imagine International brand is months of the company’s soft launch quickly becoming a household name. in 2006, Joanne joined forces with For more information on how Sarah Daniel, who had previously you can begin your journey to sucbeen ranked as the # 1 Cadillac Direc- cess in this, ground- breaking busitor in the Nation out of her debuting ness opportunity, contact Executive class of Mary Kay Director’s in 1996.

Team Builder, Loranda Shaw-Manney

Daniel said she resigning from at 1-888-449-0992 or log onto www.

Mary Kay after a successful 12 year imagineinternational.biz/imagine. career was a difficult decision.

Left Corinda Joanne Melton President and CEO / Imagine International LLC Right Sarah Daniel Leadership Development Director / Imagine International LLC Corinda Joanne Melton is a risk 2002, Melton took the ultimate risk taker. Sarah Marie Daniel is an inno- and walked away from a 23-year career vator.

in banking to pursue her vision of en-

Together these two women are trepreneurship. What had driven her the brains, passion, and backbone of most was the desire to create a coma revolutionary network marketing pany that would serve to significantly company that is sweeping the nation increase the quality of life experienced with a monthly growth rate of over 80 by everyday Americans just like herpercent.

self, but that could especially have a

The company is Imagine Inter- positive impact on women. After sevnational and the product line is com- eral months of research Joanne was hit prised of software programs that have with an epiphany to create a network become a necessity for those with per- marketing company was centered sonal credit problems (Capital Credit around a personal credit improvement xp) and for business owners in need of software, she had previously acquired financing (The Business Credit Blue- the rights to. print).

‘The reason I developed a net-

When you think of someone who work marketing company is because has a passion for success and deter- I had seen the power Mary Kay and mination, the names Corinda Joanne similar companies had in creating a Melton and Sarah Daniel should cer- positive influence in the lives of so tainly come to mind. In January of many people while giving them the MAY 15 - juNE 15 2009

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Kenny Banks of Houston KACO, “From World Class High Jumping to Jumping High in the World of Construction” Marnie E. Trotter, Contributing Writer He grew up the youngest of nine children, still Kenneth Banks (aka Kenny), Principal/CEO of Houston KACO, Incorporated, was exposed to faith, hard work and entrepreneurship from the womb. His parents, John and Alla Mae (Dail) Banks became entrepreneurs prior to his birth.

“From my parents, I learned the impact one person’s business would and could have on a generation,” says Kenny.

Growing up with older siblings afforded Kenny the opportunity to see discipline, dedication and diligence at its best. Banks is a former world class track and field high jumper, who turned pro during his sophomore year of college. For ten years, Banks competed abroad in countries including Spain; Germany; England; India; Norway; Austria; Sweden; Rome;

France; and Hungary.

The experience of other cultures and exposure to some of the world’s most eminent structures and edifices, i.e. the Coliseum; Eifel Tower; Taj Mahal; Buckingham Palace and the great Cathedrals of Germany, helped broaden Kenny’s scope of the world and view it through a new set of lenses.

While training for the Olympic Trials, Kenny’s athletic career was halted due to an injury, but this unfortunate accident would become a turning point in his life.

When asked what inspired Kenny’s vision for a construction and contracting firm, Kenny shares, “When I was a kid, my brother and I were walking home from school and saw a man tearing down a house. We asked if he needed help, and he hired us. Although the task was massive and pay

Kenneth (Kenny) Banks was modest, I walked away from there with the aspirations of one day owning my own construction business.”

That experience, coupled with assisting his father with repair and improvement projects, sealed the deal on Kenny’s long-term career plan. After his career as an athlete ended, Banks coached track and field. Subsequently, Kenny moved his family to Houston when an opportunity arose to work in the oil industry. Kenny spent six years working on oil rigs in South America and the U.S. In 2000, Kenny pursued his long awaited vision and

You Can Not Do It by Yourself....

Many of us do the things in life we want, maybe even some things we don’t. We decide what universities we’ll attend, what we’ll end up doing with our lives, the people we will marry, the cars we drive and even the neighborhood we will live in. We have all heard people say, “It’s my life, and no one can tell me what do to with it.” That’s a half true statement. Yes we were given this life, but we are not the authors of the stories our lives will ultimately tell.

By Elvia Lynn Valdez Contributing Writer MAY 15 - juNE 15 2009

always something that happens to remind you just how quickly your whole life can change and how we are so, not in control. It’s called a plan, we’ve all had one at one time in our lives. Some of us live by that plan and others just simply use that as a guide, a way to kind of direct the flow of life; if we should ever lose our way.

The truth of the matter is, even though we have our own plans - it isn’t written down anywhere “that we can see” if it will come to pass, because in Just when you think you’re in the end it’s not our plan to design. We control of your life, it seems there is live our lives with a control mentality, www.

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started Houston KACO, Incorporated (KACO), a general contracting, construction and development firm.

Kenny Banks is a certified Master Trainer with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), which enables him to train others in construction related trades. Banks is also a licensed realtor in the state of Texas and was recently inducted into Parkland College’s Hall of Fame for track and field, where he has instituted two educational scholarships in honor of his parents.

acting as if this is ours and we have to take what is ours, but if you have grown up in the school of hard knocks you know otherwise.

Ultimately, there comes a time in one’s life where one has to seek help, guidance and wisdom to become what we were destined to become. Some of us will reach out to our parents, friends, and even a professional. But, how many of us will actually seek the only one who is really in control and open up the only book that really matters.

The book in reference can be debatable to many but one thing that is undeniable no matter who you think you are you can’t do it by yourself and when you try you realize you can’t.

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Dr. Anjanette Wyatt keep my dignity and Mrs. Lillian German, who was so patient with me and encouraged my creative side.

In high school there was Mrs. Susan Sclafanie who encouraged me to dream big dreams and reach for the sky.”

And

she

definitely

heeded their words. Dr. Wyatt is the owner and manager of Clinical Care Pharmacy, a successful independent pharmacy that continues to serve and give back to the community.

She is also the Executive

“I

am

extremely

proud of them and I want to help them reach their full potential as entertainers. Just to see five young Black males staying out of trouble and devoting their time to building their future encourages me to keep supporting their efforts.

Germaine and Arron are both fresh- laugh and say, it’s not me, it’s GOD!” man in college. Jamyrus and Darius SOLUTION will soon release

work local jobs and Will is a senior in their first single “She’s Everything high school. Many people ask me how I Like” produced by Shawn George versity Pharmacy and Health Sciences do I keep up with five teenage boys, with Universal Sound Studios. For Alumni Association and the Directorfour children at home, a husband, a booking SOLUTION for your party at-Large of the National Pharmaceubusiness, a local and national organi- or event, please contact AWJ Managetical Association. Now Dr. Wyatt is zation, a hamster and two dogs. I just ment Company at (281) 888-7489. setting her sights on helping others to

When Dr. Anjanette Wyatt sets Director of the Texas Southern Uniher mind to achieving a goal, she puts the pedal to the metal. And her motto of “Everyone will finish the race if they just keep running” is the fuel that keeps her going.

Dr. Wyatt is a native Housto- fulfill their dreams and reach for the

nian who grew up on the outskirts of sky. the Fifth Ward Community. She al-

In the spring of last year, Dr. Wy-

ways dreamed of becoming a success- att’s daughter, Brooklyn came home ful businesswoman in the Houston one day excited about a young man in community. Although there wasn’t a her Spanish class at Klein Forest High whole lot of money in the Wyatt Fam- School that could sing. ily growing up, they had a lot of love

“Brooklyn kept telling me that I

and support. Dr. Wyatt’s father, Flym really needed to hear her friend GerWyatt, Jr., who recently passed away, maine sing and that he sings with a devoted his entire life to making sure group called SOLUTION. One day that his daughters attended college. Germaine called Brooklyn and asked Her mother, Mary Wyatt taught her if she would let me hear the group children respect, morals and spiritu- so that I could tell them how they ally.

sound. They simply blew me away! In “There were so many people who the months following, I began to sup-

influenced me in life and impacted my port the boys by attending their perfuture. It starts in childhood and is formances. They then asked if I would developed through adolescent years by manage them but I knew that was not people you meet and who take an in- my field of expertise, so I declined. As terest in your future,” Dr. Wyatt said. the summer came, God kept placing “I remember in elementary school at these boys in my life. I began to advoJ. C. Mc Dade, there was Mr. Floyd cate for them and promote them when Stringfellow, the principal, who was I was out. I began to get performancone of the sharpest Black men I have es for them and connect them with ever met. He always told us to keep others in the music industry. It was some money in our pocket and strive just natural, and when someone asked to achieve. Then there was Mrs. Bailey them if I was their manager, they all at Francis Scott Key Middle School, said YES! So we met and discussed it who taught me how to be lady and and here we are!

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Whitaker Business Solutions, Inc. offering staffing solutions to companies in need of highly trained employees. WBS specializes in office clerical, administrative, secretarial, accounting, customer service and professional placement. Our commitment to our clients extends well beyond the time our assignment first begins. Our ongoing interaction with our clients is essential to the success of our partnership.

“Our mission is not to be the biggest, but to be the best in providing top talent consistently to our clients,” Whitaker said.

Whitaker Business Solutions is a firm that you can make one phone call when you are searching for top talent with solid skills and can do attitudes. In this day in time as an employer, you must take all of the necessary steps to insure that you are properly handling your end of your due diligence process. At WBS, all of our candidates are put through a rigorous process before our clients review their resume or interview our candidates.

Whitaker Business Solutions also validates our associate’s technical skill by assessing their skills with an assessment testing system that gives you the power to identify and select the most talented candidates and employees.

WBS also, offers Added Value services such as;

With over 20 years in the staffing industry, managing, operations, training, sales and consulting. Teresa Whitaker is in the business of getting it right the first time. Teresa Whitaker is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Whitaker Business Solutions, Inc. As the owner of the firm, she directs all operational, contract services and training for the firm.

Whitaker Business Solutions is a Houston, Texas-based female minority owned full-service staffing firm. We are a dynamic growing company Payrolling Solutions - Allows your company to

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identify the contingent workers that meet your needs while eliminating the administrative burden and liability.

Skills Assessment Solutions- Need to hire an employee and you’re not sure of their software skills, let WBS validate them for you! We can offer our clients a full range of quality assessment testing with an economical pricing plan that meets every client budget. The benefit to our clients is that it saves you time and money.

• MS Word • MS Excel • MS Power Point • MS Access • Typing • 10-Key • Data Entry • Accounting Background Checks - As an employer, you want to protect your business from theft and provide a safe workplace for your employees. We recommend a criminal records search for all of your applicants. Use this information to identify applicants with violent tendencies or a history of theft. WBS can provide access to criminal court records on file in every county state and federal court in the United States.

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Don’t fool yourself: You Need Help!

Dr. D. L. Jones, Contributing Writer Remember the song that Barbra Streisand wrote entitled “People?” The lyrics are “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.”

Contrary to popular belief, there are no such things as self-made men and women. Everybody

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needs somebody to come alongside and help. If you fluencer, you have to love people before you try understand that, are willing to give to others and to lead them. The moment that people know that help them, and maintain the right motives, their you care for and about them, the way they feel lives, and yours will change for the better. about you changes. If you want to help others and The idea of helping others is deeply rooted in become a person of influence, keep smiling, sharreligion. Some philosophers cite the Golden Rule as ing, giving, and turning the other cheek. an altruistic philosophy. In Christianity, the Golden • Everybody Can Be Somebody When SomeRule is defined in Matthew 7:12 “Do to others as body Understands and Believes in Him or you would have them do to you: this is the law and Her. Once you understand people and believe in the prophets.” them, they really can become somebody. And it We are, by design, unable to see ourselves as doesn’t take much effort to help other people feel others see us. Sometimes that doesn’t matter - and important. Little things, done deliberately at the sometimes, it does. Here are some examples of right time, can make a big difference. When was things that tie into the Need Factor: the last time you went out of your way to make • Everybody Wants to Be Somebody. There people feel special, as if they were somebody? The isn’t a person in the world who doesn’t have the investment required on your part is totally overdesire to be someone, to have significance. Even shadowed by the impact it makes on them. the least ambitious and unassuming person wants • Anybody Who Helps Somebody Can Influto be regarded highly by others. Once that piece ence Everybody. The final thing you need to of information becomes a part of your everyday understand about people is that when you help thinking, you’ll gain incredible insight into why one person, you’re really impacting a lot of other people do the things they do. And if you treat evpeople. What you give to one person overflows ery person you meet as if he or she was the most into the lives of all the people that person imimportant person in the world, you’ll communipacts. It even impacts you because when you help cate that he or she is somebody. others and your motives are good, you always re• Nobody Cares How Much You Know Until ceive more than you can ever give.

He Knows How Much You Care. To be an in-

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The Foreclosure Solution

LaTrice Martin-Gault

this crisis. The homeowner/borrower is greatly affected. The children in the family are uprooted from homes and stability. The borrowers are faced with financial decisions and crisis that they have never been taught to deal with before, which often leads to stress, sickness and even tragedies.

The bankers and mortgage companies are affected. Investors’ loose money through the non- payment of funds and banks are faced with bankruptcy due to unpaid mortgages. The government experiences stock market crashes, layoffs and an increase in unemployment benefits. Then lastly YOU may be affected. Your school districts will loose money if taxes from these homeowners are not paid. Businesses and schools lose necessary tax money due to homeowners not paying taxes.

Clearly, the foreclosure crisis has plagued our country and victimized millions of homeowners without any signs of improvement in the near future.

This outcome could change immediately if everyone will actively The Solution!

Obviously, there are several opwork together toward the common tions available for homeowners that goal of healing our country from the may be experiencing foreclosure. The devastating grips of ‘foreclosure’! financial institutions and non-profit Who is Save Your Properties? organizations offer a service just as Save Your Properties, Inc. (SYP) Save Your Properties does. Unfortuhas been in the business of saving nately, 85 percent of our clients have homes from foreclosure for over 13 been to their lender and/or a nonyears. The “Foreclosure Expert,” La- profit organization without any posiTrice Martin- Gault, along with her tive results. The financial institutions professional staff, find their jobs very benefit from the homeowner having rewarding and beyond fulfilling. La- a mortgage and keeping their home.

Trice has been in the banking, mort- The non-profit organizations, (who gage & foreclosure business for over are really for profit) will continue to 13 years. Each day that a foreclosure generate numbers only to secure fedhas been prevented demonstrates what eral funding from the government for can be done if you are sincerely work- each client that is seen. Yes, at present, ing in the interest of the homeowner. SYP does charge a fee for our extenSYP is a faith-based firm. We as- sive and very successful Transformasist individuals who are in foreclosure tion class. Saving the client’s home or facing foreclosure due to unfore- from foreclosure is a courtesy that is seen circumstances. SYP’s School of extended to the client to address an Financial Transformation (S.O.F.T) immediate need, but the root of the Program is a bi-fold program serving problem is resolved with the Transboth the lender and the client. In con- formation classes within the twelve tacting lenders we assure them that if month time frame for the classes. The they trust us with their un-qualified homeowner can be affected in many borrower, we will return to them fi- ways by any one or all of the previnancially healthy clients within one ously mentioned entities, but we conyear if they first modify the client’s sistently see these same clients because loan. We provide our clients with all a band aid has been put on an internal the necessary tools when speaking wound. Our goal for the homeowner with their lender to request assistance is to heal the wound in their finances for their overdue loans, along with as- while remaining in their home; thus sisting them in the entire process. This positively contributing to the ‘Transtransformation program has a proven formation’ of their current situation. track record with countless numbers of homeowners that have experienced Let’s Work Together!

This is a national crisis that warcomplete transformation, which signirants a national response. There is fies success! something that we all can offer to curWho is affected by this crisis? rent homeowners facing the misforSeveral entities are affected by tune of foreclosure. We are all a part MAY 15 - juNE 15 2009

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of the crisis and we believe we can as a nation provide our individual part of the solution; Mortgage Companies can provide lower interest rates and modification plans for current loans in foreclosure, Bankers can provide loans to qualified borrows at low interest rates, the Government can support agencies that provide quality information in the home buying process and classes that teach borrowers about finances, the Church can make sure that the congregation is well informed of the crisis and provide information and help with foreclosure. Save Your Properties, Inc. understands that the Church has always been and will continue to be the pillar of the community. Now is the time to come together to reach a common goal. Our country is hurting and we are not recovering as we should be. Lastly, YOU, as a client or citizen not currently facing foreclosure, your part is to make sure that other borrowers are informed of the many solutions to foreclosure.

“Speak up”, because you never know who is facing foreclosure. This role is very crucial to the solution because information and education will provide the knowledge needed to stop the

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perishing of the land. Whatever your part is in the solution may be, it is an integral part of the puzzle.

Save Your Properties, Inc. would like to encourage the financial institutions, as well as the non-profit organizations to find some common ground where more positive results can be achieved. Everyone is being paid for their services: nothing is done for FREE! The focus should not be about who is being paid by the client or by the federal government. I am convinced that if the primary focus becomes the best interest of the people that are being victimized by foreclosure-Americans will begin to witness a powerful shift in the right direction. If we all work on one accord nothing can be withheld from us because we have chosen to work together.

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Lead Your Team to Greatness

By Christina Robinson Grochett, State Vice President/ Director of South Texas for University of Phoenix

professionally. With the correct training and development, each individual works with each other to contribute to the overall success of the organization. Even though you have a specific job function and belong to a specific department, you are working together as a unit to accomplish the company’s mission and objectives.

Promote a culture of learning.

The old adage that says “you are never too old to learn” rings true for companies, too. Businesses need to understand that training is an ongoing process – not a once a year event.

Employees from every level – from the CEO to the receptionist – should be frequently learning new things and sharpening their skills.

Companies that promote a culture of learning are the ones that have risen as industry leaders.

The organization has made continuous learning a core value and provides resources that not only develops employees but motivates them as well.

The shaky economy has led more companies to scrutinize their staff, evaluate their processes and streamline everything to weather the storm. As unemployment numbers in Houston hold steady at 6.5 percent, it’s more important than ever to help those employees who are still working to be the best at their jobs.

Helping your team develop as professionals is the first step of being a great leader. In an effort to help employees to greatness, companies need Measure results and to maximize their potential and talent obtain feedback.

Once a business makes a commitby investing energy and resources in training. Below are four tips to train- ment to help their employees develop as leaders, it needs to set goals and creing your team: ate a way to measure the success of its program. Without measurable results, Utilize training as an the resources you create will only look investment.

In most cases, training is consid- like an expense without the reward. ered an expense instead of an invest- Before implementing a program, dement. Businesses need to look at em- termine what kind of growth or results ployees (at every level) as assets that can you need to deem it a success.

Another key to measurement inhelp grow the company and make it more successful. Though it can be cost- cludes obtaining feedback from your ly upfront, the long-term benefits of employees. Essentially, these programs developing employees into leaders can are for your team to develop professionresult in increased productivity, team- ally and become leaders. With their feedback, you will be able to identify ways work, knowledge, loyalty and pride.

As your team develops individual- to improve the program and help more ly, this also helps them grow together employees with their quest to greatness.

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Have fun.

Developing your team needs to be more than just training programs.

Businesses need to build fun into the workplace that promotes the team environment and helps encourage company pride. Simple events such as pot luck lunches, field trips outside of the office to the movies or a sporting event, hosting team dinners at a local restaurant or a manager’s house, and friendly competitions such as a bowling or golf championship provides fun team-building activities for employees.

My experience.

As one of the leaders for University of Phoenix, I helped cultivate a lifelong learning environment that includes mentoring, ongoing training seminars and daily team-building activities. I have personally seen many of my colleagues and staff members at the Houston campus grow professionally into strong leaders. The key to our success is recognizing and promoting that leadership development is selfdevelopment.

We communicate to our employees that all of the choices they make

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will help them achieve personal success – even if mistakes are made along the way. You inevitably learn from those mistakes and that makes you a stronger leader.

Though leadership relies on management skills to a certain degree, it is important to have passion, honesty, positivity, confidence, determination, compassion and integrity. Great leaders often have these characteristics, which make it easy for people to trust and respect them.

As leaders emerge, your team strengthens and they work together to plan, implement and execute activities that will ultimately make the organization a success.

Christina Robinson Grochett is the State Vice President/ Director of South Texas for University of Phoenix.

An accomplished leader and champion of higher learning, she was named one of the Top 10 business women by the American Business Women’s Association in 2008 and led the Houston campus to receive the 2008 Alfred P. Sloan Award from the city of Houston for Workplace Flexibility and Innovation.

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Small Business Marketing Tips – Part I

From the Desk of Lenore Benoit The essence of marketing is to understand your customers’ needs and develop a plan that surrounds those needs. Anyone that has a business has a desire to grow their business. If you are like the majority of small business owners, your marketing budget is limited so the most effective way to market a small business is to create a well rounded program that combines sales activities with good marketing tactics.

There is one sure fire way to grow your business which is to acquire more customers. Why? Because by acquiring more customers you increase your customer base and your revenues.

you have to think a little more creatively. Start by launching your marketing campaign with a reputable company who has the resources to help you expose your business. The secret to creating a high-impact marketing plan is to optimize your limited budget. A one-time radio ad blitz, glossy brochures, or flash-enabled website will quickly erode your budget. Use low-budget marketing to get your message out to your customers on a regular, consistent basis, and watch sales revenue grow.

There are several reasons why a low-budget, but consistent marketing plan is a must for small business in today’s bloated advertising society. Your target customers need to hear your marketing messages at least 7 times to influence their buying decision. The odds can be greatly improved by using multiple marketing channels. (i.e. a combination of print and online opportunities). Prospects will likely become buyers if they: read about your company in the newspaper or email, take home a brochure, or visit your small business website. The further you can “stretch your marketing dollars” to reach your target market in multiple channels, the higher the impact of your marketing message.

are too expensive, consider an e-mail the impression that they will have to newsletter or e-blast sent to people endure a sales pitch. who visit your Web site or utilize the services of a company with an existing Form a Joint Venture: database of opt-in subscribers.

Joint ventures are too powerful for small business to ignore. Forging an Seminars/ open house alliance with a group of small comHosting an event is a great way to panies or a large corporation can give gain face-to-face time with key cus- your marketing plan the ultimate tomers and prospects as well as get “bang for your buck.” A joint venture your company name circulating. If it’s will lower your costs and enable you a seminar, limit the attendance and to enter into new markets and create charge a fee. A fee gives the impression new distribution opportunities. of value. Free often gives the attendees

For all your Marketing Consultant needs please call me @ 713.272.9511 (Office), 281.725.2546 (Cell) or e-mail me @ lenore@d-mars.com

Advertise Your Business Online!!!

We received over 3 million hits on our website last year. d-mars.com 10 year anniversary Online Specials: Online Directory, Event Calendar, Classifieds & News Visit d-mars.com or call 713-272-9511 today for more information!

Print your best small ad on a postcard and mail it to How can you use marketing prospects in your targeted to acquire more customers? market.

• Spend time researching and create a strategic marketing plan.

• Guide your product development to reach out to customers you aren’t currently attracting.

• Price your products and services competitively.

• Develop your message and materials based on solution marketing.

Small businesses typically have a limited marketing budget if any at all.

Does that mean you can’t run with the big dogs? Absolutely not. It just means MAY 15 - juNE 15 2009

People read postcards when the message is brief. A small ad on a postcard can drive a high volume of traffic to your web site and generate a flood of sales leads for a very small cost.

Newsletters Did you know it costs six times more to make a sale to a new customer than to an existing one? You can use newsletters to focus your marketing on past customers. Keep costs down by sacrificing frequency and high production values. If printed newsletters www.

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A Grandmother’s

Doing For Self Doesn’t Wisdom: Mean By Yourself

Doing For Self Doesn’t Mean By Yourself

By Jesse Muhammad Contributing Writer If you meet or hear any successful person saying that they got where they are by themselves, then I suggest that you to no longer listen to that person because they are being untruthful. There is no one individual on the planet that has achieved one iota of success by themselves.

Someone paid a price. Let me give you a personal example.

On May 11, my grandmother, Myrtle Jackson Ross, was blessed to turn 80 years old. For weeks, my family planned a huge surprise birthday celebration for her to be held on May 2.

But something happened two days before the event. Early that morning, she started experiencing severe breathing issues and had to be rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital. After running some tests, the doctors determined that she had to be admitted into the hospital for at least two to three days and that meant of course she could not make the surprise party.

Our initial thoughts as a family were to postpone it, but we would not have been able to reach those hundreds of invitees in time so we decided to go on with the show. The plan was to videotape the entire program, take countless photos and present it all to her as a gift.

I sat and listened as speaker after speaker spoke on the greatness of my grandmother. Houston political figures spoke of the behind-the-scenes work she did to get them elected. Her great grandchildren sung songs, played the trumpet, performed on the piano, read poetry and even delivered speechMAY 15 - juNE 15 2009

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es in her honor. Her three daughters held back tears as they spoke on how she raised them to be the great women they are today.

All of her grandchildren, including me, spoke about how hard she was on all of us and how she never accepted mediocre performance. This is the same woman that used to put something on my backside for making a B in class when I attended Fonwood Elementary….that’s how serious she was and is.

So although my grandmother was not physically present at her own birthday party, her indomitable genes, influence, love and helping hands were there through all of us. That one woman has touched so many people in her 80 years but she always honors those who have helped her because her motto is “Doing For Self Doesn’t Mean By Yourself ”.

It doesn’t matter if you’re getting a degree, starting a business, or winning an award, always take the time to appreciate those who paved the way for you or helped you along the way. You didn’t do it alone.

P.S. My grandmother is out of the hospital and will be enjoying her gift soon. (smile) (Jesse Muhammad is a Staff Writer for The Final Call Newspaper based in Houston and an award-winning motivational speaker with experience in speaking to diverse audiences across the country. Visit his website at: http://jessemuhammad.blogs.finalcall.com/) 16.

Don’t do it alone

Debt settlement is totally differ-

Business financially failing?

Get help!

The bills are mounting. The debt is out of control. And you’re wondering if it’s time to shut your doors.

Before you throw in the towel on your business, try a number of options to get your finances on track. Options such as debt counseling, debt management, and debt settlement—can be the lifeline your business needs.

debt, and only with specific creditors.

For-profits typically don’t offer counseling or consumer education programs. They will typically not address such issues as being behind on utilities, insurance, mortgage or rent, nor will they explore alternatives to the debt management services they offer.

You want a company that will provide services regardless of employment staDebt management. tus, ability to pay, or the debt size, and The first thing to find out about that’s probably going to be a not-forany company or agency is whether it profit company. is a for-profit or a not-for-profit operation. (To qualify as a not-for-profit Negotiation with Creditors Many company websites and adcompany for tax purposes, a company must provide consumer education as vertisements imply their company has part of its mission.) The typical for- a special “in” with credit card compaprofit will work with you only if you nies and that they know how to get have $5000 or more in unsecured those creditors to reduce interest rates debt, will work only with unsecured and penalties and extend the repay-

ment period. What you need to understand, though, is that major creditors have already made their decision about what compromises they are prepared to make, no matter who negotiates with them. Two and one-half percent of your total balance is the least amount most credit card companies are willing to accept. What is always true is that the monthly payment must be enough to cover finance charges plus some of the principal.

Remember, debt management company fees will be in addition to those amounts.

Fees and Charges Many laws permit debt management companies to charge an initial set-up fee, plus up to 15 percent of each payment. Not-for-profit companies will usually have fees substantially lower than for-profits.

No matter where you go for debt management help, though, the important thing to remember is that you’ll be paying your debts in full. Only the terms of payment and perhaps the interest rate that can be altered.

Credit Reporting No debt management company can control what credit bureaus do, nor do these companies typically send reports to the bureaus. (Debt management will not, in and of itself, change your credit report, because your debts are still there.) However, the credit report might have a note saying “slow pay” or “paying as agreed”, since the credit card companies will have notified the credit bureaus of your debtpaying status.

ent from debt management. In a debt management plan, you’re paying all your debt, just at a slower pace and with some concessions on interest rates and penalties. With debt settlement, the company promises it will negotiate with each of your creditors to knock off part of your debt and to agree to receive a lump sum that might be as low as 40 percent to 50 percent of what you owe.

With debt settlement, you make payments to the debt settlement company. The company takes a fee, then puts the rest of the money in a trust account to pile up for, say, six months, at which time they’ll work out a deal with creditors for a reduced lump sum payment. But keep in mind, while the money is accumulating in your debt settlement account, the credit card company continues to pile up late charges and interest, making the situation even worse. Too often it happens that, you the client have paid high fees to that debt settlement company without solving the problem. The debt remains on the credit report until the money is remitted to the creditors. From then on, the credit report shows “settled for less than the remaining balance.” Adding insult to injury is the fact that the amount you don’t pay under the debt settlement plan becomes taxable income to you.

Expect to receive a form you’ll need to file with your taxes that year (and pay taxes on!)

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for debt problems. Debt management, debt settlement, debt counseling, bankruptcy—each has its purpose in the right situation, and each is meant to help when you’ve reached the conclusion that you can’t do debt alone.

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By Carla Lane Contributing Writer

“Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.”

-Napoleon Hill A vision is a source of magic. When people see themselves moving toward an inspiring future, they take action in the present, consistent with that desired future to transform it into reality.

People become self-inspired when they own the vision for themselves.

When you transform your company vision into a vision shared by your employees they become empowered. If employees can see themselves as a part of the overall company vision, and the company vision as a part of their own future, it gives them a sense of purpose and ties the company’s destiny with their individual destinies.

Keep in mind, employees want purpose and passion to lift them and

propel them. Find a larger purpose for your company than just making money. Don’t settle for being a random collection of people and assets trying to make a buck. A purely financial focus will not continue to motivate the troops over the long term. Make coming to work a meaningful and fulfilling event for your employees. People want to work in a challenging and rewarding environment. They want to learn, grow and reach their potential – the full expression of their talent. People are drawn to great leaders, great visions and great causes.

How is the vision communicated to employees? This depends on the size of your organization. It might be communicated one-on-one or at roundtable discussions, staff meetings, conference calls, satellite meetings, board meetings, company dinners, off-site outings, or newsletters. Any of these ways might be appropriate for communicating the company vision. Regardless of the venue, every time you get people to talk about the vision, you are helping them make it their own.

The company leadership shares the company vision to outside stakeholders such as board members, suppliers, customers or clients, investors, the media, and perhaps the government.

Communicating a clear, strong vision lets the world know what your company is about and the future it intends to create. This makes it much easier for outsiders to actively participate in your company’s future. As a consequence, many things that were once difficult become easy.

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In addition to sharing the vision, as a business owner you want to provide opportunities to enable people to take action to realize the vision. Employees should spend 100 percent of their time on work that is aligned with the company vision. They should ask the question, “Is this project moving us toward our intended future?” If not, drop it immediately!

How do you create company vision? Be creative! It is important because same-old thinking rarely fosters a bright new future. Get your employees to look outside the box. What new approaches can be taken? What new technology can be applied?

Take calculated risks! Risk taking is worth failing. Failing shouldn’t be punished. Silicon Valley venture capitalists reward failure as a badge of courage. A failed business venture is a sign of experience and maturity. The lessons of failure, accepted and learned, contain the knowledge of how to succeed the next time.

Initiative can be encouraged by giving people permission to launch projects on their own. If you discover someone working on something promising, be sure they get the resources and funding they need. Make a big deal out of it, too.

Breaking with tradition involves creativity and risk taking as well as courage. Just because something has always been done a certain way, doesn’t mean that it’s the best or most efficient

way to do it. Eliminate the “we can’t because of time, money, resources, etc.” attitude. Instead, cultivate a climate that encourages people to speculate on how “we can” do it. There’s always a way to implement a good idea, even if it takes a little time to get all the resources lined up. Change the blanket “we can’t” to a speculative “why can’t we?” then proceed to remove the obstacles.

In the military, the quality of a senior officer is measured by the quality of the junior officers he is responsible for leading. As a business owner, you will be ultimately successful to the degree that you cultivate the leaders that follow you. Remember that leadership is not a set of qualities, but a set of actions to take. Great leadership ability can be developed through practice.

Rotate people through key positions for experience and change the rules a little from time to time. Keep projects challenging to encourage inventiveness and flexibility. Have managers make decisions on the spot. Delegate responsibility in as many critical areas as possible. Encourage decision making further down the organizational ladder and, finally, let go!

By forging a vision and continually promoting it, you enable your people to take action to bring the vision into reality. By developing new leaders to replace you in critical tasks, you create great leverage.

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small. The Commerce Department re-

exclusive product or service, your

ports the economy shrank 6.1 percent

invoice is moved further down the

in the beginning of 2009. This decline

list.

reflects a downturn in business earn- • The debtor now has no money and ings across the spectrum. And while

can’t pay anyone. Unless you are a

Houston fared better than other cities

priority, you are more than lucky if

early on, Texas’ new worker compen-

you can get your depreciated prod-

sation claim’s reached 275,945, a 165

uct back.

percent increase from last year. These

By this time, you have exhausted

conditions reflect the current econom- all of your in-house resources attemptic business environment.

ing to collect the debt. The question

Small business owners are respon- is do you act to make your company a sible for employing over 70 percent of priority to the debtor by bringing in a the national workforce. To that end, third-party, or do you let the scenario small business must succeed if the na- play out in its entirety? Good business tion is to recover. The good news is owners act in self-interest whether that the Obama administration offers economic conditions are favorable or hope with a myriad of policies aimed not. After a net 30 day invoice goes

left to right Terrance Henderson, Robert Fleming, Maria Perales, Shon Tillman, & Tony Duncan

at improving the economy, and via uncollected for 90 days it’s time to extension, the small business commu- place the account with a competent nity.

Levin, Schwartz & Kellenberger surance. We adhere to and are in com-

Collection Agency.

In the meantime, one way that

The Levin, Schwartz & Kellen-

(LSK Recovery) is a minority-owned pliance with all state and federal laws, companies can help themselves is to berger (LSK Recovery) advantage is firm specializing in commercial debt and regulations governing the indus- identify and relinquish bad-debt prior that we pursue balances owed as oprecovery. It was founded by Terrance try. to an adverse affect. Don’t let your posed to settlements ensuring maxiWhile Levin, Schwartz & Kellen- company become a statistic due to mum recovery for our clients. Within young firm, the firm’s Owner, has de- berger is a small company, its size cou- uncollected debt. We all know that 24-48 Hours we will locate all assets cades of relevant industry experience pled with an ongoing quality assured revenues generated are not sales until of the delinquent party, examine their amassed throughout his career. In business model allows hands-on exec- you actually receive payment. In 2008 true financial picture and know more Henderson in 2008. While a relatively

addition, the firm’s remaining staff is utive level management and promotes before anyone uttered the word “reces- about your customer than they ever comprised of a group of dedicated, efficiency and flexibility throughout sion”, we all hoped that the dire eco- intended for you to know and find out highly-trained and certified profes- its processes. nomic news would end and that things if your customer is A) having cash flow According to the Small Business would begin to turn around. They did problems, (B) Stalling, (C) Avoidteam has over 40-years of industry Administration, over 50 percent of not. In 2009, some businesses are still ing to pay you due to financing their experience. In its short existence, small businesses fail within the first holding past-due invoices hoping that business, (Payroll, on-going projects, sionals. Collectively, the management

Levin, Schwartz & Kellenberger has five-years of operation.

It lists the someday they will be paid. etc…). We don’t waste more time a demonstrated track record with its following reasons why: lack of expeTypically, the uncollected debt duplicating your in-house efforts. In existing client base that spans most rience; insufficient capital; poor lo- scenario goes something like this: fact, 85% of domestic accounts are commercial industries, including con- cation; poor inventory management; • The debtor has limited cash flow recovered within 3-5 business days. struction, in both domestic and inter- poor credit arrangements; competi-

but wants to remain in good stand- Of course, international accounts can

tion; personal use of business funds

ing with all creditors and pays ev- take longer dependent on conditional

national markets.

Levin, Schwartz & Kellenberger and low sales. practices the highest ethical standards

ery one a little to show a good faith circumstances. To learn more about

Of these reasons, the latter two

effort.

our firm, Please contact our office at

in business. Our network of agents, are no longer unique to small busi- • Money gets tighter and the debtor 713-774-1007 to speak with one of investigators and attorneys maintain ness and now factor prominently in only pays the creditor he/she needs our Recovery Specialist, or visit us on the necessary licenses, bonds and in- the news for businesses both large and to stay in business. Unless you have the web at www.lskrecovery.com.

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23.

Get your piece of the stimulus pie In February, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009—by far the largest spending bill in history—was signed into law. In addition to the $787 billion outlined in that legislation, the Obama administration has set billions more aside to back Small Business Administration loans and ease the credit crunch.

That money is meant to be spent, or at least committed, by the end of 2010.

For entrepreneurs, there’s quite a bit at stake and it can’t help you if you don’t know how or where to get it.

Where do the greatest opportunities lie? In energy efficiency and sustainable technologies, not only because of the billions earmarked for the cause, but also because the entire stimulus bill is full of “green” components. In fact, some companies in the energy industry are expecting to hire another 50

MAY 15 - juNE 15 2009

employees based on the work available from government contracts.

But most importantly, business owners need to be ready to seize on contracting opportunities because the bill is pushing for all money to be committed by September 2010. If the red tape is what’s holding you back, keep in mind, the process isn’t as difficult as you might think.

The stimulus package is an opportunity for business owners to break into contracting and procurement.

The major problem is that small-business owners are intimidated by the red tape they think exists when dealing with the government. At one time, the process may have been complicated, but that’s no longer true. For example, getting on the government registry is simple: Make one free phone call to Dun and Bradstreet to get what’s called a DUNS

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number, use that number to register in the Central Contractor Registry and you’re eligible to work with the government.

Much of the information is available on the Internet--sometimes exclusively so--so it’s also important to be comfortable working online. Then, look into programs that give you a leg up, especially if you’re a minority, a woman or even a disabled veteran.

The main obstacle to get over is the intimidation factor, but NSI’s Gordon points out that business owners should prepare for what comes after, too--the transparency and reporting requirements.

Make sure you’ve got people trained to deal with the government. Every company is going to have to report the dollars they received and how they were used and the impact of those dollars.

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Jacqueline L. Giles: A playwright with a purpose

who were willing to step in and help.

Once they were asked to help, they blossomed. Often many of them had skills that I not only lack, but have no desire to gain. The areas where one is weak, there are others who are strong.

Seems like we have heard that somewhere before, haven’t we?

A wise friend once reminded me that it was not my job to save the world. When I learned to narrow down the “good causes that needed my help” and share the needs with others, it seemed like volunteers came

out of the woodwork. God continu- Jacqueline L. Giles

By Charlotte Jackson Contributing Writer

ally puts people in my path with needs and others with gifts. It is my min-

No matter how much you think istry to help match those with each you can do everything by yourself, other. By stepping back and letting you need to understand that not only others use the talents they have, my is that not healthy but in trying to children were relieved that when we do everything, you are possibly caus- saw people, they no longer just stared ing someone else to miss out on their in the distance when asked to donate, blessing.

but they took the time to ask why a cause was important to me. They had

For years, I have struggled like time to listen, to learn and to get inmany of you to do it all; trying to jug- volved themselves. They had contacts gle a full-time job, several part-time that they could share the needs with jobs, commitments to the children, and they seemed to donate more than the schools, the church and the com- when they really felt connected to a munity yet ultimately realizing that I cause. cannot do it all. When I learned to

Life is hard, times are hard but

slow down, evaluate the projects and when you have others standing in the commitments, pray for wisdom and gap with you, the load is lighter and let go of some of the responsibilities, I the friends you meet along the jourseemed to lighten my load and at the ney are special. same time, found there were many

Playwriter, Jacqueline L. Giles was born on April 4th 1963 in Torrance, California to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob and Martha Giles. Jacqueline, the youngest of four, first realized that she enjoyed performing while attending Ralph Bunche Elementary. Later attending Enterprise Junior High School she was introduced to the performing arts during the summer of 1975. Enrolling in a summer youth program, called the Paul Robinson Players Founded

by Augustus C. Stone. Jacqueline quickly became the Diva of the stage.

Although she enjoyed acting, writing plays became her passion. Graduating from Compton High School in 1980 Jacqueline attended Compton Community College, and Dominguez Hills University. In the summer of 1988 Jacqueline received her greatest blessing from God, her beautiful daughter Sharlene Giles-Johnson.

In 1998 she moved to Ontario,

California and wrote her first play called The Healing of Young Souls, which was performed throughout the Island Empire and the Greater Los Angeles area. Directly following “The Healing of Young Souls” she wrote the play called Today’s Black Woman.

In August of 2003, Jacqueline and her daughters relocated to Houston, Texas. Still having the passion to write plays she then wrote “This Battle Is the Lord’s,” which was performed at the Stafford Civic Centre in Stafford, Texas. Again, all glory given to God, the play was a success! During Jacqueline’s life journey as an adult she became a victim of domestic violence.

Through two failed marriages and her relationships, she received physical, mental, and emotional abuse. Jacqueline was soon inspired to write her story in the version of her next play called Woman, What in the Hell Were You Thinking. This play tells the story of how she was abused but overcame her abuse through knowing Christ. Her play also tells the untold story of men who are trying to be good fathers, providers, protectors, and husbands, are also mentally and emotionally abused by their wives.

Giles has decided to be an advocate in bringing awareness to the community through theater arts. JLG (Jesus Lord & Holy Ghost) Productions, has made a vow to continue helping victims of domestic violence, abused children and provide scholarships to graduating seniors who cannot afford to attend college. Jacqueline will be donating a percentage of the proceeds to various domestic violence shelters and promotion of education for our children.

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“We are Raising The Bar On Mental Health”

Eileen Peters Franklin, Contributing Writer Spearheading change is the greatest and most noble act an American can stand for. It is with great honor and support that we extend our gratitude to President Barack Obama for redirecting the world toward change.

We must dispel the myths about mental health and enhance the coping skills among our communities. Today we can change the way society sees our

loved ones that experience the everyday crisis that involve mental health. So many times in life we refuse to see depression, alcohol and substance abuse, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and many other prevalent behaviors as mental illness. Myths that continue to haunt us from childhood include things such as: (1) If I let someone know what I’m thinking they may

think I’m crazy. (2) If I seek professional help that makes me weak and others will poke fun or label me. (3) There is no such thing as confidentiality because those people will laugh at me.

One must see the benefits of changing behaviors to avoid the consequence.

The myth is part of the belief.

In early childhood development it may be difficult to distinguish symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder from age appropriate behaviors in active children. The average child that is loud talking and assertive, usually hopping around and sometimes not always seated in class is not necessarily a case of Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. Several factors may contribute to the different behaviors a child can experience. An understimulating environment can lead to inattention from a highly intelligent

Points to Successful Partnerships

By Cornelia E. Jammer / Contributing Writer Have you ever been driving down the road on your way to work and began to think about all the friends that you have made in your lifetime? It is always amazing to me how songs seem to relate to real life. There was a song that came out in the late ‘80’s and the words to the song were simple but true, “Friends, how many of us have them? Friends, ones we can depend on.”

It is always refreshing to know that the lessons we learn in our relationships can also be applied in different areas of our life - whether it is business, personal, spiritual etc. It is very important to create long-lasting relationships as a business owner. Friendships, partnerships and relationships are crucial to the longevity of any successful organization, business or even religious institution. It is a proven fact that two heads are better than one. Oftentimes, we as business owners prove to be unsuccessful in our pursuit to form adequate people to MAY 15 - juNE 15 2009

partner with. In forming a partnership Point 3: there are a few points that I would like Create a “Win-Win” situation for to share with you that have helped me both you and your partner.

Do not go to the table with the expectato be a successful business owner: tion of taking from the potential partnership without giving anything. You Point 1: must leave the table feeling good about Master your Craft: As a business owner you must take your the dialogue that you had as well as makproduct or service to the highest level ing the other partner feel good about the of mastery; it is your job to be efficient, relationship that they have built. effective and serve as the expert in that field. Learn all you can, build a men- Point 4: toring relationship with a strong person Be Significant Not Just Successful: specializing in your field of business or Provide a unique reason and purpose interest. for partnering with your agency or company. Be consistent in your pursuit for Point 2: partnership; choose wisely.

Identify Potential Partners: There is an art to building partnerChoose who you want to work with and find companies and business own- ships and relationships! One must be ers who are strong and possess like consistent and diligent in their pursuit.

G.R.A.C.E Community Services qualities. You must also identify organizations that compliment what you has a unique calling to serve as advoteach or hold similar characteristics cates for persons affected by disaster.

Over the past few months, G.R.A.C.E and qualities. www.

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child. In other words, a child can become distracted in a classroom when not challenged intellectually.

There are many mental health topics common to our community and never addressed until there is a crisis.

Today we can raise the bar on mental health by addressing these topics to help prevent crisis situations. How do we get to decrease the crisis in our lives?

There are a number of ways.

(1) The key to prevention is education. -Learn the signs and symptoms of common illnesses. Explore the internet and view mental health videos.

Learn about ARD meetings.

(2) Participate in didactic groups and attend workshops in areas related to topics you are exposed to or just go to learn more. Don’t wait to get depressed before you decide to go to a workshop. Challenge yourself to take healthy risks.

(3) Seek professional help early when you learn the signs and symptoms.

Get your life into perspective and learn ways to cope with daily situations. Dispel the myths and change your thinking. The key to a long life is you being responsible for self. and its CEO have been formulating a partnership with Lutheran Disaster Social Service Agency (LDSS). LDSS is a unique entity and the partnership with G.R.A.C.E is relevant and crucial to providing assistance for families that have been affected by Hurricane Ike. Ruama Camp and G.R.A.C.E Community Services are true testimonies of what it means to have significant partnerships, relationships and friendships. As the CEO of G.R.A.C.E. Community Services, Rauma works diligently at leaving lasting impressions and bridging gaps between faith-based disaster initiatives and governmental agencies.

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By Ronald E. Reynolds, Esq. Contributing Writer There is much more to delegating than meets the eye. It does not mean to simply hand out assignments. It is a science and an exercise in understanding one’s self.

Some of us have been lucky enough to find our strengths and at the same time recognize areas traditionally referred to as weaknesses. It takes mammoth strength to let go and say “Okay, this is not my areas of expertise and here is where I need help.

This is how I will get this help.”

Often, there are things we wish we were good at but somehow can not seem to grasp (not for lack of intellectual ability, but for lack of experience/exposure). We must learn to accept this fact. In this fast paced world we live in, we must choose what it is we wish to conquer and what we need to let go of. An artful businessperson learns what she does best and does that to the best of her ability. She lives it, breathes it, and sleeps it. It is a passion. The rest can be left to someone else, provides she begins learning to delegate.

Unfortunately, that someone else does not just appear from thin air.

Networking or “relationship building” is the initial key component of learning to delegate.

You need to determine how your time would best be spent. For example, I have no experience creating a newsletter. While all of the software is at my fingertips, the question is do I MAY 15 - juNE 15 2009

really have time to learn it? I ask myself: “Should I learn the newsletter software and design my own newsletter or should I spend $X and hire a designer who already knows the software and just supply the content?”

Better yet, I could ask a local graphic designer to barter their services. But how do I find the local skilled person to barter with? You can find this person through networking and relationship building.

The key is to determine what you need to know, want to know, must know, and already know. Keep lists with these headings to remind you of these things. It is a great feeling to cross things off your list.

Becoming an Expert Jack of all trades, master of none.

The old adage holds a lot of weight in today’s entrepreneurial environment. No one can possibly run a small business alone. Learning to delegate is truly a necessity.

When starting a small business, you might never get it off the ground without the help of a CPA, lawyer, graphic designer, and/or administrative assistant. Your expertise may lie in the areas of people skills, marketing, and fund raising. You might realize from the start that if you attempt to be anything but those things to your business, the long-term success of the business could be doomed. Set out immediately toward learning to delegate - find the experts you need.

It is important to surround yourself with competent individuals who have complimentary areas of expertise. Choose carefully and wisely and be ready to compensate these individuals for a job well done.

In some cases, you might be able to defer payment until the business took off. In other cases, you may need to make long-term promises such as potential employment if and when the business is viable. If you are really fortunate, you will be successful in bartering for services.

Payment need not always come in the form of dollars. Remember your area of expertise and be ready to trade www.

it for what you need. Bartering is a way of learning to delegate. When bartering you need to follow a few simple rules: Be nice and respectful, send thank you notes, and recognize those individuals who have helped you both publicly and privately. In doing so, you will gain respect and be known as someone who gets the job done.

When you are an expert, people will come to you in need of your talent. Be prepared to use it. Be proud of your skill and share it.

The Power of Delegating It is quite liberating once you really do let go and put your trust in other people. The key in learning to delegate is to identify good people, enlist them in your cause or business, give them the ball, and then allow them to run with it. Only you will determine if the ball gets dropped.

You need to supply him with the necessary information to get the job

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done. You must understand the process and know what you need the outcome to be. You must also communicate these objectives clearly and monitor the progress.

Set meeting times for updates and a time line for completion. Reviewing the process and progress frequently is a key piece to learning to delegate effectively.

Do Not Over-Delegate Excessive delegating can lead to disaster. Overburdening others and excessively monitoring others progress are habits of an excessive delegator.

A complete hand off approach will not do, either. Not being a CPA is no excuse for not understanding the budget of your company. You must understand how the budget works and why and be accountable for it.

Learning to delegate does not mean you can “abdicate” your responsibility as a business owner. Most important, you must understand how the critical pieces of your business fit together to form the whole so you can make sound and effective business decisions.

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Shining a light on Iluminar & OcuSure

Eddie Reynolds & Joni Hamasaki Iluminar/Ocusure Recognizing the need within the security industry for high-quality products backed by an unsurpassed level of customer service, Eddie Reynolds and Joni Hamasaki created Iluminar and OcuSure to deliver advanced security solutions. Driven by their mission to

provide outstanding products and support, Reynolds and Hamasaki take great pride in working closely with their customers to find ideal security solutions.

Iluminar is a specialist manufacturer and supplier of infra-red illuminators and license plate recognition systems.

OcuSure Inc. is an importer, supplier and manufacturer of a wide range of video security products including domes, bullet cameras, CCTV lenses, and much more.

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Eddie Reynolds and Joni Hamasaki stand out as one of the only female and minority owned security manufacturers and suppliers. True mavericks in the security industry, their success paves the way for women and people of color to enter this rapidly growing marketplace.

Designed for situations where the ambient light is too low for video security cameras to capture clear images, Iluminar’s line of infra-red illuminators provide an external source of invisible IR light. These powerful illuminators allow low light CCTV cameras to provide coverage in practically any environment.

Iluminar also offers license plate recognition systems ideal for security and traffic installations. Utilizing advanced

Looking for a New Job? Consider These 10 Things Today’s job market is more competitive than ever, and with limited job openings, job seekers can’t afford to make mistakes. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, 6.5 percent, or 183,500 people, were without jobs in Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown in March. The Career Services advisors at American InterContinental University (AIU) are pros at spotting common mistakes that can prevent even the most qualified individuals from landing that dream job.

“Despite the high unemployment rate and struggling economy, job opportunities still exist in Houston,” says Steve Malutich, president of AIU Houston. “The key to securing a job in this economy is differentiating yourself from the competition. Job hunting is about making an impression and getting noticed by employers, and in these economic times, being just average probably won’t get you very far.”

What common job-hunting gaffes should new graduates avoid? How can seasoned professionals stand out against MAY 15 - juNE 15 2009

technologies, these systems capture clear, accurate images of license plates - even when the vehicle is in motion.

Complimenting these products is OcuSure’s expansive line of CCTV cameras, lenses and ancillary video equipment.

Featuring fixed or pan/tilt/zoom camera systems with indoor, outdoor and vandal resistant enclosures, OcuSure has an imaging solution for a broad array of installations. OcuSure’s products can be found nationwide in retail, banking, commercial, industrial, local government, health, correctional facilities and educational installations.

Reynolds and Hamasaki have over 30 years of combined security industry experience. This vast knowledge of the marketplace, coupled with their extensive experience working with customers, make them uniquely qualified to deliver reliable and innovative security products and superior customer support. To learn more about these companies visit www. iluminarinc.com and www.ocusure.com.

8. Don’t be too exclusive:

When searching online, review all jobs in your area. Don’t filter by key words all their peers? From AIU career special- It can give a great first impression and as you may eliminate jobs that actually ists, here is a list of the top 10 things to offers the chance to provide additional are interesting, and it gives you an opportunity to learn about companies and details on your work experience. consider when searching for a job: contact them for other possible oppor1. Make sure your resume points 4. Attend interviews, even if you tunities.

don’t think it’s your “dream job”:

you in the right direction:

Customize your resume and cover letter for each position – it’s one of the most important things you can do to stand out. Keep your resume to one page unless you have many years of experience.

Use the cover letter to elaborate on your experiences.

You might learn that you’re more in- 9. Be realistic: terested in the position than you first Especially in this economy, be realistic thought – and it never hurts to practice. about your expectations for salary, promotional opportunities and so on.

5. Follow up courteously:

Show your interest in the company and 10. First impressions are everyexpress your desire for an opportunity thing: Always be professional – from dressing to interview. But don’t become a pest! the part to speaking to reception when 2. Plan your next career move: Try not to jump into a different job be- 6. Stay knowledgeable in your you call a company. cause you dislike your boss or commute. field: If you don’t consider how your next ca- Keeping up with industry news and Let us Promote your Business, reer move fits into your overall career trends will give you something to talk Your Event, or You! path, you may soon be in the same boat about in a job interview and show your again. If forced to get a new job, take a dedication and interest. step back and be strategic. Your instinct might be to mass-apply, but it’s unlikely 7. Your networks can be your lifeline: you’ll land more interviews.

Mention to anyone and everyone pos3. Don’t underestimate the cover sible that you are looking for a job.

They may be able to offer advice and letter: job prospects. www.

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Building success in healthcare Manager/Director in various specialties within a healthcare setting since 2000. Her training includes BLS, CPT, HCPCS and ICD-9 coding certifications. She has personally trained her staff to be effective billing specialists in all types of specialties such as OB/GYN, DME, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Podiatry, Cardiology, Vascular and EndoAlana Hall, NCICS has success- vascular Surgery just to mention a few. fully performed as a Full Revenue Cycle She continues to use her knowledge

to help and encourage students through accredited programs that instruct and train many to become today’s Medical Revenue Managers and leading Allied Health professionals. ProMed Medical Solutions is continually extending their branches to assist physicians and other billing centers within the healthcare industry to streamline their internal practices and maximize their reimbursements.

Asking for Help is not a Sign of Weakness! nation. Most ambitious people are independent and are reluctant to ask for the help that others can provide. Many fail to see when help is needed, as they have programmed themselves to “think” that they can do it all.

However, in order to take your business or career to the next level, you must be willing to reach out to others and ask for HELP!

By Dr. Wendy, Over the years, I have coached Professional Development Expert, many people and was surprised that www.askdr-wendy.com / Contributing Writer many felt either asking for help was a sign of weakness or some did not want Being successful in today’s society other people in their business.

As you walk the journey of life, retakes hard work, tenacity and determi-

You Cannot Do It Alone lot of people feel so much tension in their bodies, that no matter how much they stretch or rest, they can’t seem to find relief. Massage Therapy could be the answer to this dilemma.

Massage is considered to be among the oldest of all treatments used by man. Chinese records dating back three thousand years documented its use. The ancient Hindus, Persians, and Egyptians used forms of massage for some

By Tieasha James, LMT ailments, and Hippocrates wrote papers Contributing Writer recommending the use of rubbing and For a long time, people have been friction for joint and circulatory probcoping with stress and sore muscles. A lems. Today, massage is an accepted MAY 15 - juNE 15 2009

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member that there are more people that want to see you successful that what you think. Yes, you will always encounter “haters”, as that is all part of life. However, that should never discourage you from asking others for assistance.

This was not an easy task for me, as I had to learn it the hard way. The light came on after I bumped my head over and over again and assessed that trying to get things started should not be this difficult and that I simply did not know what I was doing. So, I decided to reach out and ask for help. That was the smartest thing I had ever done. Why? Well, doing this reduced the number of part of many physical rehabilitation programs, and has proven beneficial to many chronic conditions such as lowback pain, arthritis, and bursitis.

Massage helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday life. It provides relief to people from all walks of life including weekend or competitive athletes, the home gardener, and the overstressed executive to the waitress struggling to keep peace in today’s busy world. The older population, as well, can benefit from massage, as it enhances flexibility and circulation. The bedridden can also be helped in this regard. There are some conditions where massage is not recommended, however. A massage practitioner would ask for information regarding ®

Her credentials include the Nationally Certified Insurance and Coding Specialist, Medical Billing and Claims Specialist Diploma through Professional Careers Institute in Houston, Texas. She continues her education by attending numerous seminars and completing multiple workshops each year which yields certificates of completion approved by Medicare, Medicaid and private plan leaders. loops I was previously jumping through, as others were able to share with me their experience and they guided me in another direction.

Being ambitious and independent is a good thing; however do think that that being successful means doing things alone. Learn the art of effective networking and relationship building and you will be surprised the people that are excited about helping you take you business or career to the next level.

Do not miss out on opportunities due to your fear to ask others to lend a hand. Learn to identify what you can do alone and what you can do with limited and with full assistance. Do not assume that others cannot assist. Let them tell you that they can’t assist. If that occurs, ask if they know someone else that can.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of maturity. any specific health conditions to determine if massage, bodywork, or somatic therapies are contraindicated. In some cases, the practitioner may need your doctor’s permission before providing services.

Taking Care of your body should be at the top of your priority list. You will feel and look better if you take the necessary steps regarding health and nutrition in this age of increased longevity. Stress relief alone can improve your vitality and state of mind. Massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies could play an important role in your life. The Wellness & Body Treatment Studio is here for you. You cannot do it alone!

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Seeking Help from a Financial Advisor Only one in ten Americans have a written financial plan, yet overcoming their financial concerns tops the “wish lists” among the majority of adults nationwide, according to a national survey

by American Express Financial Advisors in November 2004. The survey also shows that Americans spend more time worrying about their finances than managing them, and in the end the majority does not seek professional help for important financial decisions.

A financial advisor can help you develop a personalized financial plan, as well as take some of the stress away that comes from trying to managing your finances. If you’re unsure of whether you should meet with a financial professional take the time to ask yourself the following questions:

goal fits into your overall plan?

7. Keep your plan on track –

3. Set financial strategies – Once you have set your goals and priorities, do you have specific financial strategies assigned to reach those goals?

Do you have a long-term investment strategy as well as one for short-term goals? Do you have a protection planning strategy that covers your changing insurance needs? Do you have emergency reserves or a plan to accumulate a safety net?

4. Research products and prices –

Can you realistically stick to your budget, pay off your debt or stick to your savings plan? Would you benefit from a coach who could encourage you and remind you of your goals when the going gets tough?

How do you resolve conflicting goals between you and your spouse? How often do you review and revise your plan and rebalance your investments?

If the answers to these questions lead you searching for some professional help, be sure to interview a few qualified financial professionals before you make a commitment. Some sample questions for your prospective advisors may include:

Do you have the time or expertise to research the right products that fit each of your goals and strategies? Do you know where to get this information and what to look for? Do you want to spend your time staying current on your products 1. Are you registered with the Securiand prospective products? Do you have ties and Exchange Commission, 1. Assess your financial the experience to get the best products your state securities regulator or the situation – at the lowest possible cost?

National Association of Securities Do you have a clear view of your curDealers? rent financial status? Do you know how 5. Create an integrated 2. What professional credentials do much money you spend? Do you under- plan – you have? CFP (Certified Financial stand and keep track of the investments It may be possible to work with your Planner), CFA (Chartered Financial you have made? Do you know how investment broker, CPA, banker and Analyst) ChFC (Chartered Finanmuch insurance you have, what kind insurance agent to get professional help cial Consultant) or other? in many areas, but do you have one inand is it enough?

3. How much experience has your comtegrated financial plan? Does this plan pany had working with individual 2. Map out goals and map out different scenarios based on a investors? How much experience priorities – variety of possible investment returns have you had personally?

Have you set any financial goals? How and other variables? Does the advice that realistic and specific are they? For exam- you are getting from each professional 4. What is your fee structure? Do I pay a flat fee and/or commissions? Will ple, have you set a target age at which work in tandem to help you reach your you disclose your fees in writing? you would like to retire and the lifestyle ultimate goals on your desired schedule?

5. Exactly what type of recommendayou would like to create in retirement tions will I receive from you? Will (will you travel, buy a boat, downsize 6. Remain objective they be put in writing? Will you your home, etc.)? Have you considered Are you focused on one aspect of your help me put your recommendations balancing multiple financial goals, such plan, such as buying a home, and are in place? as saving for retirement while paying for your emotions getting in the way of a your children’s college education?

Victor Walker, CPA, JD Financial Advisor eral, state or brokerage industry regulators? Has a client ever filed an arbitration claim or other complaint against you?

7. Can you provide me with three client referrals?

8. How will we evaluate whether the advice you have given me has been worthwhile? How often will we do this?

Finally, for additional information and referrals in your area, you can check out the Financial Planning Association (www.fpanet.org) or The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (www.napfa.org). In addition, you can contact the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards for its free resource kit for consumers at www.cfp.net or by calling 888-237-6275.

rational analysis of how this particular 6. Have you had any run-ins with fed-

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