d-mars.com Business Journal 32

July 20 - august 20 2009

32

Inspire, Inform & Educate

Edition

Dorothy S. Flake PhD Eklaf

Diedria B. Joseph Topp Knotch

Willie N. Long & Janice Courtney Health Shack

Madeline Alexander The Power Coach

John Sheptor & Keith J. Davis Jr.

Josue Alvarado dmars Prodigy

Bobby Lewis B.C. Air

Lora L. Mayes,RN Beacon Health Agency

Imperial Sugar

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

---- John F. Kennedy (left to right) MR. D-MARS & Ron Reynolds

Jean H. Ware & Charlotte J. Boykin NatureRich

Solomon Genesis Group Inc. Tselane Shephard

Brother D-MARS, Sharon Schultz, Lani Maness, MR. DMARS,Cassandra Johnson & Gilbert De La Cruz Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Nurse of the Year

Mop’s Grill Clinette Garces

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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 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Paola C. Martinez 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 DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlene Taylor Carla Lane Christina Robinson Grochett Ron Reynolds Dr. D.L. Jones Lora L. Mayes, RN Tselane Shephard Tasha Bowen Victor Walker Sally A. Jozwiak Chanell M. Strauss Josue Alvarado Johnny Ray Davis

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People around me know that I’m a firm believer in a positive mindset. Even in my company, there simply isn’t room for negativity.

What dwells in your inner sanctuary? Do you allow negative thoughts to keep you from realizing your full potential. If you don’t, good for you. If you do, don’t worry it’s never too late to change your mindset.

Essayist Allen Cohen says, It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power. Truer words have never been spoken. There is power in change.

That’s what this issue is dedicated to - helping you to realize the importance of changing your mindset. Whether it’s dealing with self-analysis, how you approach your business, or simply changing your old way of doing things, it is my hope that by the time you have perused the pages, analyzed the articles and digested each document, you will recognize that the key to success is by changing your mindset.

As always, please let us know what you think, and of course, support our advertisers!

CONTENTS Mr. DMARS Interviews Ron Reynolds….............................................…4 The Texas Department of Criminal Justice……..................................…5 Change your Mind Set in Health Care…..........................................…..11 Ask Carla Lane…………........................................................................12 Change your Mind: Change your World…....................................….…13 Team= Together Everyone Achieves More…........................................14 Maximizing Comfort while Minimizing Cost B.C. Air…….....................15 How to Change your Mindset………….................................................16 Rising Above Fear…………...................................................................17 Ekalf.......................................................................................................18 NatureRich.............................................................................................18 Health Care Reform……………………..................................................23 Clear your Mind, Change your Thinking……….....................................24 Wealth by Design and Mind: A Fresh Perspective……....................…..25 7 Steps for Staying Motivated………................................................….26 Minimizing the Financial Fallout of Divorce……….............................…28 Improve Productivity by Changing your Mindset…...............................30 Hard Work is the Yeast that Raises the “Dough”……............................36 How Sweet it is….Imperial CEO gives back to the Community…........37

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month Business is 60 percent what you know. Forty percent who you know.

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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.

Ron what do you do for a living?

I’m an attorney. I’m a partner in the Brown, Brown & Reynolds law firm. I’m also a former Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Houston.

What type of law do you practice?

I’m a personal injury and civil rights attorney.

building a coalition of consciousness for human rights.

Reynolds, a product of Fort Bend schools, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Public Affairs degree from Texas Southern University (TSU), and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. A former TSU Adjunct Public Affairs Professor, Reynolds was one of the youngest persons to be appointed as an Associate Municipal Judge in the City of Houston by Mayor Lee P. Brown in 2002. He is currently a Partner in Brown, Brown & Reynolds Law Firm. He also serves as the President of the Missouri City and Vicinity Branch of the NAACP and is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of Houston, and Past President of the Houston Lawyers Association, to name a few.

I understand that you have recent- Why do you feel you stand out and ly been named “Houston’s Top rose above all the other attorneys in Houston?

Lawyer” by H Texas Magazine.

Although I am infinitely grateYes, I’m truly blessed and proud to ful for the honor of being named have been voted by my peers as “Houston’s Top Personal Injury Lawyer” by “Houston’s Top Attorney”, I humbly acknowledge that receiving this award Houston Magazine. has more to do with a POWER higher than myself and other than myself.

What other awards have your Commensurate with that is the belief, received?

I received the Pinnacle business “To whom much is given, much is reachievement award, EEOC Civil Rights quired.” Much has indeed been given All-Star Award, MLK Drum Major for to me, and as a result, I have devoted Justice Award, NAACP ALEX Award my life to being deeply rooted, everfor Legal Excellence, American Red growing, and forever serving. Reaching Cross Humanitarian Award, Who’s the apex of success as defined by the Who in Law, Houston’s 40 under 40 Houston community is an accomplishAward and too many others to name. ment that I shall forever cherish. Know, Reynolds has accolades to last a however, that as a perpetual servant of lifetime, but the Missouri City resident the public, my work has just begun. says his most significant accomplishment is all that he has done and con- Why do you remain committed to tinues to do to benefit the community. serving the community?

Gandhi’s profound words inspire He is currently President of the Fort me, “We must be the change we wish Bend NAACP. Ron spends the majority of his to see in the world.” Those who know personal time serving the community me know that I embody an inherent by practicing law pro bono, being the fervor for helping others, especially voice of the voiceless, advocating for those less fortunate than I. Therefore, people who have been maltreated, and as long as I have breath, I vow to give of july 20 - august 20 2009

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my time, talents, and treasures to heal the hurts of humanity. Because of personal challenges in my life, I recognize that I did not achieve what others are defining as the pinnacle of success all by myself. Thus, it is incumbent upon me to bridge the chasm that has allowed me to excel beyond heights ever imaginable.

What motivational words would you provide to people hoping to follow in your footsteps?

If excellent is possible, then good is not enough. I encourage all who aspire to reach the pinnacle of life, to always LEAD: Live a Godly life; Educate to elevate your minds; Aim high; and Determine to succeed. Each of you is genetically coded for genius, therefore, you must personify the CASH (competence, attitude, skills, habits) that will propel you into your purpose. Trust me, when you remain steadfastly committed to your purpose, walking confidently knowing who you are and whose you are, you will collide with destiny!

• Cash Shortage? Give some away. Yes, you heard me right. Don’t sell the farm, far from it. But consider giving money to a friend or family member to help them out. Givers gain.

• Are you short on time? You don’t always have to give your money. You can give your time too. You don’t have to dedicate 90% of your day to serving others - that’s not what I’m saying. Just find that balance between giving and receiving.

• Lacking love? You’ve got to give some before you get some. Go out right now and give 5 people you know a big hug. I guarantee right after you do this, you’ll feel great. You’ll feel like a million bucks! You’ll feel loved. Go out right now and hug 5 people!

• Stuck with a Problem? Help others first. Think of someone you know that is having a similar problem. And think of a way that you could help them. You don’t need to know all the answers, but just start helping someone else and I guarantee help will come to you. Write down what you plan to do to help this person and then go out and do it. I’m telling you this works! When you help others wholeheartedly, help will always come back to you.

• Lacking Confidence? Yup, you know it. Give it away! Find someone you know who is lacking in self-confidence and give them a boost. Spend some time with this person and tell them how much you believe in them. Put positive ideas in their mind. Instill confidence in others and confidence will come flowing abundantly to you.

• Short on Creative Ideas? Give them away! Give others creative ways to increase profits to their business, find

What is your business philosophy/ motto?

As a servant-leader, I embrace the business philosophy that excellent is not the goal, it is the standard. In every personal and professional pursuit, I mark my work with excellence, and when called, I answer. It is because I walk the talk, daily, I can fervently say that there are no circumstances around me more powerful than the power within me. Each day, I plan purposefully, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively, and pursue persistently. Once I’ve done all that I can to leverage my resources in order to organize, strategize, mobilize, and politicize, I am reassured knowing a new stimulating career or improve that there is a Higher Power that will their health. Freely give away ideas away and ideas will always flood right do what I can’t. back to you.

You have to start with where you TALKING POINTS ON MINDSET: Reynolds says that in order to reach the are. You can’t give what you don’t Pinnacle of success then you must cre- have. Be willing to give what you got from where you are and I promise you ate an abundance mindset.

- abundance will flow into your life.

Here are 6 ways to create the abun- You will create the abundance mindset. dance mindset: ®

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THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES

Left to Right Brother D-MARS, Sharon Schultz, Lani Maness, MR. D-MARS, Cassandra Johnson & Gilbert De La Cruz

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he Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program is excited and enthusiastic about working with minority and woman-owned businesses. The HUB Program welcomes the opportunity to assist and educate the vendor community on how to do business and succeed in securing awards not only with the TDCJ but also with any State of Texas agency. Doing business with the State can be overwhelming, however learning to navigate through the system leads to endless possibilities for any vendor choosing to do business with the State.

The TDCJ HUB Program is dedicated to working closely with HUBs. It is a goal of the agency to work together to make a good faith effort to conduct business with those HUBs. The mission of the HUB Program is to promote and increase contracting opportunities with Historically Underutilized Businesses. The HUB Program will provide those businesses and agency staff the assistance necessary for the success of this mission.

Lani Maness HUB Coordinator 936-437-7061 Lani.Maness@ tdcj.state.tx.us

Sharon Schultz HUB Director 936-437-7026 Sharon.Schultz@ tdcj.state.tx.us

Cassandra Johnson Gilbert De La Cruz HUB Coordinator The Trevino Group 512-406-5811 Vice President Cassandra.Johnson@ tdcj.state.tx.us

direct vendors with the HUB Subcontracting Plan and introduce pos- Stephanie Sheffield • HUB Program Assistant 936-437-7067 • Stephanie.Sheffield@tdcj.state.tx.us sible subcontractors to prime bidders, invite and encourage vendors to give vendor presentations to the TDCJ purchasing staff, attend vendor shows and Economic Opportunity Forums across the State, speaking with vendor groups across the State on doing business the TDCJ, and hosting an annual HUB Vendor show in Huntsville free of charge.

The TDCJ HUB Program strongly promotes the State of Texas Mentor/ Protégé Program. The goal of this program is to build effective working relationships between leaders of mature established companies and emerging certified HUB companies. The agency serves as the Sponsor for the relationship. The hope is that the Protégé will benefit from the knowledge and experience of the established firm. Participation is voluntary on both parts. There is no guarantee of contract opportunities or promise of business, it is strictly an opportunity to learn and grow your business with helpful knowledge.

The TDCJ HUB Program invites and welcomes your interest in doing Some of the efforts of the HUB business with the agency. Please feel Program to promote and increase op- free to contact the following HUB staff portunities include the following: at- if they may be of assistance. tendance at pre-bid conferences to july 20 - august 20 2009

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Change Your Mind Set in Health Care

Charlene Taylor The Demand for Home Health, Hospice, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Personal Assistance Services is going to skyrocket because of President Obama’s goal to provide healthcare coverage to all Americans and keep the sick in the comfort of their home rather than the Hospital.

If you have not already heard on the news, in the news papers, magazine and many other media sources, health care is currently the number one (#1) industry to be in right now. While everyone else is in crisis regarding the economy and the ability to find and keep a job, it is projected that by year 2015 the nursing shortage will be 500, 000 and 800.000 by year 2020.

Healthcare reform initiative will also change the way Health Care businesses operate. The government is seeking drastic measures to prevent health care fraud and overpayment to providers. This crack down involves new data collection requirements, new ways to analyze data quickly in as little as a few days rather than months, arrests and harsh punishments to those involved.

All providers that offer Home Health, Hospice, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Personal Assistance Services (PAS) should expect additional regulations by Medicare and Medicaid in an effort to prevent fraud.

The focus is currently Miami, Los Angeles, Detroit and Houston.The Government will utilize strike force teams to make random site visits to providers in these areas to conduct detailed audit of record.

What to Expect?

Home Health, Hospice, PAS OASIS-C Everyone home health agency is familiar with the current OASIS data collection requirements. It is estimated that OASIS-C will have a required implantation date of January 2010.

ICD-10 ICD-10-PCS is the new procedure july 20 - august 20 2009

coding system that is being developed as a replacement for ICD-9-CM, Volume 3 and ICD-9-CM, Volumes 1 & 2.

RAC Scrutiny and Audits The Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) demonstration program was designed to detect, correct improper payments in the Medicare FFS program and determine whether the use of RACs will be a cost-effective means of adding resources to ensure correct payments are being made to providers and suppliers to protect the Medicare Trust Fund.

In an effort to prevent fraud, the government will increase training for providers on Medicare compliance and offering providers the resources and the knowledge they need to help identify and prevent fraud. The government will work to strengthening program integrity activities to monitor and ensure compliance, and focus on methods to improve data and information sharing between the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services and law enforcement to identify patterns that lead to fraud.

Finally, the general public will be encouraged to identify and report fraud via hotlines and Web sites.

Durable Medical Equipment Additional regulations that require all Durable Medical Equipment Providers to become accredited have already been implemented. DME providers are now required to maintain surety bonds that ensure repayment to the government for any overpay to providers.

There will be increased site visits during enrollment to block out imposters and ensure criminals aren’t posing as real providers.

Who is at Risk?

All provide that provides of Home Health, Hospice, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in the targeted areas.

Results of Task Force Efforts

Though fairly new, on the morning of June 24, 2009, the initiation to prevent healthcare fraud resulted in the arrest of a Miami Physician Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison for Role in $10 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme, Eight Miami-Area Residents Charged in $22 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Home Health Care Agencies, Charges Against 53 Doctors, Health Care Executives and Beneficiaries for More Than $50 Million in Alleged False Billing in Detroit. www.

Preparing for Change

The most effective way to ensure your agency is compliant to all the upcoming changes in healthcare is to conduct regular billing, quality assurance audits, pre-survey audits and mock surveys.

7 Tips for Surviving the Change

upon agency arrival and exit. Mock Surveys are great training tools for new Administrators & Supervising Nurses (DON). An entrance interview, exit interview and a deficiency report are provided to the agency. (Vital for all new and existing agencies) QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMS The agency should implement a quality assurance program and comprehensive, efficient compliance tools.

POLICY & PROCEDURE Ensure that your policy and proce- CHART AUDIT The agency should ensure complidural manuals are current with all upance by auditing personnel and clinical dates and changes. records for accuracy and compliance CLINICAL CONSULTING Utilize consulting services at last with State, Federal Regulations and acevery quarter to evaluate administrative creditation requirements.

STAFF EDUCATION Ensure staff meets the educational PRE-SURVEY AUDITS requirements for administrative and Conduct pre-survey audits to prepare both patients and staff for an up- clinical staff. coming survey. and clinical operations.

STATE MOCK SURVEYS The agency should utilize a consulting company to conduct a mock survey to identify mistakes and assist with implantation of a plan of correction. The word “Mock” means practice.

The mock survey will be an exact replica of what the Site Surveyors do

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We offer a full spectrum of financing which includes: bank and credit union financing, second chance and special financing, and a modified in house program. We even do equity deals where a large down payment guarantees approval.

Nexcar has a state of the art facility with a friendly staff to provide the best car buying experience. We offer same day delivery and vehicle locator service. We are an authorized Aircheck of Texas dealer; we will help you receive up to 3500 dollars down payment assistance for your trade-in. ®

Questions of the Month

We want to serve you and ensure your agency operates in compliance with State, Federal and Accredited guidelines. Send us your questions and we will select and answer questions randomly that may help all agencies. Submit questions to (713) 995-8169 Fax.

Nexcar is a family owned dealership. Our commitment at Nexcar extends to your family, friends, and business contacts as we value referrals to our dealership. We try to stay close to our community by cash donations for referrals that purchase a car. Call today to and ask more about our referral program.

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mind in writing your resume is to NOT just record what you did in the military. You need to START with a civilian job-objective and some information on what kind of work that job specifically involves. THEN look at your military experience and SEE Dear Me@needajob.com, You should definitely include your E- WHAT APPLIES to the civilian job, mail address on your resume. My prefer- and describe that relevant experience ence would be directly below (or along- in CIVILIAN language. It’s a kind of translation process -- the civilian emside) your phone number -- like this: ployer is not going to be able to do Mr. Job Seeker this FOR you so it’s up to you.

6789 Hot Stuff Drive Houston, TX 77098 There ARE people in both the mili(713) 123 4567 tary unit you’re leaving AND in the E-mail: me@needajob.com local employment offices, people Remember to use an email address that whose specific job is to help you is professional, email addresses like ho- find out how your military experitmama@abc.com or youngnsingle@ ence translates into civilian language abc.com are NOT acceptable. Re- and job titles. It’s crucial to get that member you will be evaluated by your straight, and NOT to expect that the potential employers from your initial civilian employers can understand the relevance of your military experience contact all the way to the job offer. if YOU don’t make it clear for them.

Dear Carla Lane, Carla Lane is President & CEO of I just got out of the service and I LaneStaffing, Inc. a complete employneed a resume. Can you help me?— ment solution provider.

Military Man To submit questions to Carla Lane, please email her at the clane@ Dear Military Man, The main thing you need to keep in therightlane.com.

Dear Carla Lane, Do you recommend leaving E-mail addresses off resumes? If not, how would you recommend displaying them? --Me@needajob.com

patched up to AT LEAST the point where they would provide a reference letter. If that were possible, it could dramatically improve your feelings about that experience, as well as your ability to talk about it in an interview.

Being terminated from a job is never pleasant, however every experience should put you a little closer to your ultimate goal. Have a serious conversation with yourself, why were you terminated? What could you have

By Carla Lane done different? What will you do difContributing Writer ferent in the future? Take responsibility for your role in your termination Dear Carla Lane: and make changes to your behavior to What can I do? I’m waiting to hear insure success with your next opporfrom the place that interviewed tunity. me, and I’m going crazy waiting to hear back from them. --Desperately Dear Carla Lane: Seeking Employment I am confused about the resume format, for example I put my name Dear Desperately Seeking, in top of the page including my adDon’t just wait -- write a Follow Up Let- dress with phone number. However ter if you do not hear from the inter- where can I place the rest of personviewer within, whatever length of time al data such as age, citizenship, ID seems reasonable, given how long they number, marital status, etc? Thank said it would take to make a decision. you.--Confused Obviously, you’d want the Follow Up Letter to arrive DURING (not after!) Dear Confused, the decision-making period.

The personal information that you mentioned does NOT go on a resume (I hope you have ALREADY written a -- you would never mention your age Thank-You letter to your interviewer or marital status on any resume. immediately after the interview, and got it in the mail the very same day.) If you are not a US citizen, on the JOB APPLICATION FORM you will need Dear Carla Lane, to provide information about citizenI recently was fired from my last job. ship and ID numbers, but that inforIn fact, I have been terminated a few mation does not go on your resume. A times before. :(. I am a bit nervous resume is for getting an INTERVIEW, about what the NEXT employer is and the citizenship info is needed going to think, when I go for an in- only on the Job Application form. A terview. How can I help them with resume and an application form are this problem? --Furious and Fired different. The application form is a formal document that is purely facDear Furious and Fired, tual. A resume is NOT so formal, and I suggest you choose one or two COL- is meant to be more like a “sales pitch” LEAGUES/co-workers from each of where you can talk about your skills the places where you have been fired, and how you could be valuable to the and arrange with those co-workers to company. You have to be honest, and speak well for you (even in writing) include some facts and dates, but you about the VALUE you produced on ALSO have more freedom to present the job. Or perhaps, make direct con- yourself so you “look good” and you tact with the past employer who fired can emphasize the information that you, to see if the relationship can be would impress a new employer. july 20 - august 20 2009

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envisioned a place where children and Disney theme parks, Disney cartoons, adults could have fun together. The and the list goes on and on. Imagine more Mr. Disney dreamed of a “magi- the power of a thought. cal park,” the more imaginative and

Changing the way you think cre-

elaborate his creation (Disney World) ates a “Disney” world of endless poscreativeness are infinite. You must re- became. As a result, today we have sibilities that change your world. alize that God has taken the limits off Disney movies, Disney productions, what you can do, achieve and become.

Therefore, you must change the way you think, knowing there’s no limitations, restrictions, or genetic constraints. Since you were created in the image of God, you also are empowered to create something from nothing - believe it or not, we do it all the time.

Unfortunately, most of the time, many of us create in our minds stories of what we can’t do, what didn’t happen in the past and excuses of why we

By Dr. D. L. Jones Contributing Writer

C

aren’t capable of accomplishing our dreams.

When you let your mind spiral

ountless times you’ve downward into thinking on what you heard people say, “You can’t do or become, it will only reconcan’t

get

something firm what you think and believe. It’s

from nothing.”

But like setting the default program on

► A six figure income? ► Your title or position?

True success is to know and operate in your purpose, maximize your potential and make a difference in the lives of others.

Come take part in this dynamic Biblical Series taught by Dr. D. L. Jones on the “Who-ness” and “What-ness” of your life. Discover your GREATNESS and DESTINY according to God’s plan and purpose for your life.

the truth is; something can come from your computer. Many of you are read-

► Buying your dream home? ► Your status?

When:

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Where: First Baptist Church at Alief

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nothing. God created the world from ing this article and saying, “I have good absolutely nothing. WOW!

When reasons for what I believe are my limi-

you dissect this Biblical phenomenon, tations, you don’t know what I’ve been the awareness of truth reveals that through.” I understand, however, while God created the earth from nothing. they may provide good solace in justiThe awesomeness is since we came fying the way you think, they do not from the earth, the sky is the limit to have the power to limit your future unwhat we can do or become. It’s all in less you act accordingly to your belief. your mind.

Remember the Biblical truth “…as a

God did not create us and place man thinks in his heart, so is he.” an innate cap on the endless possibili-

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every-

ties that lie within the mind of man. one woke up in the morning eager to God is yet building on His creation exercise their minds according to their through the inexhaustible talents and awesome potential, their divine purgifts that He has placed in the mind pose, filled with the joy of life and creof His most prized creation – Man. ating new and exciting things? Think Henceforth, knowing who you are and about it, everything that you can see your purpose is crucial to changing or touch first came from a creative your mindset and the world in which thought, from the chair you sit in to you live. At this present moment, mil- the house you live in. It all emanated lions of new and innovative ideas are from the creative mind of man. flowing through the minds of people

One day a man by the name

all around the world: Cures for AIDS, of Walt Disney had a vision. As he cancer and creative alternative forms looked upon what some viewed as of energy. It’s all in the mind!

useless land, he saw more in his cre-

God creates from nothing. Start- ative mind than those with their natuing from nothing, the possibilities of ral eye. It was his creative mind that july 20 - august 20 2009

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Together Everyone Achieves More

By Christina Robinson Grochett, University of Phoenix – Houston Vice President

three key tips to building and maintaining a successful team.

Value Each member has a unique perspective, diverse experience and specific gether. When teammates understand chine that accomplishes much more skills that make the team stronger. Let their own distinctive goals as well as than the original goals. It becomes a each individual know that their ideas the mission and needs of the team as positive working environment where and opinions are valuable. When you a whole, they are more likely to work people’s skills and talents are used to encourage the team to provide feed- more effectively together. Communi- their full potential and their passion back, create innovative ideas and help cating strategies, obtaining feedback, helping each other is clearly evident in form new strategies to achieve the providing continuous updates and be- their work. group’s goals, they become invested ing honest will help lead the team –

M

At University of Phoenix – Hous-

decision-makers. Their empowerment and the organization – to success.

ton campuses, we strive to be a success-

increases the willingness to believe

ful family-oriented team. We work hard

ax De Pree, author and trust in the team, which will ulti-

My Team

of the popular book mately lead to success.

A team is a culture with a life of its support each other personally and profes-

Leadership is an

own. When each individual sees the sionally. In fact, we were lucky enough

Art, states that the

Challenge

together, celebrate the joys of the job and

responsibility placed on them and the to be honored by the Houston Business

key elements in the art of working to- As teammates begin believing and value of their teammates, the overall Journal as a 2009 Best Place to Work. gether are how to deal with change, how trusting each other, they need to also team becomes a supportive unit that Christina Robinson Grochett is to deal with conflict, and how to reach continuously be challenged in their functions together. Employee produc- the State Vice President/ Director of our potential...the needs of the team are work. When each individual is en- tivity, job satisfaction and company ef- South Texas for University of Phoenix. best met when we meet the needs of in- gaged in projects that motivate and ficiency all increase as the team works An accomplished leader and champion dividuals persons. interests them, they will perform bet- together in a positive environment. of higher learning, she was named one Creating a successful team is sim- ter and make stronger contributions.

University of Phoenix has cultured of the Top 10 business women by the ple and rewarding. When people stop They will have a better understanding a team environment that encourages American Business Women’s Association competing against each other and put of the benefits of the team as a whole exceptional levels of creativity, in- in 2008 and led the Houston campus to aside their fears and pride to work and invest themselves more complete- novation and knowledge. The team’s receive the 2008 Alfred P. Sloan Award together, it creates a better working ly in their work.

strong work ethic and support system from the city of Houston for Workplace

environment. The positive atmo-

has contributed to the overall success Flexibility and Innovation.

sphere will help highlight the team’s

Communicate

of our organization, especially at the

skills and talents as they share respon- The team needs clear insight about Houston campuses. When you work sibility, knowledge and personal and the priority of their tasks and the over- with people you trust and care about, professional development. Below are all goal they are trying to achieve to- the team becomes a well-oiled ma-

Let us Promote your Business, Your Event, or You! Advertise today in D-MARS Business Journal july 20 - august 20 2009

Call US TODAY!!!

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14.

Maximizing Comfort while Minimizing Cost

B.C. Air

Bobby Lewis Now that the summer season brings our city forecast temperatures of 95 degrees and above, there are several questions both my residential and commercial clients ask.

Can my current equipment last the season ? Am I getting the most efficiency from it?

The answer to both of these depends on the age of your ac unit, cooler or refrigeration unit and your annual maintenance program. Your AC, heating or refrigeration equipment need care and cleaning just like your automobile. The stress of years of operation without it can put a strain on the equipment . Before the warmer weather kicks in, be sure to have your inside/ outside ac units, heating systems, coolers, freezers ,package units, ice machines and refrigerated display cases inspected and cleaned.

Wondering what you can do to assist your unit’s efficiency? Install a seven day programmable thermostat.

It saves your energy when you’re away from home. You can put a timer on your water heater as well as small appliances. Another tip is to purchase a refrigerator brush from any home improvement, hardware or Wal-mart store. It helps to keep the coils under or in the rear of the refrigerator clean and free of dust and debris that can cause the unit to work harder and less efficiently. july 20 - august 20 2009

Something that I tell my customers is a must, purchasing a disposable, pleated filter for their homes and changing it every three months. The Filters trap tiny particles that are in the air and could affect your unit or affect your air quality. Be sure to have your air ducts annually inspected for leaks. Leaking ducts waste energy.

Many customers complain of hot or cold zones, areas where the temperature feels different in another area for example a two story home. If it’s applicable, you might consider Zone Control installed into A/C system.

It allows you to control the amount air or heat to specific areas as you need it. When needing to install a new unit, due to extreme climate changes, consider upgrading to a more efficient model and replacing your duct work and unit insulation. Discuss it with your heating and Air Conditioning specialist.

Bobby Lewis proprietor of B.C. Air, is a Houston native educated at Wheatley High. He completed his naval career and enhanced his formal training in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and A/C) and refrigeration in the New England area . Having an extensive work experience in the industry, Bobby desired his own company to give quality service and to offer guidance and opportunity to others seeking careers that afford a better economic future as well as his own. Bobby Lewis returned to his home city with his family and his faith and watched God open doors. He launched B.C. Air in 1997 and has serviced the greater Houston and Galveston area for 12 years.

B.C. Air is your full service Air Conditioning and Heating and Refrigeration company.

Offering sales, service and installation of commercial and residential equipment and air quality products, zone control available. Licensed and insured, business hours are 7:00am 5:00pm, M-F, Sat 7:00-1:00pm . B.C. Air tel. 281 658-9470, Email bcair7@ comcast.net www.

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15.

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

By Ron Reynolds, Esq. Contributing Writer

Love what you do

ger for positive one

“love what you do” and not “do what with positive one you love.” Why? Because the former

I believe that Norman Vincent

When you notice that negative

is proactive while the latter is not. Peale said it best and I quote “change self-talk takes place in your mind, use You can’t always choose to do things your thoughts and you change your it as a trigger to initiate positive self-

That’s it. Love what you do. Do you naturally like. There will be times world“. It all begins with our mind. talk. You already find positive things your tasks with love. If you have this when you must do something you We love something because we have about the task (from step 1 above), so mindset, you will no longer feel the don’t like. If the mantra is “do what positive self-talk about it and we don’t you can start using them to say sometasks as chore. Instead they will be you love”, then your performance will like something because we have nega- thing positive about the task in your something you happily do. They will be dependent on the kind of tasks you tive self-talk about it. The easiest way mind. be fun.

have. You will perform well when you to do that is to absorb the teachings of

To see the power of this principle, do the tasks you like and you will per- personal development books. just take a moment to look at your form badly otherwise. This, however,

To replace negative self-talk, with

4.

Be persistent

Replacing negative self-talk with

life. Can you recall doing something isn’t true productivity. To be truly positive one, here are some things you positive one takes time, so be persistent along the way until you start likyou love? How did it feel? Next, can productive, your performan`ce must should do: you recall doing something you don’t be consistently good. No matter what like? How was the feeling compared to kinds of tasks you have, you must per-

1.

ing the task. Perhaps it hasn’t yet been

Find

something

positive love, but liking is a good start. When

you have positive attitude toward a doing something you love? I guess you form well. That’s why the key is to about the task If you want to have positive self- task, you will see that your productivnotice significant difference between “love what you do” and not “do what

them. For the thing you love, you ef- you love.” You should learn to love talk about a task, you should have ity improves.

It’s not easy to do, but changing fortlessly do it. You do it with enthusi- whatever tasks you come across, something positive to begin with. asm and excitement. Results will natu- whether or not you naturally like it. While we may naturally look at the your mindset is essential for improvNow, how can we change our bad side of things we don’t like, we ing your productivity. Love what you rally follow. On the other hand, doing the thing you don’t like is a struggle. mindset to love what we do? I wish I should take the effort to find some- do by having positive self-talk about You must drag yourself to do it and could give you many tips on this, but thing positive. What can you get from it, and see how everything else beyou suffer along the way. It’s difficult the more I think about it the more I the task? What reward will you receive? comes easier. to achieve maximum productivity in realize that all the tips I think of boil The reward might not be immediate. such condition.

Perhaps you notice that I wrote

It could be far in the future, but I’m

down to just one:

Replace your negative self-talk sure you can get something from it.

For instance, the task may teach you the traits of patience and persistence which will be useful in the future.

2.

Watch your self-talk

Our self-talk may run automati-

cally that we barely notice. But, if you

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take closer look, you will recognize the kind of self-talk you have. So don’t just do things on autopilot. Watch your thoughts and identify the kind of self-talk you have.

3. july 20 - august 20 2009

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Use negative self-talk as trig16.

Rising Above

Fear

your experiences and the experiences hundreds of pounds and knocking only to change his REACTION to get of others. What should change, is the over tall buildings. But if you visit a a different OUTCOME. mindset that says, because something circus, you’ll see the elephant standing

Get the connection? Often, our

happened in the past, it will happen passively, shackled to a small stake in BELIEF is that we are not capable of again.

the ground. Do you ever wonder why making a difference in our own lives,

The following simple formula they just don’t pull up the stake, escape we FOCUS on the past, and our VIfrom The Success Principles: How to it’s shackles and break free? How can SION is limited to only what appears Get From Where You Are to Where You such a small and obviously weak string to be evident.

Want to Be, by Jack Canfield, shows keep such a huge animal in check? us that we have more control of our

By Carla Lane Contributing Writer “Whatever the mind of man can

future than we ever thought possible:

Most of us have bought into

While still young, small and weak, some form of conditioning that is the elephant is tied by a super-heavy self-imposed and is greatly limiting

E + R = O or Event plus Reaction chain to a big iron stake. Every time our lives. We have created our own equals Outcome

it tries to break free it is restrained. “stakes” whether they are conformity,

You can’t change, prevent, or de- Five steps and it stops… Five steps self doubt, habits or FEAR that lim-

conceive & believe, it can achieve.”-- lete many of the “Events” that happen and it stops... He tries and tries and its our achievement. Our “stakes” are Napolean Hill

in life, but you do have control over pulls and pulls over and over again, implanted in who we are and how we

Have you ever wondered why your “Reaction.” Your reaction will but he cannot break free. Eventually, define ourselves; they may be money, some people seem to live life to the determine the “Outcome”. fullest, while others stand in the shad-

the elephant stops trying and becomes status, or other symbols of security.

So what determines your “Reac- conditioned. It develops self-imposed The “ropes” that are tied to these

ows and never seem to quite reach tion?”

limitations on its behavior. He be- “stakes” or the reasons we sometimes

their goals, or live their dreams? Have

lieves he can not free himself from the don’t realize our potential. Despite

you ever noticed that two people can experience the same event but react in totally different ways?

BELIEF

stake. No matter how big and strong having untapped power to rise beyond

If you have the right beliefs, and he grows, he continues to believe he the ordinary, we are unable, or unwillif you believe in the right things, you cannot move as long as he sees he is ing to break the very “ropes” that limit

The difference between living our will find a way to make your dreams tied to the stake in the ground be- our potential. dreams and living in the shadows of- come true.

side him and that the effort will not

ten boils down to one simple word,

only be pointless, it will be painful as a circus elephant?

FEAR. One author describes it as:

• False • Expectations • Appearing • Real

FOCUS

well. This is why when the chain is

There’s always some good in a bad sit- a stake two feet in the ground, it does sive employment solution provider. In uation, and there’s always some bad in not occur to the animal that the situ- three years, Ms. Lane has transformed a good situation. After all, we’re living ation has changed and it could easily what was a struggling staffing organiescape. So he just stands there and zation to one of the country’s fastest

of thoughts in our head. They are what we have experienced in the past, or past experiences of others.

sways back and forth, back and forth, growing minority owned and woman

VISION

not ever realizing that with a swift owned businesses. Visit Lane Staffing

Whereas as focus deals with what jerk of his powerful leg, he would be on the web at www.lanestaffing.com. you see in the present, vision deals free. The poor creature is conned. He

But, how do we rationally ignore with what you see in the future. what our experiences or the experi-

Carla Lane is President & CEO

What do you choose to focus on? switched to a flimsy rope and tied to of Lane Staffing, Inc., a comprehen-

Fear consists of a collection on earth, not in heaven. thoughts about the future, based upon

So I ask you, is FEAR making you

is chained by a lie. He is bound by

Consider the circus elephant. The a mistaken BELIEF system. The el-

ences of others, has taught us? The old elephant is one of the most powerful ephant’s FOCUS is only on the fact adage, “Experience is the best teach- creatures on earth. He can lift over a the he remains bound, and his limited er.” Couldn’t possibly be wrong, could ton with his trunk! These big mag- VISION will not allow him to see that it? Of course, you should learn from nificent animals are capable of lifting the EVENT has changed and he has july 20 - august 20 2009

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17.

Dorothy Flake, PhD.

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Beacon home health Fp color

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22.

the Legislative floor; every presiden- in a small business owner for over five

Health Care Reform

By Lora L. Mayes,RN Contributing Writer Everyone

knows

that

change

is difficult. Les Brown once said, “Those who resist change never profit from it!” Isn’t it amazing that Barack Obama ran his campaign and won a seemingly impossible race with the slogan, ”Yes We can” and “Change we can believe in?”

Recently, when it was time to make some of those changes in our Healthcares system, that same slogan didn’t seem to stir up the same excitement in me as it did during the campaign. Both those who know the Healthcare system is broken but profit from it and those that want to see that change comes are resisting. As a healthcare business owner and clini-

july 20 - august 20 2009

tial town home meeting and our State years I know without a doubt that the Organization will send out emails in mindset of the patient before profit is language we can understand after the the best one. Making those difficult debates are finished. Do we know we decisions have become second nature are broken? Yes we do but do we want and my staff know before they ask,

to change what we have become com- whatever the patient needs will be my cian, I would have to admit I am one fortable with? I would say the answer answer! of them resisting!

Since the election, the challenges would definitely be no. How will Now, don’t misunderstand me that change impact our bottom line if we face and our responsibility to take when I admit that fact because at Bea- those who we have elected to govern action have only gotten more urgent.

Medicare is running out of money. On con Home Health Agency, we believe us are able to get that bill passed?

November 4th, we voted overwhelmthat every patient regardless of race, Healthcare fraud is a reality in ingly for change and a new direction. color, national origin, sex, handi- our industry because the system is People like you and I let the world cap, age or financial status should be set up to reimburse the honest hard know we where ready to change the treated the same and we embrace the working American, not those who are way we think, act and run this great vision of a society in which there is out to make a quick buck. Does that country. Healthcare reform seems like genuine respect for the sacredness of change the fact we must prepare for a small piece of that change but the all human life. But when it comes to the Healthcare Reform that is com- reality is that if we do not change, we change in the system that financially ing our way because we are honest? will not profit in the long run. We supports the care we deliver we stop No we have to prepare like the rest of have to change the way we do business short of really truly wanting to see the industry. As a clinician first and and we have to ensure everyone gets that “Change we Can Believe in.” It then a business owner, shifting gears the care they deserve. I am willing to is not hard to understand why this when I need to make a financial de- do whatever it takes and know that in order to change our mindset, we have struggle between change and remain- cision verses a clinical one, I have to educate ourselves to the change. ing the same old way sets up shop in to keep the mindset that the patient Will it be difficult, yes but can we do our minds. We watch every bill on comes first before profit. After being it, I am confident we can!

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23.

T

o change your thinking ing to achieve their goals; the road has in order to achieve dif- been bumpy, but through it all they ferent

re-

sults, a very

important step is to create a vision for the end result that you want to achieve.

In order to change those deeply ingrained and habitual thought patterns that are keeping you hostage to the same old thing, it is absolutely essential to be very very clear about what you want. One of the best ways to set yourself up for clarity is to ask yourself several key questions that are very specific to your goals.

To create a vision think of where, what, and why ques- kept their dream and their focus and tions and write them down. Then their vision. write down your answers. Be very

Keeping that focus and vision

very specific. In other words, if for will open the doorway to change your instance, your goal is to find a home, thinking. As you keep that vision in be very detailed in your questions and your mind and negative discouraging answers as to what features this home thoughts try to creep in, you can turn should have. That same principle goes them off immediately by seeing your for anything that you want to achieve vision in your mind’s eye. You must

TMAC

Approaches Basketball Camp

or receive, whether it is a new rela- be vigilant; however, because those tionship, a new job, a career or any- habitual thoughts you have been harboring for years and years are an-

thing at all.

The important thing is to focus chored in your mind and are set off and to keep your focus. That principle by various events and circumstances. can be clearly seen by reading about or So you must be constantly on guard listening to the stories of well known to notice them when they occur and figures, such as athletes, politicians, immediately replace them with your musicians, or writers. They have all clear vision and thoughts that suphad a focused vision and were able to port your vision in order to keep your maintain it through adversity. Most of focus. these people have not had clear sail-

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24.

Wealth by Design and Mind

®

A Fresh Perspective

said than done.

In fact, most have perfected what I call “critiquing thinking”—looking for reasons something won’t succeed.

Wealth mindset thinkers are slow to reject an idea and instead ask questions to identify whether an idea has potential for success in their life. As a service provider, I must squelch “critiquing thinking” when meeting with clients to create a vision for their new space. It requires listening without judging.

Re-training your mind is a two-fold process of intentional planning and design and the development of your mind to think differently and positively. Three components are key to developing the Wealth by Design

By Tselane Shephard, LEED AP, and Mind ® perspective:

Solomon Genesis Group, Inc. Contributing Writer

1. Thoughts, Attitudes and Emotions 2. Decisions, Behaviors and Actions Most of us received no formal 3. Habits and Character training in developing a positive or wealth mindset. We didn’t learn it in I believe that if you do not master school; though we hear a lot about it. these fundamentals, it is extremely difAs I have found while building a com- ficult to develop a wealth mindset that mercial build-out and interior design supports your idea of joy, prosperity and consultant business, this can be easier success.

Thoughts, Attitudes and Emotions for clients’ new space in terms of design, Feed your mind positive thoughts and ideas by associating with optimistic and positive people. Focus ideas that condition your mind to develop a positive attitude. This new attitude will take root through diligent practice and conscious effort to quiet the old “critiquing thinking” mindset.

Control of thoughts, attitudes and emotions increases the chance for success. Work diligently to control thoughts and emotions. Successful people usually maintain self-control even in times of adversity and stress.

Decisions, Behaviors and Actions A positive attitude shines through our behaviors. Success does not happen by accident. It comes to those who prepare so that when the opportunity presents itself they have the experience, knowledge and background to take advantage of opportunities that align with your intended goal. I call this wealth by design and mind. It is intentioned and purposed action toward your success goal and new mindset.

I have to put the concept in practice in order to convey my ideas and vision

colors and furnishings.

Habits and Character Habits are what we do without thinking. Positive thoughts lead to new habits and a new wealth mindset. Habits affect our thinking and the character we develop. Most behaviors are consistent with thoughts and mindset. They serve as a mirror into how we view ourselves and the world around us. Habits drive the way we think, act and feel.

Without discipline, Ed Young Jr. suggests that “our talents can sometimes take us places our character cannot sustain us”. Good habits and the discipline to do what needs to be done create the foundation and readiness to capitalize on opportunities.

The bad news is, where you are now is the result of the thinking and decisions you’ve made thus far! The good news is there are resources to assist in retraining your mind and developing new success habits such as a mentor, books, CD’s, attending Wisdom 4 Wealth Works!™ seminars or even hiring a success coach. Your opportunity for change is now.

sour and bitter. They often downplay the flavor that we should all strive to themselves and are often discourag- be. Always searching for the opportuing to others as well. “How can you nity in each difficulty, realizing that tions and how you will handle certain do that?” “That will never happen,” “I their blessing lies behind the chalsituations. Who will you allow to steal don’t think you should……..” These lenges and that each obstacle in life is your joy, what job will you allow to are usually the sentences you will hear a course and depending on how they stress you or which disappointment expelled from a sour-flavored indi- run the course and pass the test, the will you allow to kick you down and vidual. take the little faith that you had left?

degree will be awarded in the end.

Then you have salty, or tangy, This person is not only positive for

These things simply cannot happen if maybe even bitter sweet. This indi- themselves, but spreading wisdom and you do not allow them to happen. Al- vidual tries to be positive, but as they words of encouragement that will be a lowing people, negative situations or straddle both sides of the fence they blessing to others. setbacks get the best of you is an op- usually end up talking themselves

Which flavor are you? What kind

tion and if you are not satisfied in any out of their own blessing by allow- of taste are you leaving in the mouths

By Tasha Bowen Contributing Writer

area of your life take a closer look at ing doubt to interfere. They have the of those around you? Begin to conyour mindset.

talents, personality, and resources to trol your thoughts,

Each person and their mindset make things happen for themselves, remain

positive,

Learning to take control of your can be compared to our taste buds, but for some reason they think things move forward and mindset, especially in a time such as sensory organs found on your tongue, are too good to be true or positive watch things bethis, is one of the most important which allow you to experience cer- things can happen for everyone else gin to work in techniques that you could acquire. tain tastes. Ask yourself are you sweet, but them, so they do not remain con- your favor!

You must first understand that your salty, sour and bitter? Those that are sistent and pursue what may be rightemotions contribute to your thoughts, always negative and look for the worst fully theirs. which ultimately determine your ac- in every situation can be described as july 20 - august 20 2009

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Finally, you have sweet or savory, ®

25.

Staying motivated is simple when you use these seven steps.

1 2

st

- Believe in yourself and decisions affects your ability to stay

like yourself.

motivated. So start making decisions.

nd - Set realistic, inspiration

5

and measurable goals that

th

- Identify a plan for

reaching your goals and develop action steps to suc-

challenge you. Give yourself cessfully carry out your plan. Stay in

a date to complete your goals. This action daily moving forward towards method gives you a way to tell when achieving your goal. Do something and if you achieve your goals.

every day to keep the momentum go-

3

ing. Think positive!

rd - Create a vision for your goals. Envision yourself as reaching each goal. What

will it look and feel like for you? For

6

th - Continue to learn. Read books, articles, listen to tapes or watch movies to build new

example, if your goal is to reduce your learning around your goal. New learnstress 50 percent by xx date, go to the ing brings you to insights which are Internet or look through a magazine very powerful. Insights will keep you for a picture of a person happily walk- energized, motivated and inspired. Ining down a path, smiling, enjoying sights provide you with a high similar life and having fun! Select an image to the feeling you get after an intense that reflects what you want to achieve work out. All those happy chemicalsand what it will look and feel like for adrenaline and serotonin are stimuyou. Place your image in a place where lated and rush to your brain filling it you will be sure to look at it daily- with excitement and motivation. You several times a day.

feel happy and energized. The key to

4

success and motivation is continuous

th - When you feel a bit off

learning and reaching new insights.

track, or overwhelmed take This is exhilarating plus its good exera few moments of solitude cise for your brain.

and focus on your goals. Recall your vision. Write out your goals again.

Writing is very powerful. It helps you clarify and embrace your goals. Re-

7

th

- Seek the support you

need. Rally family members and friends to support your

member what’s really important to cause. Identify resources that will you and why you want it.

help you reach your goal and achieve

The feeling of being overwhelmed success. Ask for support when you is caused by lack of decision. Sitting need it. Celebrate each accomplishin solitude think about any dilemma ment it is important to staying moyou may be facing-make a decision on tivated. Coaching is a proven and how to move forward. You will feel like powerful tool for helping people stay a fifty pound weight has just come off motivated and achieve the success your shoulders. You will physically let they are looking for. out a sigh of relief. Putting off making july 20 - august 20 2009

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26.

Mop’s Grill

Clinette Garces A new eatery specializing in downhome Southern seafood dishes has opened its doors in Missouri City. Mop’s Grille, located at 8871 Hwy 6 South #200, just outside of Sienna Plantation, began operating in September, a week before Hurricane Ike hit the Texas Gulf Coast.

Sugar Land resident, Clinette Garces, owner of the grill, named the restaurant after a nickname given her mother and offers menu items originated in her

july 20 - august 20 2009

own kitchen.

The eatery, described as “Home of the Mahi Mahi Burger” - made from Hawaiian dolphin fish - offers a wide range of Southern-style seafood dishes.

In addition to seafood selections, the grill serves everything from buffalo, turkey, chicken and veggie burgers to specialty pizzas, soups and salads and a range of homemade desserts.

Each menu item is named after a member of Garces’ family from Berma Jean’s Fried Catfish, a popular selection, to Big Chad’s Buffalo Burger to Uncle Boone’s Fish, Shrimp or Chicken Taco.

Thirty-eight-year-old Garces never planned on operating a food establishment and describes her decision to open the restaurant as “a step of faith.”

A member of Fountain of Praise Church in Houston, Garces said the idea came to her after attending a women’s empowerment conference called “Metamorphosis” at her church this past spring.

Juanita Bynum, one of the speakers, delivered what became a life-tranforming message for Garces on “Transformation.”

Shortly after the conference, the Sugar Land resident had a dream in which she was turning on lights in a

www.

large restaurant.

“I said, you know what, I am going to have to step out on faith,” Garces said of her response to the dream.

A former real estate agent for a major homebuilder, Garces said she had been praying for a change.

“I was in real estate, selling tons of homes and making lots of money, but I wasn’t happy, and wanted a change,” she said.

Garces, the first member of her family to own a business, said that God speaks to her frequently through her dreams.

“She is just special, she regularly has dreams and they come true,” Lonzy Cooper, a friend and cook at the restaurant said of Garces.

Seven months after the dream, Garces opened the doors of her establishment. Less than six months old, the restaurant has already attracted a number of regulars.

Robert Como, a resident of Teal Run, one of the regular patrons, stopped by the Grille on the recommendation of his barber, and called the catfish “better than the high-end restaurants.”

Como has become a fan of the restaurant’s catfish, turkey burger and sweet tea.

“Her food speaks for itself, once you taste it,” Como said. “Pop’s Turkey Burger - I could eat the bun all by itself.”

The Teal Run resident said he plans

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to try everything on the menu.

Cher Riles, a first-time customer, described the catfish burger as “phenomenal.”

“I pass by quite frequently and decided to come in,” Riles said of her visit.

“The dining experience has been very friendly and family-oriented.”

Open Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Fridays, 11 a.m. 9 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 9p.m., the 1,215 sq. ft. restaurant seats 30 to 40 people and offers a casual dining atmosphere with menu items priced from $8 to $16.

“Everything is homemade and made from fresh ingredients. We also use basa, a high quality catfish for a number of our seafood dishes,” Garces said.

A native of Bay City, Texas, Garces is already working on opening a second location near Hillcroft and the Beltway near her church.

Despite the economic downturn, the Sugar Land resident said she trusts in God and encourages others to not be afraid to follow their dreams.

“Whatever you are praying for, don’t give up and you have to trust God for what he is saying to you,” Garces said.

For more information, call 281-7786900 or visit www.MopsGrille.com.

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hold stands financially. Hopefully your spouse is forthcoming about financial matters, but if that is not the case, seek professional assistance from a forensic accountant to investigate potential hidden assets.

Split assets equitably. Divorce laws vary by state, but in general, the assets you gained during your marriage — even if they were earned through individual effort — must be divided equally. Be careful about accepting too much of your share of assets in a form that is costly or difficult to liquidate.

For example, a house may be worth a large sum, but if you have to live in it, you won’t have access to its value to pay for groceries unless you take out a home equity loan. Cash and stocks, on the other hand, provide a more immediate source of income. Therefore, if you own a house but foresee limited future income, you may be better off selling the house and splitting the proceeds, along with other assets you jointly share. Retirement accounts are also fair game in divorce settlements. If your spouse has a qualified retirement plan, your share of the assets can be transferred to another retirement plan through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).

Because there are special tax considerations involved, you should consult a

tax advisor or financial planner to avoid a tax bill you can’t afford.

Divide and conquer your debts. If you can, try to pay off and/or close joint accounts before entering divorce negotiations. Debts incurred during marriage will follow you, and if your former spouse fails to pay even after he or she has agreed to take on the responsibility, the debtor can go after you to resolve the debt. If you are concerned that your spouse will generate more debt before your divorce is finalized, contact your creditors in writing to let them know of your impending divorce and that you wish to close accounts and will not be responsible for debts incurred beyond the date of your communication.

Pay attention to taxes. Liquidation of real estate, stocks and mutual funds you receive through a divorce decree may result in taxable capital gains or losses. It may be particularly important to consider the rules around the exclusion of gain on the sale of your home.

Even alimony is taxed as ordinary income to the recipient and it is a tax deduction for the person paying alimony.

Before finalizing your divorce settlement, consult a tax advisor to determine your tax obligation. Like credit card debt, tax debt can also follow you after divorce, so pay close attention to your tax returns and resolve any tax liens to avoid trouble with the IRS. Determine alimony and child support. Alimony laws vary by state.

Where alimony applies, the primary

breadwinner may be required to provide the dependent spouse with support and maintenance payments. In addition, both parents are expected to contribute to the financial support of their children. It’s better to negotiate an amount that you both can live with than let the courts decide your fate. You may want to insure your alimony or child support in the event of death or disability of your spouse. If you do, make sure you are the owner or irrevocable beneficiary, or you could lose out if your ex decides to stop making payments or changes the beneficiary status.

Plan for your future. Once you have divided your assets, arrange to meet with a financial advisor to create a new financial plan that takes into account your individual hopes and dreams for the future. If you take these simple precautions to manage the financial side of a marital split, you will establish a stronger foundation on which to build a new life for yourself.

day are facing unemployment. Some of us wonder how the little money we make will pay the many bills we have coming in every month. Husbands and wives are divorcing. Children are growing up way too fast. Health is failing.

And yet, through all of this we must remain positive? How? Well, though it

may seem hard, it is possible.

We must get to the place where we learn to keep our minds focused on things that are good and pleasant, not the things that are bad and painful. While we can’t simply ignore these things, we can choose to put our ultimate focus on something else. We must not be consumed by issues and situations that they dominate our person. Instead of waking up worried about if today will be the day you get that “call” in the office, wake up and be thankful that today you have a job to go to. Instead of worrying about the bills you can’t pay, appreciate the fact that you have finances to pay the ones you can. Don’t focus on the failing/failed relationship; pray for God’s guidance and be willing

to travel the path that He leads you on.

I have come to understand that what we think about a certain thing, situation, or person will affect the way we react.

If our thoughts are negative, our actions will resemble that same mentality, and eventually our attitudes will take hold to that negativity.

Keeping a positive mindset is very beneficial. How much easier would our lives be if we looked at everything, even the negative things, in a positive way?

Actually, if we really think about it, the negative things serve to help us as well.

Trials and tribulations make us stronger and wiser. Making bad decisions cause us to make better ones. Failed relationships help us to value good ones. So in essence, even the bad works for our good. In the future instead of allowing negativity to creep in and take over your person, consume your mind, and effect your attitude, put a smile on your face and rest in the knowledge that “It’s all for your Good!

By Victor Walker, Contributing Writer Divorce is difficult, both emotionally and financially. As you navigate the challenging territory of divorce proceedings, it’s important to protect your financial interests. You can save yourself time, money and additional strife down the road by being proactive and informed and doing your best to arrive at a fair settlement the first time around.

Get a handle on your finances. If you are preparing to divorce, you need a solid understanding of your financial situation. If you haven’t been in charge of the checkbook or other financial matters, you will have your work cut out for you to determine where your house-

“For Your Good”

By Chanell M. Strauss Contributing Writer

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ith so many things going wrong in our world today, keeping a positive mindset could be quite a challenge. Some people wake up one day employed and the next july 20 - august 20 2009

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Victor Walker, CPA,JD Wealth Management Advisor Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 713-260-1358-O http://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/ Victor.D.Walker Available for speaking engagements and workshops.

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No Kidding:

15 Ways Teens and College Students Can Make Money This Summer by, Sally A. Jozwiak sally.jozwiak@hotmail.com

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eens and college students are hearing that seasonal employment opportunities are hard to find. Given that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on June 5 reported that the national unemployment rate reached a 25-year high of 9.4 percent in May 2009, young people in particular may find themselves discouraged and wondering if they should even spend time and energy looking for summer work. Both parents and kids might allow themselves to believe that Summer 2009 holds no possibility of earning money.

So, really, are there no summer jobs out there? Is there really no way to earn extra money this summer? Or is that just a conversation we’re allowing ourselves to have our heads?

Get rid of the excuses. Consider these creative and entrepreneurial approaches to summer work:

1. Tutor: Studies have shown that children lose knowledge over the summer requiring teachers to review the work in the Fall. In the Houston area, students might be even further behind due to interrupted classes from Hurricane Ike, spring flooding and Swine flu. If a child is strong in a subject, he or she could market tutoring services around the neighborhood.

2. Teach music lessons: Is your child the next rock star? A piano prodigy?

Offer music lessons.

3. Create custom artwork or teach art classes: Maybe your budding Picasso is great with oils or watercolors and has a gift for portraits or still life scenes.

Whip up a flyer and offer to paint the neighbor’s children or pets, house or subject of their choice. Consider selling artwork your teen has already created for school or other projects or offer to teach an art class at the neighborhood community center or local church hall.

4. Love pets for money? Offer pet sitting, dog walking or even waste clean up. Yes, waste clean up.

5. Wash cars: Everyone likes a clean car. Offer to come to a neighbor’s house to clean his or her vehicle(s). Include july 20 - august 20 2009

pricing for detailing services as well.

6. Provide simple yard and landscaping services: Clean up flower beds and replace mulch. Trim bushes. Sweep patios. Clean pools.

7. Teach language lessons: There are plenty of adults who would like to learn a second language or brush up on their skills. If you are fluent in a language, offer to tutor someone.

8. Coach sports: Encourage your young adult to apply the strong skills he or she has and offer sports skills sessions. Keep classes small (4-5 kids) and offer several classes during the day, early evening or on Saturday morning.

Hold one or more classes per week for four consecutive weeks or over four consecutive days. Caveat: Speak to a lawyer about liabilities. Any activity like this includes the risk of injury. Parents should ensure that they and their child will not be responsible should an injury occur to a child participating in the classes.

9. Wash windows: This is a busy task homeowners rarely have time to do or want to do. Homeowners will love looking out of clean windows. Consider only one-story homes. Leave the two-story homes to the pros.

10. Bake: Make some money from your baking skills. Think lemonade stand concept. Whip up some muffins, banana breads, or coffee cake and add some fresh fruit. Set up your stand early each weekday morning in your neighborhood and sell your baked items to folks headed to work or summer school. Be sure to secure appropriate health permits.

11. Shoot photos: Offer to take pictures at summer parties, birthdays, weddings and special events. Offer digital and print options.

12. Teach dance or cheerleading classes: Just as in #8, use your skills to offer dance classes. Create a routine that your class can perform for the neighborhood. Sell tickets to the performance, too. Take note of the caveat in #8 as well.

13. Facebook support: Help other students or local businesses create and www.

promote Facebook pages.

14. Shop for others as a Personal Assistant/Shopper: If your child likes to spend money, this is right up his or her alley. Offer to run errands (dry cleaning, going to the Post Office) or go grocery shopping.

15. Twitter: As with #13, if you’ve mastered Twitter, offer your tweet services to local businesses.

Although this is not an exhaustive list of money-making options, these suggestions will serve as a thought start-

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er to propel young people to realize that they can get motivated and earn some cash. If a parent or adult sponsor fronts “seed money” to set their youngster up in a summer business, make it clear that he or she will need to repay those startup costs from their earnings.

Reminder: consult with a tax professional to ensure youngsters fulfill all requirements for tracking and reporting income to the Internal Revenue Service.

Now go on out and let people know what you’re up to.

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Improve

At the TOP

productivity by changing your mindset

There are many methods and tools for productivity, but first and foremost, it requires a change of mindset. Without having the right mindset, even the best methods and tools will only give you modest results. On the other hand, having the right mindset gives you strong foundation for the productivity techniques and methods to run smoothly.

So how can you improve your productivity by changing your mindset?

That’s why the key is to “love what you do” and not “do what you love”. You should learn to love whatever tasks you come across, whether or not you naturally like it.

Replace your negative self-talk with positive one

It all begins with our mind. We love something because we have positive self-talk about it and we don’t like something because we have negaDiedria B. Joseph tive self-talk about it. For instance, for Love what you do something we love we may say somen 1995, Diedria B. Joseph Do your tasks with love. If you thing like: established Topp Knotch have this mindset, you will no longer Personnel, Inc. as a premier, feel the tasks as chore. Instead they will • I love it. high-caliber contract and dibe something you happily do. They • It’s exciting. rect hire staffing agency. As a • I can’t wait to do it. will be fun. woman and minority small business To see the power of this principle, On the other hand, for something just take a moment to look at your life. we don’t like we may say something like: owner, Joseph has led Topp Knotch Personnel as the President/CEO with Can you recall doing something you • It’s boring offices in Texas, Louisiana, and Florlove? How did it feel? Next, can you • It’s difficult ida. Over the last 14 years, TKP has recall doing something you don’t like?

• I wish I don’t have to do this. acquired various governmental and How was the feeling compared to doCan you see the difference? To re- commercial contracts with a cumulaing something you love? You probably place negative self-talk, with positive tive $50M in revenues. With several notice significant difference between them. For the thing you love, you ef- one, here are some things you should do: thousand employees and placements fortlessly do it. You do it with enthusi- Find something positive about throughout the country, Topp Knotch Personnel has excelled as a global staffasm and excitement. Results will natu- the task rally follow. On the other hand, doing If you want to have positive self- ing resource that is “small enough to the thing you don’t like is a struggle. talk about a task, you should have care, large enough to deliver.”

After years of successfully operYou must drag yourself to do it and something positive to begin with. you suffer along the way. It’s difficult to While we may naturally look at the bad ating her business in New Orleans, achieve maximum productivity in such side of things we don’t like, we should Joseph became passionate about excondition. take the effort to find something posi- tending her reach. She expanded and Perhaps you notice that I wrote tive. What can you get from the task? established offices in Houston, Jack“love what you do” and not “do what What reward will you receive? The re- sonville, and Conroe, TX. “Only those who will risk going you love.” Why? Because the former ward might not be immediate. It could too far can possibly find out how far is proactive while the latter is not. You be far in the future, but I’m sure you one can go,” claims Joseph, who was can’t always choose to do things you can get something from it. For inwilling to take a chance to grow her naturally like. There will be times when stance, the task may teach you the traits business. She also extended her comyou must do something you don’t like. of patience and persistence which will pany offerings; not only specializing If the mantra is “do what you love”, be useful in the future. in contract and direct hire, but also then your performance will be depenexpanding into drug and background dent on the kind of tasks you have. Watch your self-talk Our self-talk may run automati- check services, on-site management, You will perform well when you do the tasks you like and you will perform cally that we barely notice. But, if you vendor management, purchasing & badly otherwise. This, however, isn’t take closer look, you will recognize the procurement, and payroll services. true productivity. To be truly produc- kind of self-talk you have. So don’t just With expanded staffing services, Topp tive, your performance must be consis- do things on autopilot. Watch your Knotch Personnel shattered the mold tently good. No matter what kinds of thoughts and identify the kind of self- of a basic “temporary agency” by betasks you have, you must perform well. talk you have. coming a one-stop source for every

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Human Resource need.

This spring, Joseph received her CTS (Certified Temporary Staffing Professional) certification from the National Association of Personnel Services. This distinction displays her commitment to and understanding of the staffing, recruiting, and retention of skilled individuals in the staffing industry. In addition to her certifications in the staffing industry, Joseph has also participated in various management programs throughout the country, such as IMB Executive Management Training, Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, University of California Anderson School of Management, and TUCKS School of Management. She is a graduate of Tulane University and the Clark Atlanta Executive Business Program.

Prior to establishing Topp Knotch Personnel, Joseph worked as a council assistant to the Jefferson Parish Council in Louisiana. While working with the Council, Joseph focused on serving the residents in a minority district through preparing and conducting meetings regarding drainage, sewerage, roads and overall improvements for the constituents. She has translated this community oriented mindset to the daily operations at Topp Knotch Personnel. Joseph also gained experience while working as an accounting staff member at the Brook, Morial, Cassibry, Friache & Pizza Law Firm.

“The secret of success is to do the common things uncommonly well,” Joseph claims concerning her successful staffing agency. She has taken this “topp knotch” approach to every aspect of her life. On a personal note, she has a loving husband and two affectionate dogs Dadie and Dazey. Joseph is an avid motorcycle enthusiast and is currently enriching her bilingual skills by speaking Spanish.

For more information about Diedria B. Joseph and Topp Knotch Personnel, please visit www.toppknotchpersonnel.com or call 1-866706-8677.

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oday, diabetes is one of the most serious health challenges facing more than 30 million African Americans.

Blacks have higher rates of diabetes at all adult age levels, and among those 65 to 74 years of age, one in four has diabetes. Among black women diabetes can almost be termed epidemic: One in four black women older than 55 has diabetes--double the rate in white women. Fortunately, there are natural supplements that will help balance your blood sugar levels.

One of the body’s most vital balancing acts is how it regulates blood sugar. Every time you eat your body

works to allocate energy efficiently.

The goal is to ensure your body’s natural balance among organs, tissues, and multilayered systems. It is this very critical balance that determines whether you feel hungry, full, energetic, tired, or even whether you will gain or lose weight. And aside from these physiological effects, your blood chemistry ultimately impacts how you feel psychological, as so much of our moods and well-being depend on hunger and energy levels.

Health Shack Medical Equipment & Supply Inc provides its customers with one of the most effective supplements available on the market that supports healthy blood sugar levels naturally; Roex Optima 100. Optima 100 delivers the best ingredients to support your body’s natural metabolism of sugar. Its herbal blend with select vitamins

and minerals, such as vitamins b1, biotin, and pantothetic acid, has been specially crafted based on the latest research and well-documented benefits. Visit us today to receive your 10% discount and free samples of our products.

At Health Shack Medical Equipment & Supply Inc, our goal is to better the lives of our clients with high quality vitamins, supplements and medical supplies such as blood glucose monitors, orthopedic products, nebulizers, CPAP machines, power wheelchairs and more.

The President/CEO Willie N. Long and Director Janice Courtney is a son and mother team dedicated to treating all of our customers with dignity and respect while striving to

exceed our customers’ expectations every day. As members of the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau, Health Shack Medical Equipment & Supply Inc. strives to naturally help you with your health problems such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, weight problems, arthritis, and high cholesterol.

hard. I couldn’t disagree more. The world is full of smart, talented people that cannot figure out why less gifted individuals are getting all the shine.

The reason is simple: Hard work will always beat talent, when talent fails to work hard. You must work harder and smarter to apply your strengths without cutting corners. This is because people that take shortcuts will eventually get cut short of their dreams.

Keith J. Davis Jr. is a close friend of mine, and most recently, my mentor.

He is an advocate of what it means to work hard in order to reach to his goals at an early age. Being young, he found that to be taken seriously, he was going to have to work hard to prove himself as true businessman. While others his age were more concerned with the latest video games, he was concerned with his next business deal. He recently started K. Jerrold Enterprises, Inc and released his new book entitled Young, So What?

10 steps to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He has made a name for himself and put himself in the same arena as more experienced wiser businessmen.

How did he do this? All his accomplishments are the results of hard work.

I, too, am an aspiring entrepreneur who is working hard to make a name for myself. In a competitive business world, I must prove every day that I have something to bring to the table. I have dreams of owning my own business one day, and I know that rigorous

work is ahead of me. My determination is what drives me to excel and beat out the competition.

If you plan on reaching your goals, you must already have it in your mindset that work is going to be needed. The bigger your dream is, the more work it’s going to take to reach it. The more

work you put into reaching your goals, the more satisfied you will feel once you reach them. If you combine your talents with good work-ethic you will surely be unstoppable. Remember that hard work is the yeast that raises the “dough.”

Please visit www.keithjdavisjr.com for more information on Young? So What?

Hard Work Is the Yeast That Raises the “Dough”

By Josue Alvarado Contributing Writer Throughout my life, I have witnessed firsthand what it means to struggle and fight for a goal. This same struggle raises the value of any goal, and makes conquering my goals even more satisfying. I have been blessed enough to go through humbling experiences that taught me the meaning of good work-ethic and discipline. Procrastination and laziness have become an epidemic for our youth today. Most kids have dreams of success, yet the majority of them don’t know the importance of getting off the couch and working hard to turning their dreams into a reality.

This issue is about changing your mindset, so I want to stress the importance of having a more productive mindset that can be applied through hard work.

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How Sweet it is…

ways to change your mindset and build self-esteem

Imperial CEO gives back to the community

John Sheptor & Keith Davis, Jr. As the President and CEO of a million-dollar company, most people wouldn’t think that John Sheptor, 50, has time to reach back and mentor young people. But the Sugar Land executive makes time to do something that is “near and dear” to his heart.

“I come from a hard-working family,” Sheptor said. “And so I know the meaning of going after what you want and working hard to get it. I never forgot that, so I try to reach back and help instill that in young people today.”

Sheptor was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Imperial Sugar in Sugar Land, Texas in January 2008. He originally joined the Company as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in February 2007.

Sheptor is responsible for all operations and supply chain logistics, commodities management as well as sales, marketing, and customer service that supports Imperial’s evolving go-to-market strategies.

His love of business actually developed as a young child.

“I loved sports. That’s the only thing that interested me,” recalls Sheptor. “But I started selling lemonade when I was a kid and seeing the nickels dropping into the jar got my attention.”

From lemonade Sheptor moved up to mowing lawns, then a newspaper route. It wasn’t long before he started having dreams of running his own corporation.

A mentor of many young people, including Keith Davis, Jr (son of Mr. DMARS), Sheptor makes a point of july 20 - august 20 2009

helping young people arm themselves with the tools to be successful in the business world. And Sheptor was even behind Imperial Sugar’s sponsorship of Lemonade day, an event coordinated by Prepared 4 Life, a nonprofit organization that oversees after-school programs in seven inner-city Houston middle schools, and which teaches youths the business angles behind the art of squeezing lemons into profits.

Sheptor says giving back helps to keep the concept of the family business alive.

“The core strength of our economy has always been with entrepreneurs, but today, with mega-mergers and globalization, family-owned businesses don’t have the same prominence,” Sheptor says, adding that he hopes young people can learn from his wealth of experience.

And there’s definitely a lot to learn from. Sheptor brings an extensive background in operational management as well as strong experience in the sweetener industry. He was Executive Vice President of Merisant Worldwide, Inc., the distributor of Equal® from 2001 to 2004 where he led all global operations, including manufacturing, R&D and Information Technologies. Prior to that position, he held supply chain and manufacturing positions for Monsanto Company with a substantial international focus. Most recently, he was chief operating officer for the Partnership for Supply Chain Management, a NGO funded by the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief and focused on improving health care and pharmaceutical management in the developing world.

He received a B.S. degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a M.B.A. degree from Tulane University.

Imperial Sugar Company is one of the largest processors and marketers of refined sugar in the United States to food manufacturers, retail grocers and foodservice distributors. With packaging and refining facilities across the U.S., the Company markets products nationally under the Imperial®, Dixie Crystals® and Holly® brands. For more information about Imperial Sugar, visit www.imperialsugar.com. www.

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veryone has that one friend who makes new friends by just marching right up to folks at a party and starting a lively conversation. Or like my neighbor who’s always trying something new yoga, skydiving, mountain biking, community theater, just to name a few.

Well, new adventures require self-take confidence and that’s built one thought at a time. The trick is to tame your brain critic by limiting his airtime and playing positive tapes in your head instead. Here are a few ways to get your mind to behave so that you can take on new adventures in life with confidence.

ple, if you catch yourself saying, “Everyone’s in a rotten mood today!” (a complaint), turn it into the question, “What can I do to lighten things up?”

Watch your language, especially when you talk to yourself.

The ability to take risks is built on how you rebound from mistakes. The next time you trip up, notice what you say.

Do you pummel yourself with insults: “Idiot! Jerk! Why do you always do that?” Stop right in the middle of your verbal self-abuse and pretend that you are talking to a good friend who had just made the same mistake. You’d say something like, “Hey, you did the best you could. Now, pick yourself up and try again. There is no shame in failing...only if you fail to try.”

You want more recognition, but you’re afraid to stick your neck out.

Play by your The next time a self-limiting thought own rules. like, I’ll never be able to...pops into your head, turn it into a strategy statement. Instead of, I’ll never get promoted, try: I’ll probably get promoted if I take the lead on that new project and succeed. (Or some other sensible strategy).

The next time you want to do something new, but your inner critic says you shouldn’t, push back with the question, why not? If the answer is, “It’s not polite,” or “What will people think,” or “ I’ll look like a fool,” you’re playing by someone else’s rules.

Rotten luck got you Stop shouldering on stuck? Learn to turn yourself, and go with every complaint (yours your gut. or anyone else’s) into a Follow the urge to swim in the deep question. end now and then. What’s the worst Complaints are statements of defeat and come across as whining. Questions, on the other hand, put the power back in your hands by sending you in search for a solution. For exam-

that can happen? You’re not perfect?

Join the rest of the world. And the best outcome? You took a risk and survived and are better because of it.

Let us Promote your Business, Your Event, or You! Advertise today in D-MARS Business Journal

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Join the D-MARS.COM Community Partners Program to receive one Full COLOR ad in the Community Partners

section and receive

**The 2 E-Blasts sent to the d-mars.com database will consist of the entire Community Partners section for that month**

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