d-mars.com Business Journal 35

november 2009

35

Inspire, Inform & Educate

Teach one, reach one

Edition

Pleshette Johns & John Wiggins, III Power Ignite

Craig A. Garrett

Dr. Romea Mitchell Global Eye

Paige Cawthon Madkin-Gray Academy

5Linx

The veternan, award-winning CBS News Correspondent Byron Pitts, contributing correspondent for 60 Minutes

“Education: a debt due from present to future generations”

Byron Pitts & MR. D-MARS

George Peabody

(left to right) Robin Turner-Mullins, Dr. Deavra A. Daughtry, MR. D-MARS, Dr. Jonita Reynolds & Sharon Phillips

Madeline Kirksey Madeline Kirksey

Everett “DOC” Nelson, William B., Jr., Charlotte Geter, Cedric H., Sr. Rick Nelson & Evony Nelson Tammy Howard & Patricia Davis Elite Action Sports Mpact (New Heart Church)

See Pg. 5

Chef Ford Ford Culinary Ball

Erica King Beauty Fanatics, LLC

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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 Joi Terez Coleman EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Heather Haukaas 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 Charlotte Geter Charlotte Jackson Wykesha Hayes Kelli Smith Carla Lane Christina Robinson Grochett Noel Pinnock Diedria Joseph Johnny R. Davis, Jr. Veronica Douglas D. D.L. Jones Willie Long III Richard Saldan Brandon Rasch Susan Liddy Wendy Richard

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Some people may think that I do what I do for the sheer joy of running a business, or leaving a legacy for my son, or just as an avenue to make money. And while all of those things play a role, the biggest reason for me being an entrepreneur – and perhaps what gives me the greatest joy – is being able to reach one and teach one. I believe that if God has blessed you with a particular talent, you have a responsibility, no a duty, to reach out and teach someone else.

That’s why this issue is themed Teach One, Reach One. I believe in the power of mentoring and our contributing writers have penned excellent articles that I hope will inspire and motivate you to reach back and take someone else along for the ride. You’ll find excellent articles on how to find a Mentor, steps for Career Strategies, Motivating Yourself, plus much, much more.

Of course, we also have stories to boost your business - everything from making your business shine to surviving in tough times. There’s something in this issue for everyone!

As always, I have to ask that you support the advertisers in this, and all the D-Mars Business Journals. Because of their support, as well as yours, we’re able to continue to bring you a quality paper that will inspire, educate and entertain!

CONTENTS Women striving to reach one and teach one...............................................3 One on One with Byron Pitts……………………………...........………….….4 Making an Mpact in the Community………………………………......…….11 What you need to know about influenza this season…………............…..12 Eye to Eye…………………………………………...................…..…….……13 4 Steps to Getting Motivated………………………………..………………..14 Ask Carla Lane…………………………………………………..………..……15 Work Collaboratively not Competitively……………………….....……..…..16 Mentoring Relationships = Career Success………………..……...………..17 Teach One, Reach One: The Call to Progress!...........................................17 Food for Thought…………………………………………………………….…18 Inspirational Speaker, Author and Entrepreneur Madeline Kirksey…........23 Making you Fanatically Beautiful……………………………………….….…24 Life: A Succession of Lesson………………………………………………….24 A Nation of Children At-Reach………………………………………………...25 Financial Freedom – Starting Point…………………………………….….….26 Find a Mentor, Be a Mentor…………………………………………………....27 Following Instructions…Common Sense or a Waste of Time?..................27 Five Steps to Career Satisfaction…………………………………………..…28 Challenging Children with Christian Values………………………………….30 5linx Houston’s link to Wealth and Success………………………………....37 Texas High School Jamboree – Houston, Texas – November 27-28…......37

MR. D-MARS D-MARS.com Business Journal Tip of the Month “Education: a debt due from present to future generations.”

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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.

Women Striving to

Reach One and Teach One

The phrase “Each one, teach one” originated in the U.S. during slavery, when Africans and African Americans were denied education, including the ability to learn to read. Many, if not most slaves were kept in a state of ignorance about anything beyond their immediate circumstances, which were under control of owners, the lawmakers and the authorities. Denying education was one of the methods used to keep them docile and instill and maintain the belief that they were inferior and unworthy of a life beyond subservience, labor and harsh treatment.

The right to an education and the possibility of learning were unachievable goals for many people, but slaves, free blacks and white sympathizers understood its value. Some of these people, despite the possibility of physical punishment, and for people of color, the continued assault on their psychological well-being, were brave enough to risk themselves in an effort to teach others. When a slave learned or was taught to read, it became their duty to teach someone else....hence, Each one, teach one. It became a saying that still resonates in the African American community, and underlies many community driven charitable, educational and volunteer programs.

No one knows the motto of “Each one, Teach one” better than Dr. Jonita Reynolds. As the Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA), a Community Action Agency that is directly involved in fighting the war on poverty, her tasks are forever challenging and evolving.

“If not GCCSA, then who will advocate for the poor?” Reynolds said.

“Who will be responsible for mobilizing November 2009

resources to assist low-income people?

Who will serve as the catalyst by helping people help themselves? Who will promote institutional change? Who will coordinate services and fill gaps left between other service providers? I am very sober in my awareness of GCCSA’s purpose for existing, which is to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income families to become fully self-sufficient.”

Reynolds says not only does she feel accountable for those less fortunate but she gets personal fulfillment in helping others.

“Daily, I awaken with the personal and professional responsibility of ensuring that GCCSA is accountable to be the Broker that it was commissioned to be over 40 years ago. Thus, the challenge that my team and I face is that we must be the “picker-upper” of pieces when the un-served and underserved frames of reference have been shattered,” she said.

In spite of limited funding, and resources, GCCSA’s charge is unwavering: we must provide a quality structure of social, educational, and economic resources to the individuals whom they service.

“I am undeniably satisfied when clients leave GCCSA empowered as homeowners, degreed, business owners, and gainfully employed,” she said. “I often jokingly say it takes a village to be the CEO of the largest Community Action Agency (CAA) in the state of Texas, but there is a great deal of truth that resonates within that statement. As an issue-advocate, it is imperative that I educate individuals, organizations, and public officials to ensure that the needs of the low-income community are effectively addressed and continue to remain a high priority. As a change agent, www.

I work actively to build a coalition of consciousness, and I seize any and every opportunity I can to give back to others for I fervently believe, ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ Success in my field will occur only when the war on poverty is won, and only when communities become self-sufficient; until then, I will continue to TEACH-ONE REACH-ONE. In doing so, we must network, coordinate, and colLABORate with other key stakeholders in order to leverage relationships and resources.”

It’s a philosophy shared by Dr. Deavra A. Daughtry, who believes if “you employ more; you empower more, than you teach more.” She does exactly that by employing 526 people with a goal to continue to increase employment. Dr. Daughtry founded The Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation (TWEF) in May 2002. Her vision was to create an organization that would be a resource to families by providing them with the tools needed to achieve and maintain a sense of empowerment, while being inspired to reach their personal and professional goals.

And like minds tend to gravitate toward one another. That’s why it’s no surprise that Deavra is friends with Sharon Phillips.

“Everyone should have a mission, vision, passion and purpose for making a difference in the lives of others,” Phillips said. “My overall goal in life is to impact others though my belief in God, being a great mentor, spokesperson and volunteer within all communities. When you give of yourself to others, your reward will be greater than anything Man’s award can ever offer or give.”

As a community leader Phillips

has laid a foundation by helping others.

“At the end of the day, your destiny starts and ends with what you do in your lifetime to make a difference in the lives of others,” she said.

Like the others, Robin TurnerMullins always understood the importance of education and certification but she did not always agree with the length of time or cost it took to reach those goals. Instead of complaining about that process, she did something about it, creating Tech Review Training, Inc., a Non-Profit Corporation formed for exclusively charitable and educational purposes. Specifically, Tech Review Training, Inc. provides the necessary education and study courses for lowincome individuals, either free or on a sliding scale so that they will be prepared to take such state mandated tests that will qualify them to work in various medical related fields.

“Typically, the individuals hoping to enter these fields have not attended college (although they must have completed high school or obtained a GED), and they have had difficulty in saving enough money to be able to afford the technician course sponsored by any of the for-profit companies or colleges,” she said.

While it is not mandatory that an individual receives formal education in order to take the exam to become a pharmacy technician in Texas, it is generally highly recommended by the industry employers.

“If an individual decides to receive the education, the opportunities opened to the individual are much higher than if that individual decided to simply undergo on the job training. Those who have certification, and degrees in being a pharmacy technician, are more likely to increase one’s job prospective, more likely to go on to be a pharmacist and they are more likely to be promoted to manager position,” she added.

For more information about Tech Review Training call 713.643.3500 or visit 5330 Griggs Rd. Suite D-102-72, Houston, TX. 77021.

Make sure you and your friends teach someone.

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Pitts says faith played a role in his where I’ve come from.” life, from childhood, to college and And he’s hoping by sharing his stothroughout his 15-year process of local ry, he can reach one and teach one. television reporting before ascending to “Thirty million people in this counthe national spotlight, where he’s gain- try are functionally illiterate,” he says. ing prominence as a 60 Minutes con- “It’s a pain and a shame I know well. I tributor. He’s expected to become only thought it was a story worth telling.” the second AfricanAmerican full-time correspondent at “60” in The veteran, award-winning CBS News Correspondent Byron Pitts has 60 Minutes Correspondent its 42-year history. Ed been named a contributing correspondent to 60 Minutes Bradley, who worked with the Newsmagazine show for 26 years, died in 2006 from leukemia.

“For me, the goal at CBS News has always been to get to ‘60 Minutes,’” says Pitts, 48, “It’s the reason I came here. It’s the reason I stayed here.”

When Pitt’s looks at his journey from functionally illiterate to a top correspondent, he can’t help feel blessed.

“People’s jaws drop Byron Pitts & when I tell them,” says MR. D-MARS the East Baltimore naHow Faith and Family Helped Me tive. “Most people know Conquer Life’s Challenges atching him report Pitts says all around him, people stepped me for where I am, not the news on CBS, up to the plate to care for him – when you’d never know oftentimes, many of them were armed that journalist By- with nothing more than their faith, ron Pitts was once functionally illiterate “My mother says that those teachwith a stuttering problem. It’s enough to ers and school administrators probably make even the strongest of individuals still remember her in Baltimore because resign themselves to a lifetime of strug- she was relentless with her phone calls gle, but not the veteran newsman. and personal visits,” Pitts said, “and reAs chief national correspondent member she was an African-American for CBS News and a contributor to the woman, oftentimes dealing with an gold standard of television news maga- infrastructure that was overwhelmingly zines, “60 Minutes,” Pitts has proven white and male.” that adversity is just an obstacle to be His stuttering problem led to low overcome. self-esteem.

The Emmy-Award winner’s re“It saddens me still to remember markable journey is now chronicled in how sad and frightened I often was as his book Step Out on Nothing: How a child,” Pitts said. “I was taught to put Faith and Family Help Me Conquer on a good face and not to complain, but Life’s Challenges. inside I so often felt inadequate. And At twelve, Pitts’ parents separated inadequacy is a fear all its own. While and he lived with his mother Clarice in some people labeled me slow or stupid, Baltimore. one adult used to call me a bum, hon“When all around her said, ‘Give estly, a bum. Feeling that I didn’t belong up on your child,’ she kept believ- often left me discouraged. It fell to my ing,” Pitts recalled. “I’m sure she often mother, brother and sister most often doubted herself, but she never doubted to fight for that little boy. I wish now I God. She didn’t simply settle at provid- could go back in time and fight for him, ing a roof over my head, food on the too. That saddens me. It saddens me to table and a chance at an education. She know there are thousands of children dreamed of more for her children and today who feel that same level of fear pushed to make that happen.” and despair and, too many, experience But Clarice wasn’t the only one who far worse. If they only had just one adult stepped out on faith to raise her son. in their life as I had.”

Stepping out on Faith

BYRON PITTS

STEP OUT ON NOTHING

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Making an Mpact in the Community

By Charlotte Geter, Contributing Writer

es, which includes, but not limited to: • Community Development, • Self Improvement seminars, • Computer Training, • Leadership development skills, • Internships, • Administration Skills, • College planning, • Volunteer opportunities, • Money Management training and much more

Left to Right William Baker, Jr., Charlotte Geter, Cedric Howard, Sr. Tammy Howard & Patricia Davis These are the facts: Houston has the 5th highest dropout rate among the nations 50 largest cities; Drop outs earn 30% less than high school graduates; two thirds of Texas inmates are high school drop outs; teens that drop out are more likely to live in poverty.

(US Census Bureau 2008) These growing statistics keenly concerned Cedric E. Howard, Sr. .Enter the Birth of The Mpact Project! At Mpact we aspire to provide training, resources and services to individuals residing in socio-economically disadvantaged communities. Our goal is to empower at risk communities by ultimately impacting the lives of individuals for change, by targeting the root of their problems.

The Vision of Mpact is to provide financial aid assistance, concrete foundational counseling, and enlightening educational training to those seeking positive change in their lives.

Through Mpact, at risk underserved communities receive job training within an intergenerational environment. In this setting, students, parents, community members and families will work together. Mpact is dedicated to rebuilding these destitute communities. We will achieve success by focusing on the individual as a whole, changing their mindset and by challenging them to achieve greatness from within. Mpact is devoted to educating at risk communities by imNovember 2009

plementing training programs, which allows them to begin the path of transitioning their lives. Individuals are falling by the wayside because they lack the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in today’s society. For instance, statistics show that children dwelling poverty stricken communities are the most at risk of dropping out of school.

Mpact will continuously rebuild community related values. Single parents are progressively becoming a growing statistic in these areas as well.

For this reason, Mpact will provide hands on and on the job training.

Mpact has developed a list of commitments from guest speakers and trainers who are willing to donate their time to share valuable career information about their professions, and the opportunities available within those industries. Through this environment our clients will have the ability to identify specific traditional and non traditional employment openings, which in turn may provide career opportunities. In other cases, Mpact will afford entrepreneurial minded individuals the chance to work together with business owners, focusing on developing their specific skills and abilities, leading to the opportunity of becoming self employed.

Mpact believes in our community, our children, their parents and the limitless success’ in their future. We are committed providing an array of servicwww.

As we focus on the family, Mpact will always promote family assistance programs within the community, such as domestic violence education and awareness seminars, school supplies assistance, Feed the Community and Holiday give a-ways just to name a few.

The Mpact Project recently hosted its 1st Annual Screening and Cleaning Health Care Awareness Fair. This community event provided services such as health screenings for cholesterol, glucose and hypertension (high blood pressure); free dental screenings and cleanings, as well as visual screenings were provided as well for conditions such as glaucoma. To assist individuals needing medical insurance, we provided information and forms

for Medicaid and CHIP’s registration.

Other healthcare information was also available to everyone attending.

Mpact will successfully build the self esteem, self concept and complete self awareness in each individual participating in the program.

At Mpact, we recognize that all individuals have talents and treasures within them. Yet in our lower income areas, these talents are more likely to be untapped or under-developed.

Mpact will tap into and develop these skills. We will provide an outlet, a conduit to allow their creativity to flow! To rebuild a community, individuals must feel validated, they have to know and feel that WE truly care and believe in their ability to be successful. Mpact is dedicated to supporting our at risk communities in their future endeavors, and assuring they will not become negative statistics in society. We believe in giving back to our community, which in turn builds family unity, friendships, and prosperous futures.

For more information about The Mpact Project Contact:

Patricia Davis, Director of Programs ppatreg@yahoo.com

Charlotte Geter, Director of Marketing clovegeter@yahoo.com

Let Mpact be your door, exit your limitations and enter your possibilities!

T

he Mpact Project is a vehi-

finances needed to move her family

cle which will help those in

from the apartments to a home. My

need of an “exit”, by restor-

mother was a single parent, so hav-

ing hope to the minds of individuals

ing this opportunity to acquire the

who are seeking to better their lives.

training and support she needed to

I myself grew up in a single parent

care for her family gave her indepen-

household. We resided in the 5th

dence, a door, an exit out of what

ward Coke Apartments complex, lo-

was holding her back: Priceless”

cated in Northeast Houston. While living there, my mother benefited from a program like this, which gave her the necessary training and skills

Tammy Howard, President and CEO The Mpact Project

needed to obtain gainful employment. This in turn afforded her the

11.

What you need to know about influenza

this season

• Vomiting • Diarrhea

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

How can I know for certain if I have the flu this season?

Dr. Olufunke Odetunde, Family Practice With the much desired cooler weather comes the flu season. There have been a lot of questions recently about the Novel H1N1 (swine flu). The article will attempt to answer as many questions as possible.

How does flu virus spread?

Your health care provider may diagnose you with flu based on your symptoms and their clinical judgment or they may choose to use an influenza diagnostic test. Depending on their clinical judgment and your symptoms, your healthcare provider will decide whether testing is needed and what type of test to perform. CDC has provided recommendations for clinicians this season to help with testing decisions. This season, most testing will be done in people who are seriously ill (hospitalized patients) and patients where testing may impact treatment decisions. In most cases, if a healthcare provider suspects you have the flu, the test results will not change their treatment decisions.

Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something How can I protect myself from – such as a surface or object – with flu getting sick? viruses on it and then touching their Get Vaccinated. Vaccination is the mouth or nose. best protection against contracting the What are the symptoms flu. You need two vaccines to be fully of flu? protected this year. The seasonal flu vacWhile the annual outbreaks of the cine is different from the H1N1 (Swine) seasonal flu usually occur during the late flu vaccine. The CDC is encouraging fall through early spring, the swine flu is people to get both vaccinations. CDC occurring in early fall. While the signs recommends everybody in the priority and symptoms for seasonal and H1N1 group be vaccinated as soon as possible. flu are similar those for the H1N1 tend to be more severe and vomiting and diar- How safe is the H1N1 vaccine? rhea are additional symptoms reported.

Clinical trials conducted by the NaWhat is Flu? tional Institutes of Health and the vacSeasonal Flu Flu refers to illnesses caused by a cine manufacturers have shown that the All types of flu can cause: number of different influenza viruses. new H1N1 vaccine is both safe and ef• Fever Flu can cause a range of symptoms • Coughing and/or sore throat and effects, from mild to lethal. This • Runny or stuffy nose flu season there are two strains of flu, • Headaches and/or body aches seasonal and the Novel H1N1 (swine • Chills flu) that is currently circulating in • Fatigue the United States. A third, highly lethal H5N1 (Bird) flu is being closely H1N1 (Swine) Flu Same as seasonal flu, but symptoms may tracked overseas. be more severe.

What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?

• Fever 2009 H1N1 (sometimes called • Coughing and/or sore throat “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus • Runny or stuffy nose causing illness in people. This new vi• Headaches and/or body aches rus was first detected in people in the • Chills United States in April 2009. This vi• Fatigue rus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same In addition to the above symptoms, way that regular seasonal influenza vi- a number of H1N1 (swine) flu cases reported: ruses spread.

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fective. The FDA has licensed it. There have been no safety shortcuts. It is produced exactly the same way the seasonal flu vaccine is produced every year.

If you do contract the flu, talk to your doctor about antivirals.

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that can be used for prevention or treatment of flu viruses. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. There are four influenza antiviral drugs approved for use in the United States (oseltamivir, zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine). Only two, oseltamivir and zanamivir are effective in treating H1N1 (Swine) flu.

What are “emergency warning signs” that should signal anyone to seek medical care urgently?

In children: • Fast breathing or trouble breathing • Bluish skin color • Not drinking enough fluids • Not waking up or not interacting • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough • Fever with a rash

In adults: • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Sudden dizziness • Confusion • Severe or persistent vomiting

Where can I get additional information about seasonal and H1N1 flu?

Center for Disease control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/flu (seasonal flu) www.cdc.gov/h1n1 (swine flu) Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention For more information please contact Dr. Olufunke Odetunde @ 713.796.9500.

12.

EYE TO EYE With Dr. Romea-The Vision Dealer

The famous saying “the eyes are the windows to the soul” still holds true. How healthy and clear are your windows? Indeed a number of systemic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer can have ocular manifestations and regular Comprehensive Eye Health Examination can help in the diagnoses and management of these conditions.

The gift of sight is precious and should be protected at any cost. Imagine being blind, unable to see!!! Scary isn’t it? Yet so few of us get Annual Eye Examinations and even fewer gets regular Dilated Eye Examinations. The importance of an annual physical exam is widely understood, however, our annual wellness exam and screenings in the office of our primary care physician (PCP) does not include the eyes. It is therefore very important that we have an “eye physical” at least once per year even if we believe nothing has change.

The old adage “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” is never more true than in eye care. Unfortunately, there is no cure for a number of common eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, advanced stages of diabetic and hypertensive eye diseases. Therefore, early detection and prevention is the key. With all the advances in medicine in the area of organ

Lessons Learned from Children year old son Christopher “trying out” for a spot on the YMCA basketball team and suddenly hearing my other son as he stumbled over pronouncing a name.

Daniel was trying to pronounce “Bunyan”. I looked at him and wondered what he was talking about. He pointed at the wall of the gym and I saw a banner which read “You can’t live today to the fullest, until you’ve done something for someone who cannot repay you.” It

By Charlotte Jackson, was a quote from John Bunyan.

Contributing Writer The amazing thing was that Daniel I remember that day in the Fall of was only four years old and was reading.

1995, when I sat watching my eight Or so I thought that was the amazing

TEACH ONE, REACH ONE!!!

By Wykesha Hayes, M.Ed, Owner & CEO of Keey 2 Kids

As an educator, you’re relied upon to provide your students with applicable lessons or information. The truth of the matter however, is that, to be a successful, relatable and effective educator you must be prepared to learn along the way.

Although, I can account for many lessons during my professional and entrepreneurial journey, perhaps the most valuable was from one of my fourth grade students during the early part of my teaching career.

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For the sake of confidentiality, we’ll refer to my student as “ABLE”.

Able was quite a character, a genius in his wit, outspoken, creative and always held the title as Class Clown. During a very frank conversation between the two of us, I was attempting to convey the importance of behaving appropriately and that while his charm and wit was a breath of fresh air he needed to learn how to control it. I went on to say, “I’m not trying to kill your spirit, www.

transplant successful eye transplant is not yet a reality.

The increased use of computers (internet and computer games) has resulted in an additional category of eye syndromes, which can be successfully managed with regular eye check-ups and tips from your eye doctor. Another, consequence of the computer age is the decrease in physical activities especially among the young in our society. This sedentary lifestyle in combination with poor diet has led to the very early onset of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and elevated cholesterol, macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts now seen in patients in their mid 20s and 30s. All these condition have corresponding devastating long-term effects on vision.

Healthy eyes, clear vision and proper eye-hand co-ordination is essential for good academic performances, to obtain a driver’s license, success in sports

activities, and various hobbies such as reading, knitting, crocheting, hunting, and shooting.

thing. Little did I realize that over the next few years, not only would he remember it, but over and over through the years, all three of my children would repeat their own version of it as they talked about different volunteer experiences.

My children are now “almost grown” as they are quickly approaching the ages of 17, 19 and 23, yet the wisdom and compassion that they have gained over the years by serving others is so evident in their lives, that it blesses me.

Each one, unique in their own way, share the common bond of loving to serve others. Christopher now works for a home health care agency for one family with triplets who have several disabilities. He takes pride in learning what each one needs and then in making them smile. Daniel, now a sopho-

more at Sam Houston State University, has always been the first to open a door for an older person, to help tutor a classmate or to play games with a younger child. Laura likes to lead people to believe that she is tough and calloused, but you cannot hide the diamond no matter how much dirt covers it. When her best friend’s mom passed away two years ago, Laura did not just step up to the plate to be her friend, but has gone overboard making Ryann feel a part of our family. She loves to play with Ryann’s little cousin and even to just hang out with Ryann’s granny to watch television and talk.

Each of my children, unique as they are, take the time to make a difference in someone’s life as often as they can.

perhaps your charming personality could one day land you a television spot like JJ on Coming to the Stage.” He paused, looked at me slightly confused and asked, “Does that come on cable?”

I naively responded, “Yes.” He replied, in comedy like fashion, “Oh No, I don’t have cable. I have ABLE…ABLE to get the channels I can get, but not cable… it’s all good though cause we make it work!”

I stood stunned and speechless because in the innocence of ABLE’s humor (and I did laugh, as I often still do when I think about him), he’d just taught me two lessons I would carry with me forever. The first, as educators we often forget that many of our students are not

privy to the same experiences as we are.

Secondly, he reminded me that when you don’t have access to the luxuries of a cable-like life…You too can make it work. Life is not defined by the channels you can’t get but rather how you choose to view the ones you can.

Now, years later, I approach my family life, business endeavors as visionary of Keey 2 Kids and responsibilities as an Urban Education Doctoral Student with the same outlook as ABLE. More importantly, I’ve made it a mission to pass the lesson of ABLE on to my clients in hopes that they too will do the same.

Thank you ABLE…Lesson Learned!

TIP OF THE MONTH: Most major health insurance plans provide coverage for your annual medical eye examination even if you do not have a separate vision coverage rider. If your eye doctor is a provider on the insurance panel he/she will be able to verify your coverage so please ask and supply your health insurance information as you would at your PCP visit. You may be pleasantly surprise when all you have to pay is your co-pay.

We are blessed with one set of eyes to serve us from the womb to the tomb so take best care of them. The Vision Dealer is committed to help you take care of your eyes so be on the look-out for healthy tips in your monthly EYETO-EYE column.

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4 Steps to Getting Motivated

By Kelli Smith, Contributing Writer

“Do you ever wake up in the morning and think to yourself, “”It’s time to make a change?”” Maybe you’d like to go back to school, land yourself that promotion, lose some weight, or just make time for a new hobby. If you’re like most of us, you may have put off doing something you’d really like to do.

So how can you stop dreaming and start taking action? The key is getting--and staying--motivated. Follow these four steps and you could wake up to the life of your dreams.

The Secret to Getting What You Want?

Motivation.

Imagine that you’ve just bought a beautiful new car and are dying to get rolling down the road. You climb in, turn the key, and wait for your car’s powerful new engine to take off--but nothing happens. The car won’t budge.

Then you realize: of course, it doesn’t have any gasoline.

In a way, your skills and talents are like a car. They can help you get from where you are to where you want to be. But even a Porsche won’t budge an inch if you don’t give it fuel. Similarly, you could have all the skills you need to achieve your dreams, but if you don’t fuel yourself regularly with the right motivation, you’ll find yourself stuck at a standstill.

Motivation is what arouses you to take action to reach your desired goal.

So how can you get motivated each day?

Follow these steps to get your engine rolling and keep yourself cruising down the road toward your dreams.

Step 1: Visualize Your Goals

your goals. Not only does this remind you of what you really want, but it helps you see that you really could have it. According to Carol Dwek, a professor of psychology and the author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, people are more likely to reach their goals when they believe that they truly have the potential to succeed.

Try this technique: Each night before you go to bed, close your eyes and picture what you want your life to be like. Maybe you’re busy running your own business, or simply doing the work that you love each and every day. Then put more and more detail into the picture until you have reached your ultimate goal. See it like a movie in your mind with you as the lead actor or actress, heading for that happy ending.

Visualizing helps motivate you by building your confidence and getting you excited about what you can achieve.

Step 2: Develop a Plan

to work with someone who’s trying to achieve a similar goal. For example, if you’re working to earn your degree, you can study with a classmate and encourage each other when classes are difficult.

If you’d like to train for a marathon, find a running partner who will keep you going when those hills get steep. If you can’t find a goal buddy in person, it is often possible to find online forums or communities where people with similar goals can exchange advice and support.

cles may pop up, or you may find some tasks more difficult than you expected.

At these moments, you may tell yourself that what you want is impossible, and then put yourself down for even trying.

If you spoke that way to someone else, he or she would probably head for the door and not talk to you again. So why talk to yourself that way? Give yourself Why sit there wondering why you and your dreams the same courtesy and just can’t seem to get started? Follow support you would give to your loved this four-step plan for motivation and ones. Next time an obstacle turns up, get cruising toward your dreams today!” talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend who needs to be motivated and inspired. It’s what you say to yourLet us Promote self that matters the most. your Business,

Get Going Now!

Step 4: Find a Goal Buddy Even as we get close to achieving our dreams, some days our motivation may just seem to disappear. That’s why it’s great to have a “”goal buddy”” to help you, inspire you, and push you through those tough moments.

Many people find it most useful

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Suppose you decided to build a new house, and you call in a contractor to help build it. You explain what you want the house to be like, and the contractor nods and says, “”Ok, I have a general idea of how it should end up. I don’t need a plan.”” You’d probably fire that contractor on the spot. In life, though, most of us behave like that aimless contractor--we know how we want to end up, but we haven’t set out an ordered plan of how we’re going to get there. Set yourself up to succeed by working out a step-bystep plan to achieve your goals. You may need to do some research on how other people have achieved similar goals and then talk it through with family, friends, or a knowledgeable advisor.

It can help to include smaller goals or benchmarks in your plan, and give yourself a reward when you achieve these smaller milestones..

Step 3: Control Your Self-Talk

No matter how well you plan, One of the best ways to get moti- you may get frustrated as you work to vated is to visualize yourself achieving achieve your dreams. Unforeseen obstaNovember 2009

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If the alleged offender is a Director (or equivalent) or more senior staff member, your written complaint should be copied to the Board Chair.

Your written complaint should: a) identify the alleged offender b) describe the specific offensive act or acts; c) describe the time, circumstances, manner and location of the incident (or incidents);

By Carla Lane, Contributing Writer I had an intimate relationship with my supervisor but broke it off. If my supervisor harasses me, can I still bring a claim for sexual harassment? He also comments on my clothing and appearance, is that sexual harassment? He also, always has some “joke” he wants to share or some email that he forwards. Do I just need to quit?

If you have made it clear to your supervisor that you have no further romantic interest in him or her, any unwelcome sexual attention that is severe or pervasive could be the basis for a harassment claim. You must make it very clear to your supervisor that the attention is unwelcome. If you do, your prior relationship will not excuse his or her harassment.

In some circumstances, inappropriate behavior will stop if you tell the offender to stop. You should describe the behavior in a way that the offender can clearly understand, for example: • “I don’t find jokes about sex funny. Please don’t tell jokes like that when I’m around.”

• “It makes me uncomfortable when you talk to me/touch me/look at me that way. Please don’t do it again.”

• “As I’ve indicated previously, I am not interested in going out with you. Please don’t ask me again.”

If you find it difficult to speak to the offender directly, you may prefer to write a letter. Putting the complaint in writing helps you clarify the facts and determine which options you will pursue to deal with the situation. A letter given to the offender provides: • clear notice that you find a behavior offensive; • an opportunity to stop the behavior without formal intervention; and • a disincentive for the offender to retaliate.

The letter should describe: • the person’s offensive behavior in a factual way; • the impact of that behavior as it relates to your dignity, career or performance; and • what you want the offender to do – or not do – in the future.

November 2009

d) identify any witnesses or persons to whom the incident was mentioned; and e) provide any other information relevant to the case such as whether, and under what circumstances, you made it clear to the alleged offender that the offensive behavior was unwelcome; include reference to any other action you took such as reporting the incident(s) to your manager and/or the HR Manager. f ) you must sign and date the complaint.

Once the letter is written, you should weigh the pros and cons of all options, including whether or not to send the letter to the offender. You may decide that sending the letter is not the right option. You may want to place a sealed copy of the letter on file with management, along with a request that it remain sealed until and unless you ask otherwise. Such an action can help build a record if the inappropriate behavior does not stop and you subsequently Sexual Harassment and the accusachoose to lodge a formal complaint. tion of it are both very serious issues.

If you decide to consult manage- The end of a voluntary love affair, esment you should communicate clearly pecially where one party does not want what you want to happen as an outcome of the discussion. For example, you might want the manager to speak to the offender directly, or to accompany you when you speak to the offender. If you do not want the manager to intervene directly, you could ask her/ him to take more general actions in the work unit (e.g. hold a staff meeting) to reinforce/establish a workplace of dignity. Your complaint should be handled on a strictly confidential basis, both by management and by you. Where your complaint is about a relatively minor issue, I encourage you to use informal means to resolve problems, such as speaking or writing directly to the offender. However, an informal approach is not appropriate in serious cases of sexual harassment.

If you decide to file a formal complaint, you should present your complaint in writing as soon as possible after the incident (or incidents) that led to the complaint. You should not use e-mail or fax for presenting complaints.

Your written complaint should be addressed to management with a copy to the HR Manager. Each copy of the complaint should be enclosed in a sealed envelope and marked “Strictly Confidential”. www.

the relationship to end, can often result in sexual harassment claims. Should the spurned party try to continue the relationship, the other employee might have a hostile work environment claim.

Judges recognize that anger at the end of a voluntary relationship can give rise to a party’s unfounded claim that it was sexual harassment that started the relationship, or that has sexual harassment occurred since its end. The issue then becomes a question of proof. Agencies and courts consider the parties’ testimony, and the facts and circumstances as a whole, in determining whether the original advances were unwelcome or if the conduct after the relationship constituted harassment. I encourage you to speak with your Human Resources department and if you feel necessary consult an attorney to get advice specific to your situation. I wish you the best and I pray you find peace.

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15.

Work Collaboratively not Competitively

By Carla Lane, Contributing Writer Everyone knows a big part of any business is sales; beating out the competition, convincing your clients and prospects that your firm or product is faster, a better value or more efficient than all the others they have ever encountered. In this tight market, businesses are focused on getting whatever edge they can above the competition.

There are examples of this everywhere, every time a McDonalds is built, very shortly, there is a Burger King close by and every time you see a CVS, right down the way there is a Walgreens. Or who doesn’t remember the Pepsi Challenge? I remember as a child, my sister and I would sit our checkerboard on its side, place a cup of kool-aid that I made (liquid diabetes) and a cup of kool-aid that she made (sugar-water) behind the board, and have our little brother decide which tasted best. (By the way, mine always tasted better!) As small businesses, we often become so focused on competing with each other, that we forget, that the real power of small business is our ability to create our own rules. Because we are the rule makers in our organizations, we can decide that instead of doing business “like the big boys do it!”

We are going to do business in a way that allows us to compete with the big boys and actually win!

Are you ready for this profound secret? Put simply, it’s developing strategic alliances, teaming, or joint-venturing, whatever you want to call it, the premise is the same. Working together is where the real power is, if we could learn to work together and “team” on larger opportunities, we can win opportunities as the PRIME and not have to fight for a chance to be one of many subs! Our real strength is putting the uniqueness of one business with the expertise of another and going after the big deals together! It’s not even an original concept; however, it is often overlooked and disregarded. Its premNovember 2009

ise plays out even in nature.

Have you ever noticed that when geese fly they fly in a “V” formation?

Do you know why? By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock increases the flight efficiency by 71 percent compared to just one bird flying alone. When a goose leaves the formation, he feels the resistance of the air and the difficulties of flying alone. Then, he quickly comes back to the formation to take advantage of the flock’s power in front of him. When the leader goose gets tired of flying, he goes to the end of the “V” formation, while another goose takes the lead. The geese flying in the rear of the “V” formation quack to encourage the ones in the front. In that way, they keep the same speed. When a goose gets sick, is injured or gets tired and he must leave the formation, other geese leave the formation too, and they fly with him to help him out and protect him.

They remain with him until he dies or he is able to fly again. They then return to the group or they just make another “V” formation.

Do you get the correlation? If we learn to form our own “V” formations or strategic alliances, by working collaboratively instead of competitively, we get the benefit of the expertise, experience, technology, and creativity of the group. We no longer have to face the resistance of larger organizations to trust important projects to “smaller” lesser known organizations and the difficulties of tight economies alone. Each member of the alliance would lead when projects need their specific area of expertise and would follow when the project called for the expertise of another member of the alliance. Members of these alliances would seek to encourage each other so that each member keeps the same momentum and continues to move their individual organizations forward. Finally, if a member of the alliance becomes discouraged, is facing extreme difficulties (couldn’t make payroll, servers crashed, or office was destroyed by a hurricane); the other members of the alliance would come to the aid of the other.

Alliances range from an informal business relationships based on a simple contract to a joint venture agreement in which for legal and tax purposes either a corporation or partnership is set up to manage the alliance. These alliances are a way for our businesses to work collaboratively instead of competitively; while not losing their individuality. Alliances are a way of reaping the rewards of a team effort - and the gains from forming strategic alliances have proven to be substantial. Companies participatwww.

ing in alliances report that as much as 18 percent of their revenues come from their alliances. The goal of alliances is to minimize risk, develop a support system while maximizing your leverage and profit.

So, okay. Now that I have convinced you that we need to stop “hating” on each other and share the shine! How do you find that group of businesses that you “alliance” with? Who are your target alliance partners? What do you seek to do with your alliance group? How do you put this group together? Alliances are formed for joint marketing, joint sales or distribution, joint production, design collaboration, technology licensing, and research and development.

Relationships can be vertical between a vendor and a customer, horizontal between vendors, local, or global. Develop search criteria for the ideal alliance. Your criteria should consist of clearly defined business objectives and personal factors that are important to you. Typical business objectives can be anything from production capacity to technological expertise. This should be information that you can get hard numbers for. Personal factors are more intangible to measure, but can be what really makes or breaks the alliance, criteria such as your strategic alliance partners’ corporate culture, and your personal chemistry with that organizations’ leadership, hidden agendas, and internal commitment should not be overlooked.

Be sure to carefully outline: • how big you want your connection to grow • the turnover you anticipate • the number of hours you can commit to the project • any other commitments that may affect your financial situation • any fears you may have about the business relationship • identify exactly what products or services you wish to promote and sell • how much you can afford to invest and lose, should your alliance fail With a clear picture of what you want and who you want, start the search for your alliance group. You may consider looking at your peers and competitors and identifying who thinks like you, runs their businesses along the same ethical lines, and have a good business reputation. If you are going to tackle the global market, your possible business partner may already have contacts in a particular region, but lack your product or service knowledge. This is where you may complement each other as your product or service knowledge combines with your regional business partner’s local knowledge. Gather as much information about each potential partner as is possible. From this, you can narrow the field to those that seem to be possible fits.

Now it is time to start actively exploring potential alliances with your

top candidates. Make the phone call, or send an email, and make contact with your top candidates. Ask for six minutes of their time and then use your passion and enthusiasm to sell your idea. What’s the worst thing that can happen? Rejection. You can live with that if you accept that if they say “no” they are not rejecting you personally. Today they may reject your product, your service or a specific opportunity. Tomorrow, they may change their minds, or better still, they may introduce you to a person they consider to be more ideal as your strategic alliance partner.

Now, you have found that perfect alliance partner or partners. You are ready to begin forming the alliance.

Please remember, as in any relationship, compromises are going to be necessary.

Make certain you are aware of what points are crucial for you and which ones would be nice, but not necessary.

Brainstorm possible best and worst-case scenarios regarding this strategic alliance. What is the worst thing that can happen and can you cope with that outcome? If you can, then you have absolutely nothing to lose. If you can’t cope with that worst-case possibility, you may need to review the draft agreement or change the guidelines. If an alliance is not based on a win-win goal it has little chance of success. Without a win-win approach understood by both sides, one partner is likely to become frustrated, annoyed, reluctant and eventually resentful of constantly being the underdog.

Depending on the complexity of the relationship this may be a point at which you want to get a third party involved. No matter how informal the arrangement, however, a written contract is critical. You can hammer out the details of the alliance directly with the other company, but do have an attorney review the agreement before signing the document.

We can find excuses every day to stay in our comfort zones and not approach others who can help us grow our business and our career. Yet if we have courage, we can overcome our fear of rejection and pursue our dreams, goals and targets through strategic alliances with others who can share our success. What you bring to the world is uniquely you; the gifts that you have been entrusted to share with the world can only be shared by you just as the gifts of your “competitors” can only be shared by them. Why not leverage your gifts WITH their gifts for an even greater outcome. Your gifts will make room for you.

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Mentoring Relationships = Career Success

fect for the employees, but also for myself as well. They challenge me and help me continually grow as a leader.

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

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ecades ago, you could point to several employees who have been with a company for more than 30 years and know they would stay with the company until they retire. Today, many employees work at multiple companies during their careers and might not feel any loyalty to remain at an organization for a length of time.

Besides financial gain, one of the biggest reasons that most employees leave a company is they don’t feel challenged in their job. Many times this is because most companies do nothing to encourage their employees to perform outside of their daily routine. In an effort to keep employees challenged, many companies have implemented a simple, strategic mentoring program that helps keep the best employees motivated.

According to AIRS Diversity Recruiting Summits 2004, 71 percent of Fortune 500 and private companies employ mentoring partnerships in their organizations. In fact, 75 percent of executives state that mentoring played a key role in their career success.

Studies show that mentoring a coworker can strengthen skills for both the mentor and mentee. The relationship provides an outlet for the mentees to obtain advice and feedback as well as resource to bounce ideas off of that

eventually creates a supportive environment rather than a competitive one.

This can improve morale and encourage increased productivity.

Below are tips for an easy and effective mentoring partnership: • Create a big picture plan together that includes a clear path to advancement and boundaries • Recognize patterns and trends in the company and industry • Honor priorities and work through issues together • Anticipate issues as the learning process begins • Predict outcomes and create alternatives to fall back upon • Make sure strategic goals are met • Provide ongoing encouragement and support • Share real life experiences and examples • Maintain confidentiality to build a trusting relationship • Spend more time listening than talking • Present information and new skills in small amounts to avoid “over-load” • Network with managers and peers In addition to these tips, the key to a successful mentoring partnership is honesty. A mentor must be honest

“Teach One, Reach One: The Call to Progress!”

about the mentee’s strengths and weaknesses and a mentee must be truthful when reporting progress. Without truth and sincerity, neither the mentor or mentee will grow from the experience.

Mentoring relationships are more important than ever, especially in this tough economic climate. Companies are utilizing these programs to link up mature mentors with promising protégés to keep new talent at the organization and stop the valued up-and-comers from accepting jobs elsewhere.

I have been with University of Phoenix for six years and was fortunate to be mentored by leaders who were able to help me cultivate my passion for education with my enthusiasm to help others. Their support and encouragement helped me gain the knowledge and confidence I needed to advance my career.

Now, as the State Vice President and Director for South Texas, I personally help employees become the best leaders they can be. In fact, by developing professional roadmaps and flexible schedules that provide them with the tools they need to succeed, I have personally mentored more than 100 staff members. In fact, several of those mentees have been promoted into management roles at the campus or other University locations. These mentoring relationships not only have positive af-

inevitably have either positive or negative influences on everyone we directly or indirectly encounter. As the potter shapes the clay, our life’s encounters shape our behavior, thoughts, feelings, attitude, and actions.

Recently, I spoke before a room full

By Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC of Senior Level Executives and Melody Contributing Writer Bizego, a Corporate Marketing & Communications Strategist, was just one of The African proverbial phrase, “it been expanded beyond the reach of our the 200 attendees. She was kind enough takes a village to raise a child,” is cer- neighboring domiciles. We no longer to send these confirming words vis-à-vis tainly applicable at levels of our life, and live in silos bounded by limitations of of LinkedIn: is not limited to young children, teens, our own rationality. In fact, in a global “…Noel is an enthusiastic and inor young adolescents and is by no means economy, the world becomes our comspirational speaker, who has the unique exclusive to a specific gender, class, or munity and each member in the global ability to reach into his audiences’ heart, ethnic group. It originated from the Ni- community affects the lives of the popuplant a message of hope and desire, and gerian Igbo culture and proverb “Ora na lous at-large. inspires each to elevate their goals to azu nwa,” which means it takes the comI definitely learned a lot from my munity/village to raise a child. The Ig- mom and dad but I learned even more achieve their dreams. It was exhilaratbo’s also name their children “Nwa ora” from the people in my circles as well as ing for me as marketing strategist recently, to witness as Noel’s dynamic chawhich means child of the community. those who were not in the circle. AdapLet’s face it, we are all challenged to tation is a fundamental human trait that risma and targeted message impacted a maintain our competitive edge in an ev- has a direct and indirect impact on our room full of Senior Level Executives.”

Melody Bizego 10/13/2009 er-evolving cultural and socio-economic lives. Momma use to say, “watch who I was pleased to receive these words, world that places strong demands on you hang around and one who hangs its human capital outlay. It is also very around you.” It is critical that we are because I truly under estimated the imglaring that our village have long since cognizant of the power of influence. We pact the short 30-minute speech had November 2009

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Christina Robinson Grochett is the State Vice President/ Director of South Texas for University of Phoenix. An accomplished leader and champion of higher learning, she was selected as a 2009 Women of Influence by Houston Woman Magazine and a Top 10 business women by the American Business Women’s Association in 2008. Under her leadership, the Houston campuses were selected as a 2009 Best Place to Work by The Houston Business Journal and were awarded with the 2009 and 2008 Alfred P. Sloan Awards from the City of Houston for Workplace Flexibility and Innovation.

on the hearts and minds of so many diverse people packed in the large pale conference room that was adorned with pictures of hope and prosperity. Over one-third of the attendees were eager to converse after the event, which led me to believe each of us can teach one to reach one despite barriers and presuppositions.

Referring back to the African proverb, where it takes a village to raise a child…I challenge you to the two quintessential underlying questions that oftentimes remain stealth in the mindset of so many people who embrace this historical philosophy. These two questions are established on the premise, if it takes a village to raise a child then who trains the village and who in the village is invited to the training? Martin Luther King once wrote that, “Human progress does not roll on the wheels of inevitability.”

If we want to attain true progress, we must continue to teach one to reach one or as many as we can, one day at a time.

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Food for Thought Power 2 Ignite pulling us through the mountainous terrain. Like many other leaders in our community, I do not want to stand at the mountain top by myself. It is important help others achieve their goals by volunteering time and resources to help their dream come true. This is true thankfulness.

Why Give?

By Diedria Joseph, Topp Knotch Personnel Inc., President/CEO Contributing Writer When we consider “Thanksgiving,” many of us have been raised to think about a tender, deliciously-baked turkey, cornbread dressing, candied yams, and mirliton dressing. Those thoughts are soon joined fantasies of chilled cranberry sauce, sweet potato pies, home-baked pecan pies, and various cakes and desserts. While it is easy to get caught up in the festivities surrounded by the Thanksgiving holiday, it is very important to remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving: being thankful to our creator for all of His blessings.

This Thanksgiving season, we need to ask ourselves, “Is my horn plenty running over with goods?” Do we give thanks simply because we have enough food to eat, our bank accounts are balanced, and because we enjoy a measure of affluence equaled by few in the entire world? Surely, we are thankful for our many blessings.

But what is true “thankfulness”?

Some would suggest it is as simple as saying “thank you.” I would like to challenge that notion. True “thankfulness” transcends simple lip-service and it should involve actual service to our fellow man. How else can we show true gratitude for the success of our lives? Some of us would like to believe that we made to this summit of success by ourselves. But with a little introspection, we can recall that we only made it to the peak with the assistance of others pushing and sometimes even November 2009

Consider the story of the rich fool.

He takes complete pride in his excess and gloats about his riches. After resigning for the evening, this man reclines in his favorite chair, smoking his rich Cuban cigar and drifts into a deep sleep. While snoring away, he is awakened by a dream warning him that his soul is required of him tonight and all that he has will no longer be. Please do not wait until your final night to make a difference! We should not be hoarders of our success, sitting on our treasure chest of resources, while the people in our community are in desperate need of our help. Giving is more than placing our loose chain in a red bucket in front of our favorite retail store.

Though many of us have the ability to write those important checks to help a nonprofit in our community, it is also very important to volunteer our time, talents, and resources to organizations throughout our community.

Who should I give to?

Giving is a personal decision that takes thought but also should naturally flow from your heart. Many people feel a commitment to give the organization or the cause that has helped them in the past. This Thanksgiving season, you should first decide what your commitment will be to giving.

Some people can donate time, but not money, while others may be too busy to donate time, but can provide a financial gift. Do research on the organization you are looking to give to and see what their needs are. When you feel comfortable about giving to this organization, give them a call to see when and what is the best way to give.

Some organizations prefer gift cards over cash and other organizations only have specific times that you can volunteer. From passing out soup at a shelter to mentoring a young person, now is the time to give of ourselves to www.

Pleshette J. Wiggins & John Wiggins, III Power 2 Ignite is an independent company helping to educate and inform individuals in the community, with the knowledge of how to create a supplemental and residual income. We are part of one of the most successful teams in the energy deregulation industry.

Where else can one start a homebased business with as little as a few hundred dollars, and create an opportunity to make hundreds and tens of thousands of dollars per month on an ongoing basis? The secret to the success of our business is relationship marketing. This is possibly one of the most dynamic entrepreneurial opportunities available in today’s economy. This is a recession proof business that is willable, sellable and transferable.

In this company, there are various

help others.

Should I give by myself or join a group to give?

Whenever something good happens to us, it is very difficult to keep it to ourselves. When giving, it is an opportunity to share and challenge your colleagues and business partners to join you in your commitment.

Make sure that it is in the right spirit, not bragging about the good that you are doing, rather increase the impact to the community by having others join you. Volunteering should also be a family event. Show your children, nieces, nephews, and cousins the importance of giving back by taking them with you as you volunteer.

I am a firm believer in wealth,

ways to get paid – Immediate Bonuses, Leadership Bonuses and Residual Income. Residual Income is about working smarter and not harder. It is a completely different way of looking at wealth and earning money. Residual Income will allow one to earn recurring income month after month, and year after year. Residual Income is money that continues to come in regularly -like clockwork. Once the initial work has begun, one continues to be paid from their work and the work from others.

Residual Income is one of the best kept secrets today, and it’s available to anyone who wants to get it.

Our specialty is relationship marketing: teaching others, just like you and me, how to make money & save money on their electric bills. For many people, they have no idea how to promote a relationship marketing business, nor more generally, any idea how to be successful in relationship marketing. Fortunately, with our support team, one doesn’t have to know anything to get started. We provide coaching and support, as well as referral to resources, to help you further your education and your business.

The secret to this business is by leveraging one’s time, one’s money, one’s efforts and teaching others to do the same. If one follows this ideology, he or she will develop Residual Income, money that comes in month after month, without any additional effort on one’s part. Join today and start igniting your income!!

prosperity, and a good life for my family. But I also know that giving back to the community which helped to make me this success is very important. We should volunteer and give back because it is the right way to show our gratitude and thankfulness.

Diedria B. Joseph is President/ CEO of Topp Knotch Personnel, Inc. Topp Knotch Personnel offers various services such as Executive Recruiting/ Direct Hire, Temporary Placement, Temp to Hire, and Contract Staffing nationwide. We are the link between companies seeking diverse talent and skilled candidates looking for jobs. For more information, please visit our website at www.toppknotchpersonnel.com.

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Inspirational Speaker, Author and Entrepreneur

earth. Some people will take this moment seriously and others will allow this moment to waste away. I experience this defining moment last year and started what I called my life’s transformation.

“In Pursuit of the Promise”, is an inspirational book based on six key changes that I believe is important to receiving God’s complete blessings. The book was created around Joshua and Caleb’s journey to the promise land. I realized that I am blessed; however, I believed that I was missing out on so much more of what God had for me. It is not an autobiography it is based on six changes that everyone can relate to.

Who influenced you?

The book was influenced by my three children. As parents, we often get frustrated because we do not feel that our children are listening to us. Consequently, the bible says, a prophet is never honored at home. Through this book I hope that my children will look over their young lives and start their transformation now. God expects great things from each of us. We were created and designed to do great things. Average is not an option, especially for those who Madeline has decided to self-pub- serve an extraordinary God! lish her work and has organized her Why was the book based mostly own publishing company entitled The around Numbers Chapter 13 and Promises of God Publishing Company Joshua Chapter 14?

(P.O.G.). According to Madeline, POG These scriptures should inspire all Publishing Company is designed to exof us; both young and old. The scripture press thought through written commuis a true example of God’s faithfulness nication. “The company is designed to market books, memoirs, and magazines through self publication and distribution,” says Kirksey. “Our Motto is ‘Your thoughts are your thoughts, believe them and expand.’”

Madeline Kirksey

EXPERIENCE the POWER of this WOMAN on the MOVE! Motivational, inspiring, powerful and elegant are only a few words to describe Madeline Carla Kirksey, soon-tobe published author. With the winning combination of wisdom, experience and dynamic oratory skills, Madeline delivers a message of HOPE and EMPOWERMENT that changes lives.

A native of Orange, Texas, now Houston based, Madeline is a spiritual motivator, innovative entrepreneur and author. She is the founder and CEO of Phases of Perfection Consulting, an agency designed to educate, equip and empower daycare facilities toward EXCELLENCE. With more than 20 years of professional experience in corporate America in childcare, Madeline’s background includes strategic thinking, project management skills and leadership skills.

This entrepreneur is highly regarded for her graceful command of excellence, seasoned wisdom and creative strategies.

She is the mother of three kids, Kenneth, 20, Jacoby, 19 and daughter Kristian Faith, 17. She is a member of The Community of Faith church, where the pastor is Bishop James W. E. Dixon, II.

Q&A Conversation with Madeline Kirksey

The Publisher

our existence and our purpose here on

even to disobedient people. Although most of the original Israelites did not receive the promise, the promise did come through for their children. We are heirs of that promises; if we hold true to the word and ways of our Father. He is a God who cannot lie.

Who are your role models?

I wish to be an image of God first.

However, my parents Ernest and Betty, and even my stepmother, Patricia (who I just call mom) all inspire me in their own ways. My Pastor, Bishop James Dixon, has taught me to pursuit excellence through his amazing biblical teaching.

What makes this book different from other inspirational books?

Most inspirational books are written by pastors or ministers who are divinely directed by God and others expect this kind of literature from them.

However, God took hold of me through this book and I am sure that many will be surprised about the details. I hope that my expression of God and his word will inspire and motivate others to be all that God wants them to be.

Why should a person buy this book?

If you have ever gotten to a point where you know that God has much more for your life and you want to make a change – “In Pursuit of the Promise” will inspire you to do just that.

Why did you write this book?

The writing started off as a speech.

I was asked to do a presentation on excellence by my supervisor at work. The title of the presentation was In Pursuit of Excellence based on six changes that I thought would be vital in order to maintain excellence at work, home, and or in life in general. The event was canceled because of Hurricane Ike, so I started posting the six changes on my facebook site and received great response from it.

From that point on God took over. I had no intention of writing a book but The Author God had his own plan. I was just obediMadeline will be emerging on the ent to God’s will. scene as one of the most popular and inspiring writers in Houston. Her debut What is the purpose for the book entitled, “In Pursuit of the Prom- book?

Simply put – God’s desired intent ise” is scheduled to hit bookstores late November. With her heartfelt, informa- for our lives. tive, encouraging writing skills, Kirksey Describe the book in your own will seek to share her passion for helping words? others excel to greatness by discovering At some moment in each of our the promises of God. lives each of us will stop and ponder on

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23.

Making You

Fanatically Beautiful

By Johnny R. Davis, Jr., Contributing Writer

Erica King Hairstylist/Fashion Image Consultant

A

t Beauty Fanatics Salon & Boutique, according to Erica King, Hairstylist/F.I.C., “There is a fanatic in all of us to be beautiful.” Therefore, she launched Beauty Fanatics Salon & Boutique located at 11333 Fountain Lake Dr., Suite C-12 at The Fountains of Stafford, TX. Erica began to notice women were becoming fanatics about

beauty. That explains how the name Beauty Fanatics was derived.

Furthermore, realizing how women and young teens have tried to duplicate themselves according to the images portrayed in magazines; Erica believes every woman should explore and identify with her own beauty within and out. At Beauty Fanatics, she assists women and teens to identify with their personalized

Life: A Succession of Lessons

By Veronica Douglas, CPPB Sr. Procurement Specialist Contributing Writer

I wish that I knew the names of every person who ever left an imprint on my life. Good or bad. Each taught me a lesson. Those whose kind words found their way to me, I would wholeNovember 2009

heartedly welcome back again. Those of harsh words or actions, I would still thank them for the lesson they taught me. My Mother use to say, “Everything that passes through your life is with reason, good or bad; there is always a lesson to be learned.” Some of those lessons were the fruits of difficult experiences.

Others were the advice I received from wise people. All of them may have come from different sources, but they have something in common: they have been useful to guide my life into the future.

I’d like to share with you two lessons that have significantly affected my life.

Apply them and you will achieve true success.

self-image.

Erica does this by providing the “Total Concept Look,” which involves consulting with each client according to their personalities, which leads to their individualized style incorporating hair care, and styling along with fashion selecting.

She uses color schemes, silhouettes, skin tones, hair tones, including body types, when assisting clients with fashion selections.

Nevertheless, Beauty Fanatics Salon & Boutique retail designer fashion purchased directly from the designer’s showroom. The fashions are retailed at an affordable price. Also, when it comes to client’s hair care, Erica uses professional products only to be used by licensed professionals. However, she retails most of her fashions and products online.

“Some things just come natural and runs in the blood,” Erica stated. Who has an eye for fashion detailing and accessorizing. She credits her late maternal grandmother Ruth Mae-(RuMe`) who was the Fashion Fortress in the family for her zest for fashion.

Although hair care and styling along with fashion image consulting is an embedded passion, Erica attributes her work towards philanthropic endeavors.

Beauty Fanatics Salon & Boutique is a volunteering participant of the American Cancer Society “Look Good…Feel Better” program for women who are under going cancer treatments whose appearances are sometimes altered due to

cancer treatments.

In addition, a portion of Beauty Fanatics Salon & Boutique proceeds are donated to Dynamic Kids, Inc. a nonprofit organization based in Houston, TX. whose mission is to provide underprivileged children from low-income families school uniforms, clothing, and school supplies.

Most importantly, Erica King, , enjoys and puts a lot of passion into her work, such as creating quick weaves for the professional woman who likes to change her appearances and stays hurried for her next business meeting.

The removable quick weave is fast, easy to maintain, versatile, and non hair damaging.

“Everyone should be able to visit the hair salon despite economical hardships,” She contends. That is why Beauty Fanatics Salon & Boutique have Monthly Specials, The College Cutie Club and “Sassy Senior” Discount Day, in addition to V.I.B.-Very Important Beauty membership including monthly prize gift drawings.

“We are in the 21st century and it’s time to explore yourself, express yourself, most of all versatile yourself.

Express yourself through your hairstyle and fashion. Allow your personal style to speak for you. S.I.S-Sister In Style, accessorize your fashions and keep your hair flawless and fanatically beautiful,” Erica concludes.

writing about behavioral concepts. It is the ultimate norm of high morality in our culture. Sure there are other morals by which we live, but this one phrase embodies our most cherished value: that we should treat people as we would like to be treated. Now it’s true we don’t always abide by the Golden Rule. We often hurt others in ways we, ourselves, would not like perpetrated against us.

However, I can testify that I have seen time and time again where a person’s kindness takes them further than their intelligence.

we maximize our potential, and we can’t maximize our potential when we are focused on how other people around us are doing. Rather than simply trying to outrun the next guy, take a close look at which track you are on. Too many people have spent their entire lives climbing the ladder of success only to find they had it leaning against the wrong wall.

I’ve come to some interesting conclusions about life’s lessons. Our egos falsely judge how we handle life, making it more difficult to learn what we need. Most of us are much harder on ourselves than we are on other people.

To really learn the lessons that bring us inner peace and greater wisdom, we need to discover that we are designed to be more resilient and stronger than we give ourselves credit for. Personally, nothing is as rewarding as discovering the seed of an equal or greater blessing in each lesson. It is fully embracing them head-on instead of mulling them over from an ivory tower of isolation. So remember, embrace every life lesson and always continue to strive to be the best, no matter what.

Run your own race

One of the hardest lessons for a person to learn is knowing that your race is different from someone else‘s race. Realizing this is liberating because it frees you from envy. When you hear that other people are successful, you can sincerely be grateful since you are not in competiKindness will often tion with them. At the same time, it also take you further than pushes you to live your best life. Why? intelligence Because you are competing against The Bible Verse “Do unto others yourself. We all have seeds of greatness as you would have them do to you” is planted within us. Those precious seeds the golden rule stated in most ancient will ultimately come to fruition when www.

24.

A Nation of

Children

AT-REACH

By Dr. D. L. Jones, Contributing Writer

T

wenty-five years ago, the National Commission on Excellence in Education released the landmark “A Nation at Risk” report. It documented widespread failure in American schools.

The report stated that if an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on America the mediocre education performance that exists today, it would be viewed as an act of war. We can’t allow another 25 years to pass without real progress in improving public education in America.

During the winter of 1965 there was another disturbing report depicting the at-risk status of Black American families commonly known as the Moynihan Report. It concluded that African-American urban poverty could be traced in part to a breakdown of family structure.

The Report’s most significant contribution was its clarion call to action.

In fact, its subtitle is “The Case for National Action.” It made clear the urgent need to reverse negative social trends where millions of at-risk young males grow up with no clear picture of a positive role of becoming a responsible man.

As an educator and proud citizen of this great country called America, I along with millions of others am too familiar with the term “at-risk.” There’s not a day that goes by that someone isn’t talking about the problems in our schools, neighborhoods, homes, and Black America as a whole. Problems from teenage pregnancies, drug abuse, teen violence, runaways, high school dropouts, teenage illiteracy and the list goes on and on. Many would consider those who fall into the aforementioned November 2009

categories to be at-risk, but as of today I want you to look at them as AT-REACH children.

One day, as I was sitting in my office, the assistant principal brought a student in to see me who had refused to take out his grille; (a removable designer dental partial that many urban males wear over their teeth) knowing it is against school policy to wear during school. To my amazement, the student not only refused to take it out but suggested that he would rather drop out of school if given the choice to take out his gold platted grille.

As I watched him leave my office and walk to his car, I could only turn to my assistant principal with a look of bewilderment and hurt. Now, many schools would let him go considering that he falls into the category of at-risk.

But I refuse to lose another young black male to a system of sub-cultural hip hop non-sense. To me he’s not at-risk; he’s AT-REACH! This is the attitude that we as parents, educators, pastors and the like must take in order to reach the least, the last and the lost. We can no longer see them as the dominant culture sees and depicts them, we must see them as ATREACH and valued as someone who’s worth taking the time to save.

Years ago there was a young boy who many teachers labeled at-risk before he graduated from elementary school, they thought he was well on his way to becoming a statistic. Living in a family of six children with a widowed mother and no father in one of the poorer sections of the city, this young boy observed many of the neighborhood boys succumb to drugs, skipping school, and the juvenile justice system.

By the time he was 14, this young boy had witnessed many horrible and violent things from the streets. He had friends who would entice him to run away from home and do drugs. At 14, he was caught stealing fishing lures at the local K-Mart department store. The store manager called his mother and no charges were made against him.

During high school, his pastor took a special interest in him, becoming to him a positive African American male role model. Through his pastor’s mentorship and the influence of family members who encouraged him to get good grades and stay in school, he developed an interest in his own educational www.

growth. Later, he joined the church choir and the church youth ministry, which he says helped put his life in perspective. Being mentored by his pastor and participating in positive church and social groups - without a doubt paid off.

He went on to finish high school with honors and obtained a Bachelors of Science, a Masters of Arts, and a Doctorate of Education.

Today, this young man has a professional career that spans from classroom teacher, CEO of a non-profit organization, high school principal, Director of Guidance and Counseling, Superintendent of Schools, and Pastor. Each day of his life is a commitment to AT-REACH children; reaching urban youth who

are being consumed by what he calls a “troubled culture of misguided youth” largely influenced by gangster hip-hop and legitimized by corporations that control modern media.

This young man can tell you how one person who served as a mentor changed his life. How do I know? That troubled young boy was me, and the mentor was my pastor. I thank God that he saw me as AT-REACH and not at-risk.

Never look at the glass half empty.

Take the words at-risk out of your vocabulary. Seeing our children as at-risk is all in the mind. Seeing them at ATREACH is all in the heart.

25.

Financial Freedom – Starting Point

By Willie Long III, Contributing Writer Many people become excited about their new goals. They say, “If you fail to plan you plan to fail!” Their intentions are great, but many times they fail to keep this energy and motivation going.

The results are minimal if any at all. So what happened?

You have to know where you are before you can decide where you are going.

Let’s look at it this way. What is the first thing you do when you are lost in the mall? My guess would be to look for a mall map. Once you start looking at the mall map, you will need to find the “You are here” icon. This way you have a relative location of where you are and where you need to be.

In order to figure out where you are, let’s first take a look at your current income. Find out all of your income for a month and add it together. This includes earned income from your job, investment/portfolio income, child support, etc. When you are adding your earned income from a job, use the amount before taxes. We will need to subtract your taxes paid each month in the next step.

The next step, and sometimes the most revealing process, is to calculate your expenses. This is where you will add the total amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck every month. Don’t leave out anything! This step usually includes, cell phone bill, rent/mortgage, electricity, water, telephone, cable TV, car note, home insurance, health insurance, car insurance, child support payments, gas, food, clothes, tithes, etc.

Now, take your expenses and subtract them from your monthly income.

If you are spending more than you earn each month, we have a serious problem.

If you are almost breaking even or you barely have enough to buy a happy meal at the end of the month, you are living paycheck to paycheck, which is also a problem. If you have enough money to invest or save at the end of the month, then you are on the right track. If you don’t evaluate this, it won’t matter how much money you make from your new November 2009

www.

idea. You will continue the same habits and poor mentality of spending more than you earn or “make more spend more”. This is why many people who win the lottery end up broke.

Let’s continue to lay our foundation. If you haven’t pulled your credit report within a year, you are entitled to view it for free from each of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Transunion, Experian). This may not include the FICO score, but it’s only a couple of dollars from each bureau. If you pull your own report, your credit score won’t go down so don’t be afraid.

So, what are your skills, abilities, and education? Do you have a college degree? What is your work experience?

What do you like to do the most? What resources do you have available (savings, home equity, cash, unused credit cards, etc.) All of this is very important and really opens your eyes to where you are in life. You may find out that you have a degree, you are making “good” money, but you have no resources available to you and you’re living check to check.

Don’t be depressed, this is all a part of the healing process. Although you may be unemployed or have picked up a few felonies along the way doesn’t mean you are less capable of becoming successful either. There are plenty of people who come to the United States without a social security number, work experience, or knowledge of the native language and become financially independent.

Why do you want to be successful? This is the most important step in this process. If you want to be successful so you can “outshine” the next man or woman, you will be crippling yourself. This way of thought will have you jumping from one thing to the next with no sense of direction. Your mission statement in life must be strong enough to push you through the tough times and keep the excitement flowing despite any potential setbacks. Bad relationships, poor childhood, unemployment, prison, disease, death of a loved one, divorce, being broke, not having enough time, are all things that a strong mission statement can conquer. Find out the real reason why you want to be successful, work toward that goal, and the rest will fall into place.

26.

Find a Mentor,

Be a Mentor

By Richard Saldan, Contributing Writer For the uninitiated, let us first answer the questions: Who is a mentor? Why does one need a mentor or why should one try to be one? Where can one find a mentor? The answer to these questions would probably open up newer opportunities in your mind as alternate career paths reveal themselves when you go deeper in the subject.

A mentor is someone who is your friend, philosopher and guide in matters related to your career, personal growth and development as well as your personal life. He or she counsels and advises you not only when you are in a crisis situation but also when you are crossroads

of life – be it any situation. The person is experienced in matters of life and career and talks with authority. He is dependable and could be with you from the start to the end of your career. The corollary to your understanding could be: What is in it for him? A mentor can gain tremendously in his own life, as he holds the hand of someone who needs his help. We believe that there is no better tool in life, which helps you in your personal growth than to be coach to someone. If you look at this opportunity from the mentors’ perspective, you not only feel proud of the fact that you are helping someone to reach his own

Following Instructions…

Common Sense or a Waste of Time?

By Brandon Rasch, Contributing Writer

From the time we are very small, we’re told to “follow directions.” For a child, this is necessary to teach basic life skills, as well as critical thinking.

However, as we grow and mature and learn to think for ourselves, most of us conclude that the importance of following directions and following them to the letter is not a life or job requirement. Don’t we all cut a few corners as we become more experienced and proficient at doing something? We all November 2009

have decided that most directions are written to guide, instruct and protect the person with little or no skill at a task or job? I know what they want!

I have done this before so it must be the same this time! This is the manner in which we have always done this!

Sound familiar?

The best way to view life is to remember there is a “threat component” present in everything we do. If we drive there always remains a threat. www.

latent potential, but have a great sense of enhanced self-esteem when you see people depend on you for advice and guidance.

A mentor is not a closed human being. He is open to ideas from the people he has taken under his wing and is frank enough to admit his own mistakes without any qualms. A mentor shares his experiences with you not just to boast of his achievements, but to make you understand that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

The answer to the question about why does one need a mentor – the answer is rather simple. None of us are capable of handling all the complexities of career as well as personal growth.

Instances are not rare when we stand at crossroads of life and ponder about which is the right direction to take for future happiness and prosperity. We wish there was someone who could, from his personal experience, guide and help us to make that critical choice. A mentor fulfills all these needs and more.

But where does find a person with such attributes? Many times, you would have found a mentor without naming him or her as such, as the person advises and counsels you in critical matters concerning your career, etc. It is by chance that you have found a mentor without trying too hard for it! It could be your colleague, superior or even your spouse or best friend. In case you are not as lucky, you could approach us, a professional training institute who could guide you to the right person or a rel-

evant program, where you could find what you are looking for.

Last, but never the least important aspect of this discussion is why is it important to become a mentor? Firstly, consider yourself blessed and fortunate to have been endowed with the essential qualities of a mentor: open in communication, persuasive abilities, and adequate experience in a particular skill area as well as in life in general, experience in meeting a wide variety of people and situations both in professional life and more. Would it not be nice to further hone your skills? It is said that whichever profession you are in, there is no end to learning. What better opportunities are there in life, which can help you develop your own knowledge and experience than tutoring and helping others achieve their dreams? Being a successful mentor could mean that you touch people’s lives where it matters most. You could bring about a permanent change in peoples’ attitudes, remove mental blocks and help him delve deep into his own mind to find solutions to his problems, which he till now believed never existed! This in short is the importance of being a mentor.

If we participate in sporting activities there always remains a threat. At work, every function that we perform has associated with that function a threat of failure.

A threat is a situation, an activity or an event, which increases the complexity of the operation and poses a safety risk to personnel, customers or equipment or poses a risk that the result of our labor may not meet the standard expected by our customers. If managed properly the threat situation can be eliminated or at the very least reduced to an acceptable level.

It is accurate to state that there is virtually nothing that we do that does not contain inherent risks and threats.

Specific instructions and procedures are written to minimize threats. Job tickets are created to guide the manufacturing process. Proofs are furnished to ensure that our customers are sat-

isfied with the preliminary work performed and that the final product will be made correctly. Remember everyone should attempt to follow procedures that are written to ensure that the same steps and processes are followed at all times. Following our written procedures, even for routine tasks, prevents errors from being made by ensuring we adhere to small, but critical, steps that could otherwise be forgotten. Following set procedures actually becomes a safeguard, or “control,” assuring protection for you, your co-workers, our customers and our equipment and the products that we routinely manufacture.

Put another way, following set procedures becomes a safe habit. Safe habits have benefits at both work and at home. In the end, we all benefit from “following directions!”

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

27.

Five Steps to Career Satisfaction Step two: Step one:

Make a list of everything that you enjoy.

By Susan Liddy, Contributing Writer

Make a list of your skills.

Step three: Make a list of what you are proud of.

Step four: Now look for the patterns. What do you see? For example, do what you love and enjoy involve the outdoors?

Animals? People? Are your talents and skills related to using your hands, creating art, music, speaking, using your body? If your lists are long enough, you will see some patterns.

Step five: How do you feel about your vocation? Do you truly enjoy what you do for a living? Or, are you like most people: dreading getting up each morning, hitting the snooze button again and again... barely able to face another unhappy day on the job?

Many of my life-coaching clients express feeling frozen in a career that they absolutely do not enjoy, or worse, dread. This happens to many people.

It happens to people who seem to have “made it” just as often as it happens to those at the outset of their career journey. It happened to me.

For a very long time, I felt trapped in a career that came with many financial reward and status, yet left me emotionally starving. Fear kept me stuck. I feared that changing my career would result in a loss of meaning. I wondered what others would think about me if I changed. Would they say I am a hopeless dreamer? I feared that I’d “never figure it out” and that in the future, I’d be in the exact same place I yearned to move away from, for lack of a decision or solid plan.

Can you relate to the same career fears? Many can. I believe it comes down to distrust and a lack of knowing what really fulfills us. And, the times when we discover some good solutions, fear kicks in. Fear reminds us that it’s not sensible to take risks, that we need security, that most people fail at “X” and we’ll have to work really, really hard if we expect to get anywhere.

A possible reason why you stay in the same job even with being unhappy: you’re good at what you do. On the surface, your profession gives the appearance of the perfect fit. Yet deep inside, you may have a submerged dream November 2009

of being fired. Maybe you long for that enchanted break. But then you speculate, “Who’s to say that my knowledge is enough?” And on the flip side you worry, “How can I possibly find a new job that pays as well as my current one?” Indeed, it seems that fear has you in its grasp: you are afraid to go and afraid to stay.

To be fulfilled, you must calm the fear. This requires awareness, risk, and determination. Ask yourself: How did I arrive at career dissatisfaction? Did your profession choose you instead of you choosing it? Possibly, somewhere along the way, you took a job that seemed right at the time, yet ultimately it lost its luster. Now you’re trapped because it’s all you think you know and changing now would be a lunatic thing to do.

Did someone else choose your profession for you? It’s what your spouse or somebody else wanted. And you went a long with it so as to avoid disagreement?

Did you go with what seemed prosperous? Maybe it was about a lack of trust.

Or, perhaps you didn’t feel talented enough to accomplish what you really wanted. Do you think “there’s no looking back now?” You’ve spent your best years climbing the ladder - yet suddenly you fear you’ll give up before the getting gets really good. Perhaps its “too late” for you to make your real dream come true so you choose to live with heartache and career dissatisfaction. Do you feel overwhelmed? Do your conflicting talents and interests pull you in different directions? Are you unable to make a decision, and so you just do “whatever” to exist?

Try this five-step plan to open your mind to new career ideas and remove the fear that grips you. www.

Now set aside some time and do research: Seek out every possible career that incorporates what you love, enjoy and are good at. Search the Internet, look in the yellow pages, go to the library, ask friends and family members for direction. Interview people, gather data and information. Engage in activities related to your particular interests.

Attend some networking functions, career seminars, adventure groups, writing clubs, whatever it is for You!

The key is to move. A major downer about career dread is it tends to suck the life out of us. It can make us feel diminished. Taking action will not only help you figure out yourself more and carve a career path that is fulfilling for you, it will get you moving again! Get outside, connect with friends, envelope yourself in your passions and engage in experiences that attracts you. This alone will refresh you. And, who knows. Maybe you’ll meet others along the way who shares your passion, can mentor you, or support you somehow.

Today get out of career dread and into empowerment. If you are living to work, then you’re not really living. You spend much of your lifetime working in your career. Why not create a life that includes loving what you do?

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713.272.9511

28.

Lessons Learned

Wendy Richard Contributing Writer For most folks, when the words “Lessons Learned” are mentioned, immediately it is identified as the resulting effect of a negative or bad experience; however the importance of lessons learned leads to the development of good character and integrity of a person.

So, in identifying with the positive outlook of lessons learned, you should want to learn and face your mistakes, embrace, yet understand the purpose of those mistakes, and accept the outcome, regardless of what others think or say about your mistakes. Everyone makes tons of mistakes in a lifetime and if you choose NOT to deal with the

November 2009

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issues, it will develop negative energy from within. Realizing your mistakes and facing your fears head-on is a painful experience but a necessary part of the healing process. And as a result, you will be capable of making better choices and experiencing a greater sense of living life with a purpose.

You can always learn something simply by observing others, by observing yourself, and by observing all the things around you. However, it’s your choice to pay attention and be open to receiving knowledge from unexpected places. A mentor, someone who can share his/her past experiences and allow conversations that are confidential can prevent you from needless headaches and harsh reality checks by providing you guidance without judgment.

Most importantly, be honest with yourself and don’t beat yourself up about the past, capitalize on your mistakes, for this is how you learn and gain valuable knowledge and experience. From your experiences, at some point you will feel comfortable, confident, and excited to share your story with others in an effort to give back to the world on your idea of the importance of lessons learned.

29.

hallenging hildren with hristian Values had been educators with a grandfather also serving as Principal at the local junior high school while his cousin was the Principal at the high school.

Several other family members were also teachers and it was the profession her father had chosen for her as well.

Though she loved children and enjoyed helping them learn, Paige had decided to strike out in a different direction.

Moving to Houston and attending Houston Baptist University, she received a BS degree in both Accounting and Business Management and began making her mark in corporate America as an oil and gas accountant.

While married with a young daughter and son, Paige took the summer of l984 off work to spend time with her children, not knowing that her life would change dramatically that very summer.

While dropping off a friend’s child at a daycare, she casually mentioned to the owner that if he ever had an interest in selling to give her a call. She received a phone call the very next day! Thinking that she would get the failing busi-

Madkin-Gray Madkin-Gray Academy Academy

Paige Cawthon is the founder and Administrator of Madkin-Gray Academy, formerly known as Southwest Preparatory School. In this position, Cawthon challenges children from nursery through elementary school to excel academically while also instilling Christian values.

Growing up in East Texas, Cawthon had no desire to be an educator! It seemed that almost everyone in her family had a role in educating children. Led by the example of her mother teaching Sunday school classes and volunteering for the Head Start program, Paige also volunteered to assist in the Head Start program beginning the summer following eighth grade. Three of her four grandparents

ness off to a good start and keep it as an investment when she returned back to work, Paige began her school ownership journey with only six children. Once she started, she simply fell in love with both the children and the possibility of fulfilling the obvious need for a strong academic program. Southwest Preparatory School was soon born and eight years ago, Madkin-Gray Academy was designed and built as a tribute honoring these educator grandparents whose footsteps she did not wish to follow.

“God gave me a gift of working with children and though I’d tried to avoid it, He led me and blessed me with the opportunity to be able to influence their lives in a positive way. I am truly grateful for that opportunity,” she said.

Cawthon returned to Houston Baptist University for further training when she began the school, and graduated with top honors as a Reading Specialist and a Master of Education degree. She now writes and develops education curriculum and materials for use at Madkin-Gray Academy as well as in her educational consulting business that she shares with her daughter who is also an educator.

Cawthon lives in the Sugar Land area and attends Unity Church where she has taught Sunday school and volunteered in various capacities from assisting with landscaping to working in the bookstore. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society for educators and serves as a mentor to many young entrepreneurs and young women in the field of education. She’s also a member of or has served o the boards of organizations such as National Black Child Develop-

Bringing Windy City flavor to Houston

Danya & Jerome Hall, Owners Growing up in Chicago, where popcorn is legendary, made all the difference when our family arrived to Houston. In the footsteps of a Chicago-marked tradition, using the finest and freshest ingredients and applying the old-fashioned technique of hot air popped kernels instead of oils, Just PopNovember 2009

pin says. . . Hello Houston! It is truly our family’s pleasure to share our best gourmet popcorn with our new Houston family.

Every batch is guaranteed fresh. Our recipes are made of high quality ingredients.

What’s our promise to you, it’s simple. You will love every bite!

Every kernel, made fresh daily, will melt in your mouth, and dance in your belly. Or your money back. We know these things because this is what traditional Chicago style popcorn has done to us for generations. And now we bring that tradition to you!

So, whether you’re just in need of www.

really great popcorn, or indeed a popcorn connoisseur, grab a book, watch a movie, or just sit back and relax with this gourmet delight.

When you’re ready to satisfy your taste for really great gourmet popcorn in Houston, we’ll see you at Just Poppin.

If you’ve never had traditional Chicago style popcorn then you might not understand ... but boy are you in for a treat!

Just Poppin Popcorn is a great snack for all occasions. We specialize in caramel and cheese popcorn; offering a wide variety of flavors and product packages such as; fundraisers, holidays, birthdays, corporate gifts, custom containers and decorative tins. We are also

ment Institute, National Association for the Education of Young Children, Child Advocates, Houston Museum of Fine Arts, Frederick Douglass Alumni Association, Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Men of Style for Sickle Cell, and Sister’s Network.

Setting high standards for education is the norm at Madkin-Gray Academy. A 14,000 square foot building on almost three acres in southwest Houston was built eight years to showcase the talent of the students and to provide a beautiful setting for their growth and development. Two year olds learn colors, numbers, and songs in Spanish while three year olds are taught Phonics and to spell word. Four year olds learn to read and solve double-digit math problems and Elementary classes include multiplication in Kindergarten and Algebra in Grade 4. High standard have produced high results and Madkin-Gray Academy and Southwest Preparatory School has many former students with careers as “doctors, lawyers, and other movers and shakers in the community”.

What’s in the dream pipes for this dedicated educator?

“I always have ideas for the children in the works. Right now I have a wonderful project I’m trying to get off the ground, so look out for something innovative next fall!” That’s exactly what we’ll do.

Contact: 8320 W Airport Blvd Houston, TX 77071 Ph: 713.774.9100 www.mgacademy.org capable of servicing major stores and small businesses.

After researching that famous technique that hides the secret of some of the best popcorn the country has ever known... after testing and sampling not bad work by the way... after refining, perfecting, and of course sampling again...We are ecstatic to give to Texas what Texas has given to us ... a big taste of home!

Whether you’re young or olderyoung. Whether you’re a popcorn connoisseur or someone who simply enjoys an occasional kernel every now and then, our family owned business prides itself on bringing you, our new Houstonian family, the freshest, most exciting, deliciously dynamic, and wonderfully unique popcorn experience. Come visit our location in Stafford, you will not be disappointed.

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open offices in Korea in 2010. This is an exciting time at 5LINX®, a ground floor telecommunications company that is expanding in the Houston market. The telecommunications industry is a multi-billion dollar a year industry. 5LINX® will teach you how to profit from this multi-billion dollar a year industry by earning an income on products and services that people use everyday.

5LINX® is looking for individuals who desire to establish their own home based business in the telecommunications industry that is experiencing unprecedented growth. Don’t miss out on your opportunity for financial wealth and success.

Come learn about an incredible new business opportunity from the Houston expansion leadership professionals! Thursday, November 12th, 2009. Registration at 7 pm; Event begins at 7:30 pm. Holiday Inn Houston Loop (behind Reliant Stadium), 8111 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054.

ALL GUESTS ARE FREE. RSVP at 713.942.0387! Seating is limited.

Houston’s Link to Wealth and Success This is the decade of the entrepreneur. The decision to start your own business is easy but what makes a successful entrepreneur? Is it motivation, timing, or hard work?

If one were to ask Garrett how to achieve success as an entrepreneur, he would respond that it’s timing and investing in a promising business. That is why Mr. Garrett could not pass up the opportunity to invest in 5LINX®, a telecommunications company, despite already owning a successful hardwood flooring company.

Garrett researched several network multi-level marketing opportunities but when he ran across 5LINX® his search came to an abrupt halt.

5LINX® is one of the few opportunities individuals can earn full-time

income while working on a part-time basis. At first, this sounded too good to be true until Garrett began earning a living he never thought possible.

5LINX® gives you the opportunity to determine how much money you want to make and how fast you would like to earn it. In other words, you dictate your own wealth and success.

5LINX® has been documented in Inc 500 magazine from 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 as one of the fastest growing privately held corporations in the United States. 5LINX® is an international company. Not only does it have corporate headquarters in New York, but it has corporate offices in Sweden and London. The company has just launched offices in Puerto Rico and Lagos, Nigeria and has plans to

Texas High School Jamboree Houston, Texas - November 27-28

6’8- committed Texas A&M, Sheldon Mcclellan 6’6-committed Texas, Jamal Outler 6’3 committed Texas Tech.), Jones High School (Joe Miles 5’10, Demarcus Johnson 6’7),Sam Houston High School (Denzell Booker 6’5”, Dante’ Bachus 6’7, Anthony Norris 6’6), North Forest High School , Strake Jesuit College Preparatory (Rasheed Sulaimon, 6’3, Elliot Franshaw, 6’7, Michael Felton, 6’4), Second Baptist (LJ Rose 6’3, Mikhail McClean 6’7, Alex Cooper Jr., 6’5), St. Pius X, St. John (Wiliiam Young 5’11” ,Tim Otey

Craig A. Garrett

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orward-looking best describes businessman, Craig Garrett.

When he chooses a business venture he doesn’t look at what the business is at the moment but what it can be in the future. Garrett has proven himself as a successful entrepreneur time after time by capitalizing on opportunities before others even think about the return on the undertaking.

left to right

Everett “DOC” Nelson, Rick Nelson & Evony Nelson Rick Nelson is one of the most liked and respected men in the business and does a super job assembling this event every year. Fans in this area love high school basketball and a full house is the rule rather than the exception when games are played. The twoday event will be played at the beautiful and spacious Strake Jesuit College Preparatory High School Gymnasium and will feature many of the nation’s top teams and players.

Traveling teams will include: Austin, Texas, Austin LBJ (Donald DalNovember 2009

las 6’2” Cameron Brown 6’, Robert Lee 6’), Dallas (TX) Kimball High School (David Kates 6’5, Jerion Henry, Oscar Lewis), Duncanville (TX) Duncanville High School (Perry Jones 6’11, Cameron Lenzy 5’9, Luke Mergerson 6’7), Lancaster (TX) Lancaster High School (John Bohannon- committed UTEP, Tre Lynch, Michale Kyser), Dallas (TX) Pinkston High School , Dallas (TX)(Tony Mitchell,15 Rivals.com, #18 NBA Draft.net, 2010 Davoun Hunter 6’4, 2011 Ollie Jackson 6’4, Devonte’ Greene 6’5, Woodrow Wilson High School(DonWayne Mayberry 5’7, Curtis Davis 6’0, Stephon Smith 6’7, Mark Brown, 6’4-commited Florida State University), Dallas (TX) Episcopal School of Dallas (Philip Pressey 5’10 committed University Missouri, Trevor Fuller 6’7 committed University of San Deigo), Baton Rough (LA Glen Oaks High School, Baton Rough (LA) Istrouma High School (Ronald Mcghee 6’ 5’’ guard Sr., Steven Jackson 6’ 4’’ forward Sr., Roy Knox 5’ 10” guard). Houston teams are Westbury Christian (AC Collins 6’0, Nick Shephard 6’9-committed Long Beach), Bellaire High School (Tobi Oyedeji www.

6’, Josh Winslow 6’), St. Thomas High School (Chase Kammerer, 6’8,.Christian Sanders 6’3, Aaron Durley 6’10), Port Arthur Memorial High School (Shaq White-Miller-League MVP, Darrius Harris 6’8-committed Lamar, Josh Cromier 5’10) and Clear Spring High School (Terris Bourgeois 6’6, Ryan Garcia 6’7, Anthony Horton 6’7)

Contact: Rick Nelson

Phone: 832 -651-9032 Email: info@eliteaction.net Website: www.txjamboree.com

Friday, November 27, 2009 10:30 am

Austin LBJ Jaguars

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12:00 pm

North Forest Bulldogs

1:30 pm

Louisiana Glen Oaks Panthers vs

Clear Springs Chargers

3:00 pm

Louisiana Istruma Indian

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St. Thomas Eagles

4:30 pm

Dallas Pinkston Vikings

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Sam Houston Tigers

6:00 pm

Lancaster Tigers

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Houston Bellaire Cardinals

7:30 pm

Episcopal School of Dallas Eagles

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Second Baptist Eagles

9:00 pm

Dallas Kimball Knights

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Westbury Christian Wildcats

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St. Pius X Panthers St. John High School

Saturday, November 28, 2009 9:00 am

North Forest Bulldogs

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Louisiana Istruma Indians

10:30 am

St. John High School

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Austin LBJ Jaguars

12:00 pm

St. Thomas Eagles

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Louisiana Glen Oak Panthers

1:30 pm

Second Baptist Eagles

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Dallas W. Wilson Wildcats

3:00 pm

Strake Jesuit Crusaders

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Dallas Pinkston Vikings

4:30 pm

Westbury Christian Wildcats

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Episcopal School of Dallas

6:00 pm

Houston Jones Falcons

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Lancaster Tigers

7:30 pm

Port Arthur Memorial Titans

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Dallas Kimball Knights

9:00 pm

Houston Bellaire Cardinals

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Duncanville Panthers

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