d-mars.com Business Journal 42

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

July 2010

Economic Development

INSIDE 5 Ways Young Professionals Can Make Themselves Indispensable

Edition

Reaching for Financial FREEDOM!

LET’S PLAN FOR OUR FUTURE

By Rachel Wilson Five steps to making yourself absolutely essential.

PAGE 27

Bad Customer Service Seems to be Everywhere!

By Carla Lane Basic Tips to improve overall customer service.

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Harry C. Alford, Kay Debow Alford & MR. D-MARS

Stay Wonka

“Economic Development begins with community support”

By Nigel Chase

Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce Celebrates

Innovation is the focus of your company, its intellectual quality; more so, it determines the path your business will embark.

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75 Years President Eric Lyons

Fredericka Allen Democrat for Judge

Pastor Andrew Watkins The Watkins Group

Eva E., Amy S. & Kennison R. Buttercream Babies

Black History Legend: Percy “Frenchy” Creuzot Jr. Anyone looking for an example of how to turn a passion into a thriving business, need look no further than the late Percy Creuzot Jr. PAGE 43

See pg. 6 Brooks Family Harlon’s Bar • B • Que A Black History Legend

Craig Joseph This Is It: Soul Food A Black History Legend

Kevin Davis Vice President of d-mars.com

july 2010

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Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr. SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis JR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Jr. EDITING CONSULTANT ReShonda Tate-Billingsley Operations Coordinator Heather Haukaas ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mike Jones PHOTOGRAPHY Leon Galbreath MARKETING CONSULTANTS Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik (Faith) Myron Davis DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tyra M. Metoyer & Brandale Mills Christina R. Grochett Hamed Moshrefi Loretta Oliver Lynn Terry Dr. Odetunde Steven Brown Deidra Joseph Noel Pinnock Charlotte Jackson Rachel Wilson John Truscott Carla Lane Dr. David Jones Tahita Doyle Victor Walker Nigel Mustang Rhonda K. Burnett Kevin Davis

july 2010

Do you ever get this in your email box: Find Financial Freedom! Make $100,000 from home in the next 90 days!

If only financial freedom were that easy. Unfortunately, it’s an accomplishment that can’t be achieved with the click of your mouse, or by sitting in the comfort of your living room, doing nothing. Financial freedom requires work, lots of it.

The first step in finding financial freedom is to realize that financial freedom has absolutely nothing to do with how much money you have or make. Financial freedom is something that goes on inside of you. This is why someone who makes very little can be happy and someone who makes a ton can be extremely stressed out over his or her financial situation.

So the first step is to realize that financial freedom is more about our attitudes toward money than about the amount of money.

Of course, attitude can only get you so far. Hard work and dedication have to play a part as well. That’s why this issue is dedicated to helping you fit together all the pieces of the puzzle on your path to financial freedom. You’ll find everything from tips on saving to navigating the stock market to developing a “financially free” mindset.

As always, we have stories to help you build a better business to making a change in your personal life. I’m extremely proud of this issue because I know there’s something in between these pages to get you started on the path to financial freedom. There’s something in this issue for everyone!

Of course, I can’t leave you without once again asking 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 Building Black Business...............................................................................

Celebrating 75 Years: HCCC........................................................................

Proud to be an Educator in the 21st Century…………………….................

Responsible Growth…………………………………..................................…

Avoiding Work at Home Disasters and Learning to Earn a Living Online…

Making the Work-At-Home Dream Come True……..........................………

Teeth Whitening............................................................................................

Are you ready for Disasters?........................................................................

Small Business Administration Program Could Help your Business…....…

Evaluating the Economics of Employees…………………………............….

Simplify, Economize, and Clarify..................................................................

Firing a Relative?..........................................................................................

Financial Freedom……………………………………………….......................

5 Ways Young Professionals Can Make Themselves Indispensable….......

Bad Customer Service Seems to be Everywhere!.......................................

Are the markets predictably unpredictable?................................................

Stay Wonka……………………………………………………………...............

Revolution of the Mind: Think Production……………………………............

Brooks Family Foods…………………………………………......................…

Black History Legend: Percy “Frency” Creuzont Jr. ...................................

5 6 7 8 10 10 13 15 17 17 18 20 22 27 29 30 31 32 42 43

MR. D-MARS D-MARS.com Business Journal Tip of the Month “The faster you move toward financial freedom, the faster it moves toward you.”

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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.

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4.

Building

Black Business

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ccording to the United States Census Bureau, there are over 1.2 million Black owned businesses, which bring in over 100 billion dollars per year. It sounds like a pretty good number, right? Not when you consider a University of Georgia report that says after taxes, Black Americans have a trillion dollars to spend.

That means that 900 billion dollars is going somewhere else.

It’s those startling numbers that Harry and Kay DeBow Alford hope to change. As President/CEO and cofounder of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, Harry has established himself as perhaps the nation’s preeminent champion of African-American business empowerment. From a visionary concept for what Blacks must do to fully seize their place in the economic mainstream, Alford has built a global organization that has earned a place at the table in the White House and at the top levels of corporate America. He has been responsible for opening doors that have led to billions of dollars in new business for Black owned firms throughout the nation.

Kay DeBow Alford is NBCC Executive Vice President and co-founder and has an unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in today’s global economy. Together the pair decided that more needed to be done to build Black business. It was an idea sparked while Harry was working under Governor Evan Bayh in Indiana in the 1980s as commissioner for minority business development.

“The mission of the office was to help more businesses do business with the state of Indiana,” Harry said. “I identified capable businesses around the state of Indiana and we started having workshops and introduced them to the procurement officers of the state.”

The move led to a six hundred percent increase in business with minorities in the state.

“This shocked everybody,” he added. “This is when I knew that perhaps the best way to promote business development is through a non-governmental agency; through someone that could push the envelope and make those people in power accountable, while developing good techniques and processes for those businesses. So I went looking around the country for a model and found it in The Indianapolis Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. At the time, there were 2,000 Hispanics in Indianapolis and they had 20 businesses, but they had a chamber of commerce. They were respected. On the other hand, there were 230,000 Blacks and thousands of Black july 2010

businesses and no association. It was crazy, everybody was for themselves.”

In 1993, the Alfords formed the first local Black chamber in just two months.

“It had 600 members and became the largest Black business association in the Midwest and started doing things by the millions and millions of dollars.

We took on United Airlines, took on Eli Lilly, and took on the city (sat down and confronted). We told these corporations ‘if we are qualified and bonified to do business with you, what is the problem?’

We exposed that and put it in the Black press. Soon, everyone started coming to Indiana to see what was happening and

Halliburton and all these big boys and Blacks (especially local Blacks) were not getting anything. I went face-to-face with President Bush, talked with him about the situation. Bush said give me three weeks and tell all your people that tried to get business to go to the same place. From that point on, within about six months, our members had three billion dollars booked in business and contracts. Our Louisiana chapter is one of our strongest chapters today because of the contracts they are getting and what we have done.”

Despite the success, there is still work to be done.

experience the boom in business.”

The NBCC was so successful on the local level, that the Alfords took the movement national. To date, there are over 161 chapters, including chapters in France, England, Ghana, Kenya, and the Caribbean.

“I saw what Harry could accomplish at the state level,” his wife, Kay added.

“How much procurement he was able to get for Black businesses there. When you leveled the field, we could participate just like everyone else so I knew that when we went to Washington and did this on a national level we could really make an impact.”

Despite the growth, Alford says they remain committed to the needs of the small Black entrepreneur.

“We encourage our local chapters to be good viable representatives of Black entrepreneurs,” he added. “We want to affect leadership politically, socially, and of course, financially. We want to encourage banks to lend more, encourage corporations to do more business with us and encourage our own to do business with each other.”

And so far, they’re doing a great job, ensuring that Black businesses get a piece of the pie.

“When Hurricane Katrina hit they were giving billion dollar contracts to

“We are currently, working to change HUD so they do more business with us. We’re doing a disparity study where we go to cities and interview businesses, basically contractors and see what the barriers are that keep them from doing more. We plan to wrap the study up in September and present it to the Congressional Black Caucus and make it a talking point during the elections in November. One thing that we are learning from this study is that we have been beating up on these government entities, the state and federal governmental agencies and the cities to do more, but these private corporations are not doing anything.”

One of the areas the Alfords are working hard to change is helping Black business owners know more about organizations, supplier diversity and certifications.

“It is so overrated; there can be a one stop shop for certification: The Small Business Administration! Go to your district office of The Small Business Administration, get certified as a minority business or small disadvantaged business and that’s it. This certification should be honored by any state, city and private corporation. And it is free. If you lie on this application, you go to jail; it’s a felony. So that’s the strength of it.

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It’s a one stop shop. All of those other various applications limit you or make it difficult for you. Why do you have to show your financials when your white competitor didn’t have to show their financials. If you’re good with the IRS and you pay your bills on time, then you are legit. You’re incorporated; you have a license; you are okay,” he said. “There are so many opportunities out here and like I tell people, ‘I’m an entrepreneur. You can put me in Chicago and I can sell flyswatters on the corner in February.’ We can teach those skills to others. Like Kay said, if we level the field and teach those skills to everybody then it’s just straight competition.”

And although he encourages healthy competition, Alford said it’s crucial that our community remain unified in the quest for economic development.

“If you go back to Booker T. Washington where he told us a hundred years ago; if we just form our own businesses and only do business with each other, we will thrive, not only survive in this country. Booker T. spoke about that so well that Henry Ford and Andrew Carnegie funded the National Negro Business Leagues, which was the Chamber of Commerce. Booker T. was the first Black man invited to dinner in the White House because they were so exalted by this man’s capitalism and entrepreneurship and getting into this community.

“Studies proved that in the Chinese community, one dollar recirculates seven times. In the Jewish Community, it may never get out, it may stay forever. But in the Black community, as Malcolm X says, the eagle flies on Friday and by noon Saturday it’s a dead bird. The dollar just goes out, never comes back in,” he said.

Unlike the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which focuses on elections, the National Black Chamber of Commerce focuses on educating entrepreneurs in an effort to build wealth.

“Civil rights have been a great accomplishment for us, but civil rights without economic development will become temporary unless we get into the capitalistic system of America this country was founded on,” Alford said. “People come to this country to make a buck.

They swim rivers and go through ice to get here. That’s the beauty of America you can make some money here.”

And Alford says achieving that goal is best done with the help of an organization like the NBCC. “Booker T. Washington didn’t lie when he said he had to have an organization that was a braintrust to help the community become economically sound. You need an economic organization. Start a chamber and give it added value through your leadership. You can call it anything; a business association, whatever, but you need that piece. You’ve got the NAACP, you’ve got the Links, the Kappas and Omegas, etc., but you need a business component there to beat the drum for business development.”

For more information please visit our website at www.nationalbcc.org or call 202.466.6888.

5.

Celebrating 75 years

Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce Reflecting on the Past to Empower the Future of Black Business

By Tyra M. Metoyer and Brandale Mills, Contributing Writer

left to right: HCCC President Eric Lyons and HCCC Board Chair Carroll Robinson Earl Graves, Jack Welch, and Bob Gibson were all born in 1935. Whitney M. Young was a mere teenager when, at the depths of the Great Depression, the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) was founded. The start of World War II (1939) came four years after the HCCC was established in 1935. The second oldest Black Chamber in the United States predates the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King, Jr was six years old and the Civil Rights Act and National Voting Rights Act would not become law for nearly 30 years, yet African-American businesses in Houston had a champion that was dedicated to building a stronger, more vibrant community.

The years between 1900 and 1935 are generally known as ‘the golden age of Black business’ because of the rise of African-American entrepreneurs and the strength of Black business during that time. By the time the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce (originally known as the Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce) opened its doors, the founders understood that these entrepreneurs would be battling much more than the discrimination and racism that was expected in the Jim Crow South.

The Chamber began 75 years ago with a mission that still guides its vision and the work it undertakes on behalf of july 2010

Black Business.

“Economic stability in the AfricanAmerican community is still on the forefront and the HCCC provides the foundation for Black businesses to not only survive, but thrive during these challenging economic times,” HCCC president Eric Lyons said.

With much of the nation’s attention focused on the economic state of the country, HCCC keeps the needs of black business owners as its main priority, proving it to be a premier organization focused on the prosperity and growth of Black entrepreneurs.

“In 2010, the civil right issue of our time is economic justice,” Lyons said.

“The goal is to advocate for black-owned businesses to grow and prosper.”

Today, the Chamber remains focused on how to impact and provide advocacy, awareness and access for those businesses. The legacy and vision of the Chamber are not diminished by tough economic times. A foundation established during the Great Depression, together with 75 years of advocacy, awareness and access, position HCCC for growth beyond the glory of bygone days.

HCCC Board Chair, Carroll Robinson, said the Chamber’s current role is to ensure the black business community has a foundation to build on, as it strives to move forward and make progress.

“As chairman, it’s my responsibility to continue to build on the legacy [of the Chamber] and leave the chamber better than we found it,” Robinson said. “Everybody can experience the benefit of the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce.”

been contributing to the educational anniversary of HCCC’s prestigious Pindreams of students for 34 years. nacle Awards. The Pinnacle Awards honor excellence, tenacity and dedication of entrepreneurialism. The October 8, black-tie gala is themed, “75 years of Excellence, Empowerment and Endurance” and will feature a silent auction and keynote address from The Honorable Alexis Herman, former Secretary of Labor in the Clinton NATIONAL BLACK CHAMBER Administration. As a successful entreOF COMMERCE ANNUAL preneur, activist and community leader, CONFERENCE: As the second oldest Chamber, Herman embodies the spirit of the PinHCCC is excited to celebrate its inaugu- nacle Awards. Nominations in three ral hosting of the National Black Cham- award categories will be available from ber of Commerce’s Annual Conference, July 15 to August 13 at www.hcccpinJuly 22 – 24. This annual meeting will nacleawards.org.

Reflecting on the past 75 years gives bring together both fledgling and thrivthe Chamber a time to focus forward to ing businesses, and help them make an even stronger future that secures busicorporate connections while attending ness opportunities for African-American training and networking to grow in these business owners, entrepreneurs and challenging times. This conference will professionals and provides them with positively impact the Houston economy programs and forums to educate, equip and demonstrate the mutually beneficial and empower the growth and prosperity relationships between African American of their businesses. For information or businesses and corporate America. tickets to any of the Chamber’s 75 year PINNACLE AWARDS: events, please call 832-350-4222 or send This year also marks the sixteenth an e-mail to info@hccoc.org.

75 YEARS: THE CELEBRATIONS HISTORIC DEDICATION & GOLF TOURNAMENT: Recently designated by the state of Texas as a Historic Organization, the HCCC will highlight its achievements over the past 75 years at its Historic Marker Dedication ceremony, Sunday, July 18. The Historic Dedication will be followed by the Chamber’s first annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, on July 21, which will raise funds to support the organization’s scholarship fund that has www.

Seated Left to Right: Pinnacle Award Winners: Diedria Joseph, Mrs. Sprinkles, Dr. Ka-Ron Wade, Ted Ellis Middle Row – Left to Right: LaTanye Bruce, William Traylor, Marylyn Harris(Upstart Winner), Deborah Richards (METRO- Advocate Winner), Dannette Davis, Vanessa Reed, Angela Freeman, Vernita Harris, Keith Davis Back Row- Left to Right: Carroll Robinson, Eric Lyons, Sherman Lewis III, Francis Cook, Marlen Whitley, Heath Butler, Laolu Yemitian-Davis Board Members Not pictured: James Donatto, Kenny Enfunpo, Kimberly Williams, Michael Harris

6.

Proud to be an Educator in the 21st Century

By Christina Robinson Grochett, University of Phoenix South Texas Vice President

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n today’s constantly evolving and competitive marketplace, the advancement of cutting-edge technology within higher education continues to be a top priority among Houstonians and employers

nationwide. For many, the notion of a competitive edge has become a way of life, especially during the recession.

As the economy gets tough, working professionals get tougher by sharpening their skills and beefing up their resumes.

Historically, education has been a safe haven during a shaky economy, a place where laid-off workers can go for a new career or jobless graduates can turn for an advanced degree. As these individuals flock to higher education institutions to earn advanced degrees, many of these students are looking for two simple things – technology and convenience.

As a result of modern technology, the 21st-century classroom is not enclosed by four walls as it was in the past.

University of Phoenix has stepped to the forefront in creating technological innovations within higher learning – it comes from in and outside the classroom. Technology is incorporated into all aspects of the educational experience, from support services to interactive tools, such as online simulations, web-based tutorials and electronic learning materials includ-

ing a comprehensive online library.

University of Phoenix’s electronic learning portal allows for emerging upto-the-minute information to be available to students 24 hours a day by delivering digitalized materials directly to students’ desktop computers. In addition, the University’s eLibrary has an extensive, state-of-the-art collection of 72 online databases that can be accessed by students and faculty from virtually any location where an Internet connection is available.

Being able to access course materials or post homework assignments when it is convenient for the student is one of the main reasons online education continues to be an increasing trend in higher education. According to a 2009 Sloan Survey of Online Learning, online enrollments have been growing substantially faster than overall higher education enrollments for the last six years. In fact: • Over 4.6 million students were taking at least one online course during the fall 2008 term; a 17 percent increase over the number reported the previous year.

• The 17 percent growth rate for online enrollments far exceeds the 1.2 percent growth of the overall higher education student population.

• More than one in four college and university students now take at least one course online.

From accessibility to the most recent technology tools, University of Phoenix has changed the paradigm of what higher education should look like, while keeping academic quality as the top priority.

It has removed the barriers of time and distance, taking advantage of the most innovative resources to create the classroom needed today, adapting and recreating themselves to continue offering quality education for the 21st century.

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As the slow economy prompts more working professionals into cyber classrooms, the University’s Houston campuses offer a wide range of vocational certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, which provide students with ample choices depending on their interests and income. University of Phoenix has helped thousands of local working professionals earn their advanced degrees both online and at one of our six locations in the Greater Houston and surrounding areas. As a result, the Houston campus was recognized by The Houston Business Journal as the top private school in Houston as well as one of the top 10 universities in the area.

I am proud to be an educator in the 21st century and helping these students reach their personal and professional goals while not compromising their lifestyle or putting their lives on hold. As we celebrate a new year of hope and change, the instructors and staff at University of Phoenix – Houston will continue to help guide potential students by discussing their struggles, pinpointing their issues and creating solutions to overcome these obstacles so they can realize their dreams of earning advanced degrees.

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 2010 Women of Influence by Houston Woman Magazine and one of the 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.

7.

Responsible Growth

By Hamed Moshrefi, Contributing Writer As we use our trackballs and thumbs to read the latest news, we see relatively good headlines regarding our U.S. economy. The media impact regarding our economic growth is more than just headlines and mouse clicks. With good news, comes consumer confidence… and with consumer confidence comes consumption and investment. In order to spur consumption and investment, credit needs to become more readily available. The Federal Reserve controls Federal Fund Rates and Discount Rates and if they lower these rates, money becomes cheaper and the consumer will have more dollars to consume and invest. With all of this being said, it’s important for all Americans to understand the job of Ben Bernanke (Federal Reserve Chairmen) and the Federal Reserve.

The management of our economic growth (or decline) falls in the hands of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve is the United States Central Bank. They lend money to the banks that finance our cars, homes, clothes, and vacations. The Federal Reserve, like any other bank, charges interest to these banks. The Federal Reserve will raise or lower interest rates to ensure our economy doesn’t inflate or grow too slowly. If the Federal Reserve lowers rates, the cost of money becomes cheaper and thus more consumption and investment are likely to occur. With more dollars in the economy, our cost of goods and services are likely to rise and the erosion of the purchasing power of the dollar will occur. If the interest rates are too high, the economy will slow to the point where investment and consumption will likely decline. The job of the Federal Reserve is to adjust interest rates to spur healthy economic growth while managing inflation.

The Federal Reserve adjusted interest rates in February of 2010. They adjusted the Discount rate (the rate they charge banks when they are short on funds and borrow from the central bank) with a 0.25% increase (Februjuly 2010

ary 19, 2010). The Federal Reserve said banks should, “encourage depository institutions to rely on private funding markets for short-term credit and to use the Federal Reserve’s primary credit facility only as a backup source of funds.” During our economic crisis (2008-2009), the Federal Reserve met frequently and on an emergency basis to lower rates and substantially decrease the cost of borrowing money. As you can see in Figure 1, interest rates were lowered to avert a much larger downturn in our economic recession.

Get to know Fredericka Allen

About Fredericka

Figure 1: (www.cnnmoney.com) Even though the Federal Reserve is the Central Bank of the United States, they are to remain as an independent institution. Politics and the Federal Reserve are supposed to be mutually exclusive. The Federal Reserve is not to be used as a tool for a president to buy votes or help their political party.

A president can pressure the Federal Reserve to endorse policy or spur irresponsible money creation to finance their agendas and inflate the economy. These political incumbents are irresponsibly using an independent institution for personal gain at society’s expense. With so much access to information and the ability to communicate directly to the world, politicians and officials need to subscribe to a high standard of ethics.

As we embark on a period of economic growth, we should support decisions that prevent our economy from experiencing inflated growth and can potentially hurt our future. As we approach mid-term elections and the 2012 Presidential Election, the American public should be especially aware of the Federal Reserve’s meetings and adjustments. At the end of the day, it affects your hard-earned cash. www.

Fredericka Allen is a native of Beaumont, Texas. She is the only daughter of Ronald Phillips Sr., a retired employee of Centerpoint Energy, and Fredericka Phillips, a registered nurse. Fredericka’s involvement in politics and law began at an early age with her participation in voter registration drives, canvassing, and marches with the Beaumont branch of the NAACP, of which she is a lifetime member.

Fredericka also participated in the first youth courts established in Jefferson County, Texas.

Fredericka attended college at Lamar University Beaumont and received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice graduating cum laude in 1996.

She moved to Houston in 1997 to attend law school at South Texas College of Law where she was a member of law review. During law school, Fredericka clerked for Judge Austin of Harris County Probate Court No. 1. Fredericka received her Juris Doctorate degree from South Texas College of Law in May 2000 and has been practicing law in Texas for ten years.

Fredericka’s practice has covered a variety of legal practice areas with particular emphasis in civil litigation. She has represented both individuals and businesses as plaintiffs and defendants in a broad range of cases such as per-

sonal injury disputes, commercial disputes, construction defect, toxic tort, insurance coverage disputes, collections, employment, divorce and custody cases, and probate matters. Fredericka has represented clients in both state and federal court, including arguing a multi-million dollar breach of contract appeal before the US Fifth Circuit.

Fredericka also uses her legal expertise to give back to her community. She has volunteered her time in pro bono activities with the Houston Bar Association (HBA) including answering phone calls for LegalLine and drafting wills and estate planning documents for seniors in HBA’s annual Will-A-Thon.

Fredericka also served as an Election Protection volunteer lawyer for the 2008 election to ensure all citizens access to the polls and right to vote was protected.

Fredericka’s commitment to her community also extends to volunteering to build houses for Habitat for Humanity, and raising money for and participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for Cure. As a mother of two children, Fredericka knows the importance great role models play in helping to shape our future generations. As such, Fredericka also serves as a weekly volunteer working with children at DePelchin Children’s Center in Richmond and is a member of the Member of the Professionals Group for Big Brother Big Sisters of Greater Houston.

Fredericka is a Texas Majority Builder/Sustaining Member of Texas Democratic Party, a member of the Fort Bend Democrats Club, and Sugar Land Democrats. She also served as a delegate to County Senatorial Convention in 2008 and 2010. Fredericka is a delegate for Senatorial District 18 to the state convention as well.

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9.

Avoiding Work at Home Disasters and Learning to Earn a Living Online

By Loretta Oliver Contributing Writer

It’s a common dream that leads to a common problem. Many people want to work from home or are looking to make a new career for themselves and they begin surfing the internet for information on working at home.

Unfortunately, there is so much false information out there these days that it can be confusing and frustrating to find what you’re really looking for.

Even television ads are leading people in the wrong direction and more often than not, people that started out encouraged are finding themselves scammed and wondering if it was all just a pipe dream.

Working from home is not a pipe dream, it can be done, and it’s not

some mysterious myth or special club that you have to be a part of, there isn’t even a secret handshake. All you need to work at home is your computer, an internet connection, some time and the willingness to learn.

There are literally hundreds of ways to make money online that are completely legitimate, legal, and safe.

Best of all, most of them are free or extremely low cost to begin. In fact, one of the first red flags of an internet scam is something that asks you to spend a large amount of money just to learn about it.

There are also hundreds of scams out there. Most of them are becoming known and losing the ability to pull in new people to scam. Some common scams that are becoming more widely known are craft assembly ads, envelope stuffing companies, and medical billing

scams. The more people learn about these and spread the word both online and offline about the dangers of these type of jobs the better.

But new scam jobs are cropping up every day and it can be difficult to sift through what’s real and what’s not.

Look for red flags when you’re searching for a job or opportunity. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do a little research about the company and look around before you apply or buy into any kind of program or job online. Knowing as much

Making the Work-At-Home Dream Come True

By Lynn Terry Contributing Writer Making the transition from a traditional job to working from home or starting your own business can be scary.

You are giving up the known for the unknown, giving up stability and schedule for something that isn’t guaranteed. But you are also giving up limitations for unlimited possibilities, and giving up a strict schedule for complete flexibility.

I had the opportunity to share my own start-up story with a friend over coffee yesterday. I still laugh at myself when I think back on it, because the idea was completely crazy – yet I was totally confident that it would work.

Chalk it up to age (23 at the time) and inexperience, but that naive confidence was probably the one factor that contributed most to my own success as an entrepreneur.

It was basically the Think and Grow Rich concept, even though I wasn’t familiar with Napoleon Hill or his work at the time. While it takes more of a deliberate thought process now, 10 years later, with plenty of experiences to conjuly 2010

tribute to decision making and goal setting… at the time I simply believed in it, and then went through the steps to make it happen.

Ten years ago I was a working wife and mother, and we were a combined family with four children. My husband couldn’t seem to get or keep a job, and I was making barely over $6/hour at my job in the small town where we lived. The house was rented, the car was always breaking down, and we were barely getting by from paycheck to paycheck. My one paycheck for six people, at that. We had no savings, no assets and no real shot of making it out of the rut anytime soon.

What I did to make the transition to a successful entrepreneur is not necessarily something I would advise to others. That said, it did work for me and I was up and running and (at least somewhat) financially stable within three months. To give you the short story: I quit my job cold turkey, sold everything that we owned, and started a service-based business out of our home.

When I say sold everything – I mean the china, furniture, the kids’ toys, right down to my eel skin heels. It all went to www.

auction.

I was in it to succeed, and had every intention of replacing it all. And did.

The most common advice, though, is that you save up at least three months worth of living expenses before you quit your job, or make the transition to working from home full-time. I think that this is great advice, and recommend it myself.

Another option is to begin working from home in your spare time, while keeping your current job. While this may mean insanely long days and unrealistic hours for you… it is only an investment you have to make for a short time. Once your business begins to earn what you are making at your job, you can comfortably leave that job and get back to normal working hours.

No matter which option you

as you can about an opportunity or job beforehand is the best thing you can do.

If you’re still not sure about something, ask about it. You can ask on a forum or talk to someone you know that works from home already.

The important thing is to get feedback from someone you trust. Remember, there’s no need to be embarrassed about asking, because anyone can be sucked into a scam at any time. Even the most seasoned internet marketers buy into something now and then.

choose, you will most likely be making a sacrifice of some sort… and taking a chance. Plan smart, believe in yourself, and resolve to do whatever it takes to see your dreams come true.

Most people go into business for themselves because they want more out of life. More free time, more flexibility, more options, more financial stability. Whatever it is that you want more of… want it bad enough to throw caution to the wind and make it happen!

I am now starting my 11th year in business, and never had to even consider taking another job since I left mine in early 1997. If a struggling mother with a full house and an unemployed husband can do it – then so can you!

Lynn Terry is a full-time Internet Marketer with over 12 years of experience in online business and marketing.

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

713.272.9511 10.

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12.

Teeth Whitening:

A Free Lifetime Gift, Compliments of Lasting Impressions Dental Group

By Dr. Rhesa Bautista Amongst increasingly popular cosmetic procedures from face lifts to lip injections, teeth whitening has to be one of the simplest and quickest ways to enhance your appearance. A variety of whitening procedures are available to satisfy every time schedule and budget.

However, the one thing required for successful results of any whitening procedure is a healthy mouth, free of decay and gum disease.

So how does teeth whitening work?

Tooth enamel is made up of microscopic crystalline rods. It is in the spaces between these rods where debris gradually accumulates and results in stains.

Whitening agents consist of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which penetrate and bleach these stained spaces by an oxidation reaction. As a result, teeth appear whiter, and due to increased amounts of light reflection, they appear brighter as well.

The obvious culprits of teeth stains are deeply colored foods and beverages, such as berries and coffee, as well as smoking. However, one’s natural tooth

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color can range from yellowish brown to gray. Also, teeth have a varying degree of translucency and thickness. Unfortunately, teeth that are thinner, more translucent and more naturally gray respond less favorably to whitening.

Furthermore, normal wear and tear, decay and trauma can create cracks and fractures in the teeth allowing for greater stain accumulation. This is one reason why it is important to have a healthy, decay free mouth in order to get the best whitening results. Sensitivity can also be a serious issue for those with compromised teeth and gums.

We, at Lasting Impressions Dental Group, want to recognize and commend our patients who take pride in maintaining their oral hygiene, general dental health and their smiles. As of the summer of 2010, we have launched our Free Lifetime Teeth Whitening Program to reward and to say thank you to our loyal patients who take their oral health seriously. Eligible patients will receive free custom fit whitening trays and professionally dispensed whitening kits for life. It is our mission to help all our patients maintain healthy, beautiful smiles!

For details about our Free Lifetime Teeth Whitening Program, contact us at 713-528-0040.

Rhesa Bautista, DDS Lasting Impressions Dental Group 4418 Almeda Houston, Texas 77004 Drs. Alison Scott Cuillier, Rhesa Bautista, Khalilah McAfee

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Are you ready for Disasters?

• Cash or traveler’s checks and change • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book.

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

By Dr. Olufunke Odetunde The hurricane season is upon us. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan, you can be better prepared for any situation.

Ready is a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Ready ask individuals to do three key things: (1) get an emergency supply kit, (2) make a family emergency plan, and (3) be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.

Basic Emergency Supply Kit: • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, infant formula • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both • Flashlight and extra batteries • First aid kit • Whistle to signal for help • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) • Local maps • Cell phone with chargers

Medication / Medical Supplies: • Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).

• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.

• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.

• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

• Burn ointment to prevent infection.

• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.

• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.

• Thermometer • Prescription medications you take july 2010

• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant.

Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

• Fire Extinguisher • Matches in a waterproof container • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels • Paper and pencil • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates. Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications.

• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies • Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant • Non-prescription drugs: Aspirin or no aspirin pain reliever , Anti-diarrhea medication ,Antacid (for upset Disaster Emergency Plan: stomach), Laxative • Create your own personal support • Prescription glasses, Eye contacts network by identifying others who and supplies. will help you in an emergency, such as friends, family, neighbor etc.

• Denture needs Write down and share your emergency plans and needs.

Emergency Documents: • Develop a Family Communica• Include copies of important docutions Plan. ments in your emergency supply o Identify an out of town contact. kits such as family records, insurance policies, identification, medio Be sure every member of your cal records, wills, deeds, social sefamily knows the phone numcurity number, charge and bank ber; email addresses and has a cell accounts information and tax rephone, coins, or a prepaid phone cords. card to call the emergency contact.

• Have copies of your medical insuro Teach family members how to ance and Medicare cards readily use text messaging (also knows available. as SMS or Short Message Service). Text messages can often get • Keep a list of the style and serial around network disruptions when number of medical devices or other a phone call might not be able to life-sustaining devices. Include operget through. ating information and instructions. o Subscribe to alert services. Many • Make sure that a friend or family communities now have systems member has copies of these docuthat will send instant text alerts or ments. e-mails to let you know about bad • Include the names and contact inweather, road closings, local emerformation of your support network, gencies, etc. Sign up by visiting as well as your medical providers. your local Office of Emergency • If you have a communication disManagement web site. ability, make sure your emergency • Develop a Medical Plan. information notes the best way to o If you take medicine or use a communicate with you. medical treatment on a daily • Keep these documents in a water basis, be sure you have what proof container for quick and easy you need on hand to make it on access. your own for at least a week. You should also keep a copy of your Additional Items to Consider prescriptions as well as dosage or Adding to an Emergency treatment information. If it is Supply Kit: not possible to have a week-long • Pet food and extra water for your pet supply of medicines and supwww.

plies, keep as much as possible on hand and talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you should do to prepare. o If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers within your area and the areas you might evacuate to.

If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity to operate, talk to your health care provider about what you can do to prepare for its use during a power outage, o Develop a contact list with names, telephone numbers, addresses of your medical providers, pharmacies, other healthcare providers.

Share list with trusted friend or family members. o Individuals with disabilities or special needs should contact their local Emergency Information Management Office. Some local emergency management offices maintain registers of people with disabilities so you can be located and assisted quickly in a disaster.

In addition, wearing medical alert tags or bracelets that identify your disability can be a crucial aid in an emergency situation. When traveling, consider alerting hotel or motel workers if you will need help in a disaster situation.

• Develop a Financial plan. o Keep cash or traveler’s checks and change for basic expenses o Encourage electronic payments for federal benefit recipients.

Keep in mind a disaster can disrupt mail service for days or even weeks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits: Direct deposit to a checking or savings account is the best option for people with bank accounts.

Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795 or at www.GoDirect.org. The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks for people who don’t have a bank account.

Sign up is easy – call toll-free at (877) 212-9991 or sign up online at www.USDirectExpress.com.

Be Informed - About What Might Happen For additional information visit www.ready.gov.

Above all, stay calm, be patient and think before you act. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected.

Adapted from The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign publications.

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E

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM COULD HELP YOUR BUSINESS

By Steven Brown, Contributing Writer Are you a woman or a minority or a service disabled veteran, owning a business? Or do you offer products and or services that are purchased by the Federal government? If you are any of these or a business owner looking for new sales strategies for your business then you must be aware of the SBA 8a program. Well, if you really don’t know what this program is about or what it does, you are indeed missing out a lot growth opportunity for your business.

8a program is a Small Business Administration’s program, through which U.S. SBA helps small companies owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals develop and expand their businesses. Since money is now streaming into federal contracting, the SBA 8a program will surely bring significant development in the financial condition of your business. But whether you would take the effort to prepare the application or not, depends completely on your personal decision. However, the time and energy spent on preparing this application is definitely worth considering the fact that the SBA 8a program has the potential to give access to millions of dollars of federal contracts.

How to Prepare Yourself But, first you need to identify whether your company is eligible to apply for this federal designation. Initially the process might seem to be too lengthy and time-consuming. But, if done correctly, the end result is worth the effort. First, focus on meeting all the application eligibility criteria. To do this you must visit the official SBA website and review the online presentation to

get a better understanding of the SBA 8a program.

Once conforming to all the SBA 8a criteria, you must essentially get registered in four preliminary databases. It is only after registering in all four of these databases you will get a chance to start off with the online application. The four databases are: • EIN – EIN is the abbreviation for Employment Identification Number issued by the IRS. • CCR – The Central Contractor Registry is the most important federal marketing tool.

• DUNS – It is mandatory for all companies to be registered with Dun & Bradstreet.

• GLS – GLS or Global Login System is the source where the SBA 8a application is placed.

Once you get access to the GLS, you can get ahead with your application process initially by reviewing what documents you would require to prepare your application like your personal or professional tax records, business records including all corporate documents etc.

Well, the information given here is enough to get started with your preliminary SBA 8a program application preparation. So, what are you waiting for? Set your mind and take the maximum advantage of this program to develop your business and establish your identity in the global market.

Steven Brown is a professional Internet marketer. To get the Hubzone Certification SBA Hub Zone Certification , SBA 8a Application Small Business Administration or CCR Registration of the SBA 8a Certification Visit 8acertification.net

Advertise Your Business Online!!!

We received over 3 million hits on our website last year. d-mars.com 10 year anniversary Online Specials: Online Directory, Event Calendar, Classifieds & News Visit d-mars.com or call 713-272-9511 today for more information! july 2010

valuating the conomics of mployees

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By Diedria Joseph Contributing Writer When completing an economic blueprint, your employees are your number one asset and liability. Employees cost companies money, but without them, most businesses will never reach their full potential with only one employee, the owner. It is necessary to effectively manage your employees to experience increased profits.

The first step to evaluate whether your employees are making or breaking your business is to identify your company’s workforce needs. You must identify which tasks and job duties are absolutely necessary for your business to be successful. After making a list of tasks, it may be beneficial for organizational purposes to assign tasks to specific positions and persons. For each task (for brevity’s sake, you can list the important tasks), there should be a weekly, monthly, or yearly time requirement as appropriate. Once you evaluate the time commitment required for your business to reach its goals without diminishing the bottom line, you can backward-plan the amount of people you need to carry it out. It is important to have realistic expectations about what can be accomplished during work time.

As a business owner, you constantly receive brochures about workshops that promise to teach you how to maximize employee work time. Depending on your field, maximizing your employee’s time may look completely different. Though volumes can be written on this subject, employees work best when given clear, specific, and concrete directions and expectations along with the tools that they need to be successful. But as a leader, it is necessary that you work to ensure that employees pro-

duce the best product in a given time period. If your business is currently experiencing a low level of efficiency and limited quality work products, the first place to look is in the employee morale department. Do your employees enjoy and feel fulfilled in their position and work environment? If the answer to this question is an emphatic no, it is likely that they are wasting company dollars through being unproductive in one way or another.

Increasing employee morale will, in turn, increase your bottom line. Employee training is a great way to make sure that employees have the skills required to complete their job, which lack thereof is often is the number one cause of frustration. Alongside the skills, it is important that your employees have the tools to carry out their budget. Sometimes when we have to tighten our budgets, it is easy to believe that employees will “make due,” but this can increase frustration and lower productivity because they do not have the essential tools to do their jobs. Saving a small amount of money on supplies can create a ripple effect in your organization. Rewarding and celebrating employee achievement also increases employee morale.

When hiring new staff, it is vital to choose the right candidate for the position. The employee search process in itself is costly and time consuming, so take careful consideration with your new hires. All employees, veteran or rookie, should be constantly evaluated to ensure that they are a productive piece to your company’s puzzle. Provide your employees with opportunities to perform and display their talents and expertise with recognition and feedback. Likewise, criticism should be direct and productive with corrective actions for misguided steps. It is important to consider that unproductive employees impact your bottom line and should be appropriate addressed.

If you identify strong employees and give them every opportunity to perform, they will add to your bottom line, causing your company to grow. The first step is conducting an effective evaluation of your company and truly considering the number of employees that your company can carry given its economic situation. Effective management will maintain the number of jobs at a minimum, but also can open the door to economic growth.

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Simplify, Economize, and Clarify b/c A Nickel ain’t Worth a Dime Anymore!

By Author Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC Contributing Writer Yogi Berra was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972 and is considered by many to be the greatest Major League Baseball catcher ever. He was a 15-time All-Star, 13-time World Series winner, and 3-time American League MVP. He also went to the World Series as a manager with the Yankees and with the New York Mets, winning with the 1969 “Miracle Mets.” But, to many, Berra is most infamous for his colorful quotes, known as Yogiisms. One of his Yogissms directly applies to the theme of this month’s D-mars Business Journal, “Economic Development.”

Yogi once said, “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore!” Many of us can definitely relate and attest to the notion that we are living in tight economic times and it behooves businesses, as well as individuals to explore more creative and strategic ways to utilize resources effectively and efficiently. In the D-mars 41st Business Journal, I wrote: “The difference between a viable and unviable business is equivalent to the difference between doing right things and doing things right. Although it is of high importance to do right things, it is just as critical to ensure you doing things right.”

Well, doing right things is the threeword definition of effective and doing things right is the three-word definition of efficient. If you want to maintain a competitive edge or a prominent presence in your industry, then you will have to examine and re-examine the way your organization/company leverages the scarce resources accentuated below: • Man/womanpower • Materials • Methods • Machines • Money

These resources are scarce because they are limited in supply. There are never enough. If these scarce resources were unlimited, then we could continue to throw them at problems until all of the problems in the world are solved.

But the limited nature of these resources is the major reason economic development is paramount.

Economic development is extremely important as it is essential in generating new employment, retaining existing jobs and stimulating industrial and commercial growth. So, how do we develop economically to maximize our resources to reach increased levels of proficiency and profitability in order to survive and to some extent continue growing? Well, it requires two critical components: leadership and transparency.

Leaders within an organization/ company must be empowered to lead and make real-time decisions that support their business units and should not be impeded from providing feedback regarding the budget, profit margins, etc.

They should be given tools that will assist them in making these decisions accurately and timely. It is important that the organization/company empower leaders at all levels; however, oversight is

preponderant because you don’t get what you expect but you get what you inspect.

Oftentimes, productivity and morale plummet during these transitional times because upper management fails to be transparent with their employees and customers. It is advantageous for the organization/company to stay on the proactive and disclose financial data, budget constraints, earnings and losses.

Being transparent will only afford everyone with a vested interest an opportunity to ask questions and seek answers, they just want to know the facts. Either we are going to have to make mandatory cut-backs, implement a hiring freeze, limit unnecessary travel, recall the product, or not. This is the time to communicate in the black or red. People can get testy when an organization/company communicates in the grey.

If a nickel ain’t worth a dime…then we need to explore new ways to create synergy and onboard talented people that will raise the value of the nickel to be worth more than a dime. Growing up poor, we developed synergistic ways to make a dollar out of 15 cents and we can do it now…we just need to take an economic pause to simplify, economize, and clarify!

Pride, integrity and community involvement go a long way in a time of economic hardships

By Charlotte Jackson Contributing Writer I truly believe that out of adversity, you not only will become a stronger person but your business will continue to be a viable part of the community that you serve. july 2010

With the economy being like it is today, you may not have the financial resources to contribute to the causes that you believe in, but you have your time and your talents. Businesses need to look around the neighborhood to see how they can make an impact, whether it is by volunteering as a mentor or by speaking to residents at a local apartment complex.

By joining your local Chamber of Commerce and networking with other professionals, you will have the opportunity to promote your business as well as learn of how others can collaborate with you and get your business name out there. By donating an item for a door prize drawing or a fundraiser, you will receive publicity and potentially new clients. By providing internships for local high school or college students you save on wages and you have the opportunity to plant a seed in a young person’s life www.

that will return to you tenfold.

The next time you receive an email for one of the local sports teams wanting to sell you a package of tickets, do not just think about the clients that you can take to the game but think about the youth that are out there who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend an event. Likewise, look at the various calendars of events in our city; offer to take an elderly neighbor to a free concert at Miller Theatre. You can rest assured that they will tell others. Some of those they tell may just be looking for the type of business you own. Public Relations is much more than showing off a product, it is showing off what you are made of. Pride, integrity and community involvement go a long way in a time of economic hardships.

Five years from now, your company logo might not be remembered but the efforts you invested in the community

will never be forgotten. In the end, people do not care what you know until they know that you care. Don’t let the economic trials get the best of you, instead, let them be what motivates you to be a better person. From that, a better business will rise forth and be remembered.

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

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By Carla Lane, Contributing Writer

Firing a Relative?

Firing anyone is like launching a torpedo at a military target. Firing a family member is like shooting at a ship full of widows and orphans. That means it’s critical to bear a few strategies in mind to make the split as smooth as possible.

cur, no matter if the employee is a relative or not.

Owners need to give themselves permission to operate the business like a business. When faced with a decision, they should ask themselves what good business practice dictates. Then they Know what you’re getting into should do it. The business can’t allow the The first rule of thumb is to recog- fact that someone happens to be a family nize that it’s likely not going to be fun. member to interfere with what the situLetting any employee go can be diffi- ation demands. cult; handing your sister a pink slip can be downright ugly! My advice is to take You don’t have to say you’re sorry the approach that the decision was made Track how a family member has purely within a business framework. performed and outline every reason why Emphasize performance and suitability things simply aren’t panning out. Be as to a position. If someone simply isn’t up detailed as possible in your thinking that to the job, it’s important that change oc- led to the decision to terminate the rela-

tionship. A business owner faced with firing a relative should not be shy about telling other family members to backoff. If you’re getting it from all sides, consider who’s doing the talking. Put bluntly, some people have more right to whine than others. If someone doesn’t have a role in the business, they don’t get a say in how it is run.

If you have compiled an adequate array of reasons for the change, any backpedaling on your part only lets the dynamics of family life dictate what has to be a practical business decision. If you, as the business owner are applying good business practices to the situation, you have absolutely nothing to apologize for.

Set family members’ expectations upfront Know, too, that the issue of poor family/employee performance isn’t purely retroactive. If you’ve yet to drive off the bridge of having to fire a relative, consider these steps to solve a problem before it even crops up:

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researchers have found that pharmacists are considered to be one of the most trusted professionals when it comes to the care of ones health. Privately owned and/or independent pharmacy owners are readily available to answer any questions relating to the pharmaceutical care of patient medications, as well as, counseling regarding drug interactions, drug alternatives or equivalents, and managing medication therapy. Often patients www.

• Define a philosophy and stick to it. Hiring anyone should mandate a set of performance parameters.

If they don’t measure up, show them the door. Make sure that you establish clearly what you expect of any employee, family members and otherwise. That works on several levels. For one thing, a relative who’s an ideal fit for a job knows full well what her job entails and that can bolster performance. By the same token, relatives brought on for less appealing reasons — either Cousin Zeke gets the vice president job or he’s living out of a refrigerator box — won’t be caught off-guard if and when the hammer comes down. Be sure to clearly articulate your company’s philosophy and practices. That can head off inappropriate or unrealistic expectations.

• If in doubt, keep the family out.

Hiring a family member isn’t one of the Ten Commandments. Granted, we all like to help our loved ones, For additional reading, please check but don’t assume that a relative — out: Keep the Family Baggage out of the by virtue of blood alone — is the Family Business by Quentin Fleming. best choice for a particular job.

When looking for employees, go

Cullen Care Pharmacy keeps our customers well informed!

harmacists continue to be on the front line of healthcare.

Most communities will have a pharmacy located within 5 miles of their residence. Independent pharmacists play a vital role in answering questions as it relates to pharmaceutical care. Since I became a pharmacist, the role of pharmacists has evolved to become more inclusive of patients’ health care needs as a whole. National

outside the family. Owners need to identify the roles needed by the business, define them clearly and define qualifications. If and only if a family member meets them should he or she be hired. This forces a family business to operate a business.

that reside in low income areas find it difficult to get to a pharmacy to service their prescription needs. At Cullen Care Pharmacy, we offer all patients FREE Prescription Pick-up and Delivery Service, upon request. Cullen Care Pharmacy offer tips on using your medication(s) wisely, because the proper use of medicine is serious business and often times includes more than swallowing a pill. There are many delivery systems available in today’s market, but not all doctors are aware of the many delivery systems through our community pharmacies. Cullen Care Pharmacy offers a wide range of delivery systems including the Compounding of nonsterile medications that are not available on the commercial market. For example, if you are prescribed medications that may be hard to swallow, Cullen Care Pharmacy can make a formulation of the medication that will dissolve on or under the tongue. Transdermal patches

are also an alternative delivery system that maybe used to deliver the medication. We can even turn a tablet into a liquid suspension or lollipop. So, take an active part in making a well informed decision regarding your pharmaceutical needs. Remember, your doctor will lay out a personalized treatment plan for you, but when necessary your pharmacist can offer a wide range of information regarding your medication needs ,as well as, treatment alternatives that may be available.

Tips for Longevity: Do at least 30 minutes of exercise 3 to 5 days a week. Also, consuming a diet that has an abundance of fruits and vegetables will play a very integral role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition, drinking half of your body’s weight in ounces of water every day is important in maintaining homeostasis within the body systems. Eating chicken or a white cold water fish of your choice may help to improve one’s overall health long term. Elimination or sparingly consuming breads, refined sugars and red meat from your diet is a step in the right direction for your best personal health.

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Financial Freedom

By John Truscott, Contributing Writer

viduals who can make a full time, part time, transitional and even spare time income! We put up the investment so that through their hard work they can be in business for themselves but not by Question: Tell us then Pastor Watkins, themselves. More importantly we teach how did the Financial Freedom and them to teach our clients how to protect Question: What can one expect to get Independence Day Conference come and save. from the Financial Freedom and Indeabout? pendence Day Conference 2010?

Question: So what or where do you Pastor Watkins: Well, as a business think it begins for most to succeed?

Pastor Watkins: It is my belief that the owner and pastor, I see the effects of rough economic times in our commu- Pastor Watkins: What you have to speakers we have for that day, will give nity. I also see hard-working people try- understand is that sometimes we must you some very useful information that ing to hang on to what they have and change our behavior or habits to move will ignite a fire. You see as I said before build for their future. Yet most of those forward. I believe there are certain pro- it is about changing habits and behavI counsel and advise don’t know where fessionals you must have in your life; ior, decrease your expenses and debt, to begin or how to begin. So I thought, Along with your Pastor/Minister for increase your income whether through a “What if I put on a conference and spiritual guidance, a CPA, Attorney, better job, or additional income, estabbrought lots of people together for the Personal Banker and someone to protect lish, build, and protect your credit bepurpose of changing their lives by shar- your assets and someone to grow your cause it is a necessary part of your finaning our knowledge?” Then my hope is assets. That’s tax guidance, legal guid- cial health, have a tax plan, and finally prepare for the end. This conference is that it has a ripple effect. ance, money and credit management, about my crusade, teaching people to Question: Please tell me about the Sun- and to protect and grow your assets, protect their today and enabling them belt West Region representing Pennsyl- which is what we do, a Fixed Asset Spe- to guarantee their tomorrow. vania Life Insurance and your role as cialist. Also, if you are a business owner you also need a business consultant to The Financial Freedom and IndepenRegional Manager? help you move in the right direction. dence Day Conference is scheduled for Pastor Watkins: Pennsylvania Life You must be able to Plan Organize Ex- July 31, 2010 at M.O. Campbell Center.

Insurance Company was founded in ecute and Evaluate (monthly, weekly, 1890 and Penn Global Marketing our and daily).

M.O. Campbell Center marketing group, has 23 regional man1865 Aldine Bender Rd., agers throughout the United States. I Question: Who do you think the perfect Houston Tx 77032 have over 25 years of experience in the attendees are for this conference? financial services industry. My position To Register you may call allows me to open offices in my region, Pastor Watkins: Well the same people and give individuals an opportunity to who make up my perfect clients- Indi1-800-657-0695 or go to work themselves into an equity posi- viduals, Families, and Business Owners. w w w . i m p a c t 2 0 1 0 . m e tion! These offices are staffed by indi- You see as Fixed Asset Specialists, we fended as long as someone asks before they began to address me. I prefer that if you know I am a Pastor, then please call me Pastor Watkins.

Pastor Andrew Watkins The Watkins Group How many of us have searched for the perfect job? A job that you like, that pays you enough to support your family, a job that allows you to start building for your future. Or perhaps you started a business venture and it failed. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves in the same rut after only a few months. Sometimes it’s not the job you need to change but your behavior and habits. That’s why Andrew Watkins Sr. President and CEO of The Andrew Watkins Group, decided to create the Financial Freedom and Independence Day Conference, taking place July 31, 2010.

D-Mars.com was able to sit down with Mr. Watkins recently to find out more.

Question: I understand you wear many hats, CEO, President, Regional Manager, and Pastor, so before we began how would you like to be addressed?

Mr. Watkins: You know I am not of-

GAIN AN ADVANTAGE BY POOLING RESOURCES for the first nine years of my career, I worked for the fourth largest law firm doing mergers and acquisitions for clients purchasing assets and businesses ranging from $1 million to $475 million. In my experiences, I have noticed one important similarity in the deals that were successful: the pooling of resources to take advantage of buying opportunities in the marketplace.

Right now, across the county, real estate properties are coming up for sale at tremendous discounts. Many are being sold on short sales and others in

By Attorney T. Deon Warner foreclosures, forced sales and distressed Warner & Associates PLLC sales. That translates into buying opportunities for potential buyers. The I’ve worked in Houston for over risks individual buyers will take (besides 25 years as a transactional attorney and the normal risk of paying too much) july 2010

help our clients protect their assets and income, build an emergency fund, save for their children and grandchildren’s education, save for retirement and or reduce costs in retirement. Then prepare for wealth transfer.

We also help business owners reduce their costs, increase cash flow, provide a disability plan for the employer or employees, provide a retirement plan for employees and provide an exit strategy for the business owner.

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are (i) relying on too few properties for their returns (all your eggs in one basket problem), (ii) not having sufficient capital to wait out the depressed market conditions (under capitalize problem) and (iii) not doing sufficient due diligence to find prime opportunities (the limited resources problem).

A solution to each of the above problems is to pool resources with other buyers. By pooling resources, the group can minimize the investment risks by purchasing a portfolio of properties, create a cash reserve to sustain the investment during challenging times and do more comprehensive due diligence as a result of the larger pool of resources (i.e. the partners). By pooling resources, the group will be more

knowledgeable and powerful than an individual investor alone.

There are some pitfalls to pooling: such as disagreements, group decision making (e.g. majority rule) and failure by the partners to participate. Many of the pitfalls associated with pooling can be addressed in a well written comprehensive joint venture agreement. Find a good attorney to draft it for you.

However, there is no substitute for “good character.” If you find like minded investors with good character many of those problems will be handled with successful outcomes. Like the due diligence you must do on the properties, you should also do due diligence on your partners. Do a background check on each. What are you looking for? You are looking for bankruptcies and prior criminal incidents, and more importantly, lawsuits and judgments against partners.

The next time you think about investing, think about pooling your resources.

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Ways Young Professionals Can Make Themselves Indispensable

By Rachel Wilson, Contributing Writer

Oh, to be a young, ambitious professional. You feel like you can do anything, and that the world better get ready for you to take it by storm. As a young professional myself, I have that mindset.

However, I am now also an experienced, young professional. I realized early in my career that a success mindset is just the beginning. More is required to ensure professional longevity.

At a time when unemployment is close to 10 percent and small businesses continue to struggle, it is crucial that professionals make themselves indispensable. This can be more challenging for those who are younger and less savvy.

Whether it is to an employer, clients, partners, a team or all the above, here are five steps to making yourself absolutely essential:

ten a first one) possible, please do it!

Perhaps one day you can dedicate less time to this step. Early in your career is not the time to do so. Being associated with sucking is not the way to have your work respected.

2. Become an expert If you are an accountant, develop expertise in a particular area of the field, i.e. taxes or corporate balance sheets. When you have a specialty, you can rule the world. Typically a specialist can demand more dollars and perks than a generalist, especially when they also become great at reaching their target audience. Apple may be considered a technology company but they are best known (and occasionally worshipped) for creating extremely innovative products that’s changed how people communicate and view technology. Whether you agree or not, Apple has convinced many that no one else can do this better than they can. We must do the same as young professionals.

1. Always be prepared.

This seems simple enough but you would be surprised how many people fail to prepare. There is little or no substitute for old fashioned preparation.

Read, research, make the calls, talk to 3. Become a communication master the right folks, practice. Whatever you There are a plethora of articles, need to do to be thoroughly comfort- books, e-books, seminars and the like able and make the best impression (of- dedicated to this topic. But basically,

learn how to talk to people – both one on one and a group – in a way that truly engages them. If you can hold someone else’s attention, especially key influencers and decision makers and make them care about what you say, you are on your way to being a rock star...or hip-hop star if you prefer. Look people in the eye, smile (when appropriate such as when you greet them), then if you don’t know already, find out what’s important to them as soon as you benefit from another’s expertise, concan. Then communicate to them they nections, and guidance. Being a mentor shows you appreciate it. are important to you.

5. Add value like your life 4. Find and Be a mentor depends on it Something else we tend to hear a There will probably come a time lot from the personal and professional when it does! Ursula Burns, CEO of Xedevelopment gurus is the importance rox said people who cannot create value of having a mentor. I suggest going a are destined “to be servers forever”. You step further: not only find a mentor, be- must become a valuable asset to everyone come one. The latter initially may just around you in your career. If a problem be in your mind. You may not consider solver is needed, become one. If costs yourself experienced or knowledgeable need to be cut, do so and do it in a smart, enough, yet, to mentor someone else. If efficient way. If solid consultation is that’s the case, just envision yourself a needed, deliver it. Whatever is required mentor and you will begin to behave as to add value – not fluff or sound bites mentors do. Mentoring is not all about – but real value that is undeniable, focus age. Having a mentor allows you to on this constantly. You will not regret it.

Service-based businesses you can start from home

By Loretta Oliver Contributing Writer

by taking audio files and creating text documents for their clients. You might choose to specialize in transcription of a certain type of file, video or podcast You want to work from home, but transcription for example. you’re not sure exactly what you want to Customer Service do? Here is a list of seven service-based Every business needs customer supbusinesses you can start and do working port of some kind. You can be the perfrom home with little or no experience son answering all the emails that come that are affordable to begin. into the help desk leading people to the

ly retainer fee.

Blog Manager Many busy marketers don’t have time to blog, but they want to keep that flow of communication going with their visitors and readers. You could be Transcription their voice on their blog and keep things If you can type you can transcribe. freshened up by providing two or three Transcriptionists can make a good living posts per week in exchange for a month-

words, social media and the like. However, with just a little bit of knowledge and a few systems in place to make the process easier you could certainly get started with this business idea. Backlinks are the currency of the internet and website owners are always looking for more of them.

Virtual Assistant The term virtual assistant actually covers a broad spectrum of work to be offered. You would basically assist the person in their day to day business tasks, much like an in office assistant would.

This could be a combination of any of the other service based businesses and might include writing, email support, blog management, and more.

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Ghost Writer Do you like to write, but don’t want to manage your own websites or write about the same thing all the time? This is a great option for you! Websites need content and someone has to write all those words. Why not you? You could provide various packages of articles, reports, presentations, speeches, and answers and maintaining the frequently more. There are lots of options when it asked questions section. This is a huge comes to ghost writing. time saver for the other business owner Backlink Builder and allows the freedom to work on a This one requires a little know-how flexible schedule. of search engine optimization, key-

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Social Media Manager Are you familiar with how to leverage social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn? Offer your services for a monthly retainer to manage the social profiles and marketers and website owners. You can create their profiles, run their promos and contests, and bring them fresh new clients on a regular basis. Trust me, they’ll love you for it.

Well, there you have it. All of the above ideas can be started with a small investment for a domain name and hosting, add a little time and elbow grease and you’ll be well on your way to building a full time income working from home.

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

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Bad Customer Service Seems to be Everywhere!

By Carla Lane, Contributing Writer

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nmanned front desks, surly servers, clueless staff, employees talking on the phone, and managers who refuse to acknowledge a customer. It’s no longer an exception; to many, poor service has become the norm.

In an all-too-typical scene, a customer walks into a retail store with a question about where to find a product. The employee, who is busy and doesn’t want to be bothered, gives the customer a curt answer and continues what she is doing without even looking the customer in the eye. The customer persists, so, with obvious annoyance, the employee begrudgingly turns around and points the customer in the general direction of the product’s location. Instead of buying the product, the customer leaves the store, frustrated, vowing to never return.

Most business owners and employees recognize this as a classic example of bad customer service. And yet, this scene is repeated every day. Negativity breeds negativity, and eventually, nobody is happy.

One of the single most important aspects of a successful business is good customer service. Studies show that a typical business only hears from four percent of its dissatisfied customers.

The other 96 percent quietly go away.

Of this 96 percent, 68 percent never reveal their dissatisfaction because they perceive an attitude of indifference in the owner, manager or employee.

This statistic is particularly dangerous for businesses because if a dissatisfied customer can’t express their complaints to a business, they’ll express them through other outlets such as friends, neighbors and family.

A typical dissatisfied customer will tell eight to ten people about their problem. One in five will tell 20. Further studies show, it takes 12 positive service incidents to make up for one negative incident. Seven out of ten complainjuly 2010

ing customers will do business with you again if you resolve the complaint in their favor. If you resolve it on the spot, 95 percent will do business with you again.

These statistics speak to the importance of taking action. Often an employee perceives dissatisfaction in a customer, but chooses to ignore it and hopes that the problem will go away.

However, if the customer then goes away with the problem, the customer will likely never return to the business.

This trend is what hurts businesses more than anything.

We don’t have the ability to keep people that are already happy with our product or service. The average business spends six times more to attract new customers than it does to keep old ones. Yet customer loyalty is in most cases worth 10 times the price of a single purchase.

The first step is recognizing tendencies toward bad customer service.

But how do businesses improve their overall customer service? Below are some basic tips: Like what you do If you don’t love what you do, get the heck out. If you love what you do, it will be evident and people will know it.

People who have a bad attitude about what they do will reflect their attitude onto everyone around them, including customers. Like most everything in life, good customer service always comes back to attitude. If you believe your customers are a pain in the butt, guess what — you’re right. What you say, what you do, and what you think are the same thing.

Learn to adjust your perception Because good customer service depends on a good attitude, a bad attitude will surely diminish any facade of friendliness. Employees should analyze what is causing their negative outlook and make a conscious effort to change, rather than cover it up with a false smile.

Establish Rapport Customers will do business with people they like. Employees gain this approval by establishing rapport, or a positive connection, with a customer.

Rapport can be established by simple gestures such as calling a customer by their name, recognizing mutual interests, asking questions, and making eye contact. The customer instantly recognizes the employee as someone who cares about their well-being, and is more likely to do business with the company.

Won’t you spend more money to go to a car dealership where you’ve been treated well? Develop a genuine interest www.

in and admiration for your customers.

So what happens when an employee doesn’t establish rapport? The customer automatically meets that employee with more suspicion, which leads to distrust, which leads to potential conflict.

Avoid a standoff Many times businesses find themselves locked in an argument with a complaining customer that becomes impossible to resolve. The way to prevent this is to avoid the argument in the first place. Step back, analyze where the customer is coming from, and form a solution from their standpoint, not yours.

Be reliable, be responsive and be credible Local cable and utility companies are a prime example of businesses that do not possess these qualities. When a customer calls up in need of service, they give vague ideas of when they’ll be there (“sometime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.”), sometimes don’t show up at all, and are generally indifferent to customers’ concerns. Because of this behavior,

they have lost nearly all credibility in the public eye.

On the other hand, businesses such as Mercedes-Benz, Ritz Carlton Hotels, and Disneyland have all gained reputations for immaculate customer service, where employees are always nearby to cater to customers’ every need at any time. These businesses gained this reputation with years of training their employees to put the customer first.

“The customer’s perception is everything. People pay for peace of mind.

They want security, integrity, and the assurance that if there is a problem, it will be promptly handled.

All of these tips come down to the platinum rule, or to “treat people like they want to be treated.” This rule takes the Golden Rule a step higher, forcing the employee to assess exactly what the customer wants and act accordingly, not just act as they would want to act in the same situation.

Any attitude in good customer service fits in the “as if ” clause. Always act “as if ” you are the only personal contact that the customer has with the business, and behave “as if ” the entire reputation of the business depends on you.

The ‘as if ’ clause puts you where you need to be. The bottom line comes down to relationships and how you treat others.

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Are the markets predictably unpredictable?

By Victor Walker, CPA, JD Contributing Writer

You’ve heard these words before – the direction of the stock market – particularly over short time periods – is very difficult to predict. Look no further than the recovery in stocks that began, unannounced, in early March 2009.

That period of time represents yet another case where, just when you are convinced the market will continue moving in one direction, sentiment shifts without notice and stocks are suddenly heading in a completely different direction. While this has happened throughout the history of the markets, too many investors have a difficult time remembering the market’s history of unpredictability, and often change course at precisely the wrong time. Many make the mistake of selling near the market’s low point, then miss out on a recovery.

Those who sold out in early 2009 paid a steep price. From its low on March 9, 2009 to the end of April 2010, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) gained 67 percent, a dramatic rally for such a short period of time – but not unprecedented. Compare it to other major bear markets and follow-up recoveries in U.S. history:

In each of the cases, the starting point of the rally was unpredictable. Yet the results were extremely beneficial for those who kept their money working in the market.

Have a plan and stick with it Just as dramatic market recoveries often begin without notice, the same can be true of market downturns. In today’s environment, where the media can provide you with nearly a minuteby-minute assessment of where the markets stand, it is easy to think about short-term trends and get caught up in the idea of trading in-and-out of the market. This is a very challenging investment approach that few have managed to master. It is also a high stress style of investing that is subject to a wide range of unforeseen variables that can impact markets on a day-to-day basis.

For most of us, it may be more sensible to maintain a “tried-and-true” approach to investing. This involves: • Putting money to work regularly – most of us do this with each paycheck by directing part of our income into our workplace retirement plans. Regular contributions to IRAs and other investments also make sense.

• Owning a diversified mix of investments – you should choose an asset allocation strategy that is appropriate for your risk tolerance level, investment objectives and the time you have available to let your investments grow.

• Holding for the long run – to help avoid the potential for losses from short-term market swings, you may be better positioned for success by maintaining a long-term stance with your portfolio.

Buttercream Babies “We got the sweetest little baby cakes” ogy School. I worked in a Salon just three months after I finished school and it was then that it hit me that baking was my true passion.

I went on to study Baking & Pastry in October 2006 at the Art Institute of Houston. I continued to make pastries and sell them to local people.

After graduating with honors, I knew I could make this worthwhile. From day one I wondered what it would be like to own my own cupcake shop and now my dream has been fulfilled.

Buttercream Babies is officially here! The inspiration for the name is owed to my mom. One day she said to me, “ You should call the cupcake shop Buttercream Babies.” After all you love buttercream and babies. I thought to myself that is perfect. My sweet tooth could never resist a cake with Buttercream icing and I always had a thing for cute little babies.

Most of us are trying to achieve long-range goals. Trying to manage money in a short-term fashion in response to changes in the market may be detrimental in your quest to build wealth over time. You may be better served by By Amy Scott maintaining a disciplined, long-term, diversified approach. If you would like a My love for baking began when my confidential review of your investment daughter Lauren started Kindergarten. portfolio, let’s talk about it.

I wanted to find new ways to surprise her in her lunchbox by sending a special treat. I would always try out difBear market begins DJIA low* DJIA 13 months later** %age gain ferent recipes, especially cookies that 1929 (89% market drop) 41.22 102.41 148.4% were cut out in cute shapes. She would 1973 (48% market drop) 577.60 975.28 68.9% always come home with a smile on her 2000 (49% market drop) 7286.27 10428.02 43.1% face, which made me a happy baker.

As the years passed, I baked for * Lowest point reached in bear market before a sustained recovery family and friends and got great re** Price at end of 13th month after market low was reached (for instance, April 30, 2010 sponses. In 2003, I became a Wilton following March, 9, 2009 market bottom.)

Instructor and taught cake decorating Source: Historical record of public data posted by Dow Jones & Co. classes. Soon after I went to Cosmetol- Remember to always eat dessert first! july 2010

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mately having them fail in the eyes of the public; nonetheless, as business owners we have to tread that razor thin line of the cutting edge. We have to keep our businesses four-dimensional. With the first dimension being your basic company providing a service and turning a profit (shape), the second a report (depth), third a consumer base (area), and lastly, it has to occupy a certain measure of time.

As consumes we tend to be more attracted to company that have been open for forty years instead of two. Consider that each step in this example is just as important as the one that preceded it, your fourth dimension of business more than the other steps relies solely on innovation, basically keeping your company

Wonka

By Nigel Mustang, Contributing Writer

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f you want to focus on economic development, there are several capital and fundamental dimensions your invested efforts should lifeline, fiscal responsibility, reputation, marketing, and innovation. If you were to associate each of these key elements with an organ, innovation would be the brain keeping the heart in motion. Innovation is the focus of your company, its intellectual quality; more so, it determines the path your business will embark. Whether the end of the road leaves you looking toward tenure or forfeiture depends on your company’s willingness to defy conventional—blueprint business form with imagination.

In past years, innovation once held more of a prominent role before the recession. Large companies were spending millions on research and development.

Even mom and pop shops were bringing in new products to stay ahead of the curve. In today’s market, much of that innovation now goes into cost cutting within the business; likewise, when companies price products for consumers.

Quick research of the oldest companies produced the fact that most, if not all companies that have longevity divided july 2010

open for forty years. So the more you explore and expand your knowledge of the fourth dimension the more success you achieve as a business operator or owner.

Keep in mind it is impossible to run your company mainly on innovation, you have to carry the integrity of your business with you as you venture into the future, with that being said, planning for your first steps in the economic world are just as important as planning your last.

Remember it is always a good idea to retrace your steps. Gain focus in what field your company is exploring. Never sell yourself short. Go for the Everlasting Gobstopper, and stay Willy Wonka… stay innovative.

up into centuries, are companies that actually function on tradition: farms, vineyards, hotels, and breweries. This stresses the fact that unless your product relies on tradition, then innovation has to be quintessential.

Business Week provided a list of the top 25 most innovative companies of 2009. Among the multi-billion dollar cast were JP Morgan, McDonalds, LG, Disney, Toyota, Ford, Intel, Facebook, Sony, and Nintendo. Among these Nintendo has had the greatest turnaround of success due to innovation, with the release of their Wii system.

I share a belief that imagination has to find its place within the culture of business, not only that, life imitates fiction. If I may share a memory, I was browsing through the chewing gum at a convenience store, and I came across Stride’s Shift gum. I laughed hysterically. As a kid, I remember reading about Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory swelling up and turning blue. I bought a pack and shared it with everybody for the sake of fiction.

Robert Dahl wrote his novel in 1964.

Forty-six years later the mad Willy Wonka isn’t so crazy anymore. What seemed like “pure imagination” today is dubbed brilliant innovation.

Many CEO’s become the victim of criticism for spending large portions on R&D, inventing products and ultiwww.

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Revolution of the Mind: Think Production

By Dr. David Jones, Contributing Writer Economic development begins with a revolution of one’s thinking. I want to stretch your mind a bit as you read this article. Think about it, most of this discussion as it pertains to a balanced life falls within the conversation of finding the idea work/life balance. It’s almost impossible to accomplish your dream while busting your butt working for someone else.

God gave us all a measure of time to spend here on earth. Within those limited hours of life, adults find their time broken into three segments; work, sleep and play. Don’t abandon your

work for play, don’t abandon your sleep for work, and don’t abandon your play time for nothing but play. That makes no sense. Until people start revolutionizing their minds and acquiescing towards “thought production” we will continue feeding that dreadful disease of working for someone else.

I’ve had discussions with people where they try and argue to me that working a job keeps them balanced. But I have to wonder, where does that theoretical frame of thinking come from?

Could it be that we have been conditioned by the dominant culture to go to school, get good grades, and go work for someone else and live happily ever after?

The fallacy here is that most people are thinking in black and white terms of “work.” I never really understood that, and I think I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I can see why: it’s a bunch of hog-wash that the dominant culture institutionalized to keep the divide between the elitist and the common-folks, the kings and the pawns, and the haves and the have-nots.

If you really think that working for someone is the only means to pay the bills, I dare you to pull down your

The Perfect Employer, the Perfect Employee between the two undoubtedly has ups and downs. In addressing the downs, let’s think of that perfect day when each turns a new leaf. Noting their thoughts in writing, they could possibly say:

By Tahita Doyle Contributing Writer The foci of my profession are people and the forging of new ideas in order that they can achieve and maximize their potential. Along the journey of this profession, I often ponder over human relations – particularly that between employer and employee. The dynamic july 2010

Dear Employee, As your employer, our success thrives on the value you bring to our company.

Your ability to perform at a higher level should not be impeded. As you perform, deliver, and excel, so does our organization. Therefore, I promise to do the following in acknowledgement of you as my prime capital: • Rule 1: To be a better role model and respect company policies, including sticking to the 45 minute lunch break.

• Rule 2: Will not criticize your performance before others.

• Rule 3: Will not play favoritism www.

creative thoughts of productivity and work them into fruition. People, especially Black American have been doing it wrong. We seek first to work before produce. Ditch that idea of getting a good education to go work for someone else, because it just doesn’t make sense. Get a good education to go work for yourself!

The world of production enables one to employ the best educated, the best trained and well equipped employees to keep your creative production evolving and generating other streams of revenue.

Think about it, the main difference between you and your employer is that you work for him, he doesn’t work for you.

Okay Doc, stop beating me up, how do I change from worker to producer?

I’m glad you asked. There’s a truth in life that says “it’s easier to learn than to unlearn.” Difficult as it may be, start learning ways to become the economic producer by incorporating these three simple changes in your life: Accept the fact that you will never achieve your dream while constantly working on someone else’s job.

Working 40+ hours a week for someone else and wrecking your brain when you get home about how to make

that company more profitable is completely insane. The human mind is programmed with an inability to think two thoughts at the same time. If you’re going to revolutionize your mind into creative thoughts of production, you must clear your mind in order to do so.

Your brain needs to purposefully not think in order to come up with creative ideas. That might mean relaxing in quiet tranquility while your subconscious attacks your latest creative idea.

Find your passion in life and make money doing it.

If you hate your job, it’s unlikely that you’ll be successful in fostering a creative environment. Try your best to fix this.

Find out what you’re good at, and try to make money from it. You will generate an economic successful business and enjoy life much more.

Focus on what matters.

My goal with this article is to hopefully revolutionize your mind from work to producing. Start focusing on producing great things. It’s about the things you produce, not the hours spent working on another man’s production.

Once you realize you’ve been focused on the wrong economic metric I think you’ll realize how ridiculous it is to make another man rich. Spend time on your life. Spend time on your work.

But always strive towards economic independence.

Revolution of the Mind: It’s a Must!

and facilitate the existence of cliques tions and goals. Therefore, in pursuit of within our team. being a better employee I commit to the • Rule 4: Will not spite you in order to following: advance my personal career.

• Rule 5: Will demonstrate utmost professionalism before everyone.

• Rule 6: Will provide honest and timely feedback and properly gauge feedback from your customers to weigh your true performance.

• Rule 7: Will leave my moodiness and personal issues at home. In doing so, we can make a better team because your success is mine!

• Rule 1: Will not gripe or complain when asked to perform my duties.

• Rule 2: Will not violate company policies.

• Rule 3: Will not criticize you or your leadership abilities before others.

• Rule 4: Will not take company supplies and resources for non-work purposes.

• Rule 5: Will arrive on time - ready, willing and pro-active.

Sincerely, The “Perfect Employer”

• Rule 6: Will leave my moodiness and personal issues at home.

And:

• Rule 7: Will respect your authority and decisions.

Dear Supervisor, As your employee, I recognize that I may not always be easy to manage or to get along with. I fail to focus on my goals, often falling short of expectations.

I do not devote ample time to maintaining my skills. Then, I have the nerve to wonder why my performance scores are so low and think “You should be glad that I showed up today!” I know I can be self-centered. In reality, I have aspira-

The positive attitude and commitment exemplified by my behaviors will be done in respect to you as my employer and, equally important, for me. These are values for which I will honor as they will strengthen my character in preparation for greater things ahead!

Sincerely, The “Perfect Employee” 32.

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get to know james lynch

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was born and raised in rural New York and moved to Texas in August, 1996 after graduating the University Of Rochester School of Nursing. I was initially hired at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, but continued to work at other local area hospitals, adult care facilities and nursing homes until 2003. That year I was hired to work on the Traumatic Brain Injury/ Stroke unit at the nationally recognized The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR).

While working at TIRR, I attended the University of Texas School of Nursing in the Texas Medical Center. I graduated in May, 2009 and received my national certification as Family Nurse Practitioner two months later.

I started my career with Central Care Community Health Center in September, 2009. I have always preferred working in a small clinic environment.

I enjoy working with patients from all ages and dealing with the challenges that diversity can bring. I am looking forward to developing relationships the patients that come t o Central Care and learn as much from them as they learn from me.

For more information please contact Marcus Roland @ 713.734.0199.

When starting your business, here are a few tips that can help!!!

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In a service-driven industry, location means everything! Be sure to find a spot that has a lot of traffic but is easy to get to.

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Hiring a consultant who knows about the business you want to be in is a great idea and will save you a lot of money in the long run.

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Having great customer service will help make you a lot of money and keep the customer coming back!

By Kevin Davis, Vice President of d-mars.com

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When picking a business to start, find something you enjoy doing

Remember first impressions go a long way; always keep your business and yourself neat and clean when customers are around.

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Always be open-minded to listen to suggestions about your prodbecause most likely you will stay with it. uct or business that could make it better If you are going to sell a product, if it makes sense. pick something that a lot people Contact Kevin Davis @ want but is hard to find.

713.272.9511 If you are going to have a service, make sure you offer additional QUOTE OF THE MONTH conveniences that services in same busi- Those who want to Succeed will find a Way! Those who don’t will find an Excuse. ness do not offer.

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Black History Business Legends

Brooks Family Foods

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he Brooks barbeque legacy began over 50 years ago in Nacogdoches, Texas with proprietors Harlon and Alfreddie Brooks. By 1977, Marlon and his younger sister Candace witnessed their parents work hard to achieve their first restaurant, started in a closed Texaco

station in the neighborhood they grew up in. Soon, Marlon and his sister were working in the business, as his mom and dad expanded and began to experience a taste of success as young restaurateurs.

Business grew and within five years Harlon’s expanded to a second location in a renovated Exxon Station. Difficult economic times came by the early 80’s and Harlon was able to diversify his services with catering contracts with local july 2010

hospitals and churches to maintain business and provide employment opportunities for those who had lost their jobs.

Catering opened many doors politically as Harlon and Alfreddie began to meet and serve local city councilmen. Soon an opportunity for local minority businesses to set up concessions in the airport became available and Harlon was approached by City Council. With no apparent resources Harlon accepted the offer and began to search for ways to find financing. Soon, Harlon and Alfreddie owned the first minority business in Intercontinental Airport. The first year netted 1.3 million and by the second year Harlon was able to secure financing for a second concession in the airport.

From there Harlon expanded to an additional concession in Hobby Airport, a concession in the Galleria Mall, five in Dallas Fort Worth Airport, 3 in Austin Airport, a full scale restaurant in downtown Houston, a concession in Las Vegas International Airport, a full scale restaurant in the student center at University of Houston, concessions at Miller Outdoor Theater, Galveston, Georgia R. Brown and finally back home in Nacogdoches, Texas. With a span of over 31 years in business, at its height the Harlon’s Barbeque legacy included 21 restaurants with an annual gross income of 14 million per year.

Building on the legacy his Mom and Dad created of over 31 years in business, Marlon has created an original all natural concept and product that combines the principles his Mom and Dad emulated of hard work and perseverance with the ingenuity and creativity of a new generation that understands the importance of creating healthy, all natural products that are quick and easy to prepare while maintaining the high standards of taste and flavor loyal barbeque customers have come to expect.

Based on principles of family first, quality barbeque second, the second www.

generation, Brooks Premium Products nity with a dose of Texas style Barbeque will continue to impact their commu- and strong family values.

An Ending…A Beginning

THIS IS IT Moves to 3rd Ward

By Rhonda K. Burnett No longer will the infamous Houston’s THIS IS IT Soul Food restaurant grace the corridor of Gray Street. It now has a new home, 2710 Blodgett, the former home of The Family Café.

Craig Joseph, whose family has shared their love of soul food cuisine for over 50 years, will cease operating at the Gray Street location after July 4, 2010, and officially open at their new location during the second week of July. Mary Baker, whose family owned and operated the Family Café for 25 years, has retired; however, she will assist Joseph as a consultant. sharing trade secrets that made her desserts famous.

Not only will the new restaurant have a new location, it will have a new

name: Houston’s THIS IS IT Family Café. The new site has undergone extensive renovation. The interior will no longer don its original red, black and white motif; instead it will be replaced with the calming neutral colors of cream, beige and brown. There will also be two meeting rooms. One room will hold up to 80 patrons, the other 40. The 40 person capacity room can also serve as an overflow area. The restaurant itself can hold up to 220 patrons. Craig Joseph’s exotic collection of colorful aquarium fish will also grace the new location.

Because of the new location’s close proximity to both Texas Southern University and the University of Houston, Joseph has entertained the idea of offering campus specials for the student population.

Is Joseph excited about this change?

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The answer is emphatically “yes”, and so is the public. Not only does he receive congratulatory calls, some of his dining patrons openly thank him and express how grateful they are that the services are being offered to the 3rd ward community.

“I’m bringing the soul back home.

Since “Family” has discontinued, the baton has been passed to THIS IS IT. We’ll keep the soul alive,” Joseph said.

With the ending of one era and the beginning of another, THIS IS IT is continuing the tradition of preparing and serving wholesome food that is without a doubt-good for the soul.

“THIS IS IT Family Café is and will continue to be a legendary establishment within the African American Community.”

Black History Legend: Percy “Frenchy” Creuzot Jr.

or roast beef, as well as shrimp loafs and oyster loafs. It wasn’t until a neighbor of the Creuzots made a helpful suggestion that the menu item they are most know for became available to the public.

“A friend of mine, Jesse Hearns, insisted that I sell chicken,” Cruezot said.

“He was an automobile salesman, but he had experience in the restaurant business. So he had a lot of wisdom to share, and he told me that while I was trying to teach Houstonians how to eat shrimp loafs and oyster loafs, to pay my rent I should sell fried chicken. His reasoning was that I didn’t have to teach our customers to eat fried chicken; it was some-

thing we were familiar with and would bring more people through our doors to eventually try the other selections.”

Since then, the customers have continued to come, although now, it’s mainly for the fried chicken. Though the Creuzot family still owns the original restaurant and the one located in the H.E.B. at Scott and Old Spanish Trail, a licensing/franchising deal struck with GlennLock Foods has helped expand Frenchy’s to seven additional locations in Houston and surrounding areas.

Percy Cruezot Jr. is a definitely a black history legend for our community.

Creuzot Family, Frenchy’s Chicken left side: Percy “Frency” Creuzot Jr.

Anyone looking for an example of how to turn a passion into a thriving business, need look no further than the late Percy Creuzot Jr. The popular local fast-food entrepreneur recently died at the age of 86, but the legacy known as “Frenchy’s” will live on forever.

It was in 1965 when Creuzot, a New Orleans native, moved to Houston to work as a traveling salesman for a company that manufactured robes, rings and other graduation paraphernalia. He soon moved over to the Texas Employjuly 2010

ment Commission, where he worked as a placement officer. Then, one day, he decided to share one of his favorite concoctions with the Bayou City, New Orleans-style sno-balls, whose finely shaved ice and array of unorthodox flavors differentiate them from standard snow cones.

That business led to the desire to start another and Cruezot and his wife, Sally opened their first restaurant in 1969. Originally named Frenchy’s PoBoy, the Third Ward eatery offered the signature sandwiches with hot sausage www.

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2010

Eurofit Intl’ and Jolanda Jones, Houston City Council Member at large and chair of the city’s International Business Initiative.

The four (4) day event offers a business investment competition; Million Dollar Roundtable; leadership workshops; training seminars; leadership luncheon, a celebrity golf tournament, an evening of musical entertainment and culminating with the International Leadership Empowerment Awards Gala.

The International Leadership Empowerment Awards Gala will be held on Friday, August 27th, 7:00 pm at the InterContinental Hotel located 2222 West Loop South, Houston, Texas, 77027.

Not only does the Summit bring together high profiled professionals, but other business leaders for networking opportunities, and to discuss strategic partnerships and relationships. This year’s principal key note speaker will be Dr. Myles Munroe, recognized for his dynamic speaking, his internationally bestselling books and his weekly radio programs, now available via internet, can be heard in over 100 countries. His books cover the subjects of marriage, divorce, purpose, potential, vision, leadership and the Kingdom. His simplistic and practical writing style attracts a diverse reading audience.

The 2010 International Financial and Leadership Summit will be one of the premier conferences held in Houston this year. Proceeds from the Summit benefit TWEF Scholastic Scholarships and programs at the TWEF Empowerment Center.

This event was a sell-out last year, so be prepared to be inspired, stimulated, entertained and educated with today’s business leaders, while raising funds to empower tomorrow’s leaders.

Please contact IFLS Coordinator (832)434-5325 for additional information and to setup interview opportunities. For information on the 2010 Summit www.iflsconnect.com or TWEF programs go to www.twef.org.

International Financial and Leadership Summit Honoring Top Leaders

HOSTED BY

Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation

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n August 24-27, 2010, Texas Women Empowerment Foundation will host the “2010 International Financial and Leadership Summit” in Houston, Texas.

Each day, The International Financial and Leadership Summit honors different groups of individuals and companies who have distinguished themselves in their field, including influential non-profit leaders, innovators in business and finance, leaders in the education field, and influential community advocates. On Friday, the International Leadership Empowerment Awards Gala will honor individuals who have proven leadership skills. Last year’s global leader award recipient was George Foreman, Heavyweight Boxing Champion. This year’s IFLS Summit chair is Dr. Deavra Daughtry who is the founder of TWEF and IFLS. The Summit honorary cochairs are Leopoldo “Polo” Becerra, CEO of Post Oak Grill Restaurants; Cheryl Creuzot, CEO of Wealth Development Strategies; Helen Cavazos, Vice President of Human Resources and Diversity of Metro; James Garavaglia, Senior Vice President of Comerica Bank and director of corporate compliance and public affairs; Samir Becic, CEO of july 2010

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How much physical activity do you need? a message from Central Care

Now that summer is here, it is a great time to begin preparing for summer fitness activities. It is a well known fact that regular physical activity can help improve your overall health and fitness, as well as decrease risks for many chronic conditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health and has the additional benefits of controlling your weight, reducing risks for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome and even prevent some cancers. Physical activity can also strengthen bones and muscles, improve mental health and mood and increase your chances of living longer.

The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, provides flexible recommendations allowing individuals the ability to fit regular exercise into their daily schedules. The guidelines target three age groups; children, adults and older adults, and pregnant/post partum women.

Children (6-17 years of age) • Children and adolescents should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day.

• This includes aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking and running; muscle strengthening exercises such as gymnastics and pushups; and bone strengthening activities such as jump-

ing rope or running.

Adults (18-64 years of age) • Adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderateintensity aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening activities every week.

Older Adults (65 years and older) • “Physical Activity is essential to healthy aging”.

• Older adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening activities every week.

Healthy Pregnant or Post Partum Women • All healthy women should get at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) per week. Its best to spread this activity throughout the week • As a healthy pregnant or post partum woman, physical activity is good for your overall health and can also improve mood throughout the post partum period. Exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight, and when combined with a healthy diet assists with weight loss.

Remember that the summer months are a great time to improve healthy attitudes and healthy habits.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical Activity for Everyone. “How much physical activity do you need”? May 2010. Retrieved July 1, 2010 http:// www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/index.html

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