d-mars.com Business Journal 50

Inspire, Inform & Educate

april 2011

50

Family Affair

INSIDE

Edition

Making Education a Family Affair

By Christina R. Grochett Make learning a family affair and seek opportunities to engage your children and other family members in the academic journey.

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Family Business Accountability and Management

By Anderson Josiah An Important thing in managing a family company properly is making sure the entire family has good relationships that will last even if the company doesn’t.

PAGE 10

Deavra Daughtry & MR. D-MARS

family is MR. D-MARS &“A ??????????

a place where minds come in contact with one another.” - Buddha

Working with your Family in your Real Estate Business

By Cherl Alguire Five Tips on How to Make it a Successful Combination.

PAGE 15

Tamara Johnson Aramat Billing Services

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Rainbow Push

Home Based Business vs.

Family Time management and communication is essential in having a successful business while balancing family time.

PAGE 44

Texas Women Empowerment Foundation Honors Houston Business Women

See pg. 4

MR. D-MARS Congratulates Best Selling Author Iyanla Vanzant on her New Book “Peace From Broken Pieces”

See pg. 6

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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. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Christopher P. Kirksey EDITING CONSULTANT ReShonda Tate-Billingsley ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Brandale Mills SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mike Jones C.T. Foster PHOTOGRAPHY Leon Galbreath Grady Carter MARKETING CONSULTANTS Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik (Faith)

Michael J. Martinez DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christopher P. Kirksey Dr. Tamyra Comeaux Christina R. Grochett Anderson Josiah Cherl Alguire Brandale Mills Tamara Johnson Nikitia Johnson Noel Pinnock Kate Manheaven Marilyn Logan Dr. Wendy Johnson

I read somewhere that everybody on this planet is separated by only six other people.

So there is six degrees of separation between us and everyone else on this planet. I find it extremely comforting that we’re so close, and that you have to find the right six people to make the right connection... I am bound to everyone on this planet by a trail of six people.

So as a result we present – Family Affair.

Thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

CONTENTS It’s A Family Affair: Relationships Impact Results....................................... 4 Celebrity Author Iyanla Vanzant Empowers Houston Women……............. 6 Shape up for Summer with the Beta HCG Detox Diet…………………........ 7 Making Education a Family Affair…………………………………………...... 8 Family Businesses Have the DNA to Survive……………………………...... 10 Family Business Accountability and Management………………………..... 10 Working with your Family in your Real Estate Business………………........ 15 Turn Your Business Trip Into a Family Holiday……………………………..... 15 Master of My Fate…Captain of My Soul…………………………………...... 17 National Poetry Month……………………………………………………......... 18 Aramat Billing Services – Billing Experts…………………………………...... 22 Scams Are no Joking Matter – Don’t Become an April Fool………............ 27 7 Steps to Effectively Working with Family Members................................. 29 Walking With G.R.A.C.E.: Become a Part of the Solution……………......... 31 Disaster Planning is Essential for Your Family and Your Business….......... 32 Why Print Marketing Is Essential?.............................................................. 34 Your Options When Funding a Family Business…………………………..... 34 Spring [Financially] Forward: A Q & A with The Money Lady…….............. 39 Class is in Session with Social Security Webinars………………………..... 39 Working As A Team Pays Off………………………………………………...... 42 You Lead, I Follow – The Non-Leader……………………………………....... 42 From Passion to a Poetic Movement.......................................................... 43 Getting your Family involved in your Home Business………………........... 44 Home Based Business vs. Family…………………………………………..... 44

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MR. D-MARS D-MARS.com Business Journal Tip of the Month “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.”

- John Paul II

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It’s A Family Affair:

Relationships Impact Results

By Christopher P. Kirksey, Editor-In-Chief

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n human context, a family (from Latin: familiare) is a group of people affiliated by consanguinity, affinity, or co-residence. In most societies it is the principal institution for the socialization of children. Extended from the human “family unit” by biological-cultural affinity, marriage, economy, culture, tradition, honor, and friendship are concepts of family that are physical and metaphorical, or that grow increasingly inclusive extending to community, village, city, region, nationhood, global village and humanism. Family is about relationships. Now, with that being said…. we all know relationships impact results.

A recent national survey of executives showed that relationships have a highly significant impact on business results each year. And it wasn’t just customer relationships delivering the impact, but rather a wide range of internal and external relationship types. If business relationships are having such a significant impact, how can they be better measured, managed and strengthened to drive improved performance?

What Do We Mean by “Business Relationship” Anyway?

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Some may have the perception that the words “business relationship” refer to the superfluous interpersonal aspects of conducting business. Rather a business relationship is defined by all the knowledge, expertise, value and reliability a person demonstrates to others, as well as their integrity, trustworthiness and likeability. Business executives overwhelmingly agree: strong and effective relationships are essential to business success.

“It’s about relationships and empowerment,” said Keith L. Davis, Sr., President and CEO of DMars.com. Davis contends that his effective partnerships and relationships with other leaders in the business community has greatly attributed to his success in the Communications/Marketing Industry. Partnerships and collaborations with such highly visible and successful entrepreneurs like Deavra Daughtry. Davis feels that these kinds of relationships and partnerships are important for empowering the community. “The goal of our relationship is to continuously build business owners and make our community a better place in which to reside. It’s all about reciprocity,” said Davis. “You don’t have to be blood related to be family.”

Daughtry, who is President and CEO of Excellent Care Management, one of the nation’s largest personal in-home care agencies; started as a sole proprietorship operating from the trunk of her car, and now employs over 600 people with services in over 30 counties surrounding the Greater Houston Area.

Together this powerful team is making things happen in Houston. One of Daughtry’s proudest accomplishments is the formation of TWEF International and The International Empowerment Foundation (IEF). The foundations serve as a resource to families by providing them with the tools needed to achieve and maintain a sense of empowerment. Since its inception Daughtry has touched over 100,000 people through seminars and workshops and given over $20,000 in scholarships. Davis recently assisted Daughtry in media sponsorship of one of her events as she hosted Iyanla Vanzant Come Back Book Tour “Peace From Broken Pieces.” This event also celebrated the achievements of women who are making a difference in our community in the areas of business and health and wellness.

Davis concluded, “At the end of the day, it’s all about building relations that last – you know… It’s about impacting our global family.”

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Celebrity Author Iyanla Vanzant Empowers Houston Women from “Peace from Broken Pieces”

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ew York Times best-selling author Iyanla Vanzant made a special trip to Houston at the request of Houston philanthropist, author and entrepreneur Deavra Daughtry, to encourage and motivate some of Houston’s most influential and successful business women.

It was truly a night to remember as Vanzant instructed the attendees how to let go of hurt and find peace, overcome the barriers to personal and business success as well as draw from your inner power to overcome challenges.

Vanzant is, by many accounts, the premier African American teacher, writer, and speaker on the subjects of spirituality, personal development and loving relationships. From her peaceful presence and disposition, you would imagine that life has been easy of Iyanla Vanzant. It has not. A difficult and “dysfunctional” upbringing resulted in her being raped at the tender age of 9; a teenage mother by age 26; a long-time welfare recipient, a partner in an abusive relationship and the survivor of two suicide attempts.

These are the same experiences that led her to Medgar Evans College (City University of New York) at the age of 30, where she earned a B.S. Degree April 2011

in Public Admin- the minds and hearts of more istration and Early than 8 million readers in 23 lanChildhood Educa- guages. As an orator, she is a tion, Summa Cum major attraction at conferences, Laude. From there expos and awards ceremonies for she went to earn large national organizations and a law degree from small community groups. Iyanla City University Law has made a major contribution to School at Queens bridging the divide between men College, which pro- and women; black and white; pelled her into the youth and the elders; Christians number one ranked and others. She offers something Public Defenders for everyone that makes day-tooffice in the coun- day living a little easier to undertry, the Philadelphia stand and navigate. Her motto, Public Defender. “You’ve got to do the work, the Her transition into real hard work, on yourself, from talk radio was a the inside out” makes some peofluke. After leaving ple a bit uneasy, but for others it the Defender’s Of- produces real and lasting change.

Vanzant is also the Founder fice, she was invited to be a guest on a lo- and Executive Director of the Incal radio talk show ner Visions Institute for Spiritual in Philadelphia. Development through which, she The subject: from conducts workshops and classes Welfare to Work: around the country, throughout What’s the Plan for Africa and the UK sharing her Women? Who bet- brand of practical spiritual and ter to discuss how to personal growth skills which is a move from public assistance to per- blend of ancient African wisdom sonal independence? The guest spot and New Thought Christianunfolded into a weekly show and the ity. Iyanla is the mother of three, penning of her first book, “Tapping grandmother of 5. She lives on an the Power Within: A Path To Self- historic property in Upper Marlboro, MD, with her two eldest Empowerment for Black Women.”

To date, the former talk show host grandchildren. She is currently is the author of 15 titles, which include single and loving it.

5 New York Times Best Sellers, and her most recent book, Peace From Broken Pieces, How to Get Through What , Peace From Broken Pieces, How to Get Through What You’re Going Through, where Iyanla recounts the last decade of her life and the most spiritual lessons she’s learned, from the price of success during her rise as a TV Celebrity on Oprah, to the Iyanla TV Show produced

by Barbara Walters, to the dissolution of her marriage, and her daughter’s 15 month of illness and death on Christmas Day. As an author, MR. D-MARS & Iyanla Vanzant Vanzant has touched www.

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Shape up for Summer with the

By Dr. Tamyra Comeaux, Contributing Writer Spring is here and many of us are racing to the gym, starving ourselves and popping fat-burners to prepare our bodies for summer. Many of us began our weight loss regimen at the beginning of the year as we vowed to lose 50 pounds by the summer.

If you’re having trouble reaching your goals and want a quick and easy way to lose weight, there is one thing that you should keep in mind: the pounds will not melt away as quickly as most products claim. The Beta HCG Detox Diet is a healthy alternative that is free from dangerous side effects, does not require shots, pre-packed food or surgery. Patients on the Beta HCG diet boast losing inches and pounds.

In order to maintain optimal health while dieting, you must use a safe product. My recommendation is to use a good quality, natural, herbal product to help safely burn fat, suppress your appetite and help your metabolism.

As a medical professional, I’ve April 2011

watched countless people undergo weight loss procedures such as gastric bypass and lap band surgeries. I must admit that I was impressed with the overall weight reduction. Although safe and effective, these methods are not feasible for many people because of insurance issues, fear of surgery or the inability to take extensive leave from work required during recovery. As an alternative to invasive medical procedures, The Beta HCG Detox Diet is one of several natural weight loss products available that will produce similar results.

Before you can effectively lose weight you must understand what causes obesity. Obesity is influenced by a person’s genetics, dietary habits, activity level, cultural and social influences.

To properly and successfully manage obesity, certain risk factors must be taken into account. The risks associated with obesity are stroke, infertility, sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and various cancers. All of these conditions can result in a reduced lifespan or decreased quality of life. Some may be offended by the term obese; but the same risks apply to those who consider themselves “just a little overweight.”

The Beta HCG Detox diet addresses these issues by reducing your body’s dependence on sugar and fat. It may also change your weight set point.

a physician. The active ingredient is HCG which is the same hormone that is secreted during pregnancy. When present in the body, HCG controls many metabolic functions. Our Beta HCG cream includes not only the Beta HCG recommended in the protocol, but also additional supportive ingredients that aid in targeting fat removal and supports other organs (like the adrenal glands) during this time of rapid weight loss. This, combined with a low calorie diet, is an effective and safe means of weight loss. The concept of the program is based on the power of HCG to change a person’s metabolism. Combined with a special 500 calorie a day diet, HCG can force your body to utilize the stored fat in your body, thus losing weight rather rapidly.

Patients participating in the HCG Diet lose approximately one pound a day and can comfortable go about their daily activities. Because the HCG hormone makes the abnormal fat available, the body begins living off the fat that serves as a source of energy, just as food does. Patients are instructed to reduce their caloric intake to 500 calories per day. Under the effect of HCG, the overweight body is always able to obtain all the calories it needs from the abnormal fat deposits, regardless of whether it uses up 1500 or 4000 per day. Contrary to popular opinion, hunger is not noticed because 3,500 additional calories are consumed each day by the body. The HCG allows you to live to a far greater extent on the fat that you are losing than on what you consume. Normal fat reserves are not touched. In the meantime, skin remains tight, unlike other quick weight loss methods. In layman’s terms, the body will eat its own fat; your body will not consume its own fat if you supply it with more fat. In my book,

Beta HCG Detox Diet; Lose inches and pounds; I have included healthy and tasty low calorie recipes that will make your journey easier.

Like any diet, the HCG Diet utilizes strict protocol, but it is not strenuous or difficult to follow. If you are willing to commit to working the protocol and sticking with it, you will reap miraculous rewards.

At Natural Women’s Care we are committed to assisting you in achieving your desired weight loss goal. Our experienced and trained staff will walk with you through your entire diet experience, offering initial counseling and subsequent monitoring during the duration of the diet. In addition to the Beta HCG Detox Diet, we also offer safe and healthy weight loss aides such as Lipovite Injections and Vita Doc meal replacement shakes. Remember that you must take proper care of your body; it’s the only place that you have to live!

For more information regarding the Beta HCG Detox Diet, please contact us and visit our website at: Dr. Tamyra Comeaux 11811 FM 1960 Suite 104 Houston, Texas 77065 Tel: (832) 237.4200 MR. D-MARS & Fax: (832) 237.4263 Tamyra Comeaux Email: info@naturalwomenscare.com www.naturalwomenscare.com

How Does the Beta HCG Detox Diet Work?

The HCG Diet is a cream based product (not injections like most other programs) designed to be supervised by www.

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Making Education a Family Affair CHRISTINA R. GROCHETT

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

Today, many parents choose to go back to school to advance their careers or learn new skills. In fact, according to recent analysis by the National Center for Education Statistics, only 27 percent of undergraduates today are considered traditional students – attending college directly after high school, living on campus, financially dependent on their parents and attending classes full-time.

The majority are adults who work fulltime and are often raising a family while attending school.

Returning to the classroom as a working adult means balancing a variety of life, work and education responsibilities. To ease this back-to-school transition, consider making learning a family affair and seek opportunities to engage your children and other family members in the academic journey.

Homework Huddle Adults who return to school often say the experience helps them instill the value of education in their children.

Schedule a time and place for the family to complete homework together that is conducive to learning.

In addition to homework, use this time to build study skills that will help you and your child be more successful learners. For instance, consider taking an online learning assessment to better understand what type of learners you are and create study plans to leverage these skills. Update calendars and planners as a team to improve the organization skills of the entire family.

Also, don’t be afraid to discuss your homework assignments and readings and engage your children for their thoughts, ideas and feedback. Critical thinking skills are built at an early age and challenging your children can set them up for long-term success and excite them about learning.

ing your goals, while also teaching your the American Business Women’s Association in 2008. Under her leadership, the Houston children important life lessons.

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 one of the 2010 Women of Influence by Houston Woman Magazine and one of the Top 10 business women by

campuses were selected as a 2009 Best Place to Work by The Houston Business Journal and were awarded with the 2010, 2009 and 2008 Alfred P. Sloan Awards from the City of Houston for Workplace Flexibility and Innovation.

Promote and Celebrate Success

Rewards and a dose of healthy competition can help motivate students to earn good grades. Whether it is a healthy grades competition or specific rewards such as family outings, set education goals for all members of the family and celebrate when milestones are met. Be sure to capture your family’s education journey every step of the way. Whether you create an honor wall or capture success with pictures or collages, being able Balancing Act Many working students say going to revisit the journey will inspire the back to school improved their organi- long-term pursuit of knowledge. zation and prioritization skills. In fact, scheduling your day, not only helps you Colleagues Don’t forget about your work famfind time to study, but can also help you plan family time. Think of how many ily. Your work network can be valuable nights time is wasted in front of the TV in helping you solve problems, manage or how often you realize you did not ask your time and put your education into your child about his or her day. Hav- practice. Look for opportunities to share ing an up-to-date calendar will help you your learnings with your co-workers.

Whether it is book recommendations, balance all of your priorities.

Consider a daily calendar that allows new processes or case studies, knowlyou to schedule your time by the hour. edge-sharing builds stronger teams. If For instance, you can plan an hour of you have regular team meetings, considstudy time in the morning before your er asking your supervisor if you can be children wake up and an hour at night added to the agenda – this will also help after they go to bed, along with some you sharpen your presentation skills.

Making the commitment to bettime on the weekend or at lunchtime.

Include family commitments, activities ter yourself and the lives of those you and meals and you will have a blue- care about through education is admiprint for productive and engaging fam- rable. There is no reason you have to ily time. Spreading out your study time do it alone. Engaging your family and also ensures you take advantage of your sharing your academic experience will keep you motivated to continue reachstrengths at different times of the day.

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Family Businesses Have The DNA To Survive

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uilding a small business is not an easy task. It takes diligence, perseverance, and endless hours of hard work and sacrifice. The best way to guarantee this continuation is to plan for it like all the other details involved in building the business. A succession plan is key to preparing you, your successor and the company for many more

years of prosperity.

Succession planning is the process that allows a company’s leader to train the next in line. It involves a few key steps that are enacted over the course of several years. Small business experts recommend a succession plan begin 15 years before retirement. This may seem extreme, but it is never too early to plan for the future. The time frame allows for plenty of time to choose, train and

release the successor into the complete role as company leader.

The first step is to choose the person to follow your goal for the company. Once selected, a solid training plan should be devised to help develop his knowledge and full understanding of every aspect of the company. This plan should have a set time frame that marks each stage, its completion and the resulting responsibility.

Partial retirement should begin early and gradually, as the successor takes on more of the role of leader. This eases everyone into the change and allows for a smoother transition. Once the successor has taken on most of the new position and the comfort level is high, retirement becomes complete and official. You can enjoy this new stage of your life knowing the company is in responsible hands.

The idea of a succession plan is particularly important for family run businesses. Many major companies have remained managed by family members such as WalMart, BMW and Estee Lauder. They all started out as small businesses and thier success lies in their

long-term plans to maintain strong family leadership.

Family businesses are often stronger than others because of their ability to make quick, consistent decisions that do not have to be presented to multiple layers of management and board members. However, this strength is only accomplished if each leader has successfully transferred the goals and dreams for the company and created a bond between each successor and the rest of the company. A succession plan can effectively transfer the knowledge, vision and bond from one leader to the next.

Planning for succession and retirement can seem like a daunting task, especially while still building and running your company. A small business consultant can be a key player in a well organized process. A consultant can absorb the responsibility and will be viewed as a more objective decision maker. They will also manage each step, including organization and time management, which will keep you and your small business from slowing down.

A small business is successful when it stays one step ahead of the others.

Being prepared for each step keeps a company moving forward, while never wavering from the company goals. A succession plan is the only way to effectively prepare for retirement and the successful continuation of your company’s vision.

Family Business Accountability and Management

By Anderson Josiah

Normally personal and business matters are very hard to combine, especially when business owners work with family members. This situation puts pressure on the business owner to always perform according to what is expected by his or her family members and sometimes, it prevents them from doing what is needed for the business and its operations. Additionally, they are also pressured into making decisions that works for all of the family members of his or her family in order to enjoy a functional home relationship.

It is very important to consider how difficult it is to manage a business in today’s constantly changing global economy. There will be times when extremely difficult decisions have to be made to make sure that the profitability of the company is at it best. Regardless if the family owns the company or not, the management of the company must be taken seriously and treated as an orApril 2011

ganization and not as a part-time business, which could ultimately lead to the failure of the business.

Succession of ownership is also a topic that should be tackled, especially if the owner has a large family possibly adding to more confusion. Often, after the death of a business owner the remaining children have discrepancies over ownership of the company. It is very important that the owner specifically designates the proprietor to avoid this scenario. Avoiding this problem is a simple matter of planning. Ensuring that there is a clear line of succession will ensure the entire family lives harmoniously, while doing their part in assisting in the company success. There should be a clear leader that every one could turn to for leadership, who they can obey and respect in the company.

The new leader should posses the knowledge and ability to make sound and informative business decisions. www.

Even if family members are successful in having great business relationships, they should still keep personal matters separate from business matters.

This will help all parties make sound decisions without bias for the improvement of the company. Additionally, separating the professional from the personal would also allow the business owners more flexibility when making a

decision at the business place.

One of the most important things in managing a family company properly is making sure the entire family has good relationships that will last even if the company doesn’t. Remember, family is and will always be more important than the company. The company can be replaced, but family cannot.

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Working with your Family in your Real Estate Business

By Cheri Alguire

Five Tips on How to Make it a Successful Combination We all have families, but not all of us work with them. Learning how to increase the positives of working with family members will help in creating not only a stronger platform for your

When part of that family life is also an integral key to the success of your business, complications can arise. Issues such as fair compensation, flex-time, favoritism, and familial boundaries can each lend a hand in specific problems you likely won’t face with non-family

business, but also in stronger ties with your family. This balance can be tough to manage, but it’s very possible.

As a real estate mom, no one has to tell you how difficult it is to combine your career with your family life.

employees. The goal is to achieve a harmonious working relationship without jeopardizing those all important family ties. To accomplish this common ground, you need to plan ahead and take into consideration any and all pos-

sible issues.

Making it Work Whether you’re worried about being taken advantage or burdening family members, some simple tips will have you headed down a much smoother path to the work environment you’re seeking.

Form Definite Boundaries – While this rule sounds simple, it can be difficult to achieve. The best way to handle it is open communication from the very beginning. Explain clearly that while on the job, it is best to keep family chit-chat to an absolute minimum.

Let them know this goes both ways – that you won’t be calling them at home on the weekend to discuss work. Keep the two entities as divided as possible!

Keep the Clients Separate – Sticky situations can sometimes arise when a family member is a social friend of a client. Business is business, and any possible work issues need to be kept confidential and not turned into fodder for gossip.

No Hard Feelings – Real estate is a competitive environment. Realize that the monthly sales figures could cause negative emotions in whoever is on the

Turn Your Business Trip Into a Family Holiday

Our jobs have become more demanding as a result of highly competitive work environments and greater expectations. With smart phones and digital technology, we’re never more than a WiFi connection or text message away from our work, even during those important moments when we want to spend quality time with our families.

A rising trend that many working April 2011

parents are experimenting with is combining business and family trips. There are many obvious advantages to this idea - you’ll be able spend more time with your children and at least some of the costs (i.e. your travel to and from your destination) will be subsidized by your work.

The key to having a fun and productive business and family trip is to www.

try and plan well ahead. Alternatively, if your business trip scheduled unexpectedly, you can look into last minute hotel deals to extend your trip into a long weekend. Here are some other tips to bear in mind: Define work time and family time - you don’t want your kids distracting you while you’re trying to work and you don’t want work distracting you when you’re spending time with your kids!

Set clear boundaries and rules between the two and make sure you and your family stick with them.

Take a friend - especially if you have young children, you’ll want to make sure a responsible and reliable adult is along for the trip. Make sure it’s someone you trust and who has a good rapport with your kids.

Look for family accommodation

lower end. Be supportive to each other to get through these moments of crises – and be prepared to deal with them when they occur.

All Employees are Treated Equal – If your normal course of action is to put a job offer in writing, including compensation and benefits, don’t deviate from this with family. While the process may seem more casual, it isn’t.

You need to be as effective and vigilant with family employees as you are with non-related ones.

Communication is Vital – Family members deserve the respect of oneon-one business meetings to voice their concerns and to discuss their job, and your business, in general. Miscommunication is the biggest cause, by far, of poor job relations. Keep this in mind, and you’ll go a long way in keeping everyone happy. Including yourself!

The way you treat an employee should be consistent. Whether a part of your family or not, creating the correct boundaries from the beginning is imperative. However, a non-related employee probably hasn’t seen you in your PJ’s, or at family gatherings, or visited you when you had your first baby.

Therefore, normal innate boundaries aren’t going to be in place with family unless you strive to put them there.

Once you do, you will begin to see the positives when working with a family member far more often than you will see the negatives. It is possible to combine family and career – as long as you know what you want, how you want it, and take the proper steps to communicate those wants effectively.

- business hotels may not always be the best accommodation option for your family trip. Instead of staying at the conference hotel, look for a nearby serviced apartment or other family accommodation. It’ll give your family more privacy and take you physically outside of your work.

Book adjoining rooms - alternatively, some hotels let you book adjoining rooms so you can have your own room and reserve one for the family when they arrive for the weekend.

Certain hotel operators arrange special “Kids Rooms” for children with games, activities and toys to occupy kids while you’re just next door.

Plan out your activities – plan your days well in advance and set realistic expectations. Arrange specific activities for your family so you have the option of meeting them there if you’re running late.

Striking that perfect balance between work and life can be challenging – but with a bit of detailed planning and a strong commitment to both, there’s no reason you can’t bring a little bit of family into your work life!

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Master of My Fate…

Captain of My Soul

By Author Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC Contributing Writer

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postle Paul encourages us to believe that “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us” in the Book of Philippians (4:13 NKJV). This is a universal scripture that many recite each day in their daily devotions or meditations; however, many of us fail to really implement the work this mega pithy establishes in our daily lives.

Oftentimes, we find ourselves de-energized, burned out, confused, and weary because we either don’t really believe we can do all thing, or we make the fatal assumption that our situation is too large or complex to surmount.

You are probably thinking, ‘what can Noel tell me now, that I haven’t already heard or read?’ Well, I will provide you with some inspiring words that have been composed and arranged to challenge your thinking as well as establish a symphonic framework that will help you think outside of this proverbial box and dispel any thoughts of impossibility.

First, in order to see pass the impossible, you have to possess an unyielding willingness to see yourself at the desire goal or outcome. The unyielding willingness is characterized by many as having faith. Faith is not a noun but a verb. Having faith requires kinetic energy both in your brain and in your body because faith without works is dead. In the vernacular, faith sees the invincible (goal or outcome), believes in the incredible (neurological response) and receives the impossible (action oriented momentum).

Second, recognize that you are no better than anyone else and no one else is better than you. Gerry Fusco, CEO of Gerry Consulting and Ministry Leader April 2011

for the Between the Job Ministry, planted that powerful seed in my life when he and I worked on a project together.

The profound statement enabled me to know without any uncertain terms that we all are truly equal, and in that equality no one has accomplished anything that cannot be duplicated or improved upon. One must be careful because there is a defining line between confidence and arrogance. We define that line in every business venture, sales pitch, or conversation we share with prospects, friends, and family members. You see, it wasn’t until I accepted my inadequacies that I was able to embrace God’s all sufficient grace, which provided the confidence required to produce the faith that water the seed Fusco planted in my life.

So, I offer you the same seed of encouragement.

Finally, there should not be any mountain too high or valley too low that should keep YOU from achieving that next level in your life and career. You may have had some difficult times. Maybe your parents are divorced; or maybe you are pregnant. Maybe the bank rejected your loan; or maybe the economy caused your market shares to dip. Maybe there are just too many maybes to consider. Like Jesus Christ once said, “speak to the mountains and valleys in your life in faith” and know that the only thing that stops many of us from securing that competitive promotional opportunity, writing the next New York Times® bestselling novel, obtaining that long-awaited degree, jump-starting the childhood business venture or rebounding from a broken relationship lies in the power of one, YOU! As Smokey the Bear once said, “Only you can prevent forest fires!”

Yeah, the forest fires in your life and career can truly stifle your ability to survive and more importantly, thrive. English Poet, William Ernest Henley, wrote in his 1888 poem, Invictus, the following:

Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.

The only question that remains is “who is the master of your fate and the captain of your soul?” Careful, don’t answer right away…think about it! www.noelpinnock.com

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

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OUT of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears www.

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N

ational Poetry Month was inspired by the success of Black History Month, held each February, and Women’s History Month, held in March. In 1995, The Academy of American Poets convened a group of publishers, booksellers, librarians, literary organizations, poets, and teachers to discuss the need and usefulness of a similar month long holiday to celebrate poetry.[1] The first National Poetry Month was held in 1996.

In 1998, the Academy joined the American Poetry & Literacy Project to distribute 100,000 free books of poetry from New York to California during National Poetry Month. On April 22,

Maya Angelou (1928 - present)

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

April 2011

President Clinton and the First Lady Gwendolyn Brooks (1917 - 2000) hosted a gala at the White House which featured Poets Laureate Robert Pinsky, Robert Hass and Rita Dove.

Like Black History Month, the celebration of poetry each April has grown and established itself organically, in both official and unofficial ways. Each year, publishers, booksellers, educators and literary organizations use April to promote poetry: publishers often release and publicize their poetry titles in April, teachers and librarians focus on poetry units during the month; and bookstores and reading series frequently hold special readings. National Poetry Writing Month encourages writing The Crazy Woman by a poem a day in celebration.

Gwendolyn Brooks I shall not sing a May song.

A May song should be gay.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

I’ll wait until November Don’t you take it awful hard And sing a song of gray.

‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines Diggin’ in my own back yard.

I’ll wait until November That is the time for me.

You may shoot me with your words, I’ll go out in the frosty dark You may cut me with your eyes, And sing most terribly.

You may kill me with your hatefulness, But still, like air, I’ll rise.

And all the little people Will stare at me and say, Does my sexiness upset you?

“That is the Crazy Woman Does it come as a surprise Who would not sing in May.” That I dance like I’ve got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs?

Langston Hughes (1902 - 1967) Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I rise I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise I rise I rise. www.

I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.

They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong.

Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes.

Nobody’ll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then.

Besides, They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed-I, too, am America.

Nikki Giovanni (1943 - present)

Knoxville Tennessee

by Nikki Giovanni I always like summer Best you can eat fresh corn From daddy’s garden And okra And greens And cabbage And lots of Barbeque And buttermilk And homemade ice-cream At the church picnic And listen to Gospel music Outside At the church Homecoming And go to the mountains with 18.

Your grandmother And go barefooted And be warm All the time Not only when you go to bed And sleep

James Weldon Johnson (1871 - 1938)

go down, Go down to Savannah, Georgia, Down in Yamacraw, And find Sister Caroline.

She’s borne the burden and heat of the day, She’s labored long in my vineyard, And she’s tired-She’s weary-Do down, Death, and bring her to me.

On Imagination

by Phillis Wheatley Thy various works, imperial queen, we see, How bright their forms! how deck’d with pomp by thee!

Thy wond’rous acts in beauteous order stand, And all attest how potent is thine hand.

Before thy throne the subjectpassions bow, Of subject-passions sov’reign ruler thou; At thy command joy rushes on the heart, And through the glowing veins the spirits dart.

Fancy might now her silken pinions try To rise from earth, and sweep th’ expanse on high: And Death didn’t say a word, >From Tithon’s bed now might But he loosed the reins on his pale, Aurora rise, white horse, Her cheeks all glowing with And he clamped the spurs to his celestial dies, bloodless sides, While a pure stream of light o’erflows And out and down he rode, the skies.

Through heaven’s pearly gates, The monarch of the day I might Past suns and moons and stars; behold, on Death rode, Now here, now there, the roving And all the mountains tipt with Leaving the lightning’s flash behind; Fancy flies, radiant gold, Straight down he came.

Till some lov’d object strikes her But I reluctant leave the pleasing views, wand’ring eyes, While we were watching Whose silken fetters all the senses bind, Which Fancy dresses to delight the Muse; round her bed, And soft captivity involves the mind.

Winter austere forbids me to aspire, She turned her eyes and looked away, And northern tempests damp the She saw what we couldn’t see; Imagination! who can sing thy force? rising fire; She saw Old Death.She saw Old Death Or who describe the swiftness They chill the tides of Fancy’s Coming like a falling star. of thy course? flowing sea, But Death didn’t frighten Sister Soaring through air to find the Cease then, my song, cease the Caroline; bright abode, unequal lay.

He looked to her like a welcome friend. Th’ empyreal palace of the And she whispered to us: thund’ring God, I’m going home, Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872 - 1906) We on thy pinions can surpass And she smiled and closed her eyes. the wind, And leave the rolling universe behind: And Death took her up like a baby, >From star to star the mental And she lay in his icy arms, optics rove, But she didn’t feel no chill.

Measure the skies, and range the And death began to ride again-realms above.

Up beyond the evening star, There in one view we grasp the Into the glittering light of glory, mighty whole, On to the Great White Throne.

Or with new worlds amaze And there he laid Sister Caroline th’ unbounded soul.

On the loving breast of Jesus.

Though Winter frowns to And Jesus took his own hand and Fancy’s raptur’d eyes wiped away her tears, The fields may flourish, and And he smoothed the furrows gay scenes arise; from her face, The frozen deeps may break their We Wear the Mask by Paul And the angels sang a little song, iron bands, Laurence Dunbar And Jesus rocked her in his arms, And bid their waters murmur o’er We wear the mask that grins and lies, And kept a-saying: Take your rest, the sands.

It hides our cheeks and shades Take your rest.

Fair Flora may resume her our eyes, -fragrant reign, This debt we pay to human guile; Weep not--weep not, And with her flow’ry riches deck With torn and bleeding hearts She is not dead; the plain; we smile, She’s resting in the bosom of Jesus.

Sylvanus may diffuse his And mouth with myriad subtleties. honours round, Phillis Wheatley (1753 - 1784) And all the forest may with leaves Why should the world be overwise, be crown’d: In counting all our tears and sighs?

Show’rs may descend, and dews Nay, let them only see us, while their gems disclose, We wear the mask.

And nectar sparkle on the blooming rose.

We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries To thee from tortured souls arise.

Such is thy pow’r, nor are thine We sing, but oh the clay is vile orders vain, Beneath our feet, and long the mile; O thou the leader of the mental train: But let the world dream otherwise, In full perfection all thy works are We wear the mask! wrought, And thine the sceptre o’er the realms Jupiter Hammon (1711 - 1806) of thought.

An Evening Thought: Salvation by From Helicon’s refulgent heights attend, Ye sacred choir, and my attempts befriend: To tell her glories with a faithful tongue, Ye blooming graces, triumph in my song.

Go Down, Death by James Weldon Johnson Weep not, weep not, She is not dead; She’s resting in the bosom of Jesus.

Heart-broken husband--weep no more; Grief-stricken son--weep no more; Left-lonesome daughter -weep no more; She only just gone home.

Day before yesterday morning, God was looking down from his great, high heaven, Looking down on all his children, And his eye fell of Sister Caroline, Tossing on her bed of pain.

And God’s big heart was touched with pity, With the everlasting pity.

And God sat back on his throne, And he commanded that tall, bright angel standing at his right hand: Call me Death!

And that tall, bright angel cried in a voice That broke like a clap of thunder: Call Death!--Call Death!

And the echo sounded down the streets of heaven Till it reached away back to that shadowy place, Where Death waits with his pale, white horses.

And Death heard the summons, And he leaped on his fastest horse, Pale as a sheet in the moonlight.

Up the golden street Death galloped, And the hooves of his horses struck fire from the gold, But they didn’t make no sound.

Up Death rode to the Great White Throne, And waited for God’s command.

And God said: Go down, Death, April 2011

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Christ, with Penetential Cries by Jupiter Hammon

I have to learn how to dance in time for the next party my room is too small for me suppose I de before graduation they will sing sad melodies but finally tell the truth bout me There is nothing I want to do and too much that has to be done and momma’s in the bedroom with the door closed.

Thou art the Lord, we plainly see; Thou art the true Salvation.

Now is the Day, excepted Time; The Day of the Salvation; Increase your Faith, do not repine: Awake ye, every Nation.

Salvation comes by Christ alone, The only Son of God; Redemption now to every one, That love his holy Word.

Dear Jesus, we would fly to Thee, And leave off every Sin, Thy tender Mercy well agree; Salvation from our King.

Salvation comes now from the Lord, Our victorious King.

His holy Name be well ador’d, Salvation surely bring.

Dear Jesus, give thy Spirit now, Thy Grace to every Nation, That han’t the Lord to whom we bow, The Author of Salvation.

Dear Jesus, unto Thee we cry, Give us the Preparation; Turn not away thy tender Eye; We seek thy true Salvation.

Salvation comes from God we know, The true and only One; It’s well agreed and certain true, He gave his only Son. Lord, hear our penetential Cry: Salvation from above; It is the Lord that doth supply, With his Redeeming Love.

Dear Jesus, by thy precious Blood, The World Redemption have: Salvation now comes from the Lord, He being thy captive slave.

Lord, unto whom now shall we go, Or seek a safe abode?

Thou has the Word Salvation Too, The only Son of God. Ho! every one that hunger hath, Or pineth after me, Salvation be thy leading Staff, To set the Sinner free.

Dear Jesus, unto Thee we fly; Depart, depart from Sin, Salvation doth at length supply, The Glory of our King.

Come, ye Blessed of the Lord, Salvation greatly given; O turn your Hearts, accept the Word, Your Souls are fit for Heaven.

Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove, The Object of our Care; Salvation doth increase our Love; Our Hearts hath felt they fear.

Now Glory be to God on High, Salvation high and low; And thus the Soul on Christ rely, To Heaven surely go.

Come, Blessed Jesus, Heavenly Dove, Accept Repentance here; Salvation give, with tender Love; Let us with Angels share.Finis.

Audre Lorde (1934 - 1992)

We cry as Sinners to the Lord, Salvation to obtain; It is firmly fixed, his holy Word, Ye shall not cry in vain.

Lord, turn our dark benighted Souls; Give us a true Motion, And let the Hearts of all the World, Make Christ their Salvation.

Ten Thousand Angels cry to Thee, Yea, louder than the Ocean.

April 2011

I sense it’s one angel of intellect walking around Who can tell me why love is And why water feels wet, Tell me why those clouds stay so high in the sky, And why that sun ain’t skipped a day yet, Tell me why all we do everyday is try to survive, Just to make sure we die happy…

In our last breath.

Thou Crystal Cooper There is heaven There is earth In between Are you ToMaster thy worth.

D-MARS Vice President

Nija Bonvillian

Dear Jesus, we now turn to Thee, Salvation to obtain; Our Hearts and Souls do meet again, To magnify thy Name.

Dear Jesus, let the Nations cry, And all the People say, Salvation comes from Christ on high, Haste on Tribunal Day.

Dear Jesus, unto Thee we cry, And make our Lamentation: O let our Prayers ascend on high; We felt thy Salvation.

Nobody even stops to think about my side of it I should have been on Math Team my marks were better than his why do I have to be the one wearing braces I have nothing to wear tomorrow will I live long enough to grow up and momma’s in the bedroom with the door closed.

Why by Crystal Cooper

Hanging Fire by Audre Lorde I am fourteen and my skin has betrayed me the boy I cannot live without still sucks his tumb in secret how come my knees are always so ashy what if I die before the morning comes and momma’s in the bedroom with the door closed.

When Your Best Isn’t Good Enough by Nija Bonvillian What is it that makes you stare at me, As if I’m anything less than God created me to be?

Who are you that you can look at me funny, As if I am nothing because I have no money?

What makes you think that you’re better than me, As if you’re in control, and I have no destiny?

Don’t you recognize the greatness you see, The beauty of God, And His majesty.

Maybe, it’s because your eyes have not been opened to see, Indulged in a world of deceptivity.

What does it take for you to respect me, As if I am not whom God made me to be?

Crystal Cooper

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My Black Pearl

By Kevin Davis I see you in my dreams.

You are my world, my everything!

The love you give to me is beyond compare.

It surrounds me like the stars and the air.

You are the one that makes my heart fly, And keep my feeling on a natural high.

Like the rising sun, across the sea, That’s the twinkle in your eyes that I see.

You’re always at my side, when I need you the most.

That’s why we’re so close.

I want to give you the world in my mind.

And all you want is love all the time.

You’ve earned the right to be number one, With your love, that’s like the burning sun.

You hold my heart in the palm of your hand, So love can always stand.

“That’s why you’re my, “Black Pearl”, The rarest one in the world”!

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April 2011

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Aramat Billing Services – Billing Experts

By Tamara Johnson, Contributing Writer I have always been intrigued by numbers, money and mathematical equations, so after turning over a new leaf, and truly beginning to “live on

April 2011

purpose,” I created Aramat Billing Services, Inc., a business dedicated to maximizing client’s needs through efficient billing processes.

Although I was a Sociology and Psychology graduate, I worked in my church’s Finance department and as a project manager for a non-profit organization for children, I Have A Dream. During my career in education as a teacher and assistant principal, I worked on the budget plans giving me the knowledge and experience I would later use help propel Aramat Billing Services, Inc. to a new level.

I started off specializing in Texas Department of State Health Services compliances. My administrative skills led me to service clients that were interested in opening an Emergency Medical Service. With this clientele, once they were licensed and ready to make money, a need for a biller was at hand.

This is where Aramat Billing Services,

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Inc. started expanding their skills from consultation to billing and collections.

I hope to expand my Aramat Billing Services, Inc. nationally, while striving to build more clientele for my medical management group. My services are very detailed and organized and I am a hands on person. Aramat prides ourselves on leadership, not just management. Serving as a board member of a local medical school, I can continue to serve young students and help with their future endeavors. In entrepreneurship, the desire and passion for the ser-

vice you provide is the top priority.

Aramat Billing Services, Inc. is committed to the highest level of customer service in all aspects of our business.

We offer dependable billing expertise and services of our dedicated staff of 8 employees have over 20 years of experience ready to assist with you diverse and shifting business. Your business will get quick reimbursements, complete compliance, and the personal attention your patients and insurance carriers deserve.

We can bill for EMS, Physicians, Home Health, Dialysis Centers and Facilities.

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April 2011

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Scams Are no Joking Matter – Don’t Become an April Fool

By Nikitia Johnson, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Contributing Writer Being the butt of an April fool’s joke is fine when it’s good-natured fun.

But no one wants to fall victim to a scam artist or identity thief.

You may think you’re safe simply by not carrying your Social Security card with you and not providing your personal information over the Internet or by email. But scam artists have become shrewd.

Some people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are often victimized by misleading advertisers. These companies frequently offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from Social Security free of charge. These services include getting a: • corrected Social Security card showing a bride’s married name; • Social Security card to replace a lost card; • Social Security Statement; • Social Security number for a child.

Some direct scammers suggest that Social Security is in dire financial shape and that people risk losing their Social Security or Medicare benefits unless April 2011

they send a contribution or membership fee to the advertiser. Never reply to an email claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your Social Security number or personal information.

Please don’t let a scam artist or identity thief make an April fool out of you.

Identity theft is one of the fastestgrowing crimes in America. If you think you’ve been the victim of an identity thief, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc. gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft. Or, you can call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-4384338); TTY 1-866-653-4261.

If you receive or see what you believe is misleading advertising for Social Security services, send the complete mailing, including the envelope, to: Office of the Inspector General, Fraud Hotline, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235. Also, advise your State’s attorney general or consumer affairs office and the Better Business Bureau.

Learn more about identity theft at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064. html. Read about misleading advertising at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10005.html. www.

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THE EXPERT NETWORK ATTORNEYS

April 2011

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Steps to Effectively Working with Family Members not sit down and go over the job description, expectations and other vital information.

2. You do not hold them accountable.

3. You do not inform them when a task was not done correctly and/or timely.

4. You do not provide the necessary supervision.

5. You’re very close to the person and not comfortable having difficult conversations.

By Dr. Wendy Johnson www.drwendyjohnson.com

6. You feel obligated to keep the relative employed because they cannot keep a job and you are trying to help out.

Working with family members can be very sticky if this situation is not This can be a very rewarding exhandled properly. perience; however it must be handled properly and timely. Before this busiIt can be a difficult for a number ness relationship starts it is vital that of reasons: you do the following: 1. You just hire your relative and do

April 2011

1. Ensure that your relative is quali-

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fied to do the job and/or has the potential, drive, tenacity and skill set to go through OJT (on the job training).

2. Make the time to thoroughly go over the job description, goals and expectations.

3. Go over office etiquette – explain what is and is not acceptable.

4. Go over the company dress code; do not assume that they know.

5. Do not give them preferential treatment, as doing so will cause resentment. Remember, when morale goes down, productivity goes down.

6. Keep all communication professional and do not discuss family gatherings in the office.

7. Do not allow them to arrive later than the other team members.

The solution to a successful and respectful employee/family relationship is that everyone in the office is treated the same. Everyone must have the same level of goals, expectations and accountability, especially family members to be successful. Specifically outlining each employee’s role and keeping personal issues out of the workplace will ensure a positive work environment for you and your family member/s.

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

713.272.9511

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Walking With G.R.A.C.E.: Become a Part of the Solution

By Brandale Mills, Contributing Writer

G

etting fired helped launch Ruama Camp’s career. After working for FEMA for years and witnessing first hand the devastation experienced from Tropical Storm Allison, Camp created G.R.A.C.E. Community Services, an organization designed to inform the community on how to prepare for a natural disaster.

“Our first address was my license plate,” Camp said. “Now we’re servicing 10 counties [in Houston and Galveston], helping over 2,000 victims from [Hurricane] Ike alone.”

Founded in 2004, G.R.A.C.E. Community Services is a faith-based organization committed to empowering churches, community members and other ministries with information, training and resources on preparation for before, during and after a disaster.

G.R.A.C.E.’s relief focuses on manmade disasters, equipping the community with structured disaster plans to implement even if there is no immediate threat.

“Disaster relief is a daily thing,” she said. “You can’t wait the day of the storm to get prepared. You have to implement basic preparation at all times.”

Through its various case management and social service programs, G.R.A.C.E. has assisted over 10,000 families affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Dolly, Eduardo, Gustav, and Ike. G.R.A.C.E. has provided housing and furniture needs, utility and transportation assistance, job readiness, mentoring and summer youth camps, and has helped families regain a sense of normalcy. After Hurricane Ike, G.R.A.C.E. facilitated over 3 million dollars to families in need assisting in their home reconstruction and replacement of furniture and appliances.

“After the storm when the Red Cross is gone, we help match resources to victims, helping families get on their feet,” Camp said.

In an effort to inform the community on being environmentally conscious, G.R.A.C.E. Community Services is hosting its first annual “GoGreen” two mile walk-a-thon, Walking With G.R.A.C.E., Sunday, April 23rd.

Taking place the day after Earth Day, Walking With G.R.A.C.E. is promoting efficiency and awareness to educate April 2011

people on becoming a part of the solution. Camp said the event is promoting health and well-being, especially in the African-American community.

“We, as humans are contributing to destroying environment,” Camp said.

“If you stop putting junk in environment, it’ll slow down natural disasters.”

The Walk-A-Thon will have informational booths at the Walk-A-Thon disseminating information on a variety of environmentally safe cleaning products and beverages. Pet Lovers can also bring their animals to the event for the Pet Fashion Show Walk/Obstacle Course. Several pet vendors will be in attendance distributing information on what to do with your pet in the case of a natural disaster. There will also be a “Kidz Zone,” where kids will be plant plants to take home with them.

“We must constantly remind them to take care of the environment,” Camp said. “I believe that if you teach the children, they’ll grow up to be responsible adults.”

Camp also said it is important to use environmentally safe cleaning products in homes. According to Camp, women who work at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer compared to women who work outside the home caused by the chemicals in cleaning products. We think we’re cleaning our way to good health, but a lot of time we’re creating more problems, she said.

“We need to be more conscious on what we put in our bodies,” Camp said.

“A lot of us are cleaning ourselves to death.”

Through Camp’s research, she notes that people of color are always receiving help due to disaster issues and environmental health related issues.

“The statistics are startling,” she said. “[Often] if it looks like it doesn’t apply to us, we don’t pay attention.

Doctors are getting extremely wealthy off our illnesses.”

All proceeds of the walk will go to G.R.A.C.E.’s mentoring program’s computer lab.

Walking With G.R.A.C.E. will be held at Gene Green Beltway 8 Park; 6500 E. Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77049, beginning 7:00 a.m. Register online a www.walk4grace.com and for more information contact 713-839-9300 or 1-877839-1744. www.

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Disaster Planning is Essential for Your Family and Your Business ate neighbors and family members not living with you. We suggest using 3X5 index cards and laminating them.

Step Four -- For businesses – You should have client contact phone numbers and email addresses in a safe place so that you can notify them immediately of the situation. Also, prepare a disaster recovery plan and have someone you trust keep a copy of it.

This should include vital information including medical information, family and friend’s names, your complete contact information, where valuable information like wills and trusts and legal documents are kept, serial numbers

H

urricane Wilma, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita left behind catastrophic damage. Families were displaced; homes destroyed, and following that came the task of trying to put the puzzle together.

This difficult task is unimaginable for those who unaffected by the storms.

Victims desire for their lives to return to normal, but everyday brings new reminds of the devastation caused by these disasters. Natural disasters aren’t limited to hurricanes. This year our country has witnessed floods, tornados and earthquakes at a precedent level.

Diana Ennen, co-author of Home Office Recovery Plan: The Disaster Preparedness Guide for Your Home Business has been hit by eight hurricanes since last August. Hurricane Wilma left catastrophic damage in her city and her home suffered tremendous damage.

Without power for two weeks and facing the stress of trying to run a family and business, Ennen said preparing for disasters are critical and essential.

“Being prepared for a hurricane or any natural disaster takes away the stress and anxiety,” Ennen said. “When timing is critical, I want to focus on the safety of my family, not on taking an inventory of my business, or deciding where I need to go. I also need to know that my family members will know how to find me after the disaster.”

Dr. Paulo J. Reyes, a First Responder in California and author of the fiction thriller, Sledgehammer, has firsthand disaster recovery experience and participated in various disaster relief efforts in April 2011

for equipment and names of equipment and household and business supplies, and a disaster escape route in the event you need to evacuate. Make sure you have back-up all data. Get a generator if possible. If you are without power, that can greatly affect the livelihood of your business.

To prepare your home and business, stop by our site for a sample chapter of the Home Office Recovery Plan, http://www. homeofficerecoveryplan.com. You can also get tips and suggestions on how you can survive a disaster. Dr. Paulo Reyes book is available at his site at http://www.pauloreyes.com.

California including the Air Mexicana crash in 1986, the last major earthquake in Los Angeles in 1994 and the influenza epidemic from 1997-1998.

“Loss of lives can be greatly reduced if everyone has a complete plan of action prior to the event,” Reyes said.

“Not only with the reduction of heart attacks and stress related illnesses, but people tend to get to safety quicker if they have already planned ahead and know what they are going to do.”

Here are some steps you can take to prepare: Step One -- If you do not already have flood and windstorm insurance, you should consider getting it. Keep in mind that windstorm insurance policies are not sold when a storm threatens, so you need to think far enough ahead.

You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. Homeowners polices do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane.

Find out everything you can about your coverage now. Ask questions. You need to know this information now, before it’s too late and you discover you aren’t covered when you thought you were.

Step Two - Identify a safe place for everyone to meet. This pre-determined place should be discussed with family members prior to an emergency. Depending on the type of emergency you are planning, you might want to consider establishing a second location in case the first is inaccessible.

Step Three - In addition to a safe place, each person should have a list of phone numbers for your immediwww.

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THE EXPERT NETWORK ATTORNEYS

April 2011

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Why Print Marketing Is Essential?

By Kate Manheaven

To most business owners, marketing their business is one of the most important and difficult things they have to face in the day to day operations of their enterprise. With customers getting more and more cautious about items they buy, the more important it is to create unique an exceptionally attentiongrabbing marketing campaign. The common trend today is to go for digital marketing. After all, the technology readily accessible and business life is so much easier with it. Alternatively, why is it that print marketing is still the choice of many established business today?

Surely, you encounter the terms sales, profits, lead generation, competition, return on investment and strategic planning all the time. They are all important to business and play a crucial role to your success. They are also all a

result of effective marketing. So, how do you market your business? Why is it important to promote, and how much would it actually cost you to carry out a promotional campaign?

Print marketing is widely used in the business industry today for a good reason—it always works. For one, print marketing produces a lasting and good image to customers. It also conveys an effective message, helps you connect wit your customers, produce an emotional response from your prospects and helps send out a strong call to action. Experts say that if you don’t show and tell people that you want what they need, they won’t invest in your product. Marketing can either make or break a business.

Business cards can help share your contact details; a brochure can help provide detailed description of your products or

services; and post cards can help inform people on the latest accomplishments of business. It is critical that effective and high quality marketing is important to the success of your business.

Print marketing can provide a great number of benefits and advantages that might not seem obvious at first glance.

Sure, it can produce exceptional short term results, but it can also build up, boost up, and keep up connections between your target market and your business.

You can use newspaper inserts to promote your products or services and increase awareness. It is important that

you create effective and striking business card templates to draw attention.

These are both inexpensive and timetested techniques of generating short term results and long lasting impact.

Menus and flyers are also effective. If you own a restaurant or pizza parlor, you can use these materials to promote your business.

Don’t worry about the cost of these marketing materials; they can be produced at exceptionally low prices. You can’t really go wrong with print marketing. When done effectively, you will quickly realize the impact it has on your business.

Your Options When Funding a Family Business

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f you are going to start a family business, you will generally need an initial amount of personal money. There are several ways to attain start-up funds and also invest it, we will evaluate the pros and cons of each.

Gaining Shares in the Business One common way to justify a cash injection into a new business is through equity finance. Shares have dual benefits regardless of whether the company is successful. For example, if the company succeeds, you receive dividend payments and the shares should be sellable at a profit. However, if the company fails, you can receive capital gains tax relief on the losses. As long as the shares purchased are new issues and are not transferred to you, there are certain income tax reliefs that also apply to any losses.

Equity finance also carries some risks and frustrations. Depending on the amount of capital you are investing, it is likely that you will be a minority April 2011

shareholder. Therefore, you have very little influence over the major decisions the company makes. A minority shareholding can also be quite difficult to sell and you could run the risk of selling at a much lower premium. Not only this, but dividends are only declared at the director’s discretion. They can only be forced in extreme circumstances. Finally, if the company should become insolvent, shareholders are the last to receive any money from the appointed liquidators.

In light of this, whether you choose equity finance as a method of investment depends on the size of the capital contribution, hence your anticipated shareholding. It also depends on the relationship you have with the company directors and your faith in the company’s success. It is always advisable if acquiring shares to seek legal assistance from specialist commercial lawyers in composing a shareholders agreement. This will run concurrently with the articles of association belonging to the company, but www.

over the company’s assets or debtors.

Be aware that any fixed assets, such as property, may already have security granted over them in the form of a legal mortgage.

As mentioned, when the company repays the loan you are limited to receiving the capital and interest only. In order to make the loan more attractive and potentially profitable for you, an agreement can be made that facilitates will address any matters personal to the the conversion of the debt into company shareholders. shares at some point in the future. This Providing a Loan conversion can be dependent on the perOne common way to fund the fam- formance of the business. ily business is to loan some money to the company on terms that are more favor- Cash Gifts able and cheaper, than if you use a bank.

When possible, a gift is the perfect Don’t forget that if you ask for interest cash injection for a company as there are on the loan, you will then have to pay in- no inherent liabilities acquired with it. come tax on it. It is ill advisable to agree Each person has an annual tax free gift the terms of the loan verbally, as these allowance of $3,000, although if they could be disputed at a later date. If you have not used all of their previous year’s form a professional loan agreement then allowance, this can double to $6,000. the contracted terms must be obeyed The gift can be a ‘potentially exempt and if breached, you become entitled to transfer’, meaning that if the donor dies sue the company for the money lent. within seven years of making the gift, If the company fails and your loan it is still liable to be counted for inherimonies are lost, then there are capital tance tax purposes. If the giftor did die gains tax reliefs available to you. If the within the seven years then inheritance company is a success, you will receive tax is payable at 40%, the gift would your investment back with interest. however receive taper relief depending One more way to protect your in- on exactly when the giftor died. vestment is to look for some security For advice on how to safeguard any for the loan. Security is dependent on injection of capital into the family business the size and nature of the business; you consult any specialist commercial lawyers. could for example seek a floating charge 34.

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Spring (Financially) Forward: A Q & A with The Money Lady

By Marilyn Logan, Contributing Writer How should we tackle money issues in 2011?

We often underestimate the effects of money on the psyche. Emotional attachment is not about the money itself, but revolves around what money allows/disallows one to do. I suggest we look at ourselves squarely in the mirror and begin a journey toward understanding our behaviors, beliefs and influences concerning money. Delve into the emotional reasons as to why we spend money the way we do. Where and how were your perceptions formed? Money awareness is tied with self awareness.

Shame and fear are not conducive to

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some say numbers increase chaos, I say from those who have gone before you. numbers increase wisdom. Have a “famFor more information, please contact financial fitness or competency. ily financial summit” with in-laws and me at 713-876-6316 or visit www.marilyn“Financial humility” is needed ask questions about their financial mis- logan.com. Watch my new T.V. Show – “The which includes developing a com- takes. Personal experiences are a great Money Lady” HCCTV – Monday/Wednesmitment to being insightful of our teacher, but it’s also beneficial to learn day @ 3:00 p.m. Or Go to: hccs.edu/hcctv money habits and gaining a healthy respect for the effect money has on our lives – financial arrogance is too costly. The biggest way to keep those emotions in check about money is to remove fear of not having something you think you need.

There are tons of tests to take and books to read out there. I, of course, am partial to mine because it is based on a real-life story and offers practical, simple lessons. Many financial terms and phrases can be quite intimidating, so keep it simple and take your financial learning journey in stages. Consider keeping a “money journal” to track every dollar spent for a month – down to the last penny.

Another resource is the National Foundation for Credit Counseling – credit management is one of the foundations of money management. The Foundation is committed to financial By Nikitia Johnson, Security taxes from their salary, responsibility and has many education- Social Security Public Affairs Specialist such as some school systems and some local, State and Federal goval tools to increase your financial liter- Contributing Writer ernment agencies. acy. Several financial personality tests also are on the Internet, such as one at You’ve probably been on the web, • Ticket to Work – Do you receive www.moneyworkbook.com.

Supplemental Security Income and it’s likely that you’ve attended a (SSI) or Social Security Disability seminar. But if you never have attended Is there some type of teamInsurance (SSDI) benefits? Thoua “webinar,” we recommend that you do. sands of SSI and SSDI beneficiaries Social Security offers a selection of building activity we can have learned how to stay in control webinars at www.socialsecurity.gov/weengage in, to help fix our of their benefits while enriching binars on benefits for wounded warriors, money challenges? their lives through employment. applying for retirement online, extra We typically talk about repairYou can join them by participathelp with Medicare prescription drug ing our finances after a downfall or costs, and more. ing in a 90-minute Work Incentive with a looming break-up or divorce.

Seminar Event (WISE) Webinar to You’re invited to attend any of them, Shift your focus to prevention and anytime. Class is always in session — learn about available incentives, inbe heedful about learning each per- past webinars are available for you to cluding those offered through the Ticket to Work program. son’s money habits, behaviors, mis- view at any time. The information can takes and strengths in the premarital be valuable, but the cost is free.

If you visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ The two recent webinars on the phase. Address the pink flags before webinars, you’ll find all of the webinars they become red! Financial un-fit- page are on timely topics. instantly accessible. Any upcoming weness can destroy relationships - easily.

• How Some Public Employee or binars will be at the top of the page with Yes, couples can do some exercisTeacher Pensions May Affect information on the date, time, and how es to repair their financial situations.

Social Security Benefits – In this to register to participate in the webinar I recommend that couples exchange webinar, we walk you through how live. Once the webinar has taken place, credit reports semi-annually; this enthe Windfall Elimination Provision it will be available for anyone to revisit sures, to a certain extent, that your (WEP) and Government Pension as a resource.

Hit the virtual classroom with a Social Offset (GPO) may affect Social partner is fully financially vetted.

Security webinar at www.socialsecurity.gov/ Security benefits of workers whose One cannot fix anything if the total webinars. employers do not withhold Social truth is not exposed. Secondly, while

Class is in Session with Social Security Webinars

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Working As A Team Pays Off “Finish the Season; Finish the Game!” Ural Lee, the Westside High School Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Coach screams to his team during their last game. The team celebrated a 13-0 district championship victory last February.

“The first time this has happened in 5 years”, Coach Lee said.

The Westside Wolves defeated the Westbury Rebels in the last game of the season 48 to 40 in February, crushing the myth that Westside High School was not a basketball contender. Under the leadership of Coach Ural Lee, the team used all the skills they learned, defense, discipline and focus to clinch the district 20-5A championship with an undefeated record. The team’s defense frustrated many high schools in the district including Bellaire, Madison, Chavez, Westbury, Sam Houston, Lamar, and Milby High School while the offense earned them big leads in most of their games.

“If they learned anything, it’s that they can finish”, Coach Lee said.

Tanya Pritchett, parent of point guard Sidney Pritchett said victory remained an important theme for the team throughout the season.

“Winning becomes a habit when losing is not an option!” she said.

This theme, in addition to believing in their ability, skills and leadership resonated through the entire team.

“Victory comes to those who believe,” Junior, Onyemaobi Madu said.

“For us it was personal,” sophomore Ariel Mitchell said. “We wanted the win for our coach.”

The Westside Wolves matched oncourt excellence with classroom excellence, not losing one player to academic failure during the season.

“Their on-court success is a direct reflection of their classroom success,” Coach Lee said.

Lee has worked diligently developing plays and teaching fundamentals to his student-athletes.

“No star players. We work as a unit!” Coach Lee said.

Hats off to a Great Coach, a Great Team and an Undefeated Season!

The Undefeated 2010-2011 Junior Varsity Westside Wolves District Champions:

Coach Ural Lee Ariel Mitchell, Sophomore Sidney Pritchett, Sophomore Ja’Von Moses, Junior Franklin Iheanacho, Freshman Jimmy Russell, Sophomore Greyland Lightfoot, Sophomore Giovanta Godley, Junior

Thaddeus Edwards, Junior Onyemaobi Madu, Junior Justice Orieh, Sophomore Kyle Cole, Jr., Sophomore Torey Prater, Junior Terry Dixon, Junior DeAngelo Ware, Junior

You Lead, I Follow The Non-Leader A lot of focus has been placed on being a good leader. In fact, there is more literature about good leadership than any other management topic. This is because leadership covers not only management, but it involves teams, motivation and even our social lives.

But what of the people who consider themselves non-leaders?

If you are contented to follow, you are, by definition, a follower. Yet, the reality is that no one is a 100% follower.

Everyone, will at one time or another be in a leadership position.

“Anyone knows a good restaurant around here?”

A timid hands goes up, and Timid Tim says, “I do. Follow me.”

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No! That is not leadership! Yes, I can hear those protests loud and clear.

Now, Timid Tim starts walking, turns a corner, goes down a flight of stairs, turns another corner all the while muttering to himself about how wonderful that restaurant is. Then, when he arrives, he is alone. Somewhere along the way, he manages to lose the entire group.

Sure, that is not LEADERSHIP, but even this simple example of leading a small group serves to show that at some point, you have to lead.

When speakers talk about leadership and how everyone should be trained and about how everyone is a leader, there are many scoffers. They think that this is all about selling more seminars. Or it is just www.

hot air to encourage the “others” so they don’t feel too bad. Hardly.

In our many capacities, we are followers in some and leaders in others. It is inevitable. Have you ever followed someone with an IQ less than yours simply because he knew where the toilet was and you didn’t?

At work, there is always some one ready to step up to the plate. We all want to excel. Be promoted. Be noticed.

One man’s faltering, is another man’s elevator. Leadership skills are especially important at home. The option for someone other than yourself “step up to the plate” isn’t as plentiful as they are in the workplace.

So, the next time you have a chance to attend a leadership workshop or a leadership seminar, don’t pass up the chance just because you think you are not a leader.

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From Passion to a Poetic Movement

By Nefertari Williams

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hat started as a hobby and a way to help the artists in the Houston community show case their talent; whether rap, song, dance, instrumental, poetry, etc., grew into a passion.

I started off hosting Apollo nights on the campus of Texas Southern to help my sons get into the music business.

The cash prize offered was $500.00 and the poets were the only ones that won the prize money. I noticed that the poets had a hard time keeping and finding a venue.

From the first time I saw Black Snow, Se7en, Cherokee, Socrates, and Equality, ah man! Pumpkin the original peach bisques, and of course Ms. Keisha, who was a student at Texas Southern University (I call her the original female Blade,) my blood just lit up like a tree at Christmas time. With that passion burning in my heart, a poetic movement took root at Texas Southern University. As an assistant Librarian at Texas Southern University, I started an organization named Poetry & Politics.

I saw a need for the students on the campus of Texas Southern University and in the community. Something was missing and they needed an avenue to vent and get whatever it was off of their chest and minds. I wanted them to have something positive in their lives, and expose them to a culture that seemed to be lost, thus reintroducing them to Spoken Word. As a child, I remember writing about whatever was bothering me, especially during those days when my mom would work my last. I never thought of my writings as poetry or spoken word until I started reading what I wrote to April 2011

the public and they loved it and understood me. So they say I’m a Poet and now I feel at home.

When I started the organization in 2002, only about 4 or five people would come out and perform poetry.

With a way for the students to blow off steam and a place to relax, then, free of charge, the Robert James Terry Library opened its doors and it was the perfect place. After a long day of class and few hours of studying, poetry would begin.

“I wanted to give the college students a reason and a place to express themselves without anyone judging them”.

As time grew, so did the audience. As well as the poets who would come out and perform. With each week, a new amount of people came out to showcase their talent. By the year 2003, the poetry crowd had grown so large that we could no longer fit into the library. The Open Mic Night, as a result, moved to the Reggae Hut. Our next move was to Java Cup, then to Mahogany, the original poetry spot in the Third Ward community, until its closing. We then moved to Baucus Wings and Wings on Elgin. That’s when The Secret Word Café’ was born. Every Tuesday night over 50 people would come out to hear the poetic words. There were people in attendance whom never heard poetry before. Some even started performing their own works and sharing their writings. We then moved to club 4212 on Alameda Street.

The purpose of The Secret Word Café’ is to raise money for a creative writing school and the First Philosophy School in Third Ward Texas. This school will cater to children in the third ward area, as well as in the surrounding Houston community. If we plant a seed and water it, it will grow. I expect a harvest of great leaders. The people who support and come out to the poetry nights are like the rose that grew from concrete. I am grateful for my support systems from the entire artist community in Houston and my poetic family, which keeps me going. We are now located at 2016 Dowling Street, as a foundation for great things to come. All of the profits are going to the school. Open Mic Nights are no longer one night a week but six days a week. Every night a large amount of people come out and enjoy the poetry, mutually understanding that they are making a difference in someone’s life. www.

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Getting Your Family Involved in Your Home Business Do you own your own home business? Is your family involved with your daily business? As a business owner, at times it may seem easier to do everything yourself. Why take the time to explain the job, show them how it should be done, make sure it is done properly, and then possibly have to redo the project if it is not done to your liking? Yes, we have all been through this at some point. The question is: what are you going to do about it?

You basically have two options: Do everything yourself or invest the time to get your family involved.

First, if you are doing everything yourself, you are probably spending a lot more time with your business than with your family. Secondly, you are depriving your spouse and children of the joy of owning a home business.

Why not take some of the burden off of yourself by allowing your family to help you in your daily tasks. Here are a few ideas that you can implement to start getting your family involved: Spouse: If your spouse is not involved with you in your home business, you are missing a great opportunity to spend some much needed time with

him/her. I know, this may not be everyone’s idea of quality time with your beloved, but is it not better than the alternate.

If your spouse is not in tune with what you are doing, do what you can to peak their interest and get them involved today.

Young Children: Obviously there is not much for a toddler to do, but as they grow older you can give them small jobs to start out (dumping your trash can, sharpening your pencils, etc.) and continuing to give them more challenging jobs as they become more mature. No matter what the job, kids feel a sense of pride in knowing they are “pitching in”.

Teenagers: This is the group you need to get! There are so many things that a teen can get involved with (sports, music, friends, drugs). Wouldn’t it be nice if what they are involved with your business? If you have been giving them

jobs as children, then they are probably already involved. If you are just getting started with your business and/or getting to those teens, try giving them some things that they might not expect that you would delegate to them (typing a letter or making a call to a supplier to place an order). Let them see

that you have the confidence in them and they will respond likewise.

Do whatever you can to get your family involved. Not only will it alleviate some of your workload, it can truly draw you family closer together.

Home Based Business vs. Family Ironically, most of us got into the home-based business world because we want to have more time with family. So how is it that we sometimes have less time? Time management and communication is essential in having a successful business while balancing family time.

The promise of having more time with family is one of the major attractions for a home-based business, but time has to be carefully managed and guarded. If you are in a regular job working at least 40 hours per week, it can be tough. One thing that must be communicated to your family is that there has to be a short term pain for a long term gain.

You have a finite amount of hours available to you, but here are some suggestions. If you have children at home, then one possible strategy is to stay at work an extra hour later to avoid the chaos at home.

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transit if you normally drive. It may allow you an extra 30-60 minutes per day to organize contacts, return phone calls, or listen to training materials with your mp3 player. If your company has training or motivational phone calls that are at a bad time for you, it is possible to record them.

Make it a priority to spend time with your kids when they come home from school. Take mid-afternoon breaks to see how their school day is going and enjoy a snack together.

The exact solution for you has to be determined by you for your particular www.

home based business. Plan ahead and block out the family time. Make sure you clearly communicate with all family members about what time you are blocking out for your business activity.

As long as you communicate well, you

should be able to spend anxiety-free time on your business.

With some good planning, you can be successful in being good to your family and your home based business.

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