d-mars.com Business Journal 51

Inspire, Inform & Educate

may - june 15 2011

51

Edition

Mastering your Craft

INSIDE

Education as Professional as a Professional Development Tool

By Christina R. Grochett To help employees build their leadership skills, more companies are investing in professional development and training programs.

PAGE 7

Connecting to Older Americans

By Nikitia Johnson Older Americans Month (May) is an occasion to show appreciation and support for our seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities.

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Jason Freeman & MR. D-MARS MR. D-MARS & ??????????

“Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power” - Lao Tzu Network Yourself and Business

By Dr. David Jones Networking is about making a Connection with a person and taking it beyond the business card.

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Gwen Gistarb Author, Teacher & Speaker

Don Smith Missouri City Juneteenth Foundation

What does it Mean to be a Master in Your Craft?

By Candye Hinton

African American Leaders

A master is confident but not cocky, knowledgeable without being a know- it-all, and is committed to making a difference

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. push the importance of African American involvement in Energy and Technology

PAGE 34

100 Black Men Gala “It Takes A Village”

See pg. 42

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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 EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO CEO Stephanie Myers ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Barbara Wiederhold DIRECTOR OF SALES Eric D. Goodwine ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Mike Jones C.T. Foster Pastor Freddie L. Davis, III Dwight Jones PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard

Grady Carter MARKETING CONSULTANT 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 Brandale Mills Christina R. Grochett Charles Swindell Nikitia Johnson Carla Lane Dr. David Jones Paul Vann Candye Hinton Noel Pinnock David McCallum Gwen Gistarb

One of the ways you can transform your ordinary day into extraordinary is to master your craft. By thinking of yourself as a craftsman, you can think of your work as your art. By immersing yourself in your work, you become fully engaged. When you’re fully engaged, you find your flow. As you improve your art, you grow your ability. As you grow yourself you grow your job. The opposite is to disconnect from your work and just do your time. This not only wastes your time, but robs you of your growth and opportunity for enjoyment. Every day is a new chance to pursuit mastery in what you already do.

As always, 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 Hallmark Capital Group: A National Constructor with a Local Touch…..... 5 Education as a Professional Development Tool…………………………….. 7 Forgiveness and Letting Go: How to Achieve It…………………………...... 8 Mastering Your Craft………………………………………………………........ 10 Being Your Best: Stop Comparing and Start Running…………………....... 10 Guide Your Path with Vision, Values and Goals…………………………...... 15 How to Think Critically and Problem Solve………………………………….. 17 Ask Carla Lane............................................................................................ 17 A Valuable Gift For Mom………………………………………………….......... 18 One More Homework Assignment…………………………………................ 18 Connecting to Older Americans………………………………………............ 19 How to Visualize with Skill……………………………………………............. 19 Tough Steps to Being the BEST…………………………………................... 20 Live in the Moment……………………………………………………….......... 20 The Lesson Plan for Mothers and Teenage Daughters…………………...... 22 Missouri City resident brings positive attention to African Americans....... 22 Network Yourself and Business……………………………………................ 27 The POWER of Negative Words…………………………………................... 29 MetLife Study: Planning Retirement: Making the Numbers Add Up........... 29 100 Black Men “It Takes A Village”............................................................. 30 Master Your Craft – Be the Best at What You Do………………………....... 31 Steps to the Dr. King Statue Project…………………………….................... 32 What does it mean to be a Master in your Craft?....................................... 34 The Secret’s Out……………………………………………………….............. 39 Master your Craft and Bullet – proof your Career…………………….......... 41 Motivate Yourself: 5 Tips to Help You……………………………………....... 41 A. A. Leaders Push the importance of Energy and Technology................... 42 Texas Southern University Launches Weekend Degree Programs............. 44

MR. D-MARS D-MARS.com Business Journal Tip of the Month

“d-mars.com is certified with SBE, HUB, DBE & Port of Houston SBDP.”

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“Most people have no idea of the giant capacity we can immediately command when we focus all of our resources on mastering a single area of our lives.”

- Anthony Robbins

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

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Hallmark Capital Group: A National Constructor with a Local Touch

By Brandale Mills, Contributing Writer

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ounder of Hallmark Capital Group (HCG), LLC, Jason Freeman, has done more at the age of 36, than most people have in their entire lifetime. With more than 19 years experience in the governmental and private sector contracting industries, Freeman’s experience has made him a permanent fixture within Houston’s African-American community.

Created in 2002, HCG is a national

government support services, disaster recovery, and construction management organization with approximately 300 employees in 9 states. HCG’s business approach to company growth has resulted in a diversified and flexible organization. Through the coordination of its MAY - june 15 2011

family of companies and strategic partnering alliances, HCG has delivered the full spectrum of their core competencies to clients worldwide, while maintaining a commitment to its employees and surrounding communities. As a second generation construction business owner, Freeman has leveraged his foundation and expertise to expand to general construction and contracting.

“When I started the company, I heard about working for the federal gov-

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(713) 270-1294

service contractor, HCG specializes in providing facilities operations and maintenance services such as: base operating support, logistics support, vehicle operations and maintenance, fleet management, transient alert services, airfield management, base supply, warehousing and storage, transportation services and vehicle registration services.

As the chairman of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC), Freeman has used his expertise and experience to inform local construction companies of the business opportunities available from the government.

“The entrepreneurial community should know that there are viable business opportunities working for the fed government,” Freeman said. “[It is important for contractors to understand] they can provide services for [the government] at a more cost effective rate, rather than hiring government personnel to do that type of work.”

Businesses often have the misconception that contracting with the federal government requires a lot of red tape, which ultimately diverts many people from going after government contracts, Freeman said.

“The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world,” Freeman said. “There is less competition in the federal contracting arena and it’s easier to get repeat

business once you start doing business.”

Freeman said the experience gained while working on federal government contracts is conveyable when attempting to do local government business contracts.

“When you’re doing business for the city, county and state, if you meet the federal standards for ethics and quality control, it definitely is transferable to local standards,” Freeman said.

Freeman brings vast experience and technical solutions in the areas of disaster recovery, insurance restoration, commercial roofing, project/construction management and government support services. HCG is backed by a management group with over 75 years of contracting experience and is certified as an 8(a), HUB Zone, and Small Disadvantaged Business firm with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additionally, HCG is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). These accomplishments have kept Freeman humbled, allowing him to use his experience as a resource for growing businesses.

“I’ve always been a believer to try to give back to the community,” Freeman said.

When I started my business, it was helpful to me and my career to have the opportunity to be mentored by other business owners and other people in the industry; they helped allow me to grow and expand my business, Freeman said.

“I feel a sense of civic duty to want to give back, volunteer and help other contractors try to gain traction in the industry,” Freeman said.

Continue on pg. 6

ernment. Starting in 2006, I intensified focus to [acquiring federal government contracts],” Freeman said.

Now, federal contracts are 80 percent of HCG’s business, primarily with the Department of Defense (Navy and Army contracts). As a multi-operational 5.

Hallmark Construction: Using a Local Touch Government Support Services Division As a multi-operational service contractor, HCG specializes in providing facilities operations and maintenance services such as: base operating support, logistics support, vehicle operations and maintenance, fleet management, transient alert services, airfield management, base supply, warehousing and storage, transportation services and vehicle registration services.

Construction Services Division HCG has been an innovative and leading company in the areas of general construction, project management, construction management at-risk, mitigation, disaster recovery and job order contracting. In response to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike, HCG has deployed hundreds of skilled trade personnel, employees, and subcontractors to various commercial and industrial properties to provide construction and emergency service work.

HCG was recently awarded the Department of Homeland Security, Tactical Infrastructure Boarder Fence Program, US Southwestern Region, Marfa and Laredo Sector, Multiple Award Task Order Contract and the City of Houston Job Order Contracting Contract. HCG has extensive experience in the management and operation of Task Order contracts as the delivery method.

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Education as a Professional Development Tool CHRISTINA R. GROCHETT

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

In today’s business environment, many companies prefer to promote employees within the organization who know the business, rather than recruit new talent. However, this often results in professionals being given management responsibilities without necessarily knowing how to fulfill the roles. This can be frustrating for the individual, the team and prove costly for the business.

To help employees build their leadership skills, more companies are investing in professional development and training programs. This is a way for companies to continue to grow and retain their best employees. In fact, according to Deloitte’s 2009 Shift Index study, “The best and brightest employees are attracted to companies that are rich in relationships and provide tools and platforms to help them grow and achieve their fullest potential.”

Even if a company does not have a formal professional development program, there are many ways for employees to continue to refine their skills. Continuing education comes in many forms and those who commit themselves to being lifelong learners often continue to advance in their careers. This can mean earning bachelor’s or master’s degrees, getting certified in a specific area or participating in a mentorship.

Advanced Degrees As industries evolve and embrace new technologies and practices, workers who continue to pursue education and update their skills and knowledge often have an advantage.

According to a recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau, a master’s degree is worth $1.3 million more in lifetime earnings than a high school diploma.

Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree while working full-time and taking care of a family can be a challenge for professionals. The 21st-century classroom, however, is not enclosed by four MAY - june 15 2011

walls as it was in the past. Many universities and colleges offer online courses, night classes and in some cases, on-site training. These programs are designed to help working students achieve their academic goals, realize better earning potential and develop more relevant skills.

Certifications If going back to school full-time is not an option, many professionals turn to certification programs or workshops to help refine their skills. These programs provide professionals with updated knowledge and hard skills that better prepare them to meet the demands of the global economy.

Certification programs are a collection of courses from a degree program that provides a detailed overview of a specific topic such as new healthcare or financial regulations. Certificates are typically 12 or more credits and are available at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Mentorships

sity’s faculty members work in their fields in which they teach. As experts in their industries, they provide students with real-world experience in tandem with their studies, so students can apply what they are learning to the workplace immediately.

Whether a professional wants to ensure upward mobility, prepare for a shift in career or simply improve their performance, continued education can open up many doors.

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 the American Business Women’s Association in 2008. Under her leadership, the Houston campuses were selected as a 2009 Best Place to Work by The Houston Business Journal and were awarded with the 2010, 2009 and 2008 Alfred P. Sloan Awards from the City of Houston for Workplace Flexibility and Innovation.

Christina Robinson Grochett is the State Vice President/ Director of South Texas for University of Phoenix. An accomplished leader and champion of higher

Mentoring relationships are more important than ever, especially in a challenging economic climate. Mentorships provide an opportunity to work with an influential, established member of the company or industry who welcomes the opportunity to share knowledge.

Whether this is through a formal mentorship program or simply a friendship, working with a seasoned professional who can share challenges, solutions and personal experiences with mentees is priceless. The relationship ultimately helps both individuals mature and grow as professionals.

University of Phoenix Budget reductions and a soft economy have contributed to intensive cost-savings measures for businesses nationwide. While resources are stretched, many employers see professional development as a critical tool that helps employees and companies remain competitive.

University of Phoenix, which has six locations in the Greater Houston, the Woodlands and the Sugar Land areas, sees students with a variety of backgrounds and in different stages of their careers continue their education.

The University offers a wide range of academic opportunities including earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree, obtaining certification, participating in a professional development workshop at a local campus or taking continuing education courses.

The vast majority of the Univer7.

Forgiveness and Letting Go: How To Achieve It

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he ability to achieve forgiveness and let go of past hurts is one of the most critical challenges many of us face on the road to attaining personal peace and happiness.

While it certainly isn’t easy, it is absolutely necessary for long-term mental and emotional heath.

Forgiveness can be defined as the decision to let go of resentment, anger, and thoughts of revenge as a result of a real or perceived offense, hurt, or wrongdoing against you.

Forgiving someone does not mean denying a person’s responsibility for hurting you, nor does it mean minimizing, or justifying the act. It does mean willing to forgive someone without condoning or excusing what they did, and then letting it go.

According to Dr. Robert Enright, a professor of educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin and a pioneer in the scientific study of forgiveness - forgiveness is a choice. It is the process of uncovering and letting go of anger, while restoring hope and moving on with life. He writes: “People, upon rationally determining that they have been unfairly treated, forgive when they willfully abandon resentment and related responses (to which they have a right) and endeavor to respond to the wrong doer based on the moral principle of beneficence, which may include compassion, unconditional worth, generosity and moral love (to which the wrong doer by nature of the hurtful act or acts, has no right.)”

In other words, while there is no question that we have the right to feel resentment and the desire to respond accordingly, we have the ability to make the choice not to. When we do, we refuse to play the role of the victim and we let go of the control and power that the offending person, or situation, has over us. We choose to not allow grudges, hurt or wrongdoings to define our lives.

hurt or offended you. While denying the hurtful offense may be the first thing you may want to do, it is best to admit that it happened. Reflect upon it; take note how you reacted, and what it has done to your health and well-being.

Be able to articulate what was unacceptable about the situation.

Look for a broader perspective on what took place. Make the attempt to understand the other person. Was the offense deliberate, or merely mindless and insensitive? Perhaps the person had no idea they hurt you, or was suffering from something themselves. Did they do it out of selfishness, recklessness, or were there other unknown circumstances at play? Sometimes going through the process of trying to understand the situation sheds new light on the matter and may lessen the hurtful response. It is also possible that you may have been oversensitive at the time. Hurt feelings are invariably subjective. Perhaps you were having a bad day; perhaps they were.

If you happen to know the hurtful act was deliberate, vicious and intended to harm you, then you may have to ‘reframe’ the situation. Reframing is a technique whereby you change the conceptual or emotional viewpoint from which you experience an event and put it in a different context or frame of reference. For instance, there are those who do harm to others thinking it will alleviate their own pain and distress.

They lash out regardless of whom they are hurting, or how. Your ability to sort through a hurtful occurrence and put it into a different “framework” will prepare you to begin the process of forgiveness and letting it go.

Work through the emotions. As How can we attain forgiveness well as acknowledging the event, acknowland letting go? edge the anger, frustration and myriad Begin by acknowledging what emotions, but do not get stuck in them.

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Practice stress management techniques such as exercise, yoga, deep breathing, guided meditations, or anything else you find soothing and relaxing.

Using cognitive strategies like writing in a journal, or talking to a wise friend, or counselor, is also very beneficial.

In recent studies done on forgiveness coping strategies, it was found that men responded positively when it was presented as a challenge to them, and negatively when it involved emotionfocused coping. For women, however, it was found to be positively associated with emotion-focused coping and acceptance, and negatively associated with avoidance. Thus, based on these findings, if you’re a man, it is more helpful to approach forgiveness as a challenge, or goal to accomplish. If you’re a woman working on acceptance, understanding, and compassion may lead you there more successfully.

Commit toward letting go and moving on. Remember first that the act of forgiving is more for your own benefit than anyone else’s. Secondly, forgiveness and letting go take time, so be patient with yourself. Certainly, it can be difficult to separate what you feel emotionally with what makes sense to do logically. However, if you commit to putting your energies on focusing on the benefits of forgiveness and letting go, you can more easily move forward with your life.

Letting go can be defined as: “A combination of accepting, but not denying; living in the present and looking forward to the future without regret for the past, and a willingness to move on and beyond.”

Researchers and scientists have been discovering the health benefits of attaining forgiveness. Their studies have shown that serious mental, emotional and physical consequences can result

from holding on to grudges and bitterness. Consequences such as depression, anxiety and the feeling that your life lacks meaning and purpose, as well as the loss of valuable connectedness with family and friends become high prices to pay for holding on to resentment.

Get Professional Help If You Need It. If you find it too difficult to forgive and let go on your own, especially if the offending acts have been traumatic, or are ongoing, then consider working through your feelings and deeper issues with a good therapist. It would be more than worth your while to gain the peace of mind you seek and to move forward with your life.

The Benefits of Forgiveness and Letting Go • Increased happiness and health with improved functioning of cardiovascular and nervous systems and less overall illnesses • Restored positive thoughts, feelings, behaviors and promotes overall psychological well being • Increased compassion, understanding and healing • Reduced stress, anxiety, depression and chronic pain • Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse • Ability to function better in career, education, work place • Increases hope and optimism for the future Ultimately, the act of forgiveness releases us from past hurts, memories and enslavement. Alternatively, to not forgive is to surrender oneself to the control of others and allow the present to be consumed by the past. If we choose not to forgive, we subject ourselves to the possibility of carrying anger, bitterness and resentment into future situations and relationships, as well as deprive ourselves of the peace of mind, health and happiness we deserve.

In the end, the best revenge is a life well lived!

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Mastering Your Craft Clarification: It is no longer enough to just be ‘competent’ at what you do.

In order to distinguish yourself and truly know success, you need to become a master at whatever you do. This is especially true if you are trying to attract what you want to do. We all want to be around the ‘best in class’.

Key Points:

job done in a smart, timely manner. To be effective means getting the ‘right’ job done well, whether efficiently or not.

Combining the two is incredibly powerful, but if you have to choose between the two, always choose effective.

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Learning.

Another component of mastery is learning, both your learning (from everything and everyone around you) and the learning of others. You may be A big component of mastery is teaching others, or sharing your learninnovation.

You don’t just do what you’ve al- ing, or just learning what not to do and and important into the mix. When you To assimilate means to absorb, to ways done. You constantly seek ways to who not to waste time with because improve something, you make what be nourished by what you are learning, do things better, faster, more efficiently, they like things the way they are. you have better, in small incremen- eating or experiencing. Whatever you more effectively. tal stages. Innovation is evolutionary, absorb is incorporated into you.

Integration implies linking or which is very attractive. bonding with something else and creatInnovation vs. Improvement. ing something new in the process. Both Effective vs. Efficient.

To innovate means to revolutionassimilation and integration are powerTo be efficient means getting the ize, or at least introduce something new Assimilation vs. Integration. ful concepts that a ‘master’ embraces.

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Being Your Best:

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Set some actions to take based on your findings You should then turn your findings into some actions you can take. These are the things you can do to bring you closer to your model’s achievements.

Stop Comparing and Start Running

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f you want to drain your mental energy, there is one easy way to do so: compare yourself to others. Comparing yourself to others will only give you two things: either you feel proud when you are above, or you feel jealous and intimidated when you are below.

As you can see, both are negative emotions that won’t do you any good.

Unfortunately, our culture is full of comparisons. People like to compare themselves with others. While some people may say that comparing is a way to motivate themselves, there is a better way to do that without draining our mental energy.

For starters, find a role model and use him as a pacer. A role model is someone whose quality and achievements you admire. It’s no secret that the way to be great is by emulating those who are great. By finding the right role model, you will have concrete example of the qualities you want to achieve.

Since those qualities are now tangible, it will be much easier for you to run after them. By selecting the right role model and running after him, you will quickly improve yourself.

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Here are some steps to apply this principle:

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Stop looking at others’ statistics This is the way to stop comparing yourself with others. This is not easy to do since we have the tendency to compare ourselves with others. But this will only drain your mental energy. So resist the temptation to look at others’ statistics for comparison sake.

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Look around for someone whom you want to emulate Instead of comparing, you should find someone you want to emulate. This is perhaps the most difficult step here because it’s not easy to find the right role model. Your role model should: have significant achievements that you want to emulate (in this case, you do need to look at his statistics). not so far ahead that you can’t realistically hope to run after him have performed well consistently for long time have other characteristics that are similar to you or your situation.

Set your role model’s current statistics and quality as your target

Your role model acts as a pacer. So set his statistics and quality as your target to run after. Of course, you should not blindly try to match the numbers.

The last point is important. There Adjust things to match your unique cirare perhaps some persons who have the cumstances. achievements you want, but – looking at their characteristics – they are very different from you. In that case, it will Aim to emulate your role model be too difficult and unnatural to emu- as quickly as possible late them. The more similar their charTo make sure that you do not just acteristics with yours, the more natural sit down and relax, you should make a it will be to emulate them. decision to run as fast as you can.

While you can choose some models Your role model may have been to emulate, it is better to have only one ahead of you when you reach his curmain role model. Just like having one rent level of achievement, but that’s goal make it easier for you to achieve fine. The most important thing is you it, having one main role model make run as fast as you can. it easier for you to emulate him. Of course, you are unique so you also need to learn from other models to find the Let us Promote unique combination that fits you, but your Business, Your still, having one main model is helpful.

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Look closely at how your role model does things To emulate your role model, you should find out the details of how he or she does things. Watch your role model closely. Study his work, life, and methods. Try to dissect the traits and actions that make him successful.

Event, or You! Advertise today in D-MARS Business Journal

713.272.9511 10.

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Guide Your Path with Vision, Values and Goals principles, patterns, and practices tune, and prune the language. For exfor personal excellence. ample, does it resonate? Does it sing to • Values – Actionable. Relevant. my heart or is it still a bit off? By having something on paper, I can reflect on it Pragmatic. Effective. and tune it over time. It’s an unfolding • Strategies – Draw from the books, process. The next steps would then be people, and quotes. Focus on provsetting some specific goals and re-shapen practices. Share principles and ing the strategies based on the goals. patterns.

Then getting clarity on a vital few set of You get the idea. I would then test, tests for success.

“It doesn’t really matter how fast you’re going if you’re heading in the wrong direction.”

- Stephen Covey

ferentiator.

• Vision statement – Now that you know the purpose, the vision answers, “Where do you want to go?”

• Values – Values help you prioritize and shape your actions. They answer the “Why.” They are what you care about. The more your work matches your values, the more enjoyment you will find.

It’s a new year and a fresh start.

Now is a perfectly good time to establish what’s important for you or chart a new course.

• Strategies – Strategies are your apTo do so, we can use a strategic proach. They guide your actions framework. By figuring out our vion your mission and toward your sion, values, and goals, we can figure vision. out where we have conflict of interests • Goals – Goals answer the question, or conflicts of values, we can figure out “What do you want to accomwhere to invest or de-invest our time, we plish?” A good away to make goals can get a sense of whether we are on our useful is to make them SMART: path or not, and we can prioritize our specific, measurable, achievable, retime and energy in the things that matalistic and time-based. ter the most to us.

• Action Plans – Action plans are The most important thing is that simply lists of actions with complewhen you have a map, it’s easier to deal tion dates. with the setbacks and to fight the good fights. When you don’t even have a • Tests for Success - These are model, a map, or a path, then it’s hard your measures and metrics. Tests to make meaning and even harder to for success answer, “How will you balance work and life, because you have know when you achieved it?” or no gauges – it’s like flying blind. With “What does good look like?” your mission as your map, your vision as the destination, and your values as your Example of Sketching Your guide, you instantly have a way to cen- Mission, Vision, and Values ter yourself and lead your life from the Having a simple start is better than inside out. having nothing at all. You can also version and improve it down the line, as you Strategic Framework for get more clarity, so you can start with a Getting on Path sketch. Here is a quick start of a sketch Here is a simple approach: using this blog as an example: • Mission Statement – Your missions answers the question, “What’s the purpose?” or “What’s the job” or “Who are you?” or “What are you about?” Ideally, you have a difMAY - june 15 2011

• Mission – Making the most of what you’ve got — Advancing the art and science of personal excellence.

• Vision – The world’s best source of 15.

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How to Think Critically and Problem Solve 4.

We are thinking critically and in a problem solving mindset when we:

The quote on the right by Jean De La Bruyere may seem a bit radical, however, according to the premise of cognitive psychology, what you think is what you feel.

While many people believe that your feelings precede, or are independent of your thoughts, the truth is that your feelings are products of your thoughts.

This revelation can be both daunting and liberating; daunting because it makes us responsible for our attitudes and liberating because we have the power to choose our perspective, mood and thoughts.

When we are aware that we can choose and direct our thinking, we realize that we have the ability to better control the circumstances of our lives, improve our decision-making processes and generally live more productive lives.

This in no way suggests that we need downplay the many feelings and emotions we as humans enjoy, it’s a simply a way for us to manage and balance them with our cognitive abilities.

this point through, you may come to the conclusion that there really isn’t a prob• Rely on reason rather than emotion lem, just a misunderstanding. If that’s Decide which solution fits the the case, fine. If not, and you determine situation best.

• Evaluate a broad range of viewpoints that there is indeed a problem, you need Go over your list of possible solutions. and perspectives to identify exactly what it is.

Different situations call for different so• Maintain an open mind to alternalutions. Quite often what works in one tive interpretations

situation, may not work in a similar one.

• Accept new evidence, explanations Analyze the problem, look at it from Take time to determine what will work and findings different angles. best for the problem at hand. One soluOnce you’ve determined the problem, tion usually does not fit all.

• Are willing to reassess information analyze it by looking at it from a variety • Can put aside personal prejudices of perspectives. Is it solvable? Is it real or

and biases perceived? Can you solve it alone or do Take action.

• Consider all reasonable possibilities you need help? Sometimes by looking at Implement your solution. Every probit from many angles you can come up • Avoid hasty judgments lem has a solution; even if it may be to with a resolution right away. You may Like any other skill, learning to also reveal a bias or narrow point of view accept the situation, and move on. think critically or problem-solve takes that needs to be broadened.

Instead of approaching problems time, perseverance and practice. Knowand challenges as insurmountable obing which steps to take and how to apply

stacles, we can view them as opportuthem helps us master the process.

Brainstorm and come up with a nities to hone our critical thinking and several possible solutions. problem-solving skills.

Steps to Critical Thinking As It Problems can be solved in many ways.

Every problem we are able to resolve Relates To Problem Solving: Brainstorm a list of several possible so- increases self-confidence and self-worth. lutions. Put down anything that comes Thinking critically not only helps us to mind and then go over the list and handle future challenges more skillfully, Identify the Problem. narrow it down to the best possibilities. it also broadens our life experience and The first task is to determine if a prob- Having several viable options leads to helps us gain perspective. lem exists. Sometimes when you think obtaining the best results.

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back to school or studied on-line to complete your schooling in another field. So now you have your degree or certificate for the job in which you are applying for. Good for you! Explain this to the hiring manager.

CARING FOR SICK LOVED ONE(S)

By Carla Lane, Contributing Writer

I have a few gaps in my resume. How should I cover them?

Or should I just leave them there?

You didn’t mention why you reer to become a fullhave those gaps so let me just time parent you can explain this to the cover the full spectrum. hiring manager.

Companies nowadays are more underFULL-TIME STUDENT 1. If you took time off from your ca- standing and tolerant of parents (male reer to return to school this is certainly or female) who need to take time off justifiable. In fact, this is a good thing, from work to spend with their children. especially if you received a degree in a Keep in mind that FMLA allows 12 certain discipline. Your degree will be weeks for family and medical leave. proof that you were in school. Be sure that you display the dates that you were CAREER TRANSITION 3. If you took time off from work to in school on your resume. change your career, not to worry. Perhaps you stayed with your parents, FULL-TIME PARENT 2. If you took time off from your ca- spouse, relatives, etc. while you went MAY - june 15 2011

4. And certainly there is no shame in taking time off from your career to care for a sick loved one. You will just need to explain this to the hiring manager without getting too personal.

WORKING TEMPORARY OR VOLUNTEERED 5. If you worked temporary off and on...or if you volunteered for any length of time, you will need to verify the dates with the hiring manager. Perhaps your lifestyle prevented you from working on a consistent basis and temping worked best for you; just explain this to the hiring manager. Or, maybe you volunteered for a period of time after you graduated from college because you wanted to gain experience…that’s fine, you would need to explain this as well.

CAREER SABATICAL

in your employment history, but you did take some time off from your career due to personal issues. You don’t have to go into detail about what your issues were, but you can briefly acknowledge that you did take time off (give dates) but have moved forward since then.

ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR WORK 7. And finally, perhaps you have been actively looking for work but have not been successful in landing a job yet.

Keep in mind that nowadays it’s not uncommon for job seekers to be unemployed for an extended period of time due to the enormous competition in the job market. You will need to explain to potential employers of your diligence and consistency in looking for work. *If possible, bring any documentation supporting your reasons for employment gaps with you to your interview(s). *If you have a criminal record or other misdemeanor crime it’s imperative that you let the hiring manager know beforehand. Be honest…keep in mind this information will surface when they do a background check on you.

Good Luck on your job search!

6. Well, maybe you have not experiFor more information please visit enced any of the above reasons for gap(s) www.lanestaffing.com.

17.

A Valuable Gift For Mom

deductibles, and prescription copayments. Some examples where income may be higher include if she or her spouse: — Support other family members who live with them; — Have earnings from work; or — Live in Alaska or Hawaii; and

By Nikitia Johnson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist, Houston TX

The high cost of prescription medication can be a burden on mothers (or anyone) who have limited income and resources. But there is Extra Help — available through Social Security — that could pay part of her monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription copayments. That Extra Help is worth an average of almost $4,000 a year.

To figure out whether your mother is eligible, Social Security needs to know her income and the value of her savings, investments, and real estate (other than the home she lives in). To qualify for the Extra Help, she must be enrolled in Medicare and have:

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. It’s always nice to give Mom a card, flowers, and candy. But this year people all over the country are helping

their moms save nearly $4,000 a year on the cost of prescription drugs. You can help your mom too — and it won’t cost you a dime.

• Resources limited to $12,640 for an individual or $25,260 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count her house and car as resources.

Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that you can help complete for your mom. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov. Just select the link on the left of the page that says, “Get extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs.” To apply by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA1020). Or go to the nearest Social Se• Income limited to $16,335 for an curity office. individual or $22,065 for a marTo learn more about the Medicare ried couple living together. Even prescription drug plans and special enrollif her annual income is higher, she ment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or still may be able to get some help call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; with monthly premiums, annual TTY 1-877-486-2048).

One More Homework Assignment

By Nikitia Johnson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist, Houston TX

If you’re one of the many teenagers or young adults planning to get a summer job or start a career this summer, you may be surprised to see what’s deducted from your paystub. If you don’t know already, it’s time to learn what your Social Security taxes are all about.

By law, employers must withhold from a worker’s paycheck Social Security taxes. While usually referred to on an employee’s pay statement as “Social Security taxes,” sometimes the deduction is labeled as “FICA taxes,” which stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act, a reference to the original Social Security Act. The taxes you pay now translate to a lifetime of protection, for retirement in old age or in the event of disability. And when you die, your family (or future family) may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work as well.

Right now you probably have family members — grandparents, for examMAY - june 15 2011

ple — who already are enjoying Social Security benefits which your Social Security taxes help provide.

Because you’re a long way from retirement, you may have a tough time seeing the value of benefit payments that could be many decades in the future. But keep in mind that the Social Security taxes you’re paying can provide valuable disability or survivor’s benefits in the event the unexpected happens.

Studies do show that of today’s 20-yearolds, about one in four will become disabled and about one in eight will die before reaching retirement.

Warning: if an employer offers to bend the rules and pay you “under the table,” you should refuse. They may try to sell it as a benefit to you since you get a few extra dollars in your pay. But you’re really only allowing the employer to cheat you out of your Social Security credits. It’s also illegal.

Another tip: don’t carry your So-

cial Security card around with you. It’s an important document that should be safeguarded and protected. And it can be a valuable tool for an identity thief, if it’s lost or stolen.

If you’d like to learn a little more about Social Security and exactly what you’re building up for yourself by paying Social Security taxes, take a look at our online booklet, How You Earn

Credits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10072.html.

Do you prefer videos to reading? Check out our webinar, “Social Security 101: What’s in it for me?” The webinar explains what you need to know about Social Security. You can find it, along with other informative webinars, at www.socialsecurity.gov/ webinars.

You can also learn more by surfing the web at www.socialsecurity.gov.

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

713.272.9511 18.

Connecting to Older Americans

By Nikitia Johnson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist, Houston TX

O

lder Americans Month is an occasion to show appreciation and support for our seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communi-

ties. This May, the theme — Older Americans: Connecting the Community — pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities and highlights how technology

is helping older Americans live longer, healthier, and more engaged lives.

Social Security uses technology to make dealing with Social Security easier for seniors. We offer a variety of services at www.socialsecurity.gov. Just look at the “top services” column to the left of the page to see the wide range of services that technology allows us to offer online.

Social Security has a special relationship with American seniors since we pay benefits, at one time or another, to just about every one of them. Nine out of ten Americans aged 65 or older receive Social Security benefits.

Here are some more statistics to consider. Among older Social Security beneficiaries, 52 percent of married couples and 72 percent of unmarried persons receive half or more of their income from Social Security. Older Americans are a growing group, too.

Life expectancy continues to rise, and by 2035, it’s estimated that there will be

How To Visualize with Skill “What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

— Napolean Hill

V

think the most powerful use of visualization is to build or re-enforce paths to solutions.

To make the most of visualization, you need to get science on your side.

Just visualizing a great result doesn’t do it. In fact, that can do more harm than good. For example, if you just visualize yourself getting A’s, but don’t study for the test, that’s a recipe for failure. Success starts in the mind, but the key is to be optimistic about achieving your goal, while being realistic about the challenges you’ll face.

In the book 59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot (Borzoi Books), psychologist Richard Wiseman shares the science behind visualizing more effectively. It includes using a technique called “Doublethink” and seeing yourself in the third person.

isualization is actually a skill you can develop to improve your motivation and your results.

Athletes and executives use visualization all the time to improve their motivation and results.

You can, too.

You can use visualization as a dry run or a walkthrough to learn a new skill. You can use it to build a new mental model of what’s possible. You can tap your brain’s creativity and resourcefulness to get past a roadblock. Steps to Visualize with Skill You can use visualization to feel a new Here is a set of steps that integrates way about an upcoming situation. I the science and can help you visualize MAY - june 15 2011

with skill:

See yourself achieving your goal.

Involve all your senses. See it, smell it, hear it, taste it, etc. The more sense you can involve the more you engage your brain and body in stepping into your success, creating a new mental model, and fully feeling the impact of achieving your desired results.

See yourself going through the process.

This is the tougher part, but it’s actually the more important part. This is where visualization will really help you. It’s the process that will create your path to success, but the process is also where you will hit your challenges. Visualization can help you see yourself dealing more effectively with the challenges, or finding new solutions.

Identify the benefits of reaching your goal.

twice as many older Americans as there are today.

Older Americans, as well as people who don’t expect to retire anytime soon, who use Social Security’s website give it consistently high customer satisfaction ratings. Right now you can get an estimate of your future retirement benefits, plan your retirement, even apply for retirement benefits right over our website. Visit us online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Learn more about what you can do to celebrate Older Americans Month by visiting the organization’s website. www.olderamericansmonth.org

Simply identify the vital few benefits that flow out of achieving your outcome. Focus on the benefits that mean the most to you.

Identify the roadblocks, hurdles or challenges with reaching your goal.

For each benefit, identify the biggest hurdle and what you’ll do when you encounter it. This is the “Doublethink.” Doublethink is simply holding two opposing beliefs in your mind and accepting both. This is actually crucial to your success. Instead of glossing over and just imagining a shiny happy outcome, you take a good hard look at the realistic challenges you’ll face. Imagine what you will do when you face these challenges. You’ll be more effective in the real situations from practicing “Doublethink” rather than just fantasizing or just focusing on the negatives.

To make your visualization more effective, rather than visualize yourself from the first person point of view, see yourself in the third person. See yourself as others would see you, like watching yourself in a movie or on the TV. See yourself in action while watching from above.

The real power of visualization comes from both fantasizing about achieving great results while simultaneously acknowledging and addressing your challenges, fears, and setbacks head-on.

19.

Tough Steps to Being the BEST Wanna win? Wanna be the best? Wanna become No. 1 at what you do? There is a way.

It isn’t easy, but it is simple.

5.

Be opinionated, but teachable—and always improving.

In order to be decisive, you’ve got to be able to form an opinion on an issue, and then be willing to stand up for it.

Concurrently, you’ve got to be humble enough at any time, to change that opinion if the facts change or become clearer.

It is this balance between self-confidence and humility that often distinguishes a successful person from a mediocre one.

6.

Serve others.

1.

Never graduate from grunt work.

Be willing to roll up your sleeves and dig in with your employees to finish the big task or complete the necessary project.

2.

The great philosopher and physician Albert Schweitzer said, “The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found Never stop learning.

This means having an attitude that how to serve.” drives the individual to find out the why and how of things, rather than just the what.

Be better at the end of the day than when it started.

3.

7.

4.

Take life one step at a time. The goal is to break down your life into daily imNever rest on your laurels.

The only place you’ll find “success” be- provements.

In the end though, the key is to have Don’t live off of your previous successes. fore “work” is in the dictionary. It is such a stick-to-it-ness that will test even the a treat these days to come across someShow your commitment by doing work one who really knows how to work. strongest discipline. each and every day.

Outwork everyone around you.

Live in the Moment

T

o live in the moment means being conscious, aware and in the present with all of your senses. It means not dwelling on the past, nor being anxious or worrying about the future.

When we concentrate our attention on the present, we focus on the task at hand. We give our full attention to what we are doing and we let go of outcomes.

Seizing each moment in life allows us to prolong its value and make it more meaningful. Rather than seeking quantity of time, when we live in the moment we enjoy and savor every minute.

We don’t sacrifice quality for quantity.

MAY - june 15 2011

Of course, this doesn’t mean we don’t need to plan, set goals or prepare for the future. We can do all of these things and still enjoy each moment as it unfolds.

For instance, if we have set a goal to exercise each day, we would carry on with it while enjoying the actual process, or moment, of exercising (or at least be in the moment of it).

When we train ourselves to live in each moment, we immerse ourselves in it and begin to discover its beauty and wonder. We learn focus and how to manage our energy. Professional athletes understand and employ this kind of focus very well. They know that accomplishment and success are a result of the skillful management and balancing of energy.

To make every moment count we must embrace it. Everything we do and every person we come in contact with deserves our full attention. Even when resting we should savor the moment. It gives us the opportunity to recharge, renew and gain clarity.

Quite often we put huge expectations on ourselves and our lives. We rush to do this, hurry up with that, without actually enjoying the process. What’s the rush? Where do we think we’re going?

• Engage in, and feel what you are doing. Enjoy the process.

• Learn relaxation techniques in order to be present in each moment.

• Take notice of your surroundings - sights, sounds, smells, and ambiance.

If we don’t stop and think about where we’re at, we’re probably missing • Listen attentively to the conversathe point. Instead, when we appreciate tion of others, music, even silence. each moment and garner the lessons • Savor your food and drink. Taste from it, we live consciously, purposeeach morsel. fully and responsibly.

Likewise, when we live in the past and don’t let go of painful experiences, Benefits of Living in The Moment perceived wrongs, or difficult times, we • You become more connected with condemn ourselves to a present and fuyour thoughts and feelings ture of the same. We cannot change the • Are more connected to others past. We can, however, come to terms • Feel more gratitude and enjoyment with it, know that it’s over, and move on. of life Living in the moment means letting go of the past and trusting in the future.

• If you live in the moment, it won’t When we are positive and optimistic in pass you by the present, we open the possibility of a • Feel more focused, peaceful and positive and promising future. We owe alive it to ourselves to make every moment • Feel less anxious and fearful count - now!

Like all skills, training yourself to enjoy and live in the moment takes time • Train your mind to focus on the and practice. Begin now and see life current activity. from a fresh, new perspective.

Tips for Living in The Moment

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713.272.9511 20.

MAY - june 15 2011

21.

The Lesson Plan

For Mothers and Teenage Daughters

By Gwen Y. Gistarb, Contributing Writer

AUTHOR

TEACHER

SPEAKER

Looking back on my life, choosing education makes sense. Taking it day by day, though, and given my first career choice was to move to New York to be-

come a well known fashion designer; I am not surprised that, twenty-five years later I will end my career teaching high school. Let me explain.

I grew up in Texas raised by a father who believed in taking care of his family and a mother who believed that education was the most important aspect of life. She was very in-tune to her two girl’s lives. It appeared that we had enough money considering we always had food and clothing until one day my mother recognized that I was extremely hungry when I returned home from school each day, so she began to ask questions. That is when she found out that I was giving my bag lunch and sometimes my lunch money to kids at school that didn’t have what I thought we had. When she told my Dad

what I had been doing, they laughed about how hard they were working to keep up and here I was giving away my lunch and money to the needy, when we too were the needy.

I’ve always wanted to help and give to others. When my life changed to becoming an adult earlier than most, my mother’s ways set in and I, too, believed that my family was most important.

So, needless to say that New York had been placed on hold and then, never to reappear as a possibility. I changed my major in college from Clothing and Textiles to Home Economics Education, which it is now known as, Family and Consumer Science.

Changing my career choice allowed me the opportunity to participate in the active parenting role that I feel is most important in families. Staying close to home and creating the family relationship society so desperately

wanted to bring an event of purpose and substance to their community? As a result of that collaboration, the Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation was founded. Its mission statement is to “bring positive attention to African – Americans while celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation”.

The four days of family oriented, educational, and cultural events are all free, thanks to the contributions and support of community oriented companies who understand the importance of supporting the customers they serve.

The main beneficiaries of the celebrations are the neighborhood students who receive scholarships to attend colleges. Scholarship recipients attend Baylor University, Stephen F. Austin, Prairie View A&M University, University of Missouri – Columbia, and the University of Texas, to name a few.

Another component of the June-

teenth celebration is the Health and Wellness Fair. Collaborating with the Fort Bend County Health Services and Commissioner Grady Prestage, the M. D. Anderson Cancer Hospital, and various other services from the private sector the Health & Wellness Fair will offer screening for the major causes of mortality of African Americans.

“This is our ninth year and much of the success is due to the partnering with the City of Missouri City and Mayor Allen Owen. From the beginning Allen Owen, operating in the shadows, has immeasurably supported the Juneteenth Celebration,” said Smith.

Smith continued, “The Annual Community Service Awards Gala is our premier event. Three hundred local and regional celebrities, elected officials, community stakeholders, and citizens attend the honoring of Fort Bend citizens who have made positive

needs today.

I left the education field for about nine years to pursue my fashion career. But then, I returned to the classroom only to find that the children had changed. For several years after retuning to the school where I had trained in my student teaching, I was puzzled about the behavior of the students. It took a few years for me to research why had they changed and once again the need to help people had appeared inside of me. I wanted to help the students understand the importance of self-respect, respect for others, and morals; the teachings that are required of parents from infancy through about five years of age.

It is important for parents to identify the thin line between being a parent and a friend to your children. My latest book, The Lesson Plan was created to help mothers to redefine their position as parents to our current generation of teenage girls. Now, different from before, my need to help will hopefully begin to redirect relationships between mothers and daughters.

Missouri City resident brings positive attention to African Americans

Don Smith / President of Missouri City Juneteenth Foundation During the fall of 2002, Don Smith, Missouri City Councilman, organized residents and committed businesses and civic leaders in Missouri City, Texas, who MAY - june 15 2011

contribution to the community. This year’s honorees are Emmy award winner in the field of journalism, Doris Childress, Psychologist, Dr. Jacqueline Jones – Morris, and Dr. Andrea HayesJordan, MD.” Smith says on Saturday, ‘we pull out all stops’. “A 3 on 3 Willowridge High School Alumni Basketball and Flag Football tournament will start at 8:00 AM. The ninth “Mile of Smiles” Parade starts at 6:00 PM on Texas Parkway, followed by the Battle of the Bands contest.”He concludes, “And just as soon as the sun starts to go down, families from the surrounding neighborhoods gather at Hunters Glen Park for a night of entertainment. Derrick Woods of Boss Productions has put together an array of excellent regional and local talent to entertain the expected audience of about 4000.”

22.

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23.

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24.

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25.

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26.

Network YOURSELF and BUSINESS We get caught up in trying to introduce ourselves with a big title in which we confuse ourselves and others we’re introducing ourselves to. Don’t worry about the title. People want to know who you are. Why not create a few introductions that feel comfortable for you?

It should be quick and direct so when someone else comes into the conversation, that person can introduce you with ease. In other words, have your pitch ready. For example, if someone asks me what I do at a networking event, I would say, my name is Reggie Waller and I’m a Business and Personal Coach. I help people meet their personal, career and business goals one step at a time ... let

By Dr. David Jones, me help you make it happen! When you Contributing Writer create your pitch, think of three things you want to say about your role or posiHow many times have you met a tion in your job or organization. new contact, exchanged business cards and “bam” you have another contact to add to your personal and/ or professional network? If only it were that simple! NETWORK WHEREVER YOU GO. Some think most networking occurs Networking is about making a CONwhen attending business conferences, NECTION with a person and taking it beyond the business card. Think of lunch meetings, etc. In fact, it can take it as inserting the plug of a lamp into place at your kids’ school, your voluna wall socket to get electricity. If there’s teer and community organization and in no electric connection, you get no light. your normal day-to-day activities. NetThat’s the same thing with networking. working is a marathon, not a sprint. It Here are some six steps to help im- takes time to build trust and build relationships with people. Think about it. prove your networking skills.

You can go to the bookstore and bump into someone and start chatting about a particular book. Next thing you know, you’re exchanging information. Did BE STRATEGIC. When you go to events, conferenc- you plan on networking at that point in es, etc. do you leave wondering if you time? Maybe not, but networking can made any good connections? Well, what take place anywhere, at anytime. do you do prior to the event? Did you research the type of individuals invited, did you research the keynote speaker? WORK THE CARDS RECEIVED. What was your purpose for attending What does that really mean? Do the event? Make a game of these things. you get a business card and put it in Say to yourself, I want to meet at least your pocket without making a real confive people that can get me to the right nection? Don’t hand out business cards person or lead me in the right direction just to be handing them out. Before you in meeting my professional and personal leave the conversation, ask the individual goals. Who knows, this can be an excel- if you can keep in touch. Let them share lent start and a good point of reference. their card with you first and then give Now, if you meet more than five people, them yours. After the conversation, write you’ve exceeded your goal. The thing to some notes down on their card. This will keep in mind is you’re going in with a help when you go back to office or when plan to use your time effectively. you go to reconnect with them; you’ll

3.

day or within the same week so they will where we find out if there’s a true connection for a future relationship. remember you.

5.

LISTEN MORE THAN TALK. Networking is a give and take process. It’s great that we want to talk about ourselves the whole time, but let’s listen to what the other person has to say as well. Who are they, what do they do, what are they passionate about? This is

6.

BE PATIENT. It takes time for people to trust you and understand what value you are bringing into their personal and/ or professional space. Once trust is established, the relationship will be very rewarding.

1.

4.

2.

HUMBLE INTRODUCTION. MAY - june 15 2011

have some information from your conversation as a follow-up. And follow up is key. As soon as possible, either the next 27.

THE EXPERT NETWORK ATTORNEYS

MAY - june 15 2011

28.

The POWER of Negative Words programs of the various awards ceremonies to my parents. They were so proud, and my mom began compiling a scrap book chronicling the growth of my business and my awards.

I will never forget my father having a conversation with me that really put everything in prospective. My father who has had his own share of media coverage, (he was the first African American graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and ultimately became associate Dean of that institution), told me to always keep what is written and said about me in prospective. He cautioned me to always remember the real me that matters most is the person that I am to the people that love me. He reminded me that the accomplishments that the public views as admirable today could become accomplishments that are used to ridicule me later. He reminded me to never define myself by the accolades or the compliments, because if I do when they stop or become negative, I will have a hard time defining a positive me.

As my business has grown, I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with a lot of awesome people. But

unfortunately, every interaction has not been positive. I have been forced to walk away from situations that were not ideal for my firm. I have had to fire people and dissolve relationships. I am sure that if you were to try, you could find people (though I hope very few) that may have some not so nice things to say about me and my firm.

So how do you deal with people saying negative things about you? Things that sometimes have not a grain of truth in them? Do you confront them? Do you punch them? Sue them for slander?

For me, I first remind myself that everything happens for a reason, and my journey on earth has been predetermined, thus the role that this person plays in my life has been predetermined and their purpose is to assist me in getting to where it is that I am destined to arrive. Sometimes, people do or say things with evil intentions, but those very intentions are used for my good.

Remember that these people (though they often have no clue) are serving a purpose in your life and they can usher you into greatness if you allow them to; if they are rubbing against you, don’t fight it, maybe you need toughen-

ing up in certain areas, or need to grow thicker skin, or maybe you need refining or perhaps you need to be humbled in the areas that hinder you, either way, you would not experience your current situation if there was not a purpose in it.

So I challenge you to combat negative talk by being even more excellent, by reaching even higher heights and letting those who wish you harm drown in their own negative juices!

So how do you use your naysayers as fuel for your launch to greater heights?

Well, my mother would always tell us to make your enemies your footstool. Okay footstool, what exactly is a footstool?

A footstool is a piece of furniture, the purpose of which is to support a person’s feet. There are two main types of footstools, some are for COMFORT and others are for FUNCTION. In other words, they are either for rest or for use for another purpose, such as to elevate you higher than your current state.

Now you can use that footstool to sit down, which will make you lower than your current state, or you can use that footstool to stand on, and allow it to elevate you to a higher state. If you have one nearby, try it. Sit down on it or stand up on it and see which state you would prefer to be in when your enemy is attacking you.

Are you going to allow your enemies to be your stumbling block or are you going to use them as your footstool to elevate you to heights that you have never even imagined?

For me…I say bring it on haters! I am ready to take flight!

For more information please visit www.lanestaffing.com.

will most likely decrease the purchasing power of your money, your dollars may buy less during your retirement than they do today. For example, at 3.5% inflation, $100 today would be worth only $42.31 in 25 years, and it would be further reduced to $30.00 in 35 years.

The first step in developing a savings strategy that best meets your retirement needs is determining your objectives. How do you envision your “golden years”? Spend some time thinking about what is really important to

By Charles Swindell, you. Thinking about it early puts time Financial Services Representative on your side.

MetLife Bayou City TX Agency The second step in planning is to Contributing Writer determine from where you will attain your retirement money. With Social For many, retirement may last lon- Security, the benefits received are based ger than expected. Because inflation on the income you have earned over the

course of your life, subject to a maximum amount. It offers, for most, only a base level of income, which many retirees supplement with savings from employer-sponsored plans, such as pension plans, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPs), and Savings Incentive Match Plans for

vidual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Roth IRAs. Now that you’ve thought about your retirement objectives and your potential sources of income, the last step is developing a financial strategy that works for you. It’s never too late to start saving, and the sooner, the better.

these savings vehicles a popular complement to personal retirement savings, which often include traditional Indi-

Copyright ã 2011 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

L0910132117(exp1211)(All States)(DC)

By Carla Lane, Contributing Writer

“If the word has the potency to revive and make us free, it has also the power to blind, imprison and destroy.” ~Ralph Ellison When my business first began to receive media exposure and I begin to receive awards and accolades, I would always mail copies of the articles and

MetLife Study: Planning Retirement: Making the Numbers Add Up

MAY - june 15 2011

This article appears courtesy of Charles Swindell. Charles is a Registered Representative offering securities through MetLife Securities, Inc. (MSI) (member FINRA/ SIPC). Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MLIC), New York, NY, 10166. He focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of people in the Employees (SIMPLEs). The tax advanAfrican-American market. You can reach tages and, in many instances, matching Charles at the office at 832-251-5493. contributions from employers, make MSI and MLIC are MetLife companies.

29.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

RAISING LEADERS THROUGH MENTORING

100 BLACK MEN

M E T R O P O L I TA N H O U S TO N 4 T H A N N UA L G A L A

MAY - june 15 2011

30.

Master Your Craft -

Be The Best At What You Do

By Paul Vann, Contributing Writer

It does not matter whether someone else is in the same industry as you, your unique gifts and skill sets is different. The fact of the matter is, no one can do things quite like you can because we all have different levels of creativity and our individuality is completely different.

For example, I am a professional speaker, a leadership development and workplace diversity trainer. It does not matter if someone else have the same areas of speaking focus because we will always deliver our programs differently.

What is the difference between you and others in your field? Likelihood is the level and degree of personal development you have in your background.

Enhance ones knowledge based is crucial for long-term success, in other words the day you stop learning translates to the day you stop living.

How can you perfect your craft?

Enroll in a live workshop centered on your field of endeavour, register for a tele-seminar, enroll in an online course and or hire a coach. That is not all, purchase information products from renowned experts in your field.

Whether you are an entrepreneur or an employee, schedule yourself for current and innovative programs that yield the best return on your personal development investment. Begin with the end in mind when it comes to mastering your craft.

What do I mean by the preceding question? From an internal perspective establish yourself as the kind of person who wants the best out of yourself. In other words, to be the best you must invest in yourself. After completing a course and or successfully participate in a knowledge oriented program, ensure that you apply what you learned immediately.

There is nothing better than acMAY - june 15 2011

quiring knowledge and putting it into use. A determined mind is an unstoppable mind. In order to take your skills to the next level and become the best in your industry you need to become a lifelong learner.

The best way to showcase your skills sets is to share your knowledge with others, your colleagues, people in your industry, your community and of course with your competitors. Perhaps you can write articles, write a book, and or special reports on the newly acquired knowledge.

In the end you will be noted for having move the bar of your insight and let it be the beginning of a long-term process. We were all born for greatness, so be great.

Paul Lawrence Vann is an inspirational speaker and author of the book, Living on Higher Ground. He consults with Fortune 500 companies, associations, government agencies, educational institutions and military organizations to help them maximize their human potential and improve their bottom line through his leadership development and workplace diversity training expertise.

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Steps to the Dr. King Statue Project

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n the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Put yourself in a state of mind where you say to yourself, here is an opportunity for me to celebrate like never before, my own power, my own ability to get myself to do whatever is necessary.”

The volunteers for the Dr. King statue project are doing exactly that.

The Dr. King Statue Project-SE actually began with the birth of the Black Heritage Society. In 1974, Ovide Duncantell, Founder & Director of the BHS, emerged as a leader behind the renaming of South Park Boulevard to MLK Boulevard as the street runs through a predominantly African-American community. Reverend ML King, Sr. affectionately known as “Daddy King” was so impressed by the BHS for this energy and gesture of respect for his deceased son was moved enough to make a personal appearance at the Street Name Change Ceremony on January 15, 1978.

The street was christened by a citywide parade down the newly re-named boule-

vard, a tradition which has continued within the City of Houston Downtown every year since.

The Dr. King, Jr. Statue Project-SE started with the BHS being granted Motion # 80-265 which passed then City Council on January 16, 1980 approved by all including then Mayor Jim McConn on January 21st.

On September 19, 1980, the BHS received a letter from Mayor McConn stating that the Houston Arts Commission (now known as Houston Arts Alliance), City Council and the City of Houston passed a resolution approving a Dr. Martin Luther King Statue to be placed near MacGregor Park at MLK Boulevard & OST (Old Spanish Trail).

Mayor McConn noted that the statue would pay tribute to a great American, Humanitarian and Theologian and that this would be the first highly significant gift to the COH by a Black Organization—the BHS. In 1983 a baby tree was planted on the meridian in MacGregor Park to grow as a waiting Sentinel till the statue of Dr. King would be placed and unveiled to join it. The BHS, a 501(c)3 has endeavored to keep Dr. King’s dream alive and maintain the support and appeal of the community.

American history records that Dr. King was a champion of cultural diversity, representing people, regardless of race, color, nationality or creed. The content of his “I Have a Dream” speech is well known---“that all men be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. The American dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed---that all men are created equal.”

In order for this project to come to fruition, $100,000.00 must be raised.

Make checks payable to Dr. King Statue Project-SE and mail to same name @ P.O. Box 14196, 77221. All donors will receive a receipt once checks have deposited and cleared. Badges that depict

the bronze statue and state “I Support the Coming of Dr. King’s Statue” are also available for $5.00 each. Proceeds from the badges will help with operational costs.

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What does it mean to be a Master in your Craft?

By Candye Hinton, Contributing Writer

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he word master evokes many thoughts and ideas of just what a master is. When the term master is used in the coaching profession, it means several things. It can mean someone who has been coaching for years, someone who is very good in a special area of coaching, or it can indicate that someone has a particular designation. Since becoming a coach in 1996, I have realized that being a master is actually more of a journey than it is a destination. It takes time, commitment, and a sense of lightness about the process to truly be able to embrace the concept.

I have determined that there are actually three phases that a person experiences on their way to being a master. The first is the beginner phase. In the beginner phase the person is excited and eager to learn. They are motivated and are ready to venture onto the path and absorb all they can. The beginner is green and when we are green, we grow, develop and learn. The beginner’s mind is ripe and free to take in all that is around them. In the next phase, the beginner becomes the expert. They have studied for a period of time, have gained knowledge and have been practicing for a long time. They might even be acknowledged in their area of expertise as an expert. An expert knows a whole lot about very little. They have learned all they need to know about their subject and have become proficient. The truth is one can do very well as an expert.

However, there is a danger that comes with being an expert and that is an expert is expected to know everything.

The expert often gets wrapped up so much in knowing that they are not open to learning. An expert often does not expand outside of their area of expertise, so although an expert in one area, they lack knowledge and experience of the world at large. Being an expert is fine, but there is more.

The next phase, if one chooses, is that of becoming a master. The interesting thing about being a master is that the master is well aware that they don’t know everything there is to know and, in fact, the more they learn they realize the less they know. The master reverts in some sense to the beginner’s mind and is open to new information. The master does not compete with anyone, but MAY - june 15 2011

works at bettering his or her personal best. The master pushes his or her personal boundaries, constantly creates and recreates and raises the bar.

A master is confident but not cocky, knowledgeable without being a knowit-all, and is committed to making a difference. There are many reasons for wanting to step into the area of mastery.

One of the best reasons is just more fun.

There is a lightness about being a master. A master does not take him or herself too seriously, but is in the flow and enjoys the challenge of being their best.

A master surrounds themselves with people who will elevate them, challenge them, and assist them on their path. A master in turn is more attractive. People can sense that there is something different about someone that is on this path, and will want some of what the master has to offer. A master does not have to boast about being a master, they simply are. Mastery is a choice. For the person who chooses this path it will be a life endeavor. Becoming a master is a journey, not just a destination.

sharpen your skills and abilities. You must be willing to invest in yourself.

Thomas Leonard an author of the Portable Coach has dedicated an entire chapter on ways to Master your craft.

One of his top ten tips suggests that you “ Raise at least one standard in your field or industry” He poses this question. “What is the one professional standard you could raise that would make you stand out among your peers? Hiring a coach will help you discover some of those unique skills.

To Be The Best Would you prefer to work fewer hours and make more money? Would it be nice to have high-level clients that wouldn’t blink at spending a three- figure amount per year to be the best at what they do? Ask yourself this; if you are not the BEST at what you do, why would an extraordinary, affluent customer with very high standards be looking for you?

I believe this client is seeking to find the Best. They are looking for a skill that just can’t be acquired by the average merchant. They are looking for a unique talent that only a certain coach could posses. What would you have to offer? How would you attract that client? Are you the best, Do you have a unique talent or ability? Is the product or service you offer so authentic that it can only be attained by your services?

You can’t attract the best if you aren’t willing to be the best! Have you taken time this year to ask yourself what will it take to be a Master of your craft? This means being in complete understanding and in command of ones skills and abilities. To accomplish this you must be willing to do things that the average person is not willing to do. You must be willing to “Burn the midnight oil”, to invest in classes and seminars that will 34.

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THE EXPERT NETWORK - INSURANCE

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The Secret’s Out…

Planning, Organizing, Controlling, and Actuating are Strictly Business Functions for Achieving Success

By Author Noel Pinnock, B.S., M.P.A., C.A., CCC Contributing Writer At the epicenter of all businesses, regardless of industry, are four mission critical functions: planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling (POAC).

Planning is an essential function in mapping out the business “blueprint” and proper course that is required to reach a desired goal or outcome. Since most businesses exist to be proficient, increase profits, develop efficiencies, grow and survive overtime in their respective industries, it is essential that they organize and control activities that are targeted to meet head counts, provide services, manufacture products, or seal deals. At the end of the day, it is all about the business.

I have been blessed to work in the public industry for over two decades.

It is an intrinsically rewarding job that is ever-evolving. Currently, my department is charged with promoting and protecting the health and social well-being of all residents in the City of Houston. Yeah, that’s a magnanimous weight to shoulder but when the rubber meets the road, it is strictly about the business of serving people and to serve people we have to be strategic in our delivery but more importantly, consistent. My mother use to say, “A clock that is five minutes off is right all the time!” Why? Because it will be consistently wrong every hour on the hour. The difference between a viable and unviable business is equivalent to the difference between doing right things and doing things right.

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cused and stay strategic in our “POACing” because the future of the business is always at stake.

Hip Hop group, EPMD, produced a song called “Strictly Business,” which was a lyrical mammoth that spoke to EPMD’s mentality about their commitment to provide the consumer with the hottest album offered at that time. The song went on to be awarded five out of five stars in 2004 by Rolling Stones magazine and continues to receive critical acclaims by being heralded as the fourthbest hip hop album of 1988 and the 11th-best hip hop record of all time. So, what was their secret to success? In a past interview, the duo reported that they had planned, organized, and controlled the production at 80 percent perfection.

Whereas, their competitors were striving for the perfect blueprint, the most pristine arrangements and controlled environment, their focus was getting the product pushed out to saturate the market, so that meant they had to actuate at 100 percent. Actuate is defined as the ability to get focused and put into motion or execute.

We can suffer from the analysis paralysis syndrome and let a dream or business plan die because we spend a significant amount of time planning for every contingency or alternative. Reflection moment, no one can consider every alternative in a given situation because of neurophysiological and language limitation factors. These factors limit the extent to which we (businesses) can make a fully rational decision, thus we possess only “bounded rationality” and must make decisions by “satisficing,” or choosing that which might not be optimal but which will make us happy enough. This was popularized by Dr. Herbert Simon, an American political scientist, economist, psychologist, and professor.

It is time to get focused and direct our energies to stay in a “strictly business” state of mind.

Question, are you ready? If your response is “Yes,” then plan, organize, control activities in your business at 80 percent perfection but actuate at 100 percent! The secret to achieving organizational success is no longer elusive but it is within your grip if you execute. Be mindful that potential energy is good but potential energy leads to inertia when stagnation prevails, strictly business.

I close with the first lyrical bars from EPMD’s song,

“Strictly Business”: Try to answer to the master on the MC rap artists No joke on the lyric -it’s hard to be modest I knew I was the man with the master plan To make you wiggle and jiggle like gelatin Just think while I sing and to the brain structure Don’t sleep on the e -- ‘ya see, something might rupture It don’t take time for me to blow your mind It takes a second to wreck it because you’re dumb and blind So just lounge . . . ‘cause you’re a mc clown Or join the circus . . . EPMD’s in town

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

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Master your Craft and Bulletproof your Career

By David McCallum, Contributing Writer

I recently attended an evening audience with Sir Roger Moore at the opulent Art Deco Orpheum Picture Palace on Sydney’s north shore. Although he, himself, admitted to being “no Laurence Olivier”, the erstwhile Agent 007 did give some excellent advice to an aspiring 18 year old actor who asked what was needed to make it to the top of the profession.

First off, Sir Roger pointed out that you needed a lot of luck not only to get your first chance but for it to be the right sort of chance for your style. But, then he emphasised something that is true for

all professions and trades, irrespective of time or place, and that was you must learn your craft.

In acting, we’d be talking about timing, deportment, projection, and so forth but you could replace those with the ball skills and hand-eye coordination needed for most sports. In the researcher’s case, the analogy would be along the lines of a fundamental understanding of statistics, critical thinking ability, and some clear communication skills before you’re allowed to comment on the meaning of any set of numbers, data, content, or text.

It is reported that ‘traditional’ research approaches (based around structured surveys and formal focus groups) are under threat from new methods in the social media environment of blogs, bulletin boards, online communities, member-created polls, and so forth.

Nevertheless, fundamental craft

skills are crucial for, if nothing else, knowing how to establish explicit objectives that can be communicated to those who participate and in developing some understanding of the kind of people creating this content in this newer milieu.

It has also been said that in tomorrow’s environment; yesterday’s skills will be redundant. That’s true to a degree but only so long as the former skills are replaced, updated, and re-applied.

All the changes in the commercial and technological environment do not mean that research skills per se become unnecessary, they need to be augmented not replaced by business acumen and client servicing ‘savvy’ as well as an ongoing appreciation of the new consumer settings.

Because even if you are studying blogs or online research community content it doesn’t mean you can avoid digging into the data like an “old-school” researcher or designing studies and framing issues to avoid bias and provide focus.

Perhaps, with today’s emphasis on faster return on investment from research activities, the traditional craft skills need to be understood by those learning them in a more commercially

Motivate Yourself: 5 Tips To Help You To be able to motive yourself, or self-motivation, occurs when a person has the desire and willingness to do something and is internally motivated to do it.

Sometimes it’s very difficult to get ourselves moving and achieve what we want to achieve. The natural inclination is to procrastinate. Life just seems to get in the way. There is a job to go to, a house to clean, groceries to do, television to watch - whoops!

I guess we get pretty good at finding excuses to not get started on an exercise routine, reading a new book or cleaning out that closet.

The fact is that we are creatures of routine and habit. However, once we allow ourselves to get into the habit of doing something, it’s no longer a struggle and we may even end up enjoying it.

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longer thought about it, we just did it.

So what can we do to motivate ourselves to accomplish our goals?

For starters we can do some critical thinking and ask ourselves what will happen if we don’t develop a particular habit. What will the consequences be if we neglect to do so?

Here are some tips on how to get moving:

1.

Decide what you want.

It’s hard to motivate yourself when you don’t have a goal or objective. Set a goal and decide how you are going to go about it. Then break it down into smaller sections so it’s easier to tackle and less overwhelming.

2.

Keep track of your progress.

disciplined light. For example, questionnaire design not just from ease of understanding and elegance of language but more for the value of insights derived, robustness to environment, and the cost of execution.

Organisations that skim over or leave out the basics from their staff development strategies will find themselves at a disadvantage long term, risking potentially dangerous situations that arise from dispensing inaccurate and misleading advice. Researchers need the core expertise and must understand the strengths and limits, so they can best meet the needs of the end user, and maintain the integrity of their profession.

Craft skills underpin every successful and sustainable career. Everything that comes after, at an individual, team, and company level, is built on their foundation. A firm mastery of the craft made a self-confessed ‘jobbing actor’ an international star. (Or for current proof, wait ‘til the DVD comes out and compare England’s first touch ball skills to Germany’s in the recent last 16 match and maybe the 4-1 score line won’t seem such a surprise after all)

4.

Remind yourself why you want this and focus on the end result.

If you remind yourself that you want to be healthier, go for that promotion or just better yourself, it will re-establish why you are doing what you’re doing. It’s not unusual to hit a slump. Sometimes we forget what we set out to do and a little reminder is all we need to be revitalized.

Keep a log or journal where you chart your progress. It can motivate you by gauging how far you have come and how much you have accomplished. Looking Make it a habit. at it can also motivate you to keep push- Once you have accomplished your goal or objective make it a habit. If it was to ing ahead. exercise or eat properly, keep it up. If it was to work for a promotion or any other one-time event, maintain the habit

of self-improvement. Once it becomes a Post motivating habit, it’s second nature to you and you pictures or don’t have to think about it anymore. slogans on your fridge or Interesting Tip: elsewhere.

There is an interesting point to be aware It is always inspirof if you are too organized or work on ing to see pictures a task in the same way for too long. By of people who doing so, you can actually jeopardize have accomplished what you’re going your motivation, therefore, you should for. It makes it attainable and realistic. walk away and take breaks every now Likewise, little slogans like “go for it” or and then. Change the conditions and “just do it” can give you the little boost timetable you’re working under. Doing you need. Read inspiring or motivation- so will give you renewed energy and a fresh perspective for the project. al quotes.

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41.

African American Leaders push the importance of Energy and Technology

By Brandale Mills, Contributing Writer

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ev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., Founder & President of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC) hosted the 3rd Annual Energy Symposium at the Texas Southern University Science & Technology building May 2nd – 3rd.

The RPC is a multi-racial, multi-issue, progressive, international membership organization fighting for social change. Formed in December 1996 by Rev Jackson through the merging of two organizations he founded earlier, People United to Serve Humanity (PUSH, 1971) and the Rainbow Coalition (1984).

With headquarters in Chicago and offices in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and Oakland, the organization works to make the American Dream a reality for all our citizens and advocate for peace and justice around the world.

This year’s RPC Symposium titled, “A MORE PERFECT UNION: Refueling the Pipeline to Power Green America,” had a two-day schedule of events including seminars, receptions and training and workshop sessions related to opportunities for professional growth and wealth creation in the energy industry.

Revered Jackson alongside Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, teamed up with energy and community leaders to discuss current energy challenges and alternatives and its effects on the Houston area community.

“Rev. Jackson’s conference with Rainbow PUSH and these leaders that are here today, speak clearly to the needs that we must address,” Congresswoman Lee said. “How do we define America’s energy policy? And it what ways will Houston, Texas and America be engaged in addressing the depleting resources and the high cost in gasoline prices?”

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“green” economy, energy industry leaders, elected officials, industry specialists, small business owners and community leaders convened to discuss alternatives necessary to insure that both energy production and energy consumption patterns change dramatically. Recognizing that these speculative changes will raise some challenging questions regarding national security, environmental protection and the introduction of new technologies, national leaders presented their views on how these changes can be implemented as well as what needs to be done to guarantee a well trained workforce to meet the industry’s new requirements in addition to preparing future energy leaders.

“As we stand here at Texas Sothern University, how will we engage the next generation of oil producers, natural gas, clean energy, alternative fuels?” Congresswoman Lee said. “How will we educate and what resources will we use to invest in that level of genius to carry us forward?”

Participants also discussed the importance of diversity in energy and gas related fields, and the steps being made to include smaller, minority owned businesses in the country’s energy growth.

“We did not know how good the game of baseball could be until everybody could play,” Rev. Jackson said. “We won’t know how accessible energy is until everybody can play.”

Shell Diversity representative, said the company is teaming up with several organizations like the Houston Minority Business Council assisting them with more strategies to compete with larger energy companies. This partnership will help build the capacity of minority owned businesses, ensuring they meet national requirements.

Congresswoman Lee also discussed the recent killing of Osama Bin Laden and the effects it will have on the nation’s energy and gas industry.

“As we begin this conference, it’s interesting how the events of the last 24 hours are all intertwined,” she said. “The mastermind may be dead, but it is important for Americans to be vigilant. Attacking the world of terror will allow us to be energy independent.”

The second day of the symposium featured a 1,000 Connected Churches and Minister’s Luncheon focusing on approaches to tackling the challenges of poverty, church and home foreclosures unemployment and other social/economic issues that hinder the progress and responsiveness of the Church to the broader community. The luncheon honored Rev. William A. Lawson, Founder/Pastor Emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

The two-day symposium participants included Shell Oil Company; Exxon; Chevron; Reliant; CITGO; BP; David J. Stephens, Business Development Consultant -InterGlobal Services, Inc./Project Impact; Supplier Diversity Professionals, University Leaders, Small Business Leaders and Economic Development Specialists.

As an organization dedicated to improving the lives of all people by serving as a voice for the voiceless, RPC’s mission is to protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world.

“Our energy crisis today is somewhat in flux. The wars we’re fighting are all around the issue of energy.” Rev. Jackson said. “We’re about the business of exploring energy.”

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Texas Southern University Launches Weekend Degree Programs

NOW ONLINE!

Kingston Nyamapfene, Ph.D. Assistant Provost for Online and Distance Learning Programs

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e are “tiger proud” and excited to announce the launch of a new initiative that combines the use of new technologies with our history of creating a caring learning environment for those who need alternative ways to achieve their career goals. With the Weekend TSU program, we are offering flexible options for achieving that dream and opening yet another door for our community to have access to a good college education.

It is important to make sure people understand that the Weekend TSU program is a degree-completion program, which enables those who already have some college credit to build upon that base to progress towards a degree. This summer, we will launch the program, with offerings that will lead to one of three degrees – Business (management concentration only to start with, and expanding into other disciplines in subsequent semesters), Administration of Justice and a general B.A. So, this is not something we are offering only this summer, but something onto which we are going to continue to build with the expectation that, by the Spring of 2013, we should have a full set of degree programs available either completely online or for delivery through the weekend model.

The Weekend TSU program was designed especially for people whose circumstances make it difficult for them MAY - june 15 2011

to attend classes on a daily basis following our regular semester schedules. It also offers something special in that it is based on what has now come to be generally known as “hybrid” delivery, a combination of face-to-face classes with additional access to instructional resources and assignments online. In our case, classes will be held Friday evenings and all day Saturday and continued interaction between professors and students during the remainder of the week will be made possible using our state-of-the-art online delivery platform. In the online environment, students are not required to all be present at a given time, this is a highly flexible and individualized delivery model where people continue to learn or do assignments at times that work best for them. There is an extensive and now widely accepted body of research evidence showing that, when learners are exposed to both online and face-to-face teaching, they generally perform far better than those whose learning experience is entirely classroombased or completely online. We believe this mode of delivery is particularly useful for those who have been out of school for some time, by allowing direct contact with professors, before attempting the sometimes daunting challenge of working independently online.

The introduction of the Weekend TSU program is also a significant milestone for TSU as it joins the very few Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs) that are leading the charge to increase higher education access for our communities. In a recent article, Reggie Smith III, chairman of the Board of Directors for the United States Distance Learning Association lamented the low level of participation in the delivery of online educational programs by HBCUs, “…just 18 percent of the nation’s 105 historically Black colleges are online, according to a study from Howard University’s Digital Learning Lab. By comparison, 66 percent of the na-

tion’s two- and four-year postsecondary institutions offer college-level distance education courses, according to the U.S. Department of Education”, he went on to say. TSU already has two online graduate programs, an MBA and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA), both of which enjoy highly coveted a c c re d i t a t i o n status with the relevant professional bodies and have therefore been a resounding success. We are now moving to the area of greatest need, undergraduate programs. The university has invested heavily in the technology

needed to support such an enterprise and many of our faculty members have already been teaching online for a number of years. Therefore we have the technology and the people to make us one of the nation’s leading providers of online degrees. The Business degree, which will be our first major program area comes out of TSU’s Jesse H. Jones School of Business, whose programs enjoy accreditation by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which accredits business schools worldwide, but only a small percentage of schools pass the test and we passed that test. All degrees offered by Texas Southern University are also fully accredited by the regional accrediting body for universities in our region, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

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