d-mars.com Business Journal 64 by d-mars.com

Business Journal September - October 2012

Inspire, Inform & Educate

Expanding Your

INSIDE

64 th Edition

Education Global Reach Community Involvement

Houston Public Library… The Library Today Is Not Your Grandmother’s Library By Sharon C. Jenkins, Houston Public Library (HPL) is a modern force to be reckoned with in 2012. PAGE 8

THIS NOVEMBER …. WE ARE VOTING FOR OUR FUTURE By Carroll G. Robinson As a voter, this November, you will have a lot of decisions to make about the future of our country and community ... PAGE 10

PAEC

PanAfrican Entrepreneurs Conference The Globalization of the Black Entrepreneur

PanAfrican Entrepreneurs Conference

Expanding Your Education By Alvin E. Terry Whether it is for a job requirement, an entrepreneurial quest or just for personal satisfaction you must have some education. PAGE 14

Everyday, more and more leaders around the world are working with people from countries other than their native country. PAGE 23

Elect Teana Watson 434th Judicial Dist. Court

Re-Elect Ron Reynolds Fort Bend Houst rep Dist. 27

Re-Elect Judge Hazel Jones 338th Criminal Dist. Court

Elect Tawana Cadien Congress Dist. 10

Re-Elect Judge Maria T. Jackson 339th Criminal Dist.Court

TWEF 12TH ANNUAL International Financial & Leadership Summit

Leadership Development Across Cultures By Marco Chan

Elect R.W. Bray Texas State Senate Dist 6

The 7th Annual Female Success Factor Top 25 Women of Houston Awards

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

~ Benjamin Franklin

Former Councilmember Jarvis Johnson Still serving the Houston community.

Event Photos on Pages 30-31

September - October 2012

Behind The

Journal

Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

Expanding Your Education is this month’s theme for the d-mars.com Business Journal. As business owners, we should always be lifelong learners, and that is not limited to the classroom but also in life. Everyday an opportunity to learn something different is presented to us, but often we are too busy to discern its existence. Don’t be too busy to be better so that you can do better. Expand your mind and success will not be far behind. 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.

EDITING CONSULTANT Sharon Jenkins OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

CONTENTS

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Onyebuchi Okoh C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine

The Pan African Entrepreneurs Conference: Globalization of the Black Entrepreneurs ................ 4

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

Former Councilman Jarvis Johnson … Still Serving Our Community ..........................................

Houston Public Library…The Library Today Is Not Your Grandmother’s Library ..........................

Be Familiar with Your Academic Options! ....................................................................................

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

This November …. We Are Voting For Our Future ........................................................................

No Competition, No-Cost Marketing That Works To Increase Your Brand ..................................

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ferland Antwine

4 Tips To Turn Your Business Around… Now ...............................................................................

Expanding Your Education! Traditional and Non-Traditional .........................................................

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

Leaders – Spend Time on the Front Line .....................................................................................

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sharon C. Jenkins Cynthia Nevels Carroll G. Robinson Carla Cross Mena Freeman Jim Rohn Bob Corcoran Bob Hamilton Dr. D. L. Jones Alvin E. Terry Errol Allen James Addevsen R.W. Bray Dr. Wendy Kim Nishida Noel Pinnock Marco Chan Joseph Hernandez

Manipulating vs. Negotiating: One Can Kill Your Business

Business Loans - Spruce up Your Business ................................................................................. 15 Perfecting the VC Pitch ................................................................................................................ 10 Building Blocks to Becoming a Household Name

......................................................... 17

.................................................................. 17

It Comes a Time… ......................................................................................................................... 19 Typical Services Offered In A Virtual Office ................................................................................... 21 Going Beyond Formal Education ................................................................................................... 21 Leadership Development Across Cultures ...................................................................................

Get Me Out Of Debt! - Surefire Tactics For Debt Elimination .......................................................

How Life Insurance Can Protect Your Home ................................................................................

North Houston Frontiers Club, Celebrating 25 Years of Serving Houston’s Youth ........................ 24 Increasing Loyalty by Enhancing Employee Benefit Offerings, Not Costs ...................................

R. W. Bray, Inspired to Make a Change ........................................................................................

Three Habits of Effective Project Leadership & Six Keys to Successful Project-Based Work .....

Vitamins For The Mind ................................................................................................................... 29

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Tip of the Month

It’s Just That Simple!

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September - October 2012

THE PANAFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCE: GLOBALIZATION OF THE BLACK ENTREPRENEUR entrepreneurs. These opportunities will include infrastructure, energy, water management, agri-business, telecommunications, fashion, matchmaking, logistics, transportation, healthcare, environmental management, bidding/tender/RFP management, Education Facilities, Fishing Industry, Rare Minerals. 2. Capital Formation: Using vehicles such as the World Bank, IMF, ExIm Bank, Hermes, Asian Development Bank, OPIC, Pan African Linkage, Equity Funding, SPAEC, European Union, etc. to fund the above activities and provide robust growth and activity. 3. Trade Policy Formation: AGOA Oversight, Corporate Responsibility Guidelines, Specific Free Trade Agreements, Dispute Resolutions, Tariffs and Duty Relief, Corruption Intolerance. 4. Virtual and Instant Communications: Website (www.PanAfricanec.org), Facebook, Twitter, Social Media. 5. Governance: Through Regional Committees and Delegates to the Annual Conference who will decide on policy and direction in a democratic and transparent manner. The Regions are: 1. North America (Caribbean); 2. South America; 3. Europe; 4. North Africa and the Middle East; 5. Eastern Africa; 6. Southern Africa; 7. Central Africa; 8. Western Africa; 9. Asia and 10. Pacific Rim.

PanAfrican Entrepreneurs Conference Preamble:

n November 15-18 the first PanAfrican Entrepreneurs Conference (PAEC) will be in Houston, Texas at the Four Seasons Hotel. Harry Alford and Kay DeBow are the co-founders. Harry and Kay are also the founders of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. The PAEC is the place to find partners for a joint venture and to find ways to build capacity. This conference is the place to bring contracts and find businesses to perform it. Ministers from various countries, other government officials with specific projects, entrepreneurs, companies looking for joint ventures, companies looking for investments will be in attendance at the conference. They expect representation from Trinidad and Tobago, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Suriname, Cameroon, France, Equatorial Guinea, & Fiji Islands. 2012 is the first year of the PAEC, the hosts are expecting over 300 entrepreneurs. The conference features intensive panels with experienced global entrepreneurs, and a great deal of networking. Co-Founder Kay DeBow stated that the conference was started “To fill a void, provide an economic international overview and a coordinated system of trade between descendants of Africa. Frankly we established because no one else was doing it. In our travel to various countries, we saw the need and the idea evolved as we went along. Many coalitions of culture sharing but we found no coalitions for businesses.” The PAEC is expected to change the economical front in the US and in collaborative Pan African countries by Increasing revenue by selling products that satisfy the wants and the needs of prospective consumers and to assist in building much needed fiscal infrastructure in applicable nations. The conference will contribute directly to the economical welfare of Black Americans by starting businesses, and then growing these businesses to create revenue and jobs that prosper Black America. It will also address the preparation of the youth of the Black Diaspora for entrepreneurship by providing role models, identifying best practices and looking strategically for new opportunities that will benefit the next generation

worldwide. The immediate expected benefits from this year’s conference are business expansion and increased global awareness. After the conference the founders and staff will take the input and recommendations of the participants and translate them into a strategic plan that will address the PAEC’s goals. T h e Pa n A f r i c a n E nt r e p r e n e u r s C o n f e r e n c e is the GLOBALIZ ATION OF THE BLACK ENTR EPR ENEUR. Its founders state that the “Children of the Black Diaspora will now control their own policy and contribute to the betterment of the world economy.”

All research, educated conclusions, anthropological findings and biblical writings cite the continent of Africa as the beginning of mankind. It is the venue of mathematics, construction management, architecture, medicine, and most importantly, CIVILIZATION. No continent has gone through so much exploitation, invasion, colonialization, slavery, dictatorships and pilferage of natural resources as Africa. Yet, still it grows and glows before the modern world. It is the combination of its resources as well as the resiliency of its people; “that which does not kill us; makes us stronger.” Today, we stand strong – educated, traveled and organized at last. We now come forward to set positive forces to further our future and guarantee the success of our children. We control our legacy and will now set an economic policy to guarantee the fruits that were seeded in our past.

Their mission is to:

Create an arena for entrepreneurs and business people within the Black Diaspora to come meet and further business connections. Also, to suggest policy improvement and issue awareness that will benefit the status of black entrepreneurs internationally. The plan to achieve this mission: 1. Project Strategies: To promote, help develop and expose procurement opportunities for conference

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September - October 2012

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September - October 2012

Former Councilmember Jarvis Johnson … Still Serving Our Community By Sharon C. Jenkins, Contributing Writer

ouston had the privilege of having former City Councilman Jarvis Johnson’s service as a political figure. He continues to hear the voice of his constituents asking that the quality of their lives reflect that of those in the neighboring sections of this great city. Those voices have compelled him to reopen a restaurant that is a Northside neighborhood landmark and has been for the last 45 years or more. In December of 2011, he brought “Aunt Bea’s Restaurant and re-opened its doors in February of the following year. When asked why a restaurant, Johnson stated, “Owning a restaurant has always been a secret desire of mine.” He has always been an entrepreneur and previously owned several businesses, yet his dream to own a restaurant seemed to somehow escape him. It was either not the right timing or the right location, so he put it on the back burner until, “the Lord gave him an opportunity,” to purchase Aunt Bea’s. He compared the transition from owning a small business to running a full service restaurant with his previous experience in running a child care center. Johnson stated that, “People

are very particular when you handle their children, just like they are very particular when you handle their food. You have to get it right, otherwise you don’t get the privilege of staying in business for long.” Johnson is proud of his new venture, primarily because it still gives him an opportunity to continue to serve the citizens of Houston. It is an abnormality to find a full service restaurant in urban neighborhoods, especially one that focuses on providing optimum customer service and “good food.” You often find one or the other, but Johnson has insured that your dining experience will be pleasurable and timely with enough wait staff available to meet your every need and they do it with a smile. As a result

of Aunt Bea’s re-opening, over 36 people are now employed from the surrounding neighborhood and adjoining businesses in the strip mall are experiencing an economic upturn instead of a drought. On any given day Aunt Bea’s will tantalize your taste buds with delicious delights such as chicken fried steak, turkey and dressing, or roast beef like your “Momma” use to make. Breakfast is served all day long and there are multiple early mealtime selections on the menu for your dining pleasure. The restaurant is open on Sundays and Thursdays from 6:00 am to Midnight. On the weekend (Fridays and Saturdays) it is open for 48 hours. They literally never close, just because they want to be available for you. They also offer catering services and have banquet rooms for special events and parties. They would love to have you come and share

For more information about Aunt Bea’s visit www.auntbeas.net or call 713-692-2432. Experience Our World of Marketing and Communication

some of your holiday cheer with them. While serving District B, Johnson would frequently hear his constituents wonder when they were going to get a Starbucks, or when were they going to have the benefit of a full service restaurant in their neighborhood. He also questioned the availability of the finer eating establishments in the inner-city neighborhoods until one day he decided to “lead by example.” He determined he would be the change that he was talking about. His philosophy was anchored in, “We should not be waiting for others to do for us, what we should be doing for ourselves.” Johnson said he decided to take the risk regardless of what the business plan was telling him to do. He challenges other businesses to join him in this entrepreneurial endeavor as Aunt Bea’s “creates jobs, generates revenue, decreases crime and increases the quality of local neighborhoods.” Johnson’s long term goal is to build a restaurant unlike any other restaurant the Northside has ever seen. His short term goal is to continue to provide a fine dining experience for his customers, but at an economical price that keeps their wallets happy.

September - October 2012

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September - October 2012

Houston Public Library…

The Library Today Is Not Your Grandmother’s Library By Sharon C. Jenkins, Contributing Writer

A library (from French “librairie”; Latin “liber” = book) is an organized collection of resources made accessible to a defined community for reference or borrowing. It provides physical or digital access to material, and may be a physical building or room, or a virtual space, or both. [ Wi k iped ia]

ouston Public Library (HPL) is a modern force to be reckoned with in 2012. Under the innovative leadership of Dr. Rhea Lawson, HPL’s Director, it has experienced a rebirthing that has made it a valuable commodity for the citizens of Houston and a leader in providing virtual services to its constituents. We have provided a snapshot of HPL’s services below.

Houston Public Library’s Service Priorities

Workforce Development

Compass - Navigating the World of Career, Business & Education Opportunities Compass located at Central Library, provides information, services and programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs, college and job seekers, career changers and grant seekers. If you want to improve your skills or learn new skills for work or home, then use your Library Card and register today for FREE online courses from Ed2Go. Access

career resources and get resume help from Brainfuse Adult Learning Center.

Workforce Services

Development

• Provide classes and workshops for job seekers and displaced workers: o Resume writing o Cover letters o Applications o Interview techniques Provide one-on-one appointments providing assistance to job seekers. Small Business and Foundation Services

Support for Student Success Homework Help @ HPL: The library has awesome databases for homework help! Let them show your children how to use them. Get help with homework. After School Zone Homework Lab: A quiet place where teens can use the Library’s computer to do homework. After School Zone, Join the Library’s After School Zone: Youth are invited to play games on the Nintendo Wii, Play Station 3, and other systems; test their skills with a variety of board games and puzzles, or do your homework on a laptop (not available at all libraries). Crafts and other programs are available at some libraries on certain days, while they wait your turn. Stop by and check it out. Ages 10 – 18. Teen Movie Night: Young adults are invited to view a PG13 movie and enjoy snacks/refreshments. Literacy Advancement Computer Classes: Free monthly computer classes are offered for adults and teens throughout Library. Classes are taught in English and Spanish. Classes offered include: Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Windows Basics, Introduction to Microsoft Word, Introduction to Power Point and Introduction to Excel.

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• Resource center for local marketing information • Information and research, with indepth research and referral assistance by appointment • Orientation and training sessions on how to use library resources • Workshops on setting up and running a small business • Gateway for information on small business development organizations • One-on-one appointments with volunteer small business advisers College/Education Assistance • Information and research assistance • Library has resources for prospective & current college students: o Selecting an appropriate college or university o Submitting applications o Locating financial aid • Provide one-on-one appointments for providing assistance to current and prospective students Foundation Center • Provides resources for individuals and organizations looking for grants, including fundraising directories and materials on fundraising and proposal development. • Provide classes and workshops on the fundraising process, locating grants, proposal writing, and other topics. For more information please contact them at www.houstonlibrary.org or 832393-1300.

September - October 2012

Be Familiar with Your Academic Options! O

ver the years I have talked to people that are interested in earning an education. They possess By Dr. Wendy, the drive and Contributing Writer commitment needed to be successful academically however they are not familiar with the numerous academic options. Various institutions provide different programs; however it is your job to have an education plan, to stay focused and know what “YOU” want and to do the necessary research so that you do not waste a lot of time and MONEY. Below are the various academic options and benefits:

4-Year (Traditional) Colleges & Universities These institutions lead to a bachelor’s degree, and can be broken down into two categories: liberal arts colleges and universities. ˛˛

˛˛

iberal Arts Colleges: Courses L include: literature, philosophy, history, languages, mathematics, humanities, and social and natural sciences. These schools tend to be small, private and without a graduate school. Universities: These schools are generally larger and have a variety of degree options available that you can apply to. Universities often have graduate schools and you can earn a master’s or doctoral degree as well as a bachelor’s.

• Benefits to a Four-Year Education: 1. A broader degree can lead to many different careers. 2. There are huge learning opportunities on and off campus. 3. S tudents can earn a bachelor’s degree faster than if they first attend a different type of institution. 4. F or those who have no idea what they want to study, most fouryear schools allow them to explore different areas before choosing their major.

Community Colleges and 2-Year Colleges These schools are devised to prepare you to continue your education or to enter the workforce immediately upon completion.

They offer associate degrees that may transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree. Other types of associate degrees and certificates focus on career readiness. • Benefits to a Two-Year Education: 1. You can prepare you to transfer to a four-year college. Thoroughly research the credit transfer guidelines, as all credits do not transfer. 2. You can prepare you to enter the workforce. 3. You can earn a certificate or degree in a career-oriented field 4. Open admission – You can attend college even if you have an average/ low GPA. 5. You can attend full time or part time. 6. You can schedule courses around home and work commitments. 7. Various activities and a sense of community.

challenge. Ensure that you research the transfer credit options as well. • Benefits of an online Education: 1. Accessibility - Online education can offer the same quality education, the same courses and the same degree as a traditional environment but in a convenient atmosphere. It allows you to earn a degree on your own schedule. All you need is a highspeed Internet connection and a computer. 2. Flexibility - You can cater your courses, homework, and school correspondence around your work or family schedule. This option allows you to maintain your personal priorities still earning a college degree. You can study after you put the kids to bed, late at night, while you are traveling or while getting

Trade, Private/ Proprietary and Vocational Schools If you know what industry or career you want to enter, then a trade, private/ proprietary or vocational school may be for you. These schools don’t require you to take classes in a broad range of subjects; instead, you focus only on your area of interest. Upon completion of your program, you receive a certificate or an associate degree. • Benefits to a Trade or Vocational School Education: 1. You can have a successful career and get the training necessary, without needing a college degree. 2. You can transfer to a four-year institution you must ensure that the institution will accept your credits. Do your research before you enroll. 3. Students only have to study subjects that apply to their field of interest and will receive hands on experience.

Online Education Many of the programs noted above are offered online. Before you explore an online education you must be sure that you possess the necessary self-motivation/ discipline, drive, study habits and the necessary computer skills needed to be successful. People have a tendency to think that online education is easier however that is a myth. Most online programs are very rigorous, as you are required to respond to various discussion questions (with the appropriate substance and academic quality), you spend a lot of time on the computer and you must be visible in class – virtually. This is not an easy process so ensure that you are ready for the cyber

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you hair done. 3. Work Ability/Variety - Traditionally, going to college meant going to school full-time during the day, which made it difficult to work. By going to school online, you can keep your current job and continue earning the money you need. You can take courses at your own pace while maintaining a sense of work life balance. 4. Promptness – Motivated students can earn a respected online degree in half the time it would in a traditional classroom setting. Earning a quality education should open your mind and prepare you for the future and the infamous “unknown” however it is critical that you make “educated” decisions along the way. Now, let’s get EDUCATED!

10.

September - October 2012

THIS NOVEMBER …. WE ARE VOTING FOR OUR FUTURE By Carroll G. Robinson

Your Decisions

s a voter, this November, you will have a lot of decisions to make about the future of our country and community from who will serve as the next President of our nation to the election of county officials and local judges to whether or not to approve local bond issues and whether to allow Metro to keep all of its sales tax revenue to improve bus service and build more bus shelters and light rail which are needed in Northeast

Our Country & Our Community

to come and will, if we had the space to serve them. Voting for the HCC bond would allow the System to build more buildings to serve more people all across our region from Katy and West Houston to Alief, Stafford/ Missouri City and Fort Bend County to Southwest Houston, the Medical Center, Third Ward and Sunnyside/South Union to Southeast Houston to Northeast Houston and North Forest.

Hire Local First

Not only do we need more buildings for HCC, we also need to make Houston, Sunnyside, Southwest Houston, sure that the contracts awarded to build them are awarded in a fair and inclusive Alief and the Spring Branch area. If our country and community are to manner. once again grow and prosper, we need With your help and support, I to elect fair and thoughtful people to will work to make sure that is done. public office; create more good paying private sector jobs; ensure a well educated All three bond proposals on the workforce; and build safe and clean November ballot (the City of Houston’s, neighborhoods with good streets, clean HISD’s and HCC’s) if passed, are major air and water, and easy access to public economic opportunities for shared transportation, health care services and prosperity, local job creation and broad grocery stores with healthy and affordable based wealth building. food.

Vote For HCC Bond

On the November ballot, the Houston Community College System (HCC) will be asking for your support and permission to issue $425 million in bonds to build more buildings to educate more people to work in the healthcare and energy industries. Some of the money will be used to help build more Early College High Schools to help more young people get a better education and workforce preparation while earning both a High School Diploma and a college Associate Degree or Workforce Certificate by taking Dual Credit courses.

Local businesses and professionals should be hired first. Big companies should be encourages to partner and joint venture with small, minority and women owned businesses. Local voters can’t be called on the pass the bonds then all of the money is spent with companies and professionals from other states and outside of the Houston region. That’s not fair.

Vote No on Metro Referendum

Since its founding, over one million people have benefited from the Finally, Vote NO on the Metro services of HCC from GED and ESL classes to Associate Degrees, Workforce referendum on the November Ballot. Certificates and continuing education After years of spending hundreds courses. of millions of dollars of Houston taxpayer’s HCC has and remains one of the money on General Mobility, we still have cornerstones for building a better future Big Potholes in our streets, congestion of our highways and too much pollution in for all the people in our community. our community. HCC helps ensure that we all Metro needs to keep all of its have an opportunity to do better. sales tax revenue to provide better bus Currently, close to 100,000 service, build more bus shelters and to people are attending HCC and more want build more light rail all across Houston

and the Metro service area from Northeast Houston to Sunnyside to the University Line from Main Street to Texas Southern University to connecting both Hobby and Bush airports. It’s time for us to stand up for a bigger and better rail system in our community.

Conclusion America is a democratic Republic, a representative democracy. Every year, you get to decide who will represent you and the things you believe in and the future you want for yourself your family and community. This November it’s that time again. It’s time for you to decide. It’s time for you to choose the people you want to represent you and the future you want. You decide. Make sure you are registered to vote, and VOTE. Take someone with you to the polls.

Vote to Build a Better Houston

EARLY VOTING

Tuesday Oct 22, 2012 through Friday Nov 2, 2012 GENERAL ELECTION

Tuesday Nov 6, 2012

*Carroll G. Robinson is an Associate Professor at the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University; Trustee for Houston Community College System District IV, a former At-Large Houston City Council Member and former Chairman of the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce.

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September - October 2012

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11.

12.

September - October 2012

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September - October 2012

No Competition, No-Cost Marketing That Works To Increase Your Brand By Carla Cross, CRB, MA

13.

4 Tips To Turn Your

Business Around… Now By Bob Corcoran

ou’re enjoy i n g t he market ‘back to boom’ (at least in some areas). But, your budget isn’t exactly bulging with money for expensive marketing strategies. Yet, you know you need to attract, keep clients, and enhance your brand. How would you like a marketing strategy that is no cost, yet high return? There is one, but few real estate agents or managers take advantage of it. The category is called “PR” (public relations), and it includes free advertising strategies such as writing articles and press releases. Are you using PR? Very few agents or managers are. Let’s take a look at how to use PR to increase your reputation and expand your reach--and it’s a free marketing strategy. Brokers: There are great benefits for revving up your PR efforts, too. Below are some ideas for using PR to recruit and enhance your brand. FR EE PR: W rite an Article and/or Blog With everyone on the Net claiming ‘I’m the best’ or ‘Excellence in Service’ or— well, whatever superlative you want…..we have to work harder at defining real expertise. Writing an article or a blog will laser-focus your expertise. Managers: Articles and blogs prove to your candidate/ recruit you are an expert, and can help him/her develop a career. Be sure to put clippings in your Book of Greatness in your entry and links to your articles/blogs in your email communications. Before you start: Decide on the expertise you want to exhibit. What’s your brand? Short sale expert? Training expert? Community expert? H owto W rite S omething P eople R ead Writing an article or blog follows the same three-part process composer’s use in writing

a popular tune (I’m music major, remember….): Think of your favorite pop tune. You can hum the first part, right? You can remember the ending, because it’s just like the beginning. What happens in the middle? That’s a bit more complex. Here’s how all pop tunes are constructed: It starts with the theme (A), continues with the middle, where you expand on the idea and example (B), and ends again with the theme. When I’m teaching my “Train the Trainer” course, we practice this simple structure when we create training modules.

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See The Ultimate Real Estate Trainer’s Guide for much more on constructing effective training modules and teaching them.

4. Narrow the topic so you can zero in specifically on what you want to write about. The biggest mistake writers and teachers make is to choose too broad a topic for the time or word framework. For example, it’s difficult to write 500 words on how to create a team. You CAN write 500 words about why to create a team; or three strategic tips in creating a team. 5. Choose one to three ideas to discuss; restrained by the number of words you have available to write. 6. Arrange the topics in the order you want to discuss them. 7. To expand on the ideas, present the idea clearly and then give an example. One commonality I’ve found among editors is that they want examples with the idea. Otherwise, the reader doesn’t really get the picture. 8. Close the article with the reiteration of your challenge and solution. Give your audience positive motivation to take action.

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A. The theme (your thesis, your point of view, how to do something) B. Develop the theme with stories, statistics, examples A. Go back to the theme and motivate to take action It’s great to create a persuasive presentation, and article, or a blog.

The Eight Simple Steps to Get Started with your Article or Blog Don’t worry. You don’t have to be a gifted writer to create an article or blog if you follow the process above. In addition to that simple process, there are 8 steps I’ve used over the years to create articles that have gotten published hundreds of times in major real estate magazines and newsletters:

Another writer’s tip: Perhaps you’re not comfortable ‘keyboarding’. You can express yourself verbally like the sales pro you are. Why not use a dictation tool like Dragon Naturally Speaking. My sister, an attorney, uses it to create letters, documents, and notes. One more thing: Did you know that 75-85% of all news are press releases and ‘placed articles’? Another thing: Which do you think is more believable: An ad, or PR? Yup, it’s PR.

1. Decide on who your audience is, so you realize for whom you’re writing 2. Decide on the challenge(s) they have that you want to address 3. Jot down all the ideas you have about the challenges and solutions

Watch Your PR Go Viral….. Take advantage of social media. Usually today, articles are published electronically. When your article is published, put it on your Facebook business page and LinkedIn (and any other sites you use). Invite people to share the article or blog. Instant PR!

hen w a s t he last time you accidently hurt yourself? Maybe you burned yourself grabbing some soup from the microwave. Or you wrenched a back muscle getting out of your car. Take yourself back to that instant of really sharp pain. What did you want more than anything? Relief! Of course! We all do. It’s one of the most basic responses we have as humans. That’s what we do: seek pleasure and avoid pain. And if pain hits, we want it gone as soon as possible. I know today’s real estate market may be painful for you, too. So I want this article to take away that pain. It’s the most gratifying part of my job as a consultant to real estate agents and brokers. Here are four tips I’ve developed along with a great friend and client who’s doubled his business each of the last three years, Andrew Duncan, owner of Re-Max Dynamic in Tampa, Fla. I’ve seen these tips work in today’s marketplace and help ease your pain:

Get back to the basics. Sometimes when hard times hit we travel down tangents that lead us all over the place except the place where we need to be. That place is on the phone and pounding the pavement getting in front of people. Somehow we forget the most basic first aid tools that really work in real estate – they’ve always worked and I suspect they always will. It’s about working your sphere and prospecting and finding out from these folks who they know that’s looking to buy or sell. It’s just that simple. Invest in a customer relationship management system (CRM). You must have a reliable way of managing and following up with the potential clients you met from doing tip number one. And it doesn’t have to be some expensive piece of software. It can be as basic as a calendar, notepads and a tickler file. Find what you’re comfortable with and use it – a lot.

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Get educated on distress properties. If ever there was a market of the moment, distressed properties is it. And it’s not too late to enter this market. These properties continue to flood in and opportunities are overflowing for Realtors who take a little time to learn how this industry works. Believe me, I see it every day from agents and brokers who take our real estate owned (REO) program. E-mail me at Article@ CorcoranCoaching.com and I’ll send you some free information on this program. It’s easier than you think. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade!

Consider a change of venue.

Sometimes Realtors just drive the same route so many times they end up in a deep rut, spinning their tires. Remember the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Maybe it’s time to change your situation. Move to a new company. Get around new people. Get a fresh perspective with new surroundings to break out of the old and into the new. You know, the super bowl is coming up and they call football the game of inches. Well, the game of real estate is a game of inches, too: The five inches between your ears. Adjust your attitude and pain will become a distant memory. Let me hear from you. What’s going on in your business right now that you feel is hampering your success? Do you feel you have the tools and support to turn things around? Which of these suggestions do you feel might help you most? Least? What areas do you think you might need help with? Please send any comments or questions you have to Article@CorcoranCoaching. com or http://www.facebook. com/CorcoranCoaching Advertise TODAY in d-mars.com Business Journal Call Us TODAY! 713.272.9511

14.

September - October 2012

Expanding Your Education and

Non-Traditional

Education i s m y friend. To fulfill the call By Alvin E. Terry, MBA, o f t o d a y Contributing Writer in life you will need an education. Whether it is for a job requirement, an entrepreneurial quest or just for personal satisfaction you must have some education. Without it you cannot advance, contribute, or add value to your family, your community, or to yourself. Having some education is crucial to your development as a human being. People have been educated throughout history forever, as early as the discovery of fire and the use of a club for protection. Even before “practical formal education” as we know it today, we have been educated from birth. Learning is a critical part of all human development. As I listen to the media and what they are reporting about, the younger generation seem to be somewhat disenfranchised with the importance of starting on that educational quest beyond middle school. To be a high school dropout is unfathomable. That educational experience is “Free”. It’s “Free.” How can you not take advantage of “Free?” Sometimes, living in the “world” can be a bit much to absorb. The “key” is to focus. Start focusing on yourself. Try to identify who you are and who you want to be. You must look inside of yourself to find out where to start. At times this can be difficult, but it “is” the starting place. I admit obtaining a “higher education” may not be for everyone. But, it is not an excuse for not trying to raise your level of consciousness. Houston is a great city for obtaining any type of education that you may wish or desire to obtain. I have taught at most of the real estate schools in the city, sanctioned by the Texas Real Estate Commission as an “Approved Instructor” and as an Adjunct Professor at Houston Community College. I enjoyed giving out “A’s, B’s, and C’s”. I did not give out D’s or F’s. I made sure that I put forth that extra effort as a teacher to make sure that you learned the material. There is a difference between teaching and instructing. Instructing is making sure that you understand the material and can follow directions. Teaching is an art in itself. A “teacher” will focus on the individual student and the whole class to make sure that everyone gets it and that they

on the Front Line

Traditional

Ah!

Leaders – Spend Time

all progress in their learning experience together as a unit. There is so much to write about on this subject, that I could probably fill an entire journal. I think that you get the “drift.” The list of colleges and universities in the Houston area is very impressive. Please take a personal accounting of what’s available locally and embrace it so that your family and your community can benefit and receive some added value in their lives because you have taken the initiative to make a difference in yours. Check this list out.

Universities: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

University of Houston University of Phoenix Texas Southern University Prairie View University Rice University University of St. Thomas DeVry University, Houston The University of Texas MB Houston Baptist University Texas A & M University at Galveston Baylor College of Medicine Texas Women’s University South Texas College of Law The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center American InterContinental University, Houston

Colleges: • Houston Community College System • Lone Star College System • San Jacinto College District • Alvin Community College • Galveston College • Everest Institute • College of Biblical Studies I know that there is a lot to do, been there done that, still doing that. It never ends unless you bring it to an end. Embrace the life that you have been given. Embrace the proper people and engage the proper mind set If you would like to contact me for any other words of wisdom about business and/or real estate, I may be reached at alvin.terry@rocketmail.com or directly @ 713.392.9107. Good Luck and Be Prosperous!

uring m y career i n the customer service industry, I’ve learned the value of leaders spending time on the front lines. By Errol Allen, Often as managers Contributing Writer and executives, the tendency to be removed from what actually happens “in the trenches” is probably more of the norm than the exception. Position requirements and expectations often monopolize much if not all of a leader’s time. I suggest that leaders regularly carve out time to spend on the front lines and actually get a “hands-on” experience. Here’s why:

1. Enlightenment In today’s business environment, managing by the numbers seems to be the way to go. Numbers are critical in managing a business, but one must remember there is a story and people behind the numbers. As a leader, you may be surprised to learn the “real” story. Time spent on the front line actually performing the duties connected to your numbers will assist you in determining if the numbers utilized for performance goals are in fact the correct numbers or if adjustments are required. Compare your operations numbers to your customer satisfaction levels. Is there a negative gap between the two? Your operation may appear to be successful according to the operations numbers, but if the customer satisfaction levels are not following the same pattern, it’s time to get the real story. In the same manner, compare your operations numbers to your employee satisfaction levels. It’s been my experience that this one can fool you. Your operations numbers and employee satisfaction levels may look good, but how’s your employee turnover level? Often times employees true feelings are spoken with their feet in comparison to what they say. Regular visits to the front line will assist you in getting the real story behind the numbers.

2. Respect The amount of respect you gain from the front line workers by spending time with them is enormous! During my last corporate stint, I challenged a vendor manager to spend time performing the work of his front line workers. I had frequent conversations with these workers and understood the imbalance of their workload and performance goals. The vendor manager responded to my challenge with a resounding “Not happening!” One day later, where was this manager? He was on the front line performing the same duties as the other workers. What was their response to his being there! The word

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spread like wildfire! They knew that he could not perform the duties at their rate of speed, but were elated that he took the time to learn first hand the reality of their work situation. His respect and appreciation for these workers changed after this experience. The front line workers’ respect level for the manager changed as well. Hopefully, more realistic performance goals were the outcome of this scenario.

3. Improved Morale Imagine the long-term effects to employee morale in the example given above regarding the vendor manager’s decision to spend time working on the front lines. When front-line workers believe that leaders care enough to “get in the trenches” to gain the front-line workers’ perspective, a positive moral shift is usually close behind. A long-term positive change in morale follows if changes are instituted to assist the front-line worker in being more successful in servicing their customers (both internal and external customers). Front-line workers usually have great ideas for improvement and are just waiting for someone to ask for their opinion. Regular visits to the front-line will provide a regular flow of new ideas and suggestions.

4. Improved Customer Experience An improved customer experience is usually the result of leaders getting handson experience at the front line. As leaders typically have some measure of influence within an organization, they can be the driving force behind needed changes and ideas for improvement that become evident when spending time on the front line. As these changes are implemented within the organization, a positive impact flows out to the customer through improved service and front line employee attitude and demeanor. A front line experience is good for all leaders. It gives one a different perspective on what actually happens within an organization. I have a saying – “What you see is not always what is – ask questions – your perspective may change as a result of the answers.” Don’t rely solely upon numbers to run your organization. Spend some time on the front line!

September - October 2012

15.

Business Loans - Spruce up Your Business By James Addevsen

s your business suffering and you are seeking instant monetary support for your business then you can either opt for the route that many other business organizations in the United Kingdom opt or sell off your inventory. The choice is yours. Business loan is what a large number of companies look forward to when seeking immediate cash. These loans can be availed as per your wish and requirement. You can start a business or expand the new one. Funds availed through this loan can be acquired by anyone who is a citizen of United Kingdom and wants to create a niche in the market. Many young business entrepreneurs have been applying for it to realize their business dreams. With this kind of loan facility, you can buy raw material, equipments or office furniture to stay ahead in this highly competitive business world where various businesses of the same nature crop-up every other day. These loans are a sure-shot way to survive here and emerge as winners. In addition to this, you can hire more employees to offer quality customer service to all clients and promote your business like you always desired for. Whether it is cash that a borrower need desperately or you simply wish to spruce up your current business, these loans can do it for you

rates. Even those having faltering credit background can finance their new business with this amazing loan facility. Obtaining this financial assistance is not at all an easy job if you are living with tags like insolvency, county court judgments, arrears, foreclosures, non payments or late payments, individual voluntary arrangements or defaults. However, with this loan facility even they can grab funds without giving a second thought. Business loans tend to carry a high rate of interest. It is, therefore, suggested that you avail this loan after conducting a proper research. Make sure that you spend the acquired amount carefully so that you have sufficient funds at the later stage. Compare online quotes before making any decision. Funds to start a new business are just a few clicks away.

These loans are a sure-shot way to survive here and emerge as winners. without delay. More often than not, a young business entrepreneur approaches either moneylending firms or banks for a loan needed to start a business. However, in this day and age, you can apply for it from the comfort of your home. It is the online mode of application that has enabled a large number

of people to fetch instant funds. Internet is just the right destination to search for such loans. Ever mounting competition amidst online money-lenders has proved beneficial for borrowers for they have a range of options to choose from. You can choose the one that fits your existing business needs and is available at reasonable interest

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About The Author James Addevsen is a prolific author who has penned several articles on finance and has quite a few years of experience as the chief consultant to financial consultancies. To find business loans, small business loan and business startup loans that best siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s you need visit http://www.businessloans.uk.com

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September - October 2012

Perfecting the VC Pitch v e n t u r e c a p i ta l

How Does it Work?

s your i d e a worth millions? Do you have the next innovative solution in payment processing, g a m i n g By Cynthia Nevels, application or transportation Contributing Writer equipment? Are you looking for funding for your new idea to help take it global? Like many forward thinking innovators you may have found the market to be tepid when it comes to finding investment capital for startup businesses. You will often find your normal source of funding for a startup is usually going to come from your own pocket. Whether you use your income from your current job to bank roll your startup, your 401K or you borrow from your family; the money has to come from somewhere. Some companies like Facebook, Twitter, Zynga, PayPal, Medtronic and others got the capital infusion they needed to grow from venture capitalists, a different source that we don’t quite see very often in the African American community. In 2011, CNN’s Soledad O’Brien hosted a special news program called Black in America: The New Promised Land – Silicon Valley. The show was about the journey of eight participants in the NewMe Accelerator program for black tech founders, who bring their startup concepts to Silicon Valley in an attempt to make it big. The founders get access to mentorship from industry veterans and proximity to the hottest technology companies in the world. The story follows the founders who have to live together in a small Mountain View, Calif. house, which injects a little Real World-style drama into an already meaty storyline. It was a glimpse into a new and fascinating world that African Americans rarely get to see. What does it take to acquire investment capital from the titans in the market? What skills or resources do you need? I recently talked to Garrett Johnson, Co-Founder of SendHub.com, a startup launched in July 2011 that is working to improve the efficiency of group mobile messaging. In March 2012, Mr. Johnson’s company acquired $2.2 million in seed venture capital to expand his mobile messaging company. The road to finding the right venture capital firm was not easy but Johnson shares

some valuable tips and lessons learned. 1. Be prepared to accept rejection and hearing the word “no” often. 2. Test your product in the market on a small scale first and work out the kinks before searching for funding. You have to have a following or a customer base before a venture capitalist will pay attention. 3. Hire a team that adds value to your company. You may not be able to pay them what they are worth as a startup but there are many options available to share with your human capital to keep them on the team. 4. Create a ‘deck” or professional presentation for venture capitalists to see and keep it short, factual and shop them the money - first. Pretty is good but profitable is preferred. 5. Attend local meetings and network with people you have never met before. The connection you need to make may not be in your community, may not look like you or frequent the pl aces you do. Expand your horizons and come out of your comfort zone. 6. Hire professional consultants with experience in the areas of accounting, advertising, marketing and an attorney who has experience with raising capital and managing assets. 7. Protect your ideas first before you start the pitch tour. 8. Be prepared to spend long nights and early mornings in the office getting the product or service in tip top shape and ensuring your deck is flawless. 9. Understand your market and your financial numbers (valuation). If you cannot speak VC language – learn quickly. 10. Never give up. If you believe in the mission, vision, viability of your product/ service and you have done your homework, your chance will come. This July, RLJ Credit Opportunity Fund, one of several business ventures operated by Black Entertainment Television Founder Robert Johnson, was licensed by the Small Business Administration to operate as a Small Business Investment Company. Among investors are Deutsche Bank, Sun Trust, Wells Fargo and Northern Trust. The fund will launch with $70 million in capital, and plans to raise a total of $225 million. The relationship with partner banks will demonstrate that banks are willing to invest in minority companies that can generate returns and help meet their Community Reinvestment Act goals. The fund will focus on financing for minority and small businesses nationwide.

Resources: National Venture Capital Association | OpenView Ventures Partners | RLJ Companies

www.nvca.org | www.openviewpartners.com | www.rljcompanies.com

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September - October 2012

Manipulating vs. Negotiating:

One Can Kill Your Business By Bob Corcoran

very day all across the country, many real estate agents are dying a slow death. What’s worse, they’re sticking the stake through their own hearts one millimeter at a time. A long, slow, painful death. And what’s even more incredible: they don’t even realize they’re doing it. How is this happening? Every time agents manipulate instead of negotiate, they take one step closer to leaving this great profession. I don’t want to sound overly dramatic here, but understanding the differences bet ween manipulate and negotiate can mean the difference between the life and death of your real estate business. The dictiona r y def ines manipulate like this: “To control or inf luence something or someone deviously; to falsify a bill, accounts, etc. for one’s own advantage.” The definition of negotiation is this: “The mutual discussion and arrangement of the terms of a transaction or agreement; a discussion set up or intended to produce a settlement or agreement.” The reason agents who manipulate shoot themselves in the foot is this simple sentence: People know when they’re being manipulated. And in the long run, manipulating clients will leave you without business. It’s proven that dissatisfied customers tell more people about their experiences than happy ones. So use these negotiation tips to give clients pleasant and memorable experiences: • Let both sides win – Arrange transactions so that both sides feel as if they’ve gotten most of what they want – in short that they feel they’ve won. True, your clients might not get exactly what they want in the transaction, but if you can help them get most of their goals and then let the other party get an outcome that satisfies them, then you’ve made everyone a winner. Win-win doesn’t mean everyone gets everything they want. So instead of starting negotiations from an adversarial winner-takeall perspective, stay focused on your top priorities and keep your emotions in check. • Respect the other side’s

priorities. Effective negotiators learn as much as they can about what the priorities are of the other party, and then they keep them front and center in their mind with the utmost respect. Once you know what’s important to the other side you can avoid hitting on the sensitive issues. • Build a bridge, not a dam. How do you do this? You start with a fair price or fair offer. Pricing is key and overpricing a home turns off potential buyers. The same goes for making a low-ball offer – that’s practically guaranteed to alienate sellers. Asking and offering prices should be based on recent sales prices of comparable homes. When you price the property right from the beginning, you build bridges. Not only that, but you also move closer to reaching your 2012 goals. Speaking of reaching goals, e-mail me at Article@CorcoranCoaching. com and I’ll send you a free article, “Catapulting yourself into 2012,” that covers the details of goal setting, creating a business plan and several other key functions. • Think impression. It’s been said people may not remember you, but they will remember how you made them feel. As you’re negotiating, always think about the impression you’ll be leaving with both parties. The goal is to create smiles all around the closing table at the end of the transaction. If you achieve that, you can consider yourself a winner, too. Let me hear from you about this article. Have you ever gotten honest feedback from someone about how you negotiate? Have you taken time to examine how you work with your clients to ensure that you’re truly negotiating and not manipulating? How can you make your negotiation skills stronger? Please send any comments or questions you have to Article@CorcoranCoaching. com or http://www.facebook. com/CorcoranCoaching. Advertise TODAY in d-mars.com Business Journal Call Us TODAY! 713.272.9511

17.

Building

Blocks

to Becoming a

Household Name By Kim Nishida

Identify your values: This is the most critical step and the one most often overlooked in business. Do some soul searching and get a crystal clear idea of what matters most to you as an individual and then as a company. Your values form the base of your company and should influence every decision, from what kind of toilet paper you buy to the business partners you seek. Identify your mission: Once your values are identified, it’s time to write a mission statement. Ask, why does my company exist? What do we aim to do? Write it in simple language that a 12year old can understand. Do a search on the internet for mission statements and use the most compelling ones as a template. This is the statement that should get you out of bed each morning and inspire you morning, noon, and night. Identify your ideal client: Again, a critical step. Look at your mission and why your company exists at all and ask, “Whom do I serve?” The hard part is getting as specific as possible to the point of potentially turning off a lot of other people. Don’t worry. The biggest mistake you can make is trying to please everyone. This dilutes your service/product so much that you really don’t strike a nerve with anyone. No one will have a compelling enough reason to buy from you. By turning some people off, you attract others who will bond with you for life. And

a final benefit to knowing the specifics of your ideal client is you then have a much better idea of where to look for them. Create an emotional connection: Every potential customer wants to know one thing, “What’s in it for me?” In order to compel someone to pull out their money and buy, you need to connect them to you in an emotional way. How are you going to make their life better? What pain is your product or service going to eliminate? Watch some television and notice how the best commercials create an emotional atmosphere. Which commercials get your attention, which ones stick with you, and how do they get their message across? Identify the benefits vs. the features: Know your product/services inside and out. But instead of just listing the features, describe them in terms of how the client will benefit. Remember, it’s all about creating that emotional connection with your ideal client and telling them how you can make their life better. Create an experience: Why should consumers buy from you as opposed to any one of your competitors? What makes you unique? Successful companies are now in the business of creating experiences that enrich lives. Starbucks does not just sell coffee. From the music they play (and sell) to the comfortable furniture and inviting d’cor they offer, they create an atmosphere

5 6

Kim Nishida is a cer tified life coach and fitness professional commit ted to helping others become healthy, wealthy, and wise. The owner of Ready to Evolve Coaching, she lives and thrives in Southern California. For more informat ion visit :

w w w. r ea d y to evo l ve.c o m Experience Our World of Marketing and Communication

that people will pay for above and beyond a beverage in a cup. Commit to a message: How do your values and mission tie into your image? Carefully look at what matters most to you and broadcast that to your ideal client. Once you are clear on your message, stand behind it and don’t waffle. Enforce consistency: This also relates to your values and mission. Once you are clear about why you are in business, maintain your integrity, from the level of service you provide and your logo and printed materials to the way you follow-up with customers and the stamps you buy. Be conscious of every detail and match it to your values, your mission, and your message. Have the courage to reinvent yourself: Even (or especially) if you have been in business for a long time, take the time to ask, who do we REALLY want to be? You might have created your business without being clear about your mission, or your mission might have changed. Or because the climate and the market constantly evolve, you might have hit the target five years ago, but have lost your edge since then. Be brave enough to ask if your current image is right. If not, this is the time to reconnect with your current mission. Lastly, beware of following trends: If you want longevity, don’t fall prey to the seduction of the latest trend. Besides, if something is trendy, it’s probably already too late to jump on that bandwagon. Keep looking inward at what you stand for and forward at how your company will change lives. Build trust by showing you aren’t fickle or easily swayed by the flavor of the month.

18.

September - October 2012

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September - October 2012

It Comes a Time…” F

o r years w e have used the expression “ b r i n g something to the table” to describe a p e r s o n’s By Noel Pinnock, CCC, a b ility to Contributing Writer contribute to a conversation or to add value to others. Not everyone does that. In life, some people always want to be the “guest.” Wherever they go, they are there to be served, to have their needs met, to be the recipient. Because they possess that attitude, they never bring anything to the table or anyone else. After a while, that can really wear out and it comes a time when others must stand up and do something. I am of the persuasion that everyone should add a level of value that can and will have a profound impact in our world, societies, communities, or individual homes. Mother Teresa once said, “That if you can’t feed a thousand hungry people, then just feed one.” We have made so much progressin o u r n a t i o n b u t h a v e fallen short on providing others empowerment and opportunity. Empowerment and opportunity are the power bank account words that best describe my thesis for this month’s contributing article and they also provide the basis of my practical Theory of Genvolution (gen-vólution). Genvolution is a newly coined word that describes the process of transferring empowerment and opportunity to individuals who are going to succeed those in previous generations. For example, approximately 30 million Americans in the Baby Boomer Generation (BBG) are eligible for retirement or are working beyond retirement due to blighted economic reasons. The individuals in the BBG should be working diligently to empower, transfer their knowledge, and provide ongoing opportunities to the succeeding generation (Generation X – Born 1964 – 1963) and invite them into a dialog centered on, “what do we do when we leave?” With the impending human capital tsunami, that is destined to impact all business sectors (private, public, and non-profit); it comes a time when we need to start bringing something and others to the table and begin grooming our successors. However, so very few of those

who will meet this inevitable exodus are truly engaged in prospecting and mining their successors thus severely widening the succession gap across all business sectors. I conducted a brief and informal study on our elected officials in the surrounding municipalities in Houston and I was not surprise to learn a vast majority of those in senior and tenured offices neither have considered their replacement nor has engaged in any activity associated providing empowerment and opportunity to those who truly have a strong passion to succeed them. I would venture to say that this trend might be consistent in your organization. If not, then just ask around for yourself or simply observe your organizational culture. If a senior level position becomes vacant from a tenured position incumbent, does the company promote up or re-hire the recent retiree on a part-time basis to fill the vacancy he/she just vacated? On the other hand, does the company provide that budding professional an opportunity to hold the helm? So,the brewing questionthat isprobably pulsatingin your mind is, “why?”Well, to be brutally candid, no one knows for sure; however, thereseems to be multiple impeding factors, such as fear, exclusivity, or attachment. I would venture to say that attachment or comfort plays a major role in the lack of Genvolution in our society but it comes a time when we have to empower and provide opportunity to those who will eventually be responsible leading our country into a new normal. It is only inevitable, so why not start empowering and providing those who are in the shadow an opportunity to step into the light today…don’t let comfort erode your efforts. Comfort enters your home as a guest, remains as your host and eventually becomes your master; therefore, it comes a time when comfort needs to be evicted because it will come a time when we have to let the next generation in… ding dong…who is it? Genvolution!

“bring

something to the

table”

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19.

20.

September - October 2012

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September - October 2012

21.

Typical Services Offered

In A Virtual Office By Bob Hamilton

ne of the emerging concepts when it comes to having an office today is the virtual office. Basically, a virtual office is a very practical way to reduce costs. Instead of operating an “actual” office complete with all the tangible facilities and maintenance, a virtual office offers the same convenience as an actual office but at a lesser cost. Virtual offices are very much like operating a physical office when it comes to the services made available to support you and your business. All these are made possible thanks to modern technology. Even from a distance, an office can perform all of the necessary functions at a much lower price.

Here are some of the common services offered by this type of office.

• Receptionist

• Call centers

• Voicemail

• Virtual Assistants

Receptionists are important in an office. They are the first ones to assist the guests as they first make contact and start communicating with the office. They are provided with the general information which will allow them to guide the guests in what they want to know. In a virtual office, there are remote receptionists. What makes this set-up possible is using a software system which connects the receptionist to other people in order to provide assistance.

The function of call centers is almost similar to that of a receptionist. They receive calls coming from clients. However, call centers are trained to handle a large volume of calls and to answer specific questions which are more technical or focused than those handled by the receptionist. There are also call centers which do telemarketing. This means they make outbound calls to reach out for possible clients and then spark their interest about the products or services you are selling.

Some virtual offices offer low-cost options to their clients. Just one example is voicemail service. Instead of getting receptionists and call centers, they record voice messages of incoming calls and reply to them as directed.

One of the important services of a virtual office is the virtual assistant. An office cannot fully function unless a number of administrative tasks are accomplished first. Examples of these include appointment setting, billing and book keeping. Virtual assistants make the office work easier by taking charge of these details.

These are just few of the useful services which are offered by virtual offices. Use of these services make the office operations a lot easier. Enjoy the convenience and the efficiency a virtual office can offer. Secure a virtual office for your business today!

About The Author Cascade Executive Suites offer affordable and professional executive suites Vancouver. Whether you have a new and or small business, you can find the perfect executive suites at http://www.nwexecutivesuites.com/.

Going Beyond Formal Education A

re you t r u ly educated? Can you engage in t he selfsustaining, self-generated By Dr. D.L. Jones, actions that Contributing Writer distinguish an independent adult from a dependent child? Are we seeing thousands of non-traditional online college institutions luring students into spending tens of thousands of dollars in hope to compete with a traditional education? As for “traditional education,” you have to ask yourself how much the artificial environment of a campus actually prepares one for the real environment of a workplace family, and the world at-large. There are so many differences as to make them incomparable. So, is there an answer? Obviously there are volumes of periodicals devoted to answering this question. Unlike what is proposed in the federal statutes of “No Child Left Behind” no educator who thinks with common sense would have narrowed being educated down to an expected norm referenced scale score on a standardized test. If we were to adopt this definition of “educated,” many of the would-be educated politicians in Congress battling over how to jump start

the economy would have it figured out by now. In several of my recent articles in the d-mars.com Business Journal, I’ve often held my disposition that being educated includes more than obtaining a piece of paper from an accredited college or university. My position remains firm, being educated reaches beyond the walls of higher learning to include factors such as demonstrating the ability to listen carefully, think critically, to evaluate facts rigorously, to reason analytically, imagine creatively, articulate interesting questions, explore alternative viewpoints, maintain intellectual curiosity and to speak and write persuasively. If we add to that a reasonable familiarity with the treasures of history, literature, theater, music, dance and art that previous civilizations have delivered, now you are getting close to the meaning of being educated. Americans are notorious for drawing a distinct line in the sand on the issue of whose educated and who’s not. Our world is slowly embracing an eclectic approach to non-traditional forms of education and their academic validity. Nevertheless, corporate America holds the embedded view of the educated being birthed out of the traditional halls of higher learning. As a result, for most people today, education means going to college for a particular career. More specifically,

many think of acquiring an education as synonymous with acquiring a fouryear college degree. More education means another degree. Conversely, to be uneducated means not having attended college and therefore not having a degree. While such a degree may help to prepare an individual for a particular field of employment, how much emphasis does the curriculum, or the student, place on developing mentally, morally, or aesthetically? Concurrently, does this traditional definition mean that a person without a college degree is uneducated, even inferior, as some seem to believe? I have spent the last twenty years in the field of public education. Needless to say, many of my friends are educators. However, I spend a great deal of time with people who don’t possess the “formal” degree of education from a college or university. I find many times that their conversations are more enlightening and riveting than those who brag about their academic achievements. For example, when engaging in conversations with my friends with little formal education, their conversations aren’t text book oriented or researched based birthed out of formal schooling. It’s without question that this group of individuals was curious about the world around them, and that spirit of exploration led them to discover their true passion and strengths. My assessment

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concludes that this is what led them to their success. Our country is at a crossroads as it pertains to endorsing pathways to best practices in non-traditional education. Conversely, we have seen throughout the years that placing the control of learning in the hands of politicians, and imposing state and federal rules and requirements on students can stifle the natural love for learning. These unobtainable state and federal regulations have failed democracy and impoverished the souls of today’s youth. So, how do we go beyond what we call education? The answer does not rest solely in the hands of charter schools, home schooling, private schools or public education. The closest answer settles within the nest of having a curiosity about the world around us and subduing it. God created the earth and all therein, post His creation he told Adam to go out and ‘subdue’ it. This is what made Leonardo da Vinci a universal man; no one told him he had to specialize in one thing, his interests and accomplishments were birthed out of his innate curiosity that covered a wide range of fields. Do you want to expand your education? Expand your mind by subduing the world around you. The cure to AIDS is in the mind of the man who steps out on a quest to find the answer. That’s education!

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Leadership Development Across Cultures By Marco Chan

veryday, more and more leaders around the world are working with people from countries other than their native country. Federal Express, UPS, Dell, GE, Delta Airlines, HP, IBM, American Express, Motorola, GM, Ford, Microsoft, Google are just a few companies in the United States who work with employees, suppliers, and customers in China, India, Brazil, Ireland, Mexico, Romania, Russia and other places. Often companies will send managers from the United States to manage their offices in foreign countries. Many of these Americans leaders feel frustrated with their foreign employees. They grumble: • It’s so difficult to understand their English! • They don’t understand what I am trying to tell them? • If they disagree, why don’t they speak up? • They never look me in the eye when I talk to them, how can I size them up? • Why can’t they get on with the business first? • I can never get a straight answer! Moreover, more foreign companies are establishing their businesses in the United States. Sony, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Sharp, Panasonic, Toshiba, Hitachi, Mercedes, Volkswagen are considered old timers. Similarly, these Chinese, Korean, British, French, Australian executives working in the United States feel the same frustration with American culture as their American counter parts do in the foreign countries. These leaders complain: • Why aren’t Americans more humble? • Why can’t they be less confrontational? • They are always in a hurry. • All they want is to talk business. • They don’t respect our ways. • Why is the American media so out of control? Additionally, if there are cultural issues, workers in the United States can feel frustrated with a boss or coworker from the other country. They may feel confused about what they are expected to accomplish, because there is a misunderstanding in either verbal or non verbal communication. If you want to be effective in achieving business results in this cross cultural environment, offer leadership development opportunities to your employees. Start with the following ideas among many to develop your people: 1. Learn about the cultures of people that you have to interact with. Don’t trust your perceptions or preconceived stereotypes. • Get a book from a bookstore or your local library. (Geert Hofstede, a well known cross cultural expert, has published a great deal of information about different cultures.) • Take a cultural class from a college or

university. • Write other countries’ government embassies or cultural associations for information. • Attend cultural events. Observe how other people respond to each other. Do they shake hands or bow? Do they look at each other or divert their eyes. What is considered appropriate personal space when talking? • Spend time with someone from another culture. Don’t judge. Listen and be open to differences. You’ll be surprised how much more you’ll understand their perspective and the enjoyment you’ll gain. 2. Give extra time and effort when communicating. This step will help to minimize misunderstanding. • Speak clearly, distinctly, and calmly. Don’t raise your voice, the other person can probably hear just fine. • Ask for a confirmation of the message you transmitted. Good communication skills are crucial. • Ensure that your message is received as you intended and it is understood. • Limit using colloquialisms or slang terms. These can be confusing to someone who hasn’t live here very long. 3. D on’t g ive -up. Wit h a g o o d understanding of the cultural values of those people you lead and work with, you will be able to adjust your behavior and approach in your interaction with other cultures. • Personal leadership development is about taking small steps towards improvement. Continually make adjustments, and when it works, try more. • Ask for help and don’t be afraid to apologize for mistakes. People generally are appreciative that you are trying to understand them. • Be consistent. The more you work on your approach, the better chance you have of becoming highly successful in your interactions with other cultures. When you begin to see positive results from your new leadership approach, old stereotypes and perceptions of those cultures will be replaced not only personally but organization wide. You will find it easier for yourself and others to understand and respect the different cultures. One advantage, of course, will be improved productivity, communication skills, and teamwork within the organization. However and maybe more importantly, tensions between cultures can be used effectively in active discussions to lead to new innovative processes and systems. And as you begin to value cultural differences, you will find that these differences actually add to the success of your organization in a global marketplace. CMOE has been assisting global organization with Leadership Development

initiatives for 30 years. We invite you to learn more about how CMOE can help with your leadership training and development needs. Contact us at 888-262-2499 or visit http://www.cmoe.com/contact.htm Marco Chan is a consultant for CMOE and a leading authority on leadership

development in a global economy. Marco has implemented several global education programs for companies such as FedEx, Formosa, and Barclays Global Investors. To learn about how subject matter experts can assist your global leadership development needs contact us today.

Get Me Out Of Debt! Surefire Tactics For Debt Elimination By Joseph Hernandez

f you’re in financial crisis while your debt has grown to be unmanageable, you’re ready to try taking a little action and straighten out the scenario. Though your money is in chaos, you possibly can continue to do away with debt and restore control over your cash. However, you must find out the best way of getting it done. Here are several tips that will assist you in getting you out of debt: 1. Alter your current utility suppliers. You could put away a lot of money yearly on the gas, energy, water and telephone bills by switching. It is advisable to improve your energy power and phone suppliers prior to setting up direct debits. 2. Try to cut your household expenses. 3. Chop up store credit cards. These have undoubtedly the very worst costs, so if you discover it hard to manage a lot of these debts, discard your cards now to stop temptation. Many shopping area cards use a cash-back incentive. Don’t be misled! The amount of cash-back isn’t nearly as much as the interest you pay to your credit card. You’ll pay through the roof for most store cards - it’s safer to pay cash provided you can. 4. For all those stuff you cannot pay with cash, check around for the best discounts - the market industry is competitive, so there are some exceptional zero interest

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credit offers around. Additionally, it is worth having a look at the internet, as numerous creditors offer exceptional deals. 5. Evaluate protection policies. Save money by switching your insurance carrier. It is possible to get cheaper vehicle coverage or mortgage protection, for instance, by phoning around or searching via a web broker. Also, it is truly worth checking that you aren’t unnecessarily increasing your payments by not combining several of your coverages - such as auto, home and fire insurance... Look at your insurance policies binder. 6. Lastly, target on the plan to pay back debt. Read internet sites for testimonials to getting out of debt. This will help you stay motivated through your journey. Take every possible opportunity to save money. Buy discounted food products and take advantage of coupons. Don’t get worried about becoming humiliated since you also are purchasing over stocked food and utilizing coupons. Feel better about yourself realizing why these many people are wasting money and possibly carry more debt than you. Then, some day when you are debt-free, you will no longer have got to say “get me out of debt!” About The Author Stop wasting money by making minimum payments. See how our revolutionary debt negotiation program may get you out of debt fast and safe!

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How Life Insurance Can Protect Your Home

factors: • The daily memories may be too difficult to handle. • The expenses may be too large to maintain. • Your spouse needs to live closer to friends and family. • Your spouse needs to relocate for a better job or school area.

By Mena Freeman, Contributing Writer

ou and your family have worked hard to acquire your home, a rental property or other real estate holdings, and you qualified for that mortgage thanks to your income level, excellent credit rating and financial history. But what would happen if you — the primary income producer or even as half of a dual-income partnership — suddenly died? Besides the emotional trauma, a surviving spouse may experience a significant decrease in household income that could lead to foreclosure. That’s why many banks and mortgage companies encourage homeowners to purchase mortgage life insurance. Life Insurance from a Lender vs. Insurance Company Basically, you purchase mortgage life insurance so that in the event of an untimely death, funds are available to meet any outstanding mortgage balance. But the type of insurance you purchase can greatly affect your surviving family members’ options. When you purchase insurance from a bank or mortgage company, you generally lose all ownership control of the insurance. In many cases, you pay the premiums, the lender receives the proceeds at the insured’s death, and your family receives the deed to the house. While this may seem like an equitable solution, the spouse may not want to remain in the home due to several

With personally owned life insurance, you have more choices and control because your surviving spouse (assuming he/she is the beneficiary) — not the lender — receives the insurance proceeds at your death. Your spouse decides what to do with the money. He/ she can pay the mortgage in one lump sum or continue paying it down periodically. Plus, personally owned life insurance is portable, which means if you move in a few years, you won’t have to replace your insurance, which could be a costly process. Furthermore, even after the mortgage is paid, personally owned life insurance can provide other valuable benefits.

NORTH HOUSTON FRONTIERS CLUB,

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SERVING HOUSTON’S YOUTH

n Monday, January 21, 2013, the North Houston Frontiers Club under the leadership of President Wilma Evans will hold its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast at the Hilton Americas Hotel – Houston. This year’s Breakfast Chairpersons are Shirley Carter-Williams, T.C. Feaster, and John Fain. The keynote speaker is actress Lynn Whitfield. The Honorary Co-chairpersons are Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mr. and Mrs. Terence Fontaine. During the Breakfast, The Prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award will be presented to Rev. Leslie Smith II, President/CEO of Change Happens.

Make a Choice Today Whether you decide to purchase mortgage life insurance through a bank or personally owned life insurance, the key is to be prepared. There is a real chance that someday one person will be solely responsible for your family’s finances. Taking the necessary steps today can ensure your family’s financial future tomorrow. This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy by Mena Freeman, New York Life Insurance Company. For additional information on the information or topic(s) discussed, please contact Mena Freeman at 7136246496. Advertise TODAY in d-mars.com Business Journal Call Us TODAY! 713.272.9511

The net proceeds from the breakfast are used to fund the scholarship program. NHFC has awarded over $1,000,000 in scholarships over the past twenty-four years. The North Houston Frontiers Club, Inc. (NHFC) is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) service organization, dedicated to providing educational and charitable assistance to needy minority students in the greater Houston area. NHFC IS requesting that you lend your voice to this educational effort through any of the following ways: Underwriting the 2013 Breakfast with a pledge of $55,000, participating at the Partnership Level with a pledge of $10,000, atvv

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the Platinum Level ($5,500), Gold Level ($3,500), Silver Level ($2,500) or Supporter ($1,000). This will be their Silver Anniversary and they cordially invite you to join in the celebration of 25 Years of providing scholarship opportunities for deserving students.

Advertise TODAY in d-mars.com Business Journal Call Us TODAY! 713.272.9511

September - October 2012

Increasing Loyalty by Enhancing Employee Benefit Offerings, Not Costs By Charles B. Swindell, Contributing Writer

oday’s small business owner faces a number of challenges including a slow economic recovery and volatile investment markets. In addition to those, according to MetLife’s 9th Annual Study of Employee Benefit Trends, many may also be facing employee retention issues as employee loyalty has significantly declined in the last few years. Only 44% of employees reported a strong sense of loyalty to their current employer – a sharp contrast from 2008 where 62% of those surveyed felt a great sense of loyalty. Though small businesses may be facing some hurdles, today’s environment may present opportunities for employers to help retain and recruit employees by improving benefit offerings while maintaining the line on costs.

Voluntary Benefits

Though benefits such as medical, prescription drugs, dental, life, disability, and vision coverage, are considered by many employees important to have, about

one-third of small business do not offer one or all of these. Among employees, however, interest is still very strong. The study shows that approximately half of employees find it important to have benefits like life, dental, and disability insurance available to them through the workplace even if they have to pay all of the cost themselves. Therefore, voluntary benefits are another option for small business employers seeking a cost-effective way to increase their benefits offerings while improving employee retention. When faced with a choice of either paying for some benefits or losing them entirely, many employees indicated that they would choose to pay for them.

Retirement Solutions

For individuals today, saving for retirement has become a daunting task. It is safe to say that a majority of individuals today feel that they have not saved enough for retirement, and the anemic economic recovery has not assuaged those fears and concerns. One way small businesses may be able to help employees with their retirement savings goals is to offer educational

programs. 75% of small business employees (those who work for employers with fewer than 500 workers) who report taking time off to deal with, or spend more time at work thinking about personal financial issues than they think they should, said they would be interested in receiving advice and guidance through their employer. Employers are somewhat reluctant to do so, understandable giving these challenging times. But there are clearly some productivity and loyalty implications for an employer’s decision not to address the financial worries of employees. Overall, many financial advice and guidance programs and tools can be implemented with minimal cost and effort.

Opportunities

To the small business owner, the question of whether or not to offer employee benefits is more a question of how to spend more effectively versus spending more. Many employee benefit solutions can be implemented by a small business owner at a minimal cost, and the rewards can be quite substantial as these benefits foster a sense of loyalty among employees. Company loyalty, in turn, may lead to a more positive work environment, a place where employees feel they have a network of support

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and greater job satisfaction. Therefore, to help prevent small businesses suffer employee productivity losses from losing talented staff or from having dissatisfied employees, they should be encouraged to work with their brokers to ensure that their benefits program is meeting the needs of employees and that the benefit offerings remain relevant and competitive. A well-designed, costeffective benefits program can help small business employers attract, retain, reward and motivate those who make the business run effectively and efficiently.

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R. W. Bray, Inspired to Make a Change By R.W. Bray

century and a half ago, a group of dedicated African Americans decided economic equality was imperative to the future of their race, but the government and its laws favored inequality that limited the growth of their freedom. Through the hard work of a nu mber of ded ic ated black men and women, the earliest foundations of the Republican Party of Texas were laid. The first city to hold a Republican convention in the state of Texas was Houston on July 4, 1867. It was predominantly African American in composition, with about 150 Black men and 20 White men. My name is R.W. Bray and I am a Black Republican running to bring a second Reconstruction to the State of Texas. On the ballot this November, R.W. Bray will appear as the Republican candidate for Senate District 6, but 20 plus years ago I was simply listed as Rasuali Wayne Bray, one of only two surviving children mentioned in Julia Bray’s obituary published in the Lake Charles, Louisiana newspaper. My mother was a pro-black feminist radical. She was young

and energetic, filled with promise and hope for the f uture adva ncement of blacks. However, my proud mother passed away in the autumn of her life. At eleven years old, it’s hard to comprehend death, who dies at thirty? Notwithstanding, I learned early on, life stops for no one, but the world is always in need of radicals. At 18, I attended Dillard University to pursue a bu si ne s s de g re e. T h at was an interesting age, not only was it the year I started my life away from home, I met my father who had abandoned me at birth. While in college I became very grateful for my grandparents adopting my sister and me after being wards of the State. From them I learned the importance of hard work and independence. I lost them both in the following years; my grandmother died first and my grandfather followed. Not long after their deaths I joined the military. Today, I serve my country proudly as a guardsmen and I could not have made a better decision with my life than to enlist in the United States Air Force. Trained with the discipline of the military and equipped

with a college education I moved to Dallas, TX in pursuit of business. In Dallas, I fulfilled my dream of becoming a business man by helping to create a number of medical facilities, establishing marketing strategies and building bu si ne s s re l at ion s h ip s that would offer me endless possibilities. As an established businessman, my independence and desire to be self sufficient led me back to New Orleans in pursuit of law. Not long after the move, Hurricane Katrina brought me to Houston. The aftermath of Katrina became one of the most painful experiences of my life. But I remember looking up one day and thinking, “I’m tired of working for others.” It was then I realized the world would not take my life. I took back my life that day and consequently won an empowering independence and an incredible respect for my black ancestors. Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington became my heroes and I dedicated my life to being unchained to any power that would attempt to enslave me to a debilitating system of need. Instead accepting the philosophy of asking my neighbor for a handout, I embraced the thought of asking for a hand up. I hung on to my grandparent’s teachings and I embraced the fighting spirit of the city of New Orleans. Fast forward through all the degrees and certifications, past the d isappoint ment s a nd struggles, skirt through all the recent City Hall fights for fiscal conservatism, racial equality and the return of our moral compass, and you’ll find that I am now running to be the first Black Republican Senator since the Reconstruction and the only active national guardsman in the State of Texas, to take seat in Austin chambers since the early 1900’s. Currently, I am the

Vice President of Houston’s Yo u n g R e p u b l i c a n s , a proud member of the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals and several more affiliations and organizations of change and healing that would do nothing more than drag my story on for the sake of bragging. No, if I’m to boast let me boast in this—that I am the product of a black owned publication, incorporated by a man who would not meet me until six years after I’d read an article that would catapult my political interest and self reliance. At a political function, one of the D-Mars founders was present and I had the honor to express my gratitude for the impact him and his brother’s dream had made on my life. Unknowingly, my manifest destiny was inspired by an article written by the president and publisher, Keith Davis Sr. In an article that would

change my life, Keith attributed a small message to his readers about how he chased his dream and how important entrepreneurship would be to the deliverance of not only us as individuals but us as a people. In these recent years A mericans have seen more conservative African Americans speaking up and stepping out than ever before. We are the believers of a message much like the one Keith wrote about. We ’r e d r e a m c h a s e r s , refusing to be held down by an oppressive government that would have us relinquish the birthright of liberty for pieces of paper. We are failures determined to lift ourselves up without the help of an insolvent system depending on our impoverishment, but instead trust in the power of human will and Gods divine intervention. We are the decedents of slaves and the heirs of a promise

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given to us a century and a half ago—the promise of Emancipation and the reconstruction of our government to provide us with freedom to succeed or fail. But, we will not fail. If anyone wants to know why I am running…I am running because I believed in the words in an article about a story of one man who dared to share his dreams with readers, hoping that he might touch one. I am running for office and sharing my story in hopes that it may touch one another, so that come November, whether Republican or not, those who read this article might know enough of me to vote on principle over party. Who knows it may be the first step for the second Reconstruction Era of Texas.

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3 6 F

Habits of Effective Project Leadership Keys to Successful Project-Based Work

or any organization doing project based work, the need for leadership and collaboration is critical. Unfortunately, for many organizations, developing leadership is a challenge—there are never enough leaders in an organization and getting people to collaborate is often a challenge. Here are three leadership principles that can help you effectively manage project teams in today’s complicated business climate: 1. Lead Yourself First. My colleagues and I used to call this

By Ty Kiesel

walking the talk. If you don’t practice what you preach, how can you lead others? 2. Encourage Ownership. The more people feel of sense of ownership, the more responsibility team members will feel for the outcome. Identifying what a positive or negative outcome means to the te a m w i l l e nc ou r a g e a s e n s e of ownership. 3. Follow-Up. I don’t think it’s any secret, but leaders get the behaviors they reinforce. I t r e a l l y d o e s n’t matter what t ype of project basedwork you do or your particular work management m e t h o d o l o g y, projec t m a na ger s who spend time learning and implementing leadership skills are more successful than those that don’t. As

more and more organization turn to project and portfolio management best practices to make their organizations more efficient, the need for skilled project managers— those who know how to lead people as well as manage process—will continue to grow. What are you doing to improve your leadership skills? Six Keys to Successful Project-Based Work “Wax on, right hand. Wax off, left hand. Wax on, wax off. Breathe in through nose, out the mouth. Wax on, wax off. Don’t forget to breathe, very important.” In the 1984 movie The Karate Kid, Mr. Miagi, an apartment complex maintenance man, becomes an unlikely karate teacher for Daniel Laruso, a high-school kid in trouble with a bunch of local karate-bullies. With an unorthodox teaching style, Daniel-san’s first karate lessons includes waxing Mr. Miagi’s cars—all four of them. So what does this have to do with project based work? Without giving a play-by-play of the whole story, Mr. Miagi taught Daniel the basic techniques and skills that would allow him to defend himself. I’ve observed that there are some basic project management fundamentals that are common to any successful project and portfolio management methodology. Successful project managers focus on what matters most. Here are six suggestions: 1. Make sure the project has a strong sponsor. Every project needs a sponsor who will evangelize the value of the initiative throughout the life of the project.

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2. Make sure the project is adequately funded. The temptation is to take whatever funding is offered, but without adequate funding—it’s usually the project manager who ends up in hot water when the project fails for lack of financial resources. 3. Pick the right team. Make sure the team includes all the skills that will be needed for success. Just because someone is available, doesn’t always mean they are the best to work on your project. 4. Plan. Planning is more than just preparing to deliver the final product. It should involve a continual process of evaluation and adjustment. 5. Know the end before you begin. Make sure you know what the outcome of a successful project is before you start. What does “done” mean? Financial experts call this an “exit plan.” 6. Prepare for change. The very nature of projects creates change. Whether it’s a new product or an improvement in process or technology, make sure to prepare for the change. About The Author Ty Kiisel makes the concepts and best practices of web-based project management accessible to both the expert and novice project professional. Ty is also host of popular podcast TalkingWork.com. Resource: http:// www.attask.com/topics/web-basedproject-management-software

September - October 2012

Vitamins For The Mind By Jim Rohn

Personal Development

• To attract attractive people, you must be attractive. To attract powerful people, you must be powerful. • To attract committed people, you must be committed. Instead of going to work on them, go to work on yourself. If you become, you can attract. • We can have more than we’ve got because we can become more than we are. • The big challenge is to become all that you have the possibility of becoming. You cannot believe what it does to the human spirit to maximize your human potential and stretch yourself to the limit. • Pity the man who inherits a million dollars and who isn’t a millionaire. Here’s what would be pitiful: If your income grew and you didn’t. • The most important question to ask on the job is not “What am I getting?” • The most important question

to ask on the job is “What am I becoming?” • It is hard to keep that which has not been obtained through personal development. • After you become a millionaire, you can give all of your money away because what’s important is not the million dollars; what’s important is the person you have become in the process of becoming a millionaire. • Income seldom exceeds personal development. • What you become directly influences what you get. • “Vitamins for the Mind” is a weekly sampling of original quotes on a specific topic taken from The Treasury of Quotes by Jim Rohn. The burgundy hardbound book with gold-foil lettering is a collection of more than 365 quotes on 60 topics gathered from Jim’s personal journals, seminars and books and spanning more than 40 years. Taken from www.frogpond.com

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The 7th Annual Female Success Factor Top 25 Women of Houston Awards

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September - October 2012

6th ANNUAL

International Finanacial &

Leadership Summit

6th ANNUAL

with Soledad Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brian

International Finanacial &

Leadership Summit

with Stedman Graham

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Kappa Alpha Psi Fraturnity, Inc Giving Back to the Kids

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EXPERT

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