d-mars.com Business Journal 75

Business Journal Oct. - Nov. 10th, 2013

Inspire, Inform & Educate

75th Edition

Defining the Business Leaders to Shape Our Future

INSIDE

It’s A Man’s World?

By Dr. D. L. Jones When James Brown sang “It’s a Man’s World,” he was referring in part to the strong hold of white male dominance. These lyrics spoke about a man’s ...

Since new developments are the products of a creative mind, we must therefore stimulate and encourage that type of mind in every way possible.

-George Washington Carver

Ann Williams for Houston Community College Trustee, VII

Michael Kubosh for Houston City Council At Large Position 3

Andrew C. Burks, Jr for Houston City Council At Large Position 2

Ron Green for Houston City Controller

Larry V. Green for Houston City Council District K

Bruce Austin for HCC Trustee District II

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Houston Mayoral Candidate Ben Hall Shares Thoughts With d-mars.com

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Will closing a credit card account damage my credit?

By Lonnie Mathews I recently had the wonderful opportunity to do a three-part series on credit for a local company.

I have done hundreds of workshops on credit over the...

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Damian LaCroix for State Senator District 15

Ron Reynolds for State Representative

C. O. Bradford for Houston City Council

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Recruitment Manager TrainingWhen You Just Can’t Work Any Harder Implement These 4 Strategies

By Nicky Coffin You will find it everywhere; all the latest ‘management development’ talk about working less and achieving...

Keith Caldwell for Houston City Council District D

J. Brad Batteau for City Council at Large Position 3

Rogene Gee Calvert for Houston City Council At-Large Position 3

Dwight Boykins for Houston City Council District D

VOTE!

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d-mars.com at NAACP 2013 Freedom Fund Banquet PAGE 26

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Having Problems with Your Dog? Just Ask Mr. Laws…

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The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council Hosts 2013 Business Expo

CRIME

EDUCATION

ECONOMIC GROWTH

TRANSPORTATION

LOOK WHO’S SUPPORTING BEN HALL

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT NOVEMBER 5th www.benhallformayor.com

pd pol ad. All for Hall Committee Alvin Zimmerman and Bill Lawson, Treasurers P.O. Box 34545, Houston, Texas 77006

October - November 10th, 2013

Journal Behind The

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

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Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

With elections upon us, it’s imperative to remember the significance of voting. Our elected officials will be our voice for change in the areas most important to our community: schools, safety, and of course, business. A city as diverse as Houston needs business leaders who are not only in touch with the community, but ready to take the reins. This issue offers insight on being leaders in business and explores diversity, female influence as well as other helpful tidbits.

As always again, 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.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valerie Jones ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

CONTENTS

Administrative Assistant Angelle Gillum

Houston Mayoral Candidate Ben Hall Shares Thoughts With d-mars.com....................................................4

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine VIDEOGRAPHY Tony Mitchell PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kevin Wright DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Valerie Jones d-mars.com News Provider Dr. D. L. Jones Lonnie Mathews Greg Laws Nicky Coffin Jeannie Hale Gary Ryan Blair Tom Northup Helen Callier Noel Pinnock

It’s A Man’s World?........................................................................................................................................8 Advice for Small Businesses Poised to Hire Their First Employee...............................................................10 Career Opportunities Booming for Financial Professionals..........................................................................12 Will Closing a Credit Card Account Damage My Credit?.............................................................................14 Having Problems with Your Dog? Just Ask Mr. Laws…...............................................................................16 Recruitment Manager Training- When You Just Can’t Work Any Harder Implement These 4 Strategies.....18 Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling.............................................................................................................20 The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council Hosts 2013 Business Expo......................................22 Create a Personal Strategic Plan!................................................................................................................24 Part-time Jobs May be the New Normal in the U.S. Job Market.................................................................25 d-mars.com at NAACP 2013 Freedom Fund Banquet.................................................................................26 People Development: An Economic Imperative...........................................................................................28 Taking the Stress Out of a Job Transfer Move.............................................................................................30 Being Your Own Boss: Getting Your Freelance or Small Business Off the Ground......................................32 THE FIVE BIGGEST MISTAKES SMALL AND MINORITY FIRMS MAKE IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING Part Two of a Two-Part Series.......................................34 Attractive Career Opportunities Await Engineering Graduates....................................................................36 I See De@d People (Pt. 2)............................................................................................................................38 Working on the Front Lines of Cybersecurity...............................................................................................39

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “Never work just for money or for power. They won’t save your soul or help you sleep at night.”

-Marian Wright Edelman

d-mars.com Business Journal 7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 805 Houston, Texas 77074

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October - November 10th, 2013

Houston Mayoral Candidate Ben Hall Shares Thoughts With d-mars.com

By Valerie Jones Contributing Writer

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espite humble beginnings, Ben Hall has been able to apply the principles of courage, tenacity and justice he learned as a young man to excel in his legal practice. He received a bachelor’s degree from The University of South Carolina, master’s degree in divinity and doctoral degree from Duke University as well as his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.

In 2000, he founded the nationally recognized Hall Law Firm. He has served the Houston community through numerous pro bono efforts on behalf of groups, corporations and individuals in need of representation. While he is grateful for his professional successes, he recognizes his personal blessings. Hall describes his family as his greatest treasure. He and his wife Saundra have been married 31 years and have two sons, Benjamin IV and Zachary.

The entire Hall family remains committed to serving the Houston community.

Hall is near completion of his campaign run for the Mayor of Houston. But before the final ballot is cast, he wanted to sit down with d-mars.com to share his thoughts on various issues, including transportation, going green, and what he learned being a city attorney.

JONES: What made you decide to run for mayor in 2013?

HALL: I believe that voters deserve a choice. I am running FOR the office of Mayor of this great city. Our country long ago abandoned the idea of kings and queens and I believe that it is critical that every election voters are given a choice rather than simply being forced to continue with the status quo. This city’s potential is much greater than the present administration even imagines it to be and I believe that voters are ready for leadership with vision that will make Houston an international destination.

JONES: Tell me about your community efforts, particularly in the minority

communities of Houston.

HALL: Houston has been my home for the last 27 years. My family and I have dedicated our time and resources to making sure we give back to the city that gave us so much. One particular issue that is close to our hearts is the problem of homelessness in Houston. My wife and I support various efforts and have donated to several foundations to make sure that those without a home get food, shelter and support. Homelessness is a major problem in Houston and it will require the dedication and goodwill of individual Houstonians to help end it.

JONES: What is something you learned as a city attorney that you can use

as mayor, should you get elected?

HALL: As city attorney, I viewed those who worked for me not as my employees but as my colleagues. As mayor I will do the same and I promise to all city employees that I will be their colleague, not their boss. We are all there to serve the city of Houston and its residents. I believe in empowering all city employees to offer the best services that they can and provide resources in the most efficient way for the taxpayers and most effective way for each Houstonian.

JONES: What is the first issue you would like to address if elected mayor?

How would you go about it?

HALL: I believe that crime is an issue that affects every Houstonians and that our city cannot go on any longer without implementing meaningful policies to reduce the number of burglaries and acts of violence across Houston. We must leverage new technologies like strategically deployed surveillance cameras to support the efforts of our police force. From day one in office, I will make it known to criminals that they are not welcome here. I will make it as uncomfortable as possible for them to practice their craft.

We must take back our streets and return them to the law abiding so that the benefits of Houston’s future prosperity can be felt by every neighborhood.

JONES: What is one issue that you

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BEN HALL In The Community

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October - November 10th, 2013

BEN HALL In The Community

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October - November 10th, 2013 think has not been addressed so far in the community that you would like to tackle, should you be elected mayor?

HALL: I believe that there is not a single issue that has been addressed adequately by the current administration. Sixty-five percent of Houston is currently unsustainable, meaning the city spends more money to provide services there than it gets back in taxes. Rather than being content with encouraging businesses to go to already sustainable areas, businesses should be incentivized to locate in communities where their economic investment would be exponentially felt.

JONES: What do you think is the City of Houston’s greatest strength?

HALL: I believe that the diversity of our city is our greatest asset. We have so many beautiful people and cultures here and we are welcoming to everyone who wants to come here to make their dreams a reality. The beauty of this diversity is that it gives us access to almost every corner of the globe. We still have a long way to go, but I believe that as mayor I will be able to bring together all these diverse communities, empower each of their individual contributions, and position Houston as the driver of the international marketplace.

JONES: Houston has been known to have a few transportation issues, such

as congested highways. As mayor, how would you address this?

HALL: We must leverage new technologies for surface repair and implement graded intersections on high traffic roads in order to alleviate the chronic traffic problems that aggravate millions of Houstonians. I also believe that rail is an important part of Houston’s future transportation system, but we must use rail to first connect already dense areas.

This will allow Houstonians to easily travel between high traffic areas such as the airport, the Galleria, and the Medical Center. A smart rail system combined with pothole free roads and more efficient intersections will allow Houstonians to

get around safer and quicker.

JONES: How do you feel about the ‘going green’ initiative, especially in small businesses?

HALL: I am committed to ensuring that future business development in Houston is done in a way that does not jeopardize the safety of our air, water and green space. While I believe that businesses should be free from overly burdensome rules and regulations, I do think we can take meaningful steps to encourage green businesses to increase their footprint in this city and make sure that we consider sustainable options when taking on major new initiatives. Business development also cannot come at the expense of green

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space in the city. We all have the right to get outside and enjoy the greenery of Houston, like the Bayou!

JONES: In light of recent incidents at Houston-area schools, what initiatives do you plan to implement in the city’s school systems to increase student safety?

HALL: Crime reduction will be a main priority for a Hall administration. Our children have the right to be safe at school and be able to play in their neighborhood without intimidation or fear. This is why it is critical that the mayor make it a priority to reduce crime and implement meaningful policies to take back our neighborhoods. I also support increased access to before- and after-school programming to make sure that students have somewhere safe to be after school hours.

JONES: Tell me one thing people may be surprised to know about you.

HALL: I came from very humble beginnings. While I have been blessed throughout my life by the gifts God has given me, my childhood was very simple. My four sisters and I shared one bed when I was little and we rotated through one tub of water when we took baths at night.

And while my childhood was very different than what my sons were fortunate enough to have, I remember my home always being filled with God’s love and my family’s joy.

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October - November 10th, 2013

It’s A Man’s World?

By Dr. D. L. Jones Contributing Writer

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hen James Brown sang “It’s a Man’s World,” he was referring in part to the strong hold of white male dominance. These lyrics spoke about a man’s world of business such as the car industry, corporate America, and just making money and lots of it. Male domination! And though his punch line is that ‘It wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or a girl,’ the clear implication is that they provide a welcome contrast: he wants to be with them, but not for them to be with him competing in a man’s world of work and financial success. Interesting.

When someone attempts to categorize business success on the basis of gender, that person steps into the muddy waters of stereotyping, generalizing, and gender prejudice. It is extremely naive to be stereotypical about what women in general are capable of doing well in comparison to their male counterpart in the world of business. However, women who achieve

success in a man’s world of business, many times are viewed (like Oprah) as very atypical.

The topic of top female influencers will definitely stimulate questions and conversations on whether or not women as leaders have a special influence in what was once considered a ‘man’s world of business.’ This topic is a necessary and overdue as we see the door of business opportunity increasingly become wider and opportunities greater for women. Once inside, women are showing through suc-

cess that they can compete with men in an arena that’s dominated by men. So, what has made the difference now that women are competing on a higher level of business?

Many people that I’ve worked with and for have said that women display better problem-solving skill and organizational loyalty than their male counterparts.

Much can be said about the differences among men and women leaders. However, at the end of the day, many would agree that leadership is about the people

being led, not the leader. This has not always been the case in the gender-bias society in which we live. Therefore, the inference has been placed on the influence of women in business as compared to their male counterparts. Why is this so important?

Very few women have made it into CEO positions at major corporations.

Adversely, many have founded and successfully taken their own businesses to a level of financial success. These determined women of influence are increasing at an alarming rate, in spite of the obstacles and high attrition rates that are unarguably evident in the world of business.

More important, women who are increasingly becoming movers and shakers must not be stifled, punished, discriminated and/or blocked from obtaining financial success. Business women of influence are slowly progressing toward a tipping point at which female entrepreneurs and CEOs will pave the way for other women, just as their male counterparts have done for men over the past 200 years. The result may be a steady pace towards women obtaining top jobs historically held by white men.

Is this truly a ‘Man’s World?’ How will female leadership influence the world of business? Should this be a rhetorical question or one for conversation? Was James Brown correct in what he wrote years ago?

What do you think?

FOR EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS OPPOSES TAX INCREASE

Pol. Adv. Pd for by Ann Williams Campaign, Melissa Morton-CPA, Treasurer

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Now is the Time!

www.lacroixfortexas.com

EDUCATION  ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY  EQUALITY  ENGAGEMENT

Meet Damian LaCroix Damian LaCroix

• Married to Dr. Laura Spencer LaCroix, DDS, for 12 years and father to Mackenzie and Dylan • Principal shareholder of The LaCroix Law Firm, P.C. • Litigator, small business owner and entrepreneur • Prepared for life of service through civic leadership and community service • Raised by a single mother in Houston and product of Houston public schools

Priorities • Now is the time to empower our youth by investing in a 21st century education.

• Now is the time to create economic opportunities through innovative solutions and entrepreneurship.

• Now is the time to ensure equality for all.

• Now is the time for a State Senator who is engaged and active in District 15.

“NOW IS THE TIME for the next generation of leaders to participate in shaping our future.”

-Damian LaCroix

Senate District 15

• Acres Home

• Fallbrook

• Lazy Brook/Timbergrove

• Oak Forest/Garden Oaks

• Atascocita

• Fourth Ward

• McNair

• Pleasantville

• Barrett Station

• Greater Heights

• Midtown

• Sheldon

• Baytown

• Greater Inwood

• Montrose/Neartown

• Spring Branch

• Carverdale

• Humble

• Northcliffe Manor

• Washington Avenue/Memorial Park

• Clinton Park Tri-Community

• IAH/Airport Area

• Northshore

• Willowbrook

• Fairbanks/Northwest Crossing

• Independence Heights

• Northwest Houston

PRIMARY VOTING DATES Early Voting | February 18-28, 2014 Primary Election | March 4, 2014 lacroixfortexas lacroixfortexas LaCroixForTexasSenateDistrict15 Connect: Donate: lacroixfortexas.com/donate | Stay Informed: lacroixfortexas.com

LaCroix for Texas Campaign P.O. Box 66185 Houston, Texas 77266 | 832.408.0957 Political Advertising Paid for by the LaCroix for Texas Campaign, Michael Abraham, Treasurer

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Advice for Small Businesses Poised to Hire Their First Employee d-mars.com News Provider

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or small-business owners, hiring a first employee is a significant milestone - one that directly affects the company's growth, future success and culture. Hiring staff means enhancing your business' ability to grow, but it also presents unique challenges.

From affirming that the person you hire has the credentials to do the job and is the right personality fit for your organization, to ensuring you don't run afoul of payroll taxes, workers' compensation and other legal requirements, making that first hire requires a lot of preparation. When you're getting ready to make that first all-important hire, keep some guidelines in mind: Understand costs You hire a first employee to help your business grow, but the costs associated with that growth can be significant. It's important to weigh carefully the benefits of hiring against the related costs. According to the Small Business Association, these can include: * Wages and taxes, including unemployment, Medicare and Social Security taxes * Workers compensation insurance * Recruiting and training expenses * Benefits

* Payroll management * Equipment, including software licenses and data plans, to help an employee do his or her job Seeking candidates Finding the right employee for your small business can also be a challenge.

While professional hiring services can do the legwork for you, most small-business owners manage the hiring process themselves. You'll need to consider where to advertise for candidates, what professional requirements you'll want them to meet, what wage you'll offer and how you'll handle the interview process.

"We work with thousands of entrepreneurs and how to set wages is a frequent topic of interest," says Michael Alter, president and CEO of SurePayroll, Inc., a Paychex company. Alter co-founded SurePayroll in 2000, and since then it has grown from a small business of four people to a company that employs more than 200 people. "As payroll providers, we know that wages are set by the market, not the employer. Researching and offering a competitive wage will help you to attract and keep the right candidate."

Another critical component to consider is fit. A comprehensive pre-employment screening can help you make better hiring decisions. In addition to reviewing candidates' resumes and references, your screening may include a background

check, drug screening, behavioral assessments and skills testing.

Prepare for payroll No one works for love alone. Your new employee will expect to be paid on time each pay period with the appropriate amount of withholdings taken out of his or her check. Managing payroll, however, can be costly and time-consuming; a small business with 10 or fewer employees may spend up to $2,600 per year on direct labor for payroll, according to SurePayroll. What's more, if you don't know or understand tax laws and requirements, you could find your company facing IRS penalties.

In the past, outsourcing payroll wasn't always a practical option for small businesses with just one or two employees. Today, an online service such as SurePayroll can help small business owners manage their own payroll affordably, accurately and efficiently by paying employees and paying and filing payroll taxes. These services handle all the calculations for paying employees; calculating, paying and filing federal, state and local payroll taxes anywhere in the country; and notifying tax authorities of new hires. Mobile payroll apps also allow owners to run payroll on the go anytime, anywhere. Visit www.

SurePayroll.com to learn more.

Next steps after hiring In addition to completing necessary

payroll tax forms, benefit enrollment forms and employee information files, you'll need to complete a New Hire Reporting form that helps state and federal agencies track down parents in regard to child support payments.

You'll also need to set up a storage system; the IRS requires all companies keep employment tax records for at least four years. Additional post-hiring tasks will include: * Verifying an employee's eligibility to work. Federal law requires employers to verify that an employee can legally work in the U.S. You'll need to complete and submit an Employment Eligibility Verification Form within three days of making a hire. * Fulfill your obligations under your state's new hire reporting program. Federal law requires all employers to report all new hires to the state within 20 days of hiring. * Secure workers' compensation insurance. * Establish a bookkeeping system.

Hiring that first employee can be exciting and challenging. Fortunately, with some planning and the help of online tools, you can ensure the hiring process goes smoothly, and each worker who joins your team contributes to your business' continued growth. - (BPT)

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October - November 10th, 2013

Career Opportunities Booming for Financial Professionals

d-mars.com News Provider

A

t a time when unemployment still remains relatively high and competition for jobs is stiff, the career as a personal financial professional holds much promise for graduating college students and careerchangers.

While the national unemployment rate hovers at 7.3 percent, as of September 2013, jobs as personal financial advisers are among the fastest-growing careers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Situation Summary. As a result the financial industry provides great career growth opportunity for new graduates or for those already in the workforce and contemplating a career change.

"A career in financial services is an important way to make a difference in people's lives. American families and business owners need reliable and trustworthy financial services professionals to help them make sound financial decisions," said John Vaccaro, senior vice president for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) Sales and Distribution.

These financial decisions include life insurance protection, retirement planning and achieving personal savings goals.

Nearly 35 million families do not have a life insurance protection plan according to research industry group LIMRA's 2010 Life Insurance Ownership Study, and 57 percent of people have less than $25,000 in their 401(k) plan, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute 23rd Annual Retirement Confidence Survey. In addition, pensions are disappearing from American workplaces, requiring more workers to completely fund their retirement savings through 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs and other investments.

Because of a critical need for help in the area of personal financial services, MassMutual is recruiting and training record numbers of professionals, including

agents with multicultural backgrounds.

The training includes the Certified Family Business Specialist Program through The American College in Bryn Mawr, Penn., to help agents broaden their knowledge of the inner workings and dynamics of family-owned business. Also, the company's SpecialCare program offers agents training in helping families with a disability develop special needs plans for the future.

To excel in these fields, students and career-changers should have the following characteristics: • An interest in helping others achieve their financial goals Financial services professionals work directly with individuals and families, implementing financial strategies and creating a vision for the clients' life goals.

• Connections through networks and organizations Starting off a job in the financial sector with connections from previous careers or social involvement provides plenty of business opportunities. But even if you are starting off in your first career directly out of college, you can develop your own network by contacting new prospects and getting referrals from existing associates.

• An entrepreneurial spirit Superior time-management skills, commitment and motivation to reach personal and professional goals are excellent traits for students and career-changers interested in building a financial services practice.

• A commitment to education The financial industry changes frequently, and students and career changers interested in a financial services career need to be open to feedback, team work, mentoring, coaching and professional development throughout their career.

Students currently in college and those contemplating changing industries to financial services have plenty of opportunities for a successful career helping Americans plan for their futures. - (BPT)

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Will Closing a Credit Card Account Damage My Credit?

By Lonnie Mathews Contributing Writer

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recently had the wonderful opportunity to do a three-part series on credit for a local company. I have done hundreds of workshops on credit over the past few years and the one question that gets asked the most is “Will closing a credit card account affect my credit score?”

Well the short answer would be “It depends.” Okay, all kidding aside. If you are closing your credit account to avoid the temptation of going further into debt then that is definitely in your best interest. However, please understand that closing any credit account could cause a short-term negative impact to your overall credit score. According to the folks at Myfico.com – the company that created the most widely used credit scoring model, the FICO score, closing a credit card account will change your “credit utilization ratio.”

In basic terms, part of your credit score takes into consideration your to-

tal credit used in relation to how much credit you have available. The higher your credit utilization ratio (CUR), the more your FICO score is negatively impacted.

Therefore, by closing an old account you are taking away some of your available credit and increasing your CUR. Let’s say you have 3 credit cards. Credit card 1 has a $500 balance and a $2,000 credit limit. Credit card 2 is an unused card with a zero balance and a $3,000 limit. Credit card 3 has a $1,500 balance and a $1,500 limit. In this scenario your credit utilization ratio looks like this: Total balances = $2,000 ($500 + $1,500) Total available credit = $6,500 ($2,000 + $3,000 + $1,500) Credit utilization ratio = 30% (2,000

divided by 6,500) Now, if you decide to close credit card 2 because it's an old card that you never use, your credit utilization ratio looks like this: Total balances = $2,000 ($500 + $1,500) Total available credit = $3,500 ($2,000 + $1,500) Credit utilization ratio = 57% (2,000 divided by 3,500) As you can see, your utilization ratio rose from 30% to 57% by closing the unused credit card.

The good news is closing an account with a zero balance with no negative information associated with the account will usually remain on your credit re-

port for at least 10 years from the closed date. So any potential creditor will still be able to see that you were responsible when using credit. After 10 years however, it could appear that you don’t have a credit history. This brings me to another point – when evaluating which accounts to close, please think twice before closing your oldest accounts because 15% of your credit score is based on your “length of credit history.” Closing an old account will further add to the initial negative impact. The FICO scoring model also takes into consideration the average of age of all your credit accounts. Closing an old account lowers the length of your average age of credit history.

Managing credit and maintaining a great credit score is no easy task. When it comes to getting and keeping good credit, you must remember your credit score is a by-product of your financial behavior. If you keep your balances low and make all payments on or before the due date over time you will have great credit. When it comes right down to it there is no clearcut answers regarding how any specific action will impact your credit score. Most of the time credit management is a matter of trial and error.

Lonnie R. Mathews wrote this article for the Who’s Minding Your Money blog.

Lonnie is an author and speaker in the area of personal finance. To learn more about Lonnie or to contact him visit http://www.lonniemathews.com

1Whichever comes first. For full details on BMW Ultimate Service® visit bmwusa.com/ultimateservice. ©2013 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

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October - November 10th, 2013

Having Problems with Your Dog? Just Ask Mr. Laws…

By Greg Laws Contributing Writer “Mr. Laws, I need obedience training for my boxer. And by the way, she’s deaf.

Can you help?”

“Mr. Laws, I use a motorized vehicle to help with my mobility, and I need my dog to walk with my scooter. Can you help?”

“Mr. Laws, I live alone, and I’m concerned for my safety. I have an alarm system for my house, but it can’t help me when I’m away from home. Can you train a dog to be my companion and guardian?”

And just when I thought I had heard them all: “Mr. Laws, we’re adopting a 13-month-old toddler, and our dog is acting aggressively towards him. Can you help us?”

In my 40 years of experience as a dog trainer and behaviorist, I have encountered a wide variety of training requests and behavioral problems with people and their dogs. These are a few of the more

memorable, although I must admit, each experience is unique. Whether it was Bolt, the rescue who had been abused as a pup, with food aggression issues; or Molly, the rambunctious Bulldog pup; or Chief, the pit bull owned by a football player who wanted his dog to be trained by numbers - no two training jobs are ever the same.

But no matter how simple or complex the jobs may be, they all have one thing

in common – the need for people to understand how to communicate effectively with their dogs. Dogs are a lot like children. First of all, they require a great deal of attention when they are young. This is when you are imprinting and training, which in human terms, is shaping the desired behavior to live harmoniously in the “pack,” which is family and community (environment).

But that’s where the similarity ends,

because dogs are not humans. They are ANIMALS - period. And they prefer to be treated that way. And this is where many humans make their biggest mistakes. Most relate to their dog the way they relate to another person, instead of in a way that is consistent with the dog’s nature. This is both confusing and conflicting to the dog, and creates all kinds of problems for the dog, as well as its owner.

The primary result of this ineffective communication is the owner’s frustration due to the lack of control of his or her dog.

It can also create such mental problems in the dog as neurotic behavior, separation anxiety, uncontrolled aggression, etc.

And this is when what I do becomes necessary.

My wife jokes that I should be called “a dog’s best friend,” because I teach dog owners how to communicate effectively with their dogs and understand the way in which their dogs interpret information, which is a great relief to the dog!

Beginning with the next issue of the Business Journal, I will answer your questions about problems you are having with your dog(s) and provide helpful information on responsible dog ownership. Email your questions to greg@bullpendtc.com. All emails will be answered.

For more information on services offered by the BullPen Dog Training Center, visit www.bullpendtc@yahoo.com.

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Recruitment Manager TrainingWhen You Just Can’t Work Any Harder Implement These 4 Strategies

By Nicky Coffin

Y

ou will find it everywhere; all the latest 'management development' talk about working less and achieving more. In recruitment, work life balance is still a pretty new concept. In fact in many recruitment companies; even up until a year ago, this concept was unlikely to be on any director's agenda as a strategy to improve business results.

Yet the "hardworking" mentality is not

surprising when you look at the makeup of your average successful recruiter; a hardy breed aren't we? Often we don't feel like we have given it our all if we haven't worked at least five 12-hour days on the trot. Then we wonder why our mojo has disappeared; our billings are on a constant roller coaster and our relationships at home are deteriorating.

Yet the latest evidence demonstrates that a more balanced approach to work will improve results on every level. A recent book I studied on improving work

performance, based on documented research, goes into the fine detail of how to become fully engaged in our work and how that improves our performance. I want to share four tested strategies that will work for any recruitment manager or business owner. If you choose to take action on them they could be the foundational start of balancing your work and life…….and they probably aren't what you think.

1. Nutrition Many of the people I speak to have a lack of energy-it's no wonder everything feels like a struggle! This has a significant impact on their performance and results.

This is often down to a few things that are pretty easy to fix and primarily focus around fluid and fuel intake.

Oh no, not that again! Brown rice, yogurt and nuts…please give me a break.

That of course is the extreme version.

Think it through; we are hunters and gatherers after all. We eat meat, berries, fish and complex grains. We drank out of rivers and streams. I am not advocating a throwback to Neanderthal times here. How about cutting back on the sugars and adding in more water? Then build in protein and slowly release grains.

When you struggle to concentrate it invariably means you are either hungry, dehydrated,or both. Fix these and you will be amazed at the difference it will make.

2. Rest and Relaxation R and R; rest and relaxation play a key part in many people’s success. Have you noticed when you come back from holidays how good you feel and how many amazing ideas you have had? It is a natural phenomenon that happens as we let ideas filter up from our subconscious and unconscious mind. The good news is we can make it happen on a regular basis if we build in rest and relaxation consistently.

Even just 15 minutes of simple relaxation can produce results.

resources we never realized we had. A few years ago I ran the New York marathon; it was no coincidence that at the same time my business had its best year ever. The structure and discipline brought untold benefits. I had to train; obviously, and I had to fuel my body. Exercise has the added benefit of helping with our 'mental fitness' and is well documented. In a Harvard medical school report from two years ago, the authors commented how exercise improves our spirit and has the unique capacity to counter depression and anxiety; unfortunately two common traits that managers can exhibit. It’s good news then that exercise will help. It doesn't have to be a 26-mile run either. Walking regularly in the fresh air, for you, might be just the job.

4. Daily structure I am not talking about time management here; though that is a facet. It is more about having a structure to your days and weeks, with a focus on the things that produce results and stopping those that don't. It's funny that as children we have rituals in our life that serve as well. As we grow older we move away from them and suddenly our lives don't function quite as well. Building in structure to your day helps. So much time on X, so much on Y; have a lunch break. Leave the office on time-yes you can do this- clear your head on the way home and then engage with your family.

This will work for you; it's almost a given. Each area is well researched and documented and when you take action and implement, I guarantee will reward you.

About the Author And now get more recruitment manager training get FREE access to our tips by visiting http://www.Centredexcellence. co.uknnNicky Coffin has over 15 years' experience running her own recruitment agency and helping other recruitment business owners to grow theirs - Nicky is an Expert on Recruitment Training and Recruitment Manager training.

3. Fitness Being 'fit' gives us access to additional

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October - November 10th, 2013

Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling

By Jeannie Hale Contributing Writer

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s I survey the current corporate landscape, it appears that more women are holding positions of leadership, especially in some of today’s most high profile and influential companies. While this does not surprise me, it does seem to dispel the myth that females in business, including those with MBAs, don’t apply the same tactics as male counterparts in their pursuit of climbing the corporate ladder.

And while a recent Catalyst study revealed that women are similar to men in how they negotiate salaries, calculate career advancements and prioritize family obligations, the study unfortunately found that the results of these actions are not as effective for women, producing less than equal results.

So, what’s a woman to do? My suggestion is to market yourself and do it creatively. Here are a few ideas to consider: 1. Raise your hand…high!

Women can increase their status by volunteering their talents to senior management for upcoming projects. They will recognize that you are in tune with the organization’s mission, values and goals and somewhere down the line remember you for your contributions to the company and how they might groom you for future opportunities.

2. Make the right connections.

Think outside the department when building your network. Along with colleagues in your department, build a positive work relationship with those in other departments in order to showcase your talents and discuss current projects on which you are involved. Who knows, when an opportunity comes up someone may just think of you.

3. Care the right way.

Men tend to make objective business decisions while compassion tends to have influence in decisions made by women.

For women looking to climb the ladder of success, it’s important to keep the compassion, but be mindful that it doesn’t negatively impact your decisions.

4. Highlight your achievements.

Women can easily prove their value to managers by making achievements known in a tactful manner. Consider highlighting your accomplishments to upper management on a monthly basis in order to prove your value and demonstrate that you can take on larger, higher profile roles. Your goal should be to create a sense of confidence with your boss so he or she will feel comfortable promoting you.

5. Know how to sell yourself.

Once you have determined what value you bring to the table, seek out companies that value those skills as well as women in leadership position. In the end, you have to be able to show that your commitment is to excellence and your work will benefit the company.

Jeannie Hale is the Director of Operations, Finance and Student Services for University of Phoenix Houston campus.

With more than 10 years of experience in higher education, she has been recognized for her ability to lead her teams to success through compassion, coaching and accountability. Hale has been with University of Phoenix since 2000 and has held several leadership roles. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida A & M University and a master’s degree in counseling from University of Phoenix.

It’s your moment.

No matter your passion, HCC can help turn your dreams into reality.

If you’re just getting started, or starting a new chapter, we have the skills and knowledge that meet your goals and your schedule. HCC has convenient locations andhundreds of programs and degree plans. What are waiting for? Go get it. It’s yours.

Your journey begins here.

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The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council Hosts 2013 Business Expo

By Valerie Jones Contributing Writer

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iversity in business is of utmost importance, especially in a melting pot such as Houston with so many ethnicities and business opportunities. The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC) recently hosted Expo 2013, the state’s largest minority business development trade fair, held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The expo’s theme was “Collaborate for Excellence” and exhibitors and Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs) had the opportunity to understand new trends, developments and processes that can drive each other’s success through collaboration.

The HMSDC was established in 1973 and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping MBEs grow and helping major corporations that are interested in establishing relationships with minority entrepreneurs. For 35 years, the HMSDC has been servicing the needs of both MBEs and major corporations in the Houston area that are committed to the expansion of procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.

“We’ve worked closely with the HMSDC for a number of years,” said Paul

Gibson, Manager of the Statewide HUB Texas Procurement and Support Services (TPASS). “We’re trying to get the word out about the HUB program because there’s been a lack of use of HUBs. We’re here to give them education on our procurement process. You’ve got Corporate America wanting to do business with women- and minority-owned companies and we’re here to help.”

Numerous businesses were there to increase their networking, such as The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

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“We come here every year and it is very important to us to increase our base of HUB vendors and embrace diversity,” said Shaun McGowan, Manager of HUB and Small Business Program. “We use state funds and we want our contracts to go to minorities – Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, etc.”

Ben Hernandez, President of BMS Air Quality Specialist, developed a relationship with McGowan that began with a mentorship program. He said that relationship has helped secure five contracts this year alone.

Businesses like Azteca Omega Group, who are minority-owned, are looking to continue their networking and diversity within their company. The company is based out of Dallas but has an office location in Houston.

“Our workforce probably looks like the population of the U.S. – it’s extremely diverse,” said Chip Natsis, preconstruction manager for Azteca Omega Group. “We want to get to know some of the key players, owners, and entities in the Houston market. Everything is based on talent and we want to help bring other companies up as well. We’ve been the ‘little company’ before and we’re glad to help other companies come up as well. Expos like this allow us to do so.”

SCORE, a nonprofit organization with more than 10,000 members nationwide, operates with volunteers who counsel small business owners and prospective

small business owners.

“We have professionals from every possible discipline, from attorneys to marketing professionals,” said SCORE Houston mentor-in-training Sheila Carrier. “I, too, have started my own business and I didn’t do my homework. Marketing was a big downfall for me. I was introduced to SCORE’s team of volunteers and they were able to help me. It feels good to return the favor to other aspiring business owners.”

Carlos Fernandez, SCORE Houston mentor-in-training, said the expo helps the organization to reach certain demographics they may not reach otherwise.

SCORE Houston has a lot of clients who speak Spanish and in the past month the organization has hired three more Hispanic volunteers.

Companies like METRO, who participate in the HMSDC expos each year, do so because of the ample opportunities the company has for small businesses.

“It is important for METRO to be involved with these events to be assessable to the community,” said Tiko ReynoldsHausman, METRO Small Business External Relations Officer. “EXPO events create a one-stop for business owners seeking to build a relationship with private and public agencies. The EXPO creates an environment where business owners can learn about opportunity and learn how to do business with the exhibitors.”

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Create a Personal Strategic Plan!

By Gary Ryan Blair

S

uccess is not an accident. It begins with a well-conceived plan.

You can and will achieve more in the next year than you have in the past ten with a disciplined Personal Strategic Plan.

Personal strategic planning is a disciplined thought process, which produces fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide who you are, where you are going, what you do, and how, when and why you do it. All of this is done with a focus on the future.

The purpose of personal strategic planning is to help you: - Provide direction, meaning, and pur-

pose for your life.

- Make decisions that positively affect your future.

- Focus your energies on what's most important.

- Achieve the greatest results in the shortest period of time.

- Significantly increase your level of performance.

- Enjoy more time, money, balance and freedom.

- Eliminate uncertainty, anxiety, doubt and fear.

- Leverage your skills more effectively.

- Enhance your quality of life, and over-

all peace of mind - Be more, do more and ultimately to have more from life.

Personal strategic planning is based on the premise that life will not go according to plan, if you do not have a plan.

A successful plan must include the following: • Personal Philosophy: Every person has a personal philosophy, consisting of some rules adopted from one's parents, culture, religion, acquaintance and so on.

Generally speaking, these rules, as a body are not well thought out and contain a wealth of inconsistencies and contradictions.

• Legacy Statement: Your legacy serves as your life's defining statement. It serves a two-fold purpose.

First it provides an overarching framework for all mission statements and goals to follow.

Second it answers the question, "What do I want to be remembered for?"

• Mission Statement: A mission statement is a declaration of who you are, why you exist, and what you intend to accomplish.

In business, the organizational mission answers the big question: "What is our business?" In personal planning, the question is "What is my life's business?"

In both cases, the answer must define the reason for being.

• Core Values: Our values act as our compass, guiding us through life's terrain.

One certain way of knowing that you are living in accordance with your values is by defining guidelines and measurements for value centered living.

• Code of Ethics: Words quietly influence our attitudes and opinions.

Codes of conduct, personal creeds, and pledges all reflect an effort to make sense of things, to organize behavior, and to better understand ourselves.

• Lifetime Objectives: Your objectives should be written within the framework of your Legacy & Mission Statements.

The key to any Personal Strategic Plan is to visualize your desired outcomes in

advance. Be sure to write and rewrite your Lifetime Objectives as affirmations of the future you are working to realize.

• Goals: The key in writing your goals is to make them measurable, specific, and time-bound.

Goals need to be written for each of the ten critical areas of life to include: Personal, Health, Recreation, Family, Friends, Community, Career, Financial, Household and Spiritual.

• Personal Board of Directors: A personal board will accelerate your progress by providing both wisdom and support for the attainment of a specific purpose.

• Maintenance & Performance Check-Ups: On a monthly basis, you should pause to evaluate your performance. What progress have you made? Where have you been challenged? What do you need to do differently or more of?

It is also important to step back and consider whether any of your goals are unachievable.

• Personal Reason Why: You won't become successful until and unless you identify, support and empower your reasons why. Your why's provide fuel for achievement, and are the reasons behind all action and inaction.

The hallmark of all high achievers is a burning why. They know what they want, how and when they will achieve it, but most importantly they know WHY they want to become successful at achieving their goals.

In Summary You can significantly increase the odds of success, if you know who you are, what you want, where you are going, how you will get there, and what you will do once you arrive.

The best way to predict your future is to create it. Therefore, a well-defined personal strategic plan, properly executed, is your meal ticket to success.

In order to best prepare yourself for success, I am delighted to introduce you to My Goals - Personal Strategic Planning program.

This exciting program is like having an insurance policy on success. It will focus your thinking and challenge you to reach for new heights.

Happy holidays to you and your family, and my very best wishes for a prosperous, joy-filled New Year!

Everything Counts!

Gary Ryan Blair About the Author: Gary Ryan Blair is a visionary and gifted conceptual thinker. As President of The GoalsGuy he has created a world-class library of products and services which are designed to inspire people to realize their full potential while making the heart sing, the mind expand and the spirit soar. Visit The GoalsGuy Shop for all of your goal setting and life planning needs.

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Part-time Jobs May be the New Normal in the U.S. Job Market d-mars.com News Provider

T

he unemployment rate has edged lower as the nation slowly recovers from the economic crash of 2009 but unemployment is still a concern for many Americans. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an unemployment rate of 7.3 percent in August 2013, a small change over the past few months. That means there are still 11.3 million people without a job.

The data reveals that 7.9 million people have filled part-time positions, to make ends meet. Many people are signing up to work several part-time jobs in lieu of a full-time position. It seems as though part-time jobs have become the new normal for U.S. workers.

"Part-time and temporary positions have been the trend for a long time," says Jason Rinsky, National Director of Career Services at the Brown Mackie College system of schools. "At the beginning of the recession, it was a way not to lay people off. Employers reduced workers to part-time hours to keep them employed.

It made sense to keep the talent and resources available to them."

"At first glance, there are obvious drawbacks to replacing one full-time job with several part-time positions," says Grace Klinefelter, business and organizational leadership program chair at Argosy University, Washington DC. "Perhaps the most troubling shortcoming is the un-

availability of health insurance through part-time work.

"It can become expensive to get sick with or without health insurance coverage. People without coverage don't know what to do," continues Klinefelter. This sobering reality prompts many Americans to turn to part-time and temporary employment options. In so doing, they discover unexpected opportunities including scheduling work shifts. Those who typically work from nine to five on weekdays may appreciate the flexible hours afforded by part-time work.

Younger workers tend to like the freedom of flexible hours; older employees often find more time available to care for their children - or an aging parent - with different work hours. It's also possible to reduce daycare costs by tag-teaming childcare responsibilities between spouses.

Approaching the new normal with a positive attitude can help people adjust. "Don't eschew a part-time job even though it may not be an ideal vehicle," says Rinsky. "In terms of advantages, it gives you a foot in the door of a potential permanent employer. It can be a good way to sharpen skills and develop new ones." With ever-changing technology, active engagement in the workforce is a good way to stay up to date. Taking on part-time work also eliminates employment gaps on your resume, which can be uncomfortable to explain during an interview.

"Think of it as an opportunity to expand your network," says Klinefelter.

"People with several jobs get more exposure than those who are in a full-time position with one employer. Do your best on the job; show them what you can do.

When there is a full-time opening, you want them to think of you."

There are money-making alternatives to going into the office every day. Some have turned to their hobbies to bring in extra income in the midst of the restrictive job market. "Many people have a creative side and an eye for an entrepreneurial experience," says Klinefelter. "If you have a creative idea and a fire under you, part-time work gives you more time to put it together and set it up. This is difficult to do with a 40-hour work week."

The new normal of reduced work hours can open doors to fresh ventures that you may not otherwise consider. It helps to be prepared for change and to be flexible about what directions your skills can take you. - (BPT)

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October - November 10th, 2013

d-mars.com at NAACP 2013 Freedom Fund Banquet The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held its annual Freedom Fund Banquet with keynote speaker, the honorable Maxine Waters.

Honorary chairpersons were U.S. Congressman Al Green and State Representative Ron Reynolds.

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People Development: An Economic Imperative

By Tom Northup

T

he paramount challenge for executives is to improve revenue and profits. Successful leaders do this year after year because they understand people implement improvements.

They focus their attention on the development of key staff who make the greatest impact. They understand the economic imperative of people development: that a

small improvement in the effectiveness of their people brings about a much greater impact on profitability.

Every organization has two things in common: a present and a future. Everything in between is process. Process is driven by performance. The quality of the process determines future results.

Right now, your company gets the results, good or bad, that you designed it to get. If your vision of the future dif-

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fers from your current situation, if you want to get better results, then you must change process. Otherwise you can’t expect results that are different from what you’re already achieving.

People lead change. For positive change you must have individual and organizational growth. We need to become more effective if we are to steadily improve our results.

Most people think of personal growth as training. A more comprehensive definition of personal growth is development.

There is a big difference.

Training is reactive, such as learning a new software application or gaining knowledge like we find in schools.

Development is specifically designed to change behaviors and attitudes, which is the way we act and think. Development is results based. We specify a process improvement and get predetermined results.

Training improves efficiency, development improves effectiveness.

Which is more important, efficiency or effectiveness? Doing things right, efficiency, is important. Doing the right things, effectiveness, is more important. When we spend our time doing things right, but not doing the right things, we will not get the results we expect.

Economic Justification of Development “People are our most important asset” is an overused cliché. Yet how many of us truly understand the point it expresses?

Our key people drive the processes that determine our future success. To achieve stronger results we must continually develop their effectiveness. As they become more effective, we are able to significantly impact the bottom line.

When key staff members achieve a 10% performance improvement in how they produce, sell or control profit improvement can be over 100%.

Of course every organization is different. However, a small improvement in the effectiveness of key personnel always has a much greater impact on profitability.

In most organizations the largest overhead cost is the combined salary of key staff. We budget for improvements in technology and process. Yet how many of us budget for improving the effectiveness of ourselves and our key people? And I don’t mean just improving skills; I mean developing their effectiveness to manage and lead.

Successful leaders understand the economic value of development and its relationship to profit. They do not consider development a cost but an investment similar to investments in technology, equipment or process.

A Challenge A leader’s challenge with any investment is to realize the projected ROI. When they invest in buildings, equipment or processes, they have control. The project’s momentum builds until it permeates the organization. As momentum builds, the executive’s direct involvement may be reduced.

Realizing a ROI in people development is different. People control them-

selves and have differing needs. Changing personal behaviors and the attitudes that drive development takes a lot of time and effort. In this environment the executive must maintain continuous leadership.

Employees will not continue the effort to make changes if the leader is not actively involved in their progress.

A Caveat One critique we often hear about people development is, “We develop our people, they change jobs and we don’t get the benefit.”

In fact, good people don’t leave a job to get higher salary and benefits. They leave because they don’t feel appreciated or effective in their position.

Good people have career options. The challenge of the leader is to build a culture where people want to pursue their career the best way they possibly can.

Good people want challenges. They enjoy working in an environment where management seeks their expertise and values their contributions. The effective executive shares power by encouraging his key staff help develop initiatives and set direction. People who are part of the solution become intellectually and emotionally committed to the organization.

Good people expect to meet their personal goals as they help the organization meet its goals. An effective executive recognizes that people follow a leader because of what the leader can do for them.

He understands his staff’s individual motivators and works to help them achieve personal success.

Summary An executive’s challenge is to continually build revenue and profit. To accomplish this year after year, successful executives change the processes that drive their business.

People lead change. There is a definite relationship between organizational growth and personal development.

Successful leaders understand that personal development is an investment where they can expect a positive ROI. They understand that their personal involvement and leadership is required to ensure the positive return on their investment in people.

Successful executives understand that a small improvement in the personal effectiveness of key people has a much greater impact on the bottom line.

The unavoidable conclusion: personnel development is a catalyst bringing a competitive advantage in your market place.

About the Author Tom Northup is a recognized management expert, consultant, speaker and coach. As a former CEO a Tom understands the complexities faced by today’s executives. He is the author of the book, The Five Hidden Mistakes CEOs Make. How to Unlock the Secrets and Drive Growth and Profitability. Go now to lmgsuccess.com or BuildingStrongerLeadersBlog to learn more.

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Taking the Stress Out of a Job Transfer Move

d-mars.com News Provider

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job transfer usually is a good thing. Hopefully the transfer signals a promotion as you take your career a step further up the ladder, bringing about new and fun challenges in the workplace. But the transition itself is often not easy, especially if it involves moving your home and family to a new location.

Businesses often give transferred employees less than two weeks (11 days) to accept a transfer offer and once accepted, an average of 33 days to move and report to the new job, according to Worldwide ERC, a professional association for workforce mobility. That isn't much time to find a new home, put the old home up for sale or subleasing and plan a move that could be across town, across state lines or

across the country.

Resources are available to help ease the stress of your job transfer. They include: * Your company - Before you accept the job transfer offer, check with your human resources department on what services or financial compensation your company offers. Many companies outsource relocation services or cover selected services like providing rental moving trucks for employees. Be aware that the average cost of shipping household goods for a domestic transfer was around $12,459 in 2012, according to Worldwide ERC. * Truck rental - Much of the moving process involves the transfer of your household goods. Truck rental companies like Penske help to make this process much easier. For example, Penske, which is a member of Worldwide ERC, has a dedicated customer service and sales team

within its existing call center to serve the specialized needs of employee relocations.

The company also added services like moving labor to help customers load and unload the rental trucks, new self-storage options for movers and customized billing options for each of these services to make the corporate transfer much smoother.

"Time, cost and ease of use are of the essence with an employee relocation move," says Don Mikes, senior vice president of rental for Penske. "We have a solid solution to make the process easy ranging from rental trucks, towing equipment and moving supplies to services beyond the truck such as self-storage and moving labor." * House hunting - Searching for a new home could be the most stressful part of relocating. Many employees will opt for temporary housing like apartments or

extended-stay hotels for the first couple months of the transfer. This allows them to get a feel for the community and take the time to review homes for sale. However, if you prefer to purchase a home right way, contact the human resources department at your new location to ask for real estate agents referrals. Also take your search online. Between MLS listings with photos and online mapping tools, you can narrow your search quickly to preferred homes, allowing you to make an appointment once with your real estate agent to tour the homes and hopefully make an offer. * House selling - On the other end of the spectrum, you also have a home to sell. Many homeowners are opting to hire a management company and rent out the home, with the intent to sell in the future once they have their life organized in the new location and have the time to list the home with a real estate agent. Management companies handle the review of rental applicants, the background checks, collect the rent and take care of any emergency maintenance concerns that might occur, allowing the homeowner to concentrate his energies on the new job.

The job transfer process may feel overwhelming, but with these resources available to assist you with the transfer, you'll find yourself quickly settling into the new office and digging into the challenges of the new job. - (BPT)

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VOTE NOVEMBER 5th Striving for Safer Communities

Economic Development Improving & Maintaining Quality of Life for Seniors Implementing & Improving After School Programs

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October - November 10th, 2013

Being Your Own Boss: Getting Your Freelance or Small Business Off the Ground

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t's one of the greatest American dreams. You make your own hours and choose your own clients, while doing what you love and getting paid for it. Starting your own small or freelance business can be an empowering and life-altering experience, but before you get to the good part, there's plenty of work to create the foundation of a successful business.

Today, there are many new tools to get you started on the right track, but they are still based on tried and true principles. * There's no such thing as too much networking. "Start with your immediate network," says Shawn O'Mara, senior partner at design firm ocreations, who earned his associate of applied science degree in Visual Communications from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 1991.

"Do you have an uncle who owns a pizza shop? Offer to create a new logo for him.

The money doesn't matter as much when you're first starting out; you need to concentrate on building your portfolio."

Another great way to build your portfolio is to contact non profit organizations.

"Non-profits usually do not have a large budget, so if you offer to do the work at a reduced rate, you'll get the experience," says Dana Melvin, director of career services at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Once you've started working with get those clients, Melvin reminds business owners to make sure to get permission to use them as references.

Melvin also reminds entrepreneurs, "No matter where you go, your business card should come with you." That includes the gym, grocery store and gas station. "You never know when you'll meet a potential client and you should never pass up an opportunity to get your contact info in their hands."

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One of your biggest networking tools doesn't even require you to get out of your pajamas. "Facebook, LinkedIn and so many other social media outlets allow you to reach out to people you could not reach before. A lot of the work I am doing is for people that I went to high school with and I could not have connected with them if it were not for social networks," says O'Mara.

O'Mara also encourages budding entrepreneurs to think outside of the box when advertising their business. He encourages people to find sponsorship and donation opportunities in the community. "My son plays pee wee football, so I donate the T-shirts so that everyone who comes to the games sees what I do for a living," O'Mara emphasizes that everyone you know should know what you do for a living.

And then there's office space. Do you need it? There was a time when a business without an office wasn't much of a business at all. But times have changed.

O'Mara's business is graphic design and although now has an office, he says all a freelancer in his field needs is a laptop and the right software. He says most client meetings can either be held at the client's office or at your local coffee shop.

If you do decide you need an office both Melvin and O'Mara advise that you look into co-working spaces. "Those facilities have common conference rooms, shared office equipment like a copier and fax machine, a common kitchen and some have a receptionist for all the businesses that share the space," explains Melvin.

O'Mara says there's an extra benefit to the shared space as well. "The people you're sharing the space with become part of your network and help you to grow your business; they can also become your clients." - (BPT)

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October - November 10th, 2013

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THE FIVE BIGGEST MISTAKES SMALL AND MINORITY FIRMS MAKE IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING (Part Two of a Two-Part Series)

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

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any small and minority firms approach government agencies with an entitlement mindset and believe that they are to be given contracts.

While this statement may ruffle some feathers and many may want to argue the point, the bottom line is that government contracts are not gifts. In today’s government marketplace, small and minority firms have to work hard to compete, build relationships, and submit proposals to win government contracts.

Working hard is important along with working smart with your firm’s time, money and resources. To assist your firm in positioning to win government contracts on the local, state or federal level, avoid key mistakes, learn and then apply the best practices of successful small and minority businesses.

In Part One of this article series, three

mistakes that hinder small and minority businesses from landing government contracts were highlighted. They are as follows: Mistake #1: Not conducting research and learning about how to do business with a targeted government agency Mistake #2: Failing to attend pre-bid and pre-proposal meetings to build relationships Mistake #3: Not consistently marketing and staying top of mind with agency procurement staff In addition to the above three mistakes, below are two other areas that small and minority firms often overlook when pursuing government contracts.

Mistake #4: Shy in regularly submitting proposals Industry data show that small and minority businesses that are successful in the government procurement process propose often. If their firm is unsuccessful in winning work as a prime or subcontractor, then they request and participate in a debrief meeting with the key agency parties to understand reason for loss plus use time for learning how to make improvements in their future proposals.

This meeting time is also used to continue marketing their firm’s capabilities which

is great positioning for future pursuits at the targeted agency.

Mistake #5: Using a generic marketing strategy for all agencies targeting Each agency is unique and has different policies driving their procurement of goods and services. While some agencies may have a focus on specific project delivery methods or want to see more Joint Venture relationships, other agencies may be the opposite. To become successful in winning government contracts, consider developing and tailoring a marketing strategy and plan for each agency targeted.

Moreover, our federal tax dollars fund many organizations like the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) that have the sole purpose of assisting small businesses in many areas of their business such as certifications, training in various areas, research, and business networking.

Some helpful resources in the Houston area and in the State include the following organizations.

• Federal, Local and State: University of Houston Procurement Technical Assistance Center, www.ptac.uh.edu • Federal: Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov • City of Houston: Office of Business Opportunity, www.houstontx.gov/

obo/index.html • State of Texas Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB): http://www. window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/ hub/ • Certifications: City of Houston (see above URL), State of Texas HUB (see above URL), for doing business with large private companies, visit www.hmsdc.org (Minority Business Enterprise) and www. wbea-teaxs.org (Women Business Enterprise) In addition, most government agencies have a Small Business or Diverse Business Department that can play an instrumental role in your small business learning how to do business with their perspective agency, facilitating introductions to their agency Contract Administrators and Project Managers, and providing contract opportunities to pursue.

I love to hear your comments on how this article series helped your small or minority business in positioning in the lucrative government marketplace or if you have any other tips to be successful in winning government contracts. You can interact with me on LinkedIn, follow me on Twitter and Facebook or send an email to operations@d-mars.com with the subject line “Helen’s winning article series” and you will receive a quick response.

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October - November 10th, 2013

Attractive Career Opportunities Await Engineering Graduates

d-mars.com News Provider

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any recent engineering graduates are reaping the benefits of a flourishing job market for specializations within the growing field. Engineering occupations are expected to grow by more than 10 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The nation's aging infrastructure is, at least in part, spurring the growth as engineers will design and implement new pollution control systems, water systems and roads. Growth in engineering fields is outpacing the expected growth rate for any other occupation.

While engineering occupations overall will be adding jobs, certain types of engineers will be in greater demand than others. For example, employment of biomedical engineers is expected to grow 62 percent from 2010 to 2020, the BLS predicts. Biomedical engineers create solutions that help hospitals, universities and research facilities improve the quality of patient care. With changing healthcare regulations and the aging population in the United States needing more medical care, the demand for biomedical engineers will continue to grow.

Healthcare is one of several industries seeking skilled engineering program graduates. The manufacturing sector also is seeking candidates with engineering backgrounds. During the past three years, U.S. manufacturing has added more than 530,000 jobs. However, some manufacturers report that job candidates are lacking the technical skills required for these new positions. The solution lies in more science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, according to a recent Joint Economic Committee study.

STEM jobs are projected to grow 7 percent faster than non-STEM occupations through 2018, according to "STEM: Good Jobs Now and for the Future," a 2011 report from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

"In order for students to compete in the global workforce, they must command technical skills and knowledge to succeed in rapidly changing industries," says Dr. Ahmed Naumaan, dean of the College of Engineering and Information Sciences at DeVry University. "It is imperative that educators provide teaching and tools that prepare graduates for these technical, indemand jobs."

DeVry University follows this advice by offering degree programs in areas of engineering technology that help prepare students for job opportunities, ranging from electronics engineering to biomedical engineering to computer engineering.

Through these programs, students gain the skills today's employers are looking for to fill positions in computer-integrated manufacturing, product development and support and quality assurance.

As demand for engineers with STEM skills grows, pressing global issues are placing added pressure on unique specializations. Environmental and computer engineers, for example, are needed to handle complex issues such as climate change and energy exploration. The need to bring information technology to the power industry requires the technical and critical thinking skills of an engineer.

With this demand, computer engineers can command impressive starting salaries of more than $70,000.The average salary for recent engineering graduates is more than $62,000, with job growth across several industries, including technology, healthcare, education and manufacturing, according to a new report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

As the global economy continues to evolve, the importance of such professionals with education in renewable energy will continue to rise. As more fields depend on graduates with engineering and technology backgrounds for continued growth, graduates of related degree programs will remain more likely to find full-time, stable employment, and in many cases will be compensated with higher salaries. - (BPT)

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October - November 10th, 2013

I See De@d People (Pt. 2)

By Noel Pinnock Contributing Writer Picking up from where I left off last month…

In the last stanza of William Ernest Henley’s Poem, Invictus, it reads: “It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”

These powerful words could not be even more resonating and applicable today. In a world that is undergoing continuous change and uncertainties, it is important that Americans do not lose sight of the bigger picture and our ancestors’ long-term vision for our country. It is true that the fabric of our existence and freedom was predicated on blood, sweat, tears, and toils but it is also important to recognize that it was the unity of a collective body that prevailed over our enemies that put us in the spotlight of preeminence amongst the other nations. During these times men and women young and

old hungered and thirsted to make things better, despite opposition and popular opinion. They desired nothing more than to obtain satisfaction from pronouncing our faith in God and country, abolishing hatred, decimating bigotry, establishing equity, ensuring equality, securing our borders, protecting our children, enhancing education, soldering economies, and providing every American the right to live a liberated and happy life.

To this day, the thirst for these missioncritical liberties has not quenched; the hunger has not subsided. Why…because we are living in a day where polarity has taken center stage. It is center stage in our homes, center stage in our families, center stage in our politics, center stage in our houses of worship, center stage in our government, and center stage in almost every facet of life imaginable. To be purposefully cliché, why have we come so far and achieved so little?

Well…because we have allowed comfort to enter our homes as a guest, remain as our host, and eventually it became our master. We are comfortable with the way things are despite the outlook. Yes, we are living through a recession, the unemployment rate fluctuates like the seas, our kids are not making the grades, funding government programs, agencies, and school districts have become more challenging and looming budget deficits are spreading like an epidemic. However, if we hang our hats or purses on the hooks of despair, despondency, and dejection, then we have

conceded and have inevitably subscribed to a prescription that is more detrimental to present and even worse for our future.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his 1964 commencement speech at Springfield College said: “Through our scientific and technological genius, we have made this world a neighborhood. Now through our moral and ethical commitment, we must make of it a brotherhood. We must all learn to live together as brothers, or we will all perish together as fools. No nation can live alone. No individual can live alone. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.”

There are numerous issues that are perplexing everyone; for some these issues hit closer to home than others but despite its location, it is time for each of us to pick up our ancestors’ torch that has remained lit for hundreds of years and continues to shine bright even in our darkest hours.

This is the torch of invictus.

Invictus is simply defined as unconquered or undefeated. Americans have not only strived on the back of being invictus but also have thrived. I believe if we embody the words of our ancestors,

then issues perplexing our country, states, counties, cities, school districts, and local associations will not appear to look like challenging mountains but rather strategic elevations where each journey is worth the climb, especially if we are climbing together.

Leonard Bernstein once wrote, “to achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time!”

I submit the third, teamwork…because together, nothing is insurmountable as William Ernest Henley further articulates below: “Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

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

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

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid…”

I close with…GET AT IT!

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October - November 10th, 2013

39.

Working on the Front Lines of Cybersecurity

d-mars.com News Provider

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lmost every day there is something in the news about a computer hacker obtaining sensitive corporate information. Whether these cyber-attacks are the work of lone individuals or sophisticated organizations, the end result can be devastating.

In fact, it has been estimated that such intrusions cost the nation's businesses more than $114 billion every year.

It's no wonder, then, that employment and career opportunities in cybersecurity are booming. Jobs such as information security analysts are projected to grow through 2020 at a rate of 22 percent, much faster than the growth rate for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). But it will take more than just these professionals to protect the nation's sensitive electronic infrastructure.

"The field of cybersecurity is much more than a cadre of technicians neces-

sary to maintain essential core security measures. Truly effective protection of our nation's cyber networks requires an interdisciplinary team of experts, working collaboratively and forward looking, in order for us to stay ahead of the bad guys," says Dr. Jane LeClair, chief operating officer for the National Cybersecurity Institute at Excelsior College.

Government agencies and corporations across all industries need individuals with expertise in developing security policies, procedures and protocols. They need response teams that can address security breaches and people skilled in assuring legal and regulatory compliance.

In a recent survey of business leaders nationwide in the healthcare, energy, finance and insurance sectors, ninety-five percent report cybersecurity to be important or very important for their companies, according to Zogby Analytics. However, more than a third of respondents (34 percent) were unsure if they have enough personnel to meet their cybersecurity needs.

For those on the front lines of cybersecurity, technical skills and certifications are necessary but may not be sufficient.

Of the eight occupations the BLS identifies as most closely aligned with cybersecurity, all require some college education and all but one require at least a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.

When reviewing college-level certificate and degree programs in cybersecurity, it's important that the programs have been certified as meeting all the elements of the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) standards in educational programs and information assurance. It's also valuable that the programs take the important interdisciplinary approach, such as those offered by Excelsior College to address a spectrum of industry needs.

When business leaders were asked about the level of knowledge they expect their employees to have regarding cybersecurity issues and practices, support for an interdisciplinary approach was reinforced. These leaders believe that their typical employee should know about ba-

sic cybersecurity technology and have a fundamental knowledge of cybercrime.

Advanced techniques and measures for preventing, detecting and recovering from cyber incidents are important for their IT staff. For themselves and other executives, the business leaders said an understanding of ethical, legal and compliance issues are expected.

It is often debated which sector of our economy is most vulnerable to a cyberattack and into which industry a breach would cause greatest disruption. Some argue an attack on the banking and financial sector would be the most damaging.

Others say a shut-down of the nation's energy grid would be more devastating.

What is most important, though, is that no intrusion be successful, regardless of industry or geography. That is why those on the front lines of our cybersecurity efforts need to be as educated as possible and working in sync with each other to be successful in preventing, deterring and repelling all attempts at disrupting our cyber networks. - (BPT)

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