d-mars.com Business Journal 77

Business Journal December 2013

Inspire, Inform & Educate

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Setting Goals and Preparing for the Future

Inflation: The Great Retirement “Robber”

By Mena Freeman

Most people know how inflation works. When the prices of goods and services rise, your...

PAGE 6

Ramping up Your Business Plan for A Successful 2014

By Mikal Powers

When I think about business planning, I’m one of those people who thinks about all of the details...

PAGE 11

AT LAST: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Spirit Comes to Houston Pictured (left to right) are Sylvester Brown, Ovide Duncantell, and Mr. D-MARS.

PAGE 4

Five Insider Strategies to Expand Your Minority Business Through Government Contracting Part Two of a Two-Part Series

By Helen Callier

PAGE 14

PAGE 8

The 9th Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair

Join our e-mail list for the latest updates @ d-mars.com

PAGE 16 North Houston Frontiers Club Raises Money for Scholarships

Through 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast

“There are times when a leader must move out ahead of the flock, go off in a new direction, confident that he is leading his people the right way.”

– Nelson Mandela

Journal Behind The

December 2013

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Publisher’s Message

Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

The end of the calendar year is the ideal time for businesses to identify and analyze what has worked well and what has not before entering into a new year of business. This will allow them to put strategic goals into place for success in the upcoming year. This month’s Business Journal focuses on helping business do just that: set goals and prepare for future growth, profit and achievements.

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 Eugenie Doualla

CONTENTS

Administrative Assistant

Inflation: The Great Retirement “Robber”................................................................................................................................................... 6

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

AT LAST: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Spirit Comes to Houston............................................................................................................ 4

Angelle Gillum

The 9th Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair..................................................................................................... 8

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

New Year Resolutions for Your Business..................................................................................................................................................10

Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine

Ramping Up Your Business Plan for a Successful 2014......................................................................................................................... 11 Small to BIG........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12

PHOTOGRAPHY

Small Business Saturday Encourages Community to Shop Locally.................................................................................................. 13

L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

Five Insider Strategies to Expand Your Minority Business Through Government Contracting Part Two of a Two-Part Series...................................................................................................................................................................... 14 ‘Tis the Season to be Sharing.......................................................................................................................................................................15

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

North Houston Frontiers Club Raises Money for Scholarships Through 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast..........................................................................................................................................................................16

Kevin Wright

What’s Hurting You?!.......................................................................................................................................................................................18

DISTRIBUTION

2013 “Find Your Path” Career Day Expo.....................................................................................................................................................20

Andrea Hennekes

Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

Ask Mr. Laws Professional Advice for Dog Owners............................................................................................................................... 22 Who Needs a 1099 or a W-2?......................................................................................................................................................................... 24

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

City of Houston Champions of Diversity Awards...................................................................................................................................25

Valerie Jones Mena Freeman Kachelle Kelly Mikal Powers Dr. D. L. Jones Helen Callier Noel Pinnock Lonnie Mathews Greg Laws d-mars.com News Provider

Digital World Demands New IT Workforce................................................................................................................................................26 Best Business Investment for 2014: Fueling Employee Engagement.............................................................................................. 24 ‘Tis the Season for Online Shopping Traps...............................................................................................................................................28 Check Your Tax Forms for Errors and Avoid Fines for 2013.................................................................................................................28 Maximizing Working Capital: How Growing Businesses Can Gain an Edge in an Uncertain Economy.................................30 Three Big Ways Small Business Owners Can Save on Taxes............................................................................................................. 32 Turner Hosts Construction Industry Group Monthly Meeting............................................................................................................ 32 Use Your Rewards Credit Card Wisely Over the Holidays to Get the Most Out of Your Spending.......................................... 34 Five Key Deadlines to Help Small Businesses Avoid IRS Headaches................................................................................................ 34

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you.

Whatever good things we build, end up building us.”

– Jim Rohn

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December 2013

AT LAST: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Spirit Comes to Houston

“I Have A Dream…”

By Valerie Jones Contributing Writer

I

t began in 1980. Activists in Houston pushed for the Houston City Council to establish a statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at MLK Boulevard and Old Spanish Trail. Unfortunately, due to several different reasons, the project did not come to pass.

Instead, in 1983, the Black Heritage Society (BHS), under the leadership of founder and executive director Ovide Duncantell, planted an oak tree in the location in memory of Dr. King.

When Houston’s Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) planned to run a rail down MLK Boulevard – through the path in which the memorial tree is located – negotiations ensued on how METRO would continue construction while keeping Dr. King’s memorial intact.

The original oak tree, referred to as The Tree of Life, is significant in that it

marked the site for construction of a proposed MLK statue and memorial plaza. METRO was unaware of this when plans for the rail began.

“After METRO was made aware,

negotiations resurfaced about the memorial plaza and statue, which culminated in an agreement between the City of Houston, METRO, the Black Heritage Society, as well as community supporters (i.e. friends of MacGregor

Park, super neighborhoods, and other local civic organizations),” said Sylvester Brown, Project Manager for the Black Heritage Society.

Negotiations began in 2009 and on May 3, 2012, all parties accepted a plan that would allow for METRO to relocate the tree and memorial nearby to MacGregor Park. After 33 years, Houston would finally be getting what Duncantell and others had been working so hard for: a living memorial to honor, recognize and celebrate the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Persistence and Perseverance

Sylvester Brown, Ovide Duncantell, and Mr. D-MARS stand in what will be the park plaza at MacGregor Park. The Tree of Life stands in the background.

There is a rich history in the MLK Memorial Project. In 1974, when BHS was founded, Duncantell became a driving force behind the renaming of the thoroughfare known as South Park Boulevard to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. This gesture of respect caught the attention of Dr. King’s father, who made a personal appearance at the official

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Brown stands next to the MLK Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Construction has begun on Houston’s MLK, Jr. Memorial Project at MacGregor Park.

Daddy King, father of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., attended and participated in the first celebration remembering the life and death of his son in a ceremony and parade in Houston Texas in 1978. (Pictured l-r are Ovide Duncantell, King, Sr., Mickey Leland) event for the street name change. Rev. King, Sr. also served as the grand marshal of the first BHS MLK Parade on Jan. 21, 1978.

Since then, Duncantell and the BHS have conducted an annual MLK parade in Houston consecutively for 35 years – as part of a promise made to Rev. King, Sr. This resulted in the City of Houston issuing the BHS the proclamation and resolution which provided the designation for what is now the MLK Memorial Statue and Park Plaza at MacGregor Park.

“The goal of this project is to confront the continued challenges that we have as it relates to freedom, justice and civil rights,” Brown said.

The reality is many of the youth in the community know nothing more of Dr. King other than he was a civil rights leader. They are unaware of his accomplishments, trials, and tribulations – all which helped shape his legacy.

“We want to reiterate the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to the younger generation. The BHS encourages

the Houston Independent School District as well as other area school districts to reignite the MLK curriculum in the classroom. It should be taught year-round, not just during Black History Month,” Brown said. “Our hope is that the memorial will assist in creating awareness and the need to better educate our kids about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” For more than three decades, Duncantell led the fight to have the MLK memorial statue and park plaza in Houston.

“This is definitely a testament to persistence and perseverance,” Duncantell said. “It’s been 33 years that we’ve been waiting patiently to get the statue and memorial of Dr. King going, and we are elated that it is finally coming to fruition.”

Duncantell expressed thanks to everyone who supports the project, especially Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who had a big hand in making it happen, and Attorney Ben Hall, who served as a benefactor and paid for the MLK statue.

“We’ve had a lot of support. It’s important because Dr. King was the living symbol of coordination and bringing together the black people of America,” Duncantell said. “We are somebody and we deserve to be treated as decent human beings in this country.”

Duncantell hopes the memorial will keep the African American community reminded and grounded in reality.

“I think this memorial and plaza will stimulate all types of interest of who our real heroes are,” he said. “We hope to use this area as a rallying point to upgrade black history.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and Park Plaza at MacGregor Park Houston will be one of a small number of U.S. cities that have a memorial plaza dedicated Dr. King. It will take on the style similar to those in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.

Every aspect of the plaza was designed for a specific purpose. It takes on a conceptualization of the Atlanta Birth Axis and the Memphis Assassination Axis. The walkway of each axis is eight feet wide. The park plaza will include the MLK statue in

the center (12 feet high including base), stone benches constructed of pink granite for sitting and/or meditation, pavement lights, a donor wall made of granite, and quotes by Dr. King in the base of the granite flooring. The quotes selected were verified through the King Center and represent quotes from the letter Dr. King wrote while he was in Birmingham City Jail.

The plaza is expected to be completed by January 20, but an official unveiling with the statue will take place the first weekend of April 2014.

About the Black Heritage Society

Ovide Duncantell speaks at the MLK Memorial Project groundbreaking in January 2013.

Founded by Ovide Duncantell in 1974, the Black Heritage Society (BHS) is a nonprofit organization with a primary goal of keeping Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream and spirit alive. The BHS is the organizer of the first MLK parade, held annually to commemorate Dr. King’s birthday in January. Under Duncantell’s leadership, the BHS spearheaded the Houston Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project.

For more information about the BHS, visit originalmlkparade.org and for information about the MLK Memorial Project, visit houstonmlkjrmemorial.org.

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December 2013

Inflation: The Great Retirement “Robber”

By Mena Freeman Contributing Writer

M

ost people know how inflation works. When the prices of goods and services rise, your money doesn’t stretch as far. During your working years, if you’re receiving regular pay increases, it can be easy to overlook inflation’s overall impact on your bottom line because those raises can help to offset the effects of rising prices.

But what happens when you take a long-term view of inflation? Statistics show that the prices of everyday goods have significantly increased over the years.

Can Your Retirement Income Do Two Important Things?

Once you’re retired, inflation can pose a big threat to your budget, since you’ll be on a fixed income. Your retirement income will most likely come from Social Security, withdrawals from qualified re-

tirement plan assets (such as a 401(k) or 403(b) plan), and other assets you have accumulated to support your lifestyle during retirement.

Once you’ve left the workforce, your retirement income will need to do two important things: last for your lifetime and fully cover your expenses during retirement. But here’s why you may find it difficult for your retirement income to achieve both of these goals: • Social Security is designed to last for your lifetime and can provide a costof-living adjustment (COLA), but this adjustment is not guaranteed to happen each year – for example, there was no COLA in both 2010 and 2011. (The Social Security Administration uses the CPIW to help determine the amount of any COLA that is granted to Social Security recipients. ) • The longevity of your other re-

tirement income sources will depend on how much your investments earn (investment earnings can be unpredictable and your investments may lose value) – and the amount of money you withdraw from your retirement account(s) each year. Too high of a withdrawal rate may mean you could run out of money during your lifetime.

Creating Your Retirement Income Strategy Today There are several steps you can take to help yourself counteract the effects of inflation – and help you to ensure that your retirement income will last. These include: • Developing a diversified investment strategy by investing some of your assets into a mix of stocks (“equities”) and fixed income funds. Over the long term, equities have tended to outpace inflation (more so than fixed income investments),

but stocks tend to have a higher level of investment risk than fixed income investments, such as bonds.

• Following a distribution/withdrawal plan by withdrawing some of your assets at certain points in time. This can help you lengthen the life of your assets, gain the potential benefit of compounding growth and help you systematically increase your retirement income.

• Purchasing financial products, such as annuities, which can provide guaranteed payments for life.

Speak with Your Financial Professional Having a guaranteed source of lifetime income may give you the confidence and ability to enjoy retirement the way that it should be enjoyed — doing the things you love without the worry of outliving your money. So be sure to speak with your financial professional about the steps you can take to help secure your retirement income – and the role an annuity can play in helping to give you the kind of retirement income you can count on.

Prepared by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. The information contained in this article is for general, informational purposes only. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents or employees do not give tax or legal advice. You should consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your individual situation.

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December 2013

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8.

December 2013

The 9th Annual Signature National Black Events Pre-Law Conference INSPIRE, INFORM & EDUCATE and Law Fair 2014

Now Accepting Nominations e-mail your nominations to operations@d-mars.com

Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Nomination Deadline: 1/6/2014 Event Date: 2/27/2014

Top 50 Black Black Attorneys

Houston was home to the new 9th Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair held at The Westin Houston, Memorial City.

Historically, statistics reveal African Americans are lagging behind their counterparts of other races when it comes to entering and graduating from law school. The National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair was hosted to address the under-representation of the number of African Americans entering into and graduating from law school.

As the nation’s only comprehensive pre-law conference, the event has consistently provided a positive impact to more than one thousand aspiring African American law school students from all over the United States.

The event included keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions, a mock diagnostic Law School Admission Test (LSAT), an LSAT strategies session, mock law school classes, law school recruitment fair, and much more.

The event is a wonderful platform for sharing information and networking among like-minded black law professionals.

Nomination Deadline: 3/31/2014 Event Date: 5/29/2014

Top 25 Prime Contractors for Diversity and Supplier Diversity Champions

Nomination Deadline: 5/16/2014 Event Date: 7/31/2014

Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals

Nomination Deadline: 7/31/2014 Event Date: 9/25/2014

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Nomination Deadline: 5/2/2014 Event Date: 10/2014

Top 50 Black Models/ Celebration of the Year

Nomination Deadline: 9/5/2014 Event Date: 11/2014

To advertise in any of the above Signature Events, please e-mail operations@d-mars.com Experience Our World of Marketing, Media and Communication

December 2013

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10.

December 2013

New Year Resolutions for Your Business

By Kachelle Kelly Contributing Writer

N

ew Year resolutions are personal promises that often are made, yet rarely kept throughout the year. As business owners, we can't afford to not have a solid and sustainable plan to be better and do better in business. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Setting goals and preparing for your future is paramount for your success. And that planning must begin now before we enter the new year. But more importantly, these plans must be concise and consistent. To set you and your business up for a successful business year, you must Find your Why, Focus, Forecast, Financially Plan & Find Accountability!

1. Find Your Why. While we measure our success by our profits, it's the opportunities we are afforded that truly count. We believe it's about the money, but not really. It's about what we want to do with the money that

yields success. Begin to ask yourself, WHY are you in business? WHY are you in the business field you are in? WHY is making more money important to you?

WHY? Is it to put your kids through the best schools, get out of debt, pay off your parent's bills, give to your favorite charity, travel frequently or build your dream home? Sit quietly with a notepad and pen or type your "Big Why" list and let it settle in your heart. This list will drive you each day in your business, especially on the not-so-good days. Grab hold of your purpose in business and never let it go.

2. Focus.

Next, entrepreneurs must gain clarity about their business goals. Many times, we get caught up in all the different ways to make money in our business. But we must choose the top three proven "money makers" in our business and enhance those streams of income. If we plan to launch new or update products and services, setting a schedule can be helpful to avoid overwhelm. For example, the different areas in my business are 1-on1 coaching, group coaching, monthly Q&A calls, publishing books, speaking, corporate training and events. But I only focus on one to three of these areas at one time and not the areas that I'd like to venture into in the near future or my 2015 goals. Beware of the "bright shiny object syndrome," where you are on too many email lists of experts in your field, attending conferences that are sharing informa-

tion you already know or going to events that are not producing connections or profitable outcomes. Learn to focus on producing results and money making activity this coming year.

3. Forecast.

Business Forecasting is an estimate or prediction of future developments in your business such as sales, expenditures, and profits. If you don't know where you are, you can count the cost for where you want to go in your business. I have a special method that I use with my clients called the "Magic Number� using simple Excel spreadsheet formulas to forecast and track their businesses. Too often, entrepreneurs turn a profit without really taking account of hidden costs in the business. Forecasting drives not only the profits but the marketing efforts necessary to meet financial goals. Starting today or as soon as possible, predict the activity in your business for an entire year.

Five years of planning would be ideal, but start with one year of forecasting and follow through.

4. Financially Plan.

Once you have forecasted your business, it's time to financially plan to ensure you meet those forecasted goals. To achieve the plans outlined in your focus areas, begin to calculate the cost. Consider ways to save money in your business in the new year. Find leaky holes and paid services in your business that have not

been intricate in turning a profit in the previous year. Successful entrepreneurs learn to either sacrifice or plan accordingly to ensure business success. Budget for the launches in your business and keep track of each launches' success. If it's not working, stop doing it and pour your resources in another direction or area in your business.

5. Find Accountability.

Goals and a to-do list are simply that if we don't enlist accountability to hold our feet to the fire. When entrepreneurs don't share their intentions with someone who can help them, the items on that list are simply moved to "some day" rather than a solid deadline. Find a mastermind group of like minds or hire a coach to provide you with consistent fuel to reach higher heights. You can't survive on an island alone. Commit to finding a reputable coach with a track record of success or a network of genuine business owners that share your same determination.

Accountability is not telling family and friends that have no true understanding about your business or long-term goals.

They are perfect to hang out at the family barbecue, but not for soliciting advice that will make or break your success.

If you are interested in more ways to set business goals, prepare for the future or need business accountability, contact me for more information on coaching services at kk@kachellekelly.com

1Whichever comes first. For full details on BMW Ultimate ServiceŽ visit bmwusa.com/ultimateservice. Š2013 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

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Ramping Up Your Business Plan for A Successful 2014

By Mikal Powers Contributing Writer When I think about business planning, I’m one of those people who thinks about all of the details – big and small – that go into the development of a successful plan.

Every plan, no matter the size or type of business, has many moving parts that need to be managed, reviewed and sometimes, updated on a regular basis. Think of it as a guidebook to success.

When developing this guidebook, treat it as the sole reference tool for everything having to do with business planning – from research and data to customer feedback and sales. And while it is a guide, it should not control every aspect of the business, but rather serve as a reminder of what you learned throughout the planning process.

Many times, even the most successful businesses can veer off track from their business plan due to the owner’s inability to distinguish an idea from an opportunity.Understanding the difference can make the difference between growing your business or just treading water. It is important to remember the number one priority should always be your customer and his/her current desire for your product or service. It is also important to ensure the

product or service offering is still relevant within current market conditions.

Some important questions to ask yourself when updating your business plan include: 1. Where is the opportunity for growth?

2. Can I reach my customer in a way that makes my business stand out?

3. How big is the market – both geographically and from a demand perspective?

4. Do I have the right talent in place to grow?

Many entrepreneurs get enamored by the idea of starting their own business,

but do not understand that developing a solid business plan is essential. One of the biggest priorities of any plan is creating, maintaining and growing sales. For example, processes must be in place to ensure that market changes have minimal impact on your business. So when updating your business plan, refocus on your sales strategy as it is always a good thing to think about and revisit on a regular basis.

I cannot stress enough how important the development of a business plan is – sometimes the process itself is more important than the physical plan. This is because the planning process identifies ar-

December 2013

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eas of concern and allows you to address before putting your plan into action, thus reducing uncertainty. If you have done your research, then you are able to clearly define the goals and objectives of your business for the upcoming year – whether it be sales, new customer conversion or hiring more talent. Most importantly, your research from the planning process will help you better understand your customer and their needs, as well as your market and how to advance your position. While planning itself doesn’t guarantee success, it certainly does put you on the right track for a successful year.

Mikal Powers is campus director at University of Phoenix Houston Campus overseeing campus operations, and is responsible for setting campus goals for academics, student experience, staffing, communication and development. Powers earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in business administration from University of Phoenix. He spent five years as a Helicopter Search and Rescue Swimmer and Operations Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. After earning his degree, Powers attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and became a reserve officer for South Texas where he is committed to keeping communities safe and assisting residents in need.

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December 2013

Small to BIG

By Dr. D. L. Jones Contributing Writer

H

ave you said “I’m going to open my own business” or “I’m going to lose all this weight in 2014?”

Join the millions who have made personal commitments only to wake up and find that nothing has changed.

Daily, many individuals make a claim to do something whether great or small, only to stand by the sidelines of life and watch others’ dreams come true. Have you found yourself saying “What went wrong?” “Why can’t I achieve my goals, or even start, for that matter?” Was it because you set your goals too high? The answer is yes. Then is it wrong to think big? The answer is no. Confused? Let me explain.

Thinking big is what you should do. I encourage you to dream about your big-

gest goal. It’s good to shoot for the stars.

However, thinking big by itself will not do anything for you. In fact, only thinking big can actually hinder you. Your entire life must be an attitude of bigger and better things. I mean bigger thoughts, bigger plans, bigger goals, bigger circle of influence, seek bigger opportunities and a bigger paradigm of success.

So, you want to open your own business and make millions? Joe Doe begins thinking big and decides to open his own business and make the millions he dreams about. Reality check; Joe Doe doesn’t have a clue where to begin. He has no plan of action; as a result, he gets very discouraged. Why is this? It’s because he’s trying to make millions when in reality he hasn’t learned how to make one hundred dollars yet.

Learning how to make your first $100 of profit from your own business is the experience needed to make $500 of profit and then $1,000 as you build confidence and gain business experience. You begin to learn what works by those small measurable goals resulting in bigger thinking and bigger goals with the means to do so.

Countless millionaires started small and ended up BIG. Many successful businesses started out of a garage, a one-room apartment, the kitchen table and/or the

trunk of a car.

When you read the biographies of successful people, you will see two things they have in common.

1.

They just got started.

2. They started small and grew BIG

The reason why they were able to just get started was because they started small first, rather than big. Think about the many mega churches across the country.

More than 98% of today’s mega pastors started small and grew big. Once they got started, they were able to go through the necessary process of growth that enabled them to achieve the BIG dream.

This process of small to big is what most would-be millionaires detest. We live a society where people want results NOW! We live in a Right-Now generation. The advancement of technology (i.e. internet radio, TV, videos and smart phones) produces information instantly, right at our finger tips. We have become a spoiled generation not willing to go through the process of small to BIG. Nevertheless, this process should not be detested, but embraced. Why? It is the small to BIG process that teaches us the necessary lessons and skills to achieve the big goal. One must begin thinking small in order to experience the

necessary process of growth to achieve the big goal. Many major actors started their careers singing jingles or working small gigs with little or no pay. Now they are huge movie stars because they went through the process of small to BIG! I will end this article with a true story I heard from the renowned mega pastor Charles Stanley. Pastor Stanley shared with his listening audience that many recent seminary graduates will ask him for a letter of recommendation to pastor a big church. More times than not, the church they’re seeking to pastor is large in membership. Pastor Stanley shared that his advice to them would always be to seek out a small church and learn the process of church growth.

In closing, my childhood pastor and mentor the late Rev. George M. Bennett once said: “A good preacher can take a church of five members and grow it to 5,000 members. Adversely, a bad preacher can take a church of 5,000 members and dwindle it to five members.” Why? I believe he never experienced the process of small to BIG.

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 and hundreds of programs and degree plans. What are you waiting for? Go get it.

It’s yours.

Your journey begins here.

Classes start January 13 Register today at hccs.edu

Learn about our logistics program, and many more at HCC.

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12/10/13 9:16 AM

Small Business Saturday Encourages Community to Shop Locally

By Valerie Jones Contributing Writer

G

aining notoriety and participation each year that it’s in existence, Small Business Saturday (SBS) has become a ritual for many holiday shoppers. It falls between the two popular shopping days, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and is a day in which community members are encouraged to support local businesses by shopping small and local.

2013 marked the fourth year for SBS; it was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ need for more customers.

Many of Houston’s locally black-owned businesses participated in this year’s SBS event. One of those events was located at The Popcorn Bar and Plaza Center, located at 3829 Southwest Freeway, and was spearheaded by the Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce.

Events such as the one at The Popcorn Bar help patrons learn of the benefits of shopping locally.

“One often overlooked benefit is the personal attention you receive at small businesses,” said Leondria Lewis, president and CEO of the Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce. “Small business owners are usually always at their place of business. They will go the extra mile to accommodate customers – find out what they really like and make sure the customers are happy and satisfied because they want the repeat business.”

Lewis also explained the importance of the role of minority business owners in the community, by encouraging young people to pursue entrepreneurship and making sure local dollars circulate within the community.

“They are a model for young people who aspire to own their own business after graduating from school,” Lewis said.

“They can help expose students to the entrepreneurial culture in business. There’s also an opportunity for a community or neighborhood to work together and keep that money in the neighborhood.”

Another benefit to shopping at small businesses? Lower prices!

“There’s usually no shipping fees involved, and we will typically have products in stock so we can get customers what they need right away,” said Lorenzo Armstead, who is co-owner of The Popcorn Bar along with his wife Kisha. “Smaller stores are more customized – customers can look at the product and put their hands on it.”

The Armsteads do not just own a business; they give back to the community as well through donations, fundraising, and volunteer efforts such as their work with the Heights Young Life program. Theirs is the face customers will often see when they visit The Popcorn Bar. “With a small business, you are able to walk in and talk to the owner because most likely they work there,” Armstead said. “Owners will make sure they are selling quality products because it’s in their best interest to make sure the customers get exactly what they pay for.”

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December 2013

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December 2013

Five Insider Strategies to Expand Your Minority Business Through Government Contracting Part Two of a Two-Part Series

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer Many states in the United States, such as the State of Texas, spend billions of dollars each year with private firms for design build services, IT, facilities management, food services, printing and other services while the federal government procures more than $500 billion in goods and services annually. Industry data show a shocking statistic in which only about 5% of businesses pursue work in this vast government market. Frequently, too much bureaucracy and not wanting the government to know all the firm’s business are cited by minority firms as reasons to forgo pursuing work with government agencies.

While the paperwork can be tedious and the wheels may turn slower than commercial work, doing business with the largest consumer in the world – the federal government or with the State of Texas can help create a stable financial base for your company. In turn, this financial stability provides options to expand your firm’s footprint in the new year.

In addition, for many large private firms, the government market is a significant line item in their portfolio. And this market can benefit minority firms when they are successful in consistently winning and performing on government contracts. For this to occur, it behooves minority firms to exercise proven strategies. Three of these strategies were reviewed in Part One of this article series, found in the November issue of d-mars. com Business Journal. For a quick refresher, the three strategies to expand your minority firm through government contracting from Part One are below: Sub-to-Prime: Allows minority firms to expand and generate revenue without assuming the liability for the awarded government agency project. This strategy also offers the opportunity to stabilize cash flow via government agencies’ prompt payment policies designated for small, minority, and other certified businesses and your firm gains project experience.

Joint Venture (JV): This strategy involves two or more firms establishing a formal and legal business entity to pursue market opportunities. This direction creates a business platform to expand your firm’s footprint, acquire new expertise, and increase your company’s capacity.

Mentor Protégé Relationship: This strategy is often viewed as a piggyback

scenario with the protégé in the minor role being coached by the mentor, which is often a large prime. From my experience, the strongest Mentor Protégé relationship occurs when the protégé brings their assets (relationships in industry or with target client, unique expertise, technical know-how, etc.) to the table that sends a message to the mentor that your firm is a strategic team member that can help them win work. With this approach, your firm becomes embedded in the mentor’s value chain and a key part of their business model. This kind of winwin relationship, along with receiving coaching and guidance from the mentor, can assist your minority firm in expanding and growing revenues.

In addition to the above-mentioned insider strategies to expand your firm’s footprint in the new year, below are the remaining two strategies to consider.

Hybrid: This strategy involves combining two or more of the previously mentioned three strategies. Depending on the agency, project and positioning, you can select to participate in a formal Mentor Protégé relationship, form a legal Joint Venture (JV), and have your firm handle specific project scope all in one project.

And you are in a Prime role by being a member of the JV. The Hybrid strategy provides many benefits to support your goal to expand your business. They are as follows:

• As a Sub-to-Prime, the government agencies’ prompt payment policy helps to provide steady revenue for your business operations and to assist in funding your expansion plans.

• By being a member of a legal Joint Venture, you have a business entity that can be used on other project pursuits and in other markets – geographical, government sector, etc. As noted in Part One of this article series, Joint Ventures are viewed by many local, state and federal agencies as the 21st century model of pursuing and working on government contracts due to size and magnitude of scope. Marketing your firm as a Joint Venture Partner raises the interest level in your firm in the marketplace because it shows your understanding of agencies’ needs and changes in a dynamic market.

Bottom line – new doors to opportunities open whereby you can leverage to expand your firm’s footprint.

• The Mentor Protégé aspect of the Hybrid allows your firm not only to acquire new expertise and build capacity, but also to enjoy increased positive visibility within the government agency (and community) because of the agencies’ economic development goals tied to their formal Mentor Protégé Programs.

And because your firm is a strategic team member plugged into Mentor’s business model, this strategy strongly positions your firm to expand with the Mentor

into other markets, geographical areas and new services.

Prime: This strategy indicates that your firm assumes all liability for the awarded project, including self-performing and completing project deliverables when subs are unable or unwilling to handle contracted scopes. Yet, when performed successfully, being the Prime sends a loud message to target government accounts that you have the business infrastructure including resources, finances, insurance, bonding, expertise, etc. to successfully complete their project. And this is a huge marketing and selling point when executing your firm’s expansion plans.

For the small and minority firms planning to expand via government contracting – federal, state or local in the new year – feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Also, make sure to read my article in the January 2014 d-mars.com Business Journal for more great suggestions, strategies, and tips on government contracting.

You can pick up a copy at a location near you or visit www.dmars.com.

Helen Callier, President of Bradlink LLC, a Technical Services Firm, bestselling author of “Your Money is in the Follow-up”, radio show host and speaker. Tel: 281.312.9981, www.SmallBusinessSuccessTalk.com

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December 2013

‘Tis the Season to be Sharing

By Noel Pinnock Contributing Writer In 1766, the world was introduced to the word “rec-i-proc-i-ty.” Reciprocity has known synonyms such as cooperation, exchange, mutuality, or interchange.

The short definition can be summed up in two words: “giving back.” In this seasonal edition of the d-mars.com Journal, my emphasis has been placed on the essentials of giving back. I am a strong advocate of reciprocity and it is incumbent upon everyone to understand that there is true value in helping others and giving back. In fact, many of you who will read this article are able to read because someone in your past (home, school, etc.) decided to reach out and help you. He or she took the time to teach the rudiments of discerning the alphabet, interpreting symbols, and reading for understanding and comprehension. It was not long before you mastered it and could understand the most complicated literature. Some of us decided that it was simply enough to learn the skill while others chose to pursue a career at helping others begin their

academic journey.

People oftentimes approach me after I give a speech or present a training session and ask me if I ministered or preached at a church. I am always flattered; however, my typical response is two-fold and centered on the two types of ministers in our world – ministers by profession and influence. In either case, we are all considered ministers. Likewise, we are all teachers because we have an influence (positive and/ or negative) on everyone we come in contact with on a moment-by-moment basis.

We do not need a season to begin giving back because if we have the opportunity to get up in the morning, then the opportunity has already presented itself.

Ask yourself these five questions: 1. How do your people/teammates see you?

2. Are you an enlarger?

3. Do you make them better than they are alone through your inspiration and contribution?

4. Do you know what they value?

5. Do you capitalize on those things by adding value to them in those areas?

Becoming an enlarger of others isn’t always easy. First, it takes a secure person to add value to others. If you believe deep down that helping others somehow hurts

you or your opportunities for success, then you’ll have a hard time enlarging others. But as Henry Ward Beecher insisted, “No man is more cheated than the selfish man.” When we unselfishly enlarge others, we, essentially, enlarge ourselves…

it’s called “rec-i-proc-i-ty.” When we do it unto the least of them, we are really doing it unto God...so, have fun giving back because one day someone will give back to you! #getatit!

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December 2013

North Houston Frontiers Club Raises Money for Scholarships Through 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast

By Valerie Jones Contributing Writer

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wo important pillars that help uplift the African American community are history and education of its youth. The North Houston Frontiers Club, Inc. (NHFC) understands this and uses these pillars to better the community.

NHFC is a nonprofit service organization dedicated to providing educational and monetary assistance to talented, deserving students in the Greater Houston area.

Members include African American men and women, all who volunteer and are determined to give back to their community.

Each year, the NHFC hosts the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast, which solely funds the NHFC’s Minority Scholarship Program.

NHFC will host the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast at the Hilton Americas-Houston Downtown on Monday, Jan. 20, 2014.

Keynote speaker will be Mr. Willie Iles, National Director, Government and Community Relations of Boy Scouts of America. The prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award will be presented to Mrs. Sarah Joseph, Community Relations Director for Houston Rockets Basketball.

Honorary chairs for the Breakfast are Dr. Shawn Simmons, Regulatory Environmental Advisor for ExxonMobil Development Company and Mr. Keith “DMARS” Davis, president of d-mars.com.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to be a part of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast,” said Mr. D-MARS. “Dr. King is an iconic

civil rights leader who serves as an ideal role model for the youth in the African American community. Proceeds from this Breakfast will help some of these young men and women attain the higher education needed in order for them to be successful in the future.”

Since its inception in 1986, the NHFC Minority Scholarship Program has awarded more than $1 million to deserving college bound minority high school seniors in the Houston area throughout the past 25 years. The program has been able to be so successful because of the generous contributions and participation of corporate sponsors, organizations, individuals, school counselors, and members of the NHFC. “I am honored to be a part of the NHFC because there are so many students who are in need of scholarships,” said Wilma J. Evans, president of the NHFC. “That is why I joined the organization – with tuition going up basically every year, any amount a student is able to get will be a help.”

The 2013 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast raised $35,000 for scholarships.

“During the scholarship interview process, we’ve had students tell us they haven’t received any scholarships at all,” Evans said. “That really touches your heart. We really want to help, not only in the community, but help as many students as possible to obtain scholarships.”

2014 will be the first year the NHFC will change its scholarship award program from a four-year award over four years to a single award for one year. The awards will be divided into two categories to serve the greatest number of students in the Houston and Harris County areas and to reflect the growing need to assist the number of students who may not

enroll in a four-year school directly after high school.

The single award for four-year schools is $100,000 and the single award for twoyear schools will be $500.

The NHFC is also actively involved with community and philanthropic efforts.

“We do several community projects.

One of our projects in July was to find a shelter (either for women or co-ed) and provide them with toiletries,” Evans said.

“We chose to partner with Yahweh Shelter and we were able to provide them with more than $10,000 worth of toiletries. It’s so rewarding when you see smiles on people’s faces or they come give you a hug.”

Evans has served three years as president of the NHFC and in 2014 the NHFC will usher in a new president: Donnell Cooper.

“I am very excited to take on the new leadership role. Currently, my primary focus is to rebrand the ultimate legacy of the organization to increase and enforce the platform of what the organization is all about,” Cooper said. “I want to try and diversify the younger leadership of today’s community and I want to try to get more young African Americans in leadership roles in our organization. We also want to expose more young African American students to our scholarship opportunities.”

For more information about the NHFC or the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast and Minority Scholarship Program, visit nhfrontiers.com.

“I am honored to be a part of the NHFC because there are so many students who are in need of scholarships.

That is why I joined the organization – with tuition going up basically every year, any amount a student is able to get will be a help.”

- Wilma J. Evans, President of North Houston Frontiers Club

“I want to try and diversify the younger leadership of today’s community and I want to try to get more young African Americans in leadership roles in our organization. We also want to expose more young African American students to our scholarship opportunities.”

- Donnell Cooper, President of North Houston Frontiers Club (2014 - )

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December 2013

What’s Hurting You?!

By Lonnie Mathews Contributing Writer I want to start out by asking the question “what’s hurting you?” The reason I ask is because I was recently in the company of some friends and the conversation got on the topic of personal finance (my favorite topic, of course). I remember at one point during the conversation my wife’s childhood friend said something that hit me hard. Now granted, my wife’s friend is going through some challenges, which has caused a financial strain on her family.

My wife’s friend said that “financial people like you are out of touch and don’t understand the psychology of money.” Initially, I was taken aback by the comment to say the least, so I resisted a response because I wanted to take some time to do some self-evaluation to see if I indeed had lost touch with what works and what doesn’t work. This person also goes on to say “I know what I should be doing financially, but I just don’t do it,” which sounds like most people concerning their money.

Now that I have had some time to evaluate myself, I have come to a couple con-

clusions regarding the comment. First, my wife’s friend has not actually read my latest book called “Spend Everything” (shameless plug). If she had, she wouldn’t have made that statement about me and being out of touch. I can’t think of anyone more in touch with the psychology of money than me. You see I grew up not having a lot of money, and like everyone else with the same background, I made some financial mistakes along the way.

The difference between my wife’s friend and me is I learned from my mistakes instead of repeating them.

I have concluded that personal finance is personal – that is why we call it personal finance. Most experts say personal finance is 80 percent personal and 20 percent knowledge. So I guess my response to my wife’s friend is: no, I get it; I just choose to do better. There is a saying that “If you want to change any aspect of your life, you have to become a different person.”

In other words, you cannot be the same person doing the same thing and expect to get anything but what you have always

gotten.

I am reminded of the story of the dog on the nail. A traveling salesman comes to a farmhouse where there is a farmer and a dog on the porch. The salesman noticed that each time the dog moved, the dog would let out a whimper. Finally, the salesman asked the farmer what was wrong with the dog and the farmer replied “He’s lying on a nail.” The salesman then asked if the dog is lying on a nail and it hurts him, why doesn’t he just get off the nail? After thinking for a while the farmer replied, “I guess it don’t hurt him enough.”

I have come to the conclusion that most people are in love with the idea of being financially free. Not necessarily rich but financially free to do the things that they really want to do. However, I have found that most people aren’t willing to do the things that are necessary to get there.

The nail in the story is a metaphor for anything that keeps you from doing what it is that you really want to do. The nail

could represent anything – it could be that you have bad financial habits, spiritual issues; relationship issues; any number of things. The thing about the nail is you know its there and it hurts you, yet you haven’t made the decision to do anything about it.

Many of us are like the dog; we just want to lay there and whimper and hope that someday something will change, through no effort of our own, of course. I would also say to my wife’s friend and her financial situation “Get off the nail.” Stop letting your past dictate your future. You are not your past, you are better than your past; you just have to let it go.

“The fastest way to get away from something it so let it go!”

Your situation could be anything for which you are having difficulty, yet refuse to do anything about. Let’s face it – if your life isn’t where you want it to be, who can you blame? The truth is YOU, I know that may sound a little self-righteous, but it is true. If things aren’t going your way then change. Every day that you wake up, you have the power to change.

Change your mind, your habits, and ultimately – your life.

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

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2013 “Find Your Path” Career Day Expo d-mars.com participated in the 2013 “Find Your Path” Career Day Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center, hosted by the City of Houston Human Resources Department. The expo is part of the city’s Grow Your Own Workforce initiative, providing students with information on the wide variety of career opportunities available in municipal government.

Approximately 2,500 students from 42 high schools were able to interact with representatives from city departments, METRO, the Port of Houston, HISD, the Sheriff’s Office, private sector and nonprofit organizations as well as representatives from more than 25 colleges and universities. The students were able to explore 70 exhibit areas, hear from several different speakers, and win door prizes.

The primary goals of the expo were not only to expose students to hundreds of career and educational opportunities, but also to provide motivation and inspiration to aim high, stay focused, and work hard to achieve their career goals.

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December 2013

Ask Mr. Laws Professional Advice for Dog Owners

By Greg Laws Contributing Writer

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n our initial article, we announced the “Ask Mr. Laws” column for dog owners who are experiencing problems with their pets. Thanks for your questions.

Here are several I received.

My 10-month-old cocker spaniel doesn’t come when I call her. In fact, she runs from me, and I have to chase after her before I can put her up. What should I do? –Valerie P. Valerie, coming to you should always be a pleasant experience for your dog. It has everything to do with the bond between you and your dog. When your dog doesn’t respect you, she doesn’t take what you say seriously. That’s why she doesn’t come when you call. Her environment has a greater influence on her than you do. Also, never chase after your dog. It makes her think you are playing a game.

You should schedule an appointment

with a trainer who can evaluate and solve your problem.

When I walk my dog, he pulls me consistently. And when he sees another dog, he tries to go after it aggressively. What can I do to stop him from pulling, and can you stop him from being aggressive towards other dogs? – Saundra Q. Saundra, you have two issues that need to be addressed immediately. Because they are already beyond your ability to

control, my advice is to contact a professional trainer to evaluate and resolve these problems. These are dangerous problems that need immediate attention before they escalate.

My dog goes ballistic every time I come home. He jumps up and runs all around the house. What can I do? –JD JD, the dog is excited and glad to see you, because now its friend is home. The first thing it wants to do is play. I would

suggest letting your dog outside to run and burn off some of that energy. Then, after you’re settled, spend at least 10 or 15 minutes playing with your dog, and it should be fine. If not, then contact a professional to come out and evaluate your situation.

Tip of the Month: Know Your Breed and the Breed’s Temperament If you are a dog owner or thinking about becoming one, a little research can go a long way in making your pet the right fit for you and your family. Some breeds require lots of exercise, while others, not so much. In order to determine what breed is best suited for your time, lifestyle, and living arrangement, visit your local library, search the internet, or consult a professional before you make such a demanding commitment. Never select a pet based on breed popularity.

Learn as much as you can about your dog to make life easier for you both.

And remember - Regardless of the breed you select, you have to be the leader and not allow your pet to dictate the terms of your relationship.

If you have a problem with your dog, email Mr. Laws at greg@bullpendtc.com.

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December 2013

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December 2013

Who needs a 1099 or a W-2? d-mars.com News Provider

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s the year winds down, it is time to start thinking about recent tax changes and how they affect you, especially if you run a small business. But keeping tax details straight is tough – even for those who live and breathe the industry.

One of the most common questions during this time of year is "who needs a 1099 or a W-2?"

To help sort through the forms maze, experts at Greatland Corporation, a company that provides W-2 and 1099 tax forms and e-filing services to small businesses, have provide background on these forms: A W-2 is the form employers will use to report yearly wage and withholding information. An employer needs to provide this form to employees no later than Jan. 31, 2014. Employees will receive four copies of this form to report federal, state and local income and maintain a copy for their own records.

A 1099-MISC is the form used to report miscellaneous income, such as income earned as a contract or freelance worker, as well as fees, royalties, commissions and rental income. If you are a business that uses contractors or freelance workers who received at least $600 dur-

ing the year, you must provide them with a 1099-MISC form to report this income.

In short, 1099s and W-2s are two different tax forms used for two types of workers. Independent contractors receive 1099 forms and traditional employees will receive a W-2 every year. But sometimes it can often be difficult to classify workers.

An employee is anyone who performs services for an employer and the employer can control what will be done and how it will be done. This is true even when an employer gives an employee freedom of action.

An individual is an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work and not what will be done or how it will be done. An employer generally does not withhold federal income tax or Social Security/Medicare taxes for independent contractors.

"Businesses and independent contractors aren't always aware of what they need to do during tax season, but it's becoming more and more important that they know their responsibilities to avoid penalties," said Janice Krueger, a spokesperson for Greatland. "The IRS has increased its penalties on this group of workers over the last few years and added a budget of

$14 million in 2013 for grants to states to assist in identifying misclassification and to cover unpaid taxes."

If an employer misclassifies an employee as an independent contractor and has no reasonable basis for doing so, the employer is liable for employment taxes for that worker.

Many view inappropriate worker status determinations as a tax loophole and even more misclassifications are due to a misunderstanding of the requirements causing the IRS to heavily monitor businesses. Estimates are that 20 percent of businesses misclassify workers, so if you're an employer, be careful. - (BPT)

Experience Our World of Marketing, Media and Communication

December 2013

City of Houston Champions of Diversity Awards The Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) Advisory Board hosted its inaugural City of Houston Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony at the Julia Ideson Historic Library downtown.

Honorary chair is Mayor Annise Parker, advisory

board chair is Alicia Jimerson, and director for the Office of Business Opportunity is Carlecia Wright.

The Champions of Diversity Awards honor City of Houston prime contractors and Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprises, and Persons with Disabili-

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ties Business Enterprises. The awards also honors a City of Houston department and a community partner that have been true champions in exemplifying commitment, excellence, and support to OBO’s mission and the City’s Supplier Diversity Program.

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December 2013

Digital World Demands New IT Workforce d-mars.com News Provider

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t's no secret that technology has changed how we live. From tablets and streaming video, to big data analytics and network security, we live in a digital world that impacts us every minute of every day. However, technology not only improves the way we live and work in the present, but also offers great opportunity for the future.

The rush of technology advances and innovations brings a wave of career opportunities to those with the right training, whether your objective is to advance in your current profession or explore a new one within the many business sectors under the realm of IT. Going back to school for an IT degree to increase your skill set could be the right path for you.

Why? • The workforce needs IT pros with up-to-date skills. You may think that years of past experience are the key to success for IT professionals, but that's not necessarily true. More than nine-in-10 (93 percent) of U.S. IT and business executives report that there is a vast difference between existing and desired skills among their staffs, according to CompTIA, a nonprofit trade association representing the IT industry.

• The IT world needs well-rounded tech professionals. IT challenges that employers face today demand more than just technical know-how, and newer IT degree programs are designed with this in mind. For instance, NEASC-accredited Mount Washington College, a part of the Kaplan Higher Education Group, offers a new online IT degree curriculum that addresses emerging areas such as ethical, legal and social issues in IT administration, cloud computing, and security and forensics. This online program also integrates gamification elements, including motivational and academic badges, which help students demonstrate the mastery of competencies aligning with industry certifications that can be earned prior to graduation – providing immediate degree value.

• You may think that obstacles, such as time and money, are too difficult to overcome in order to return to school for a new degree. However, online programs are changing that. For example the new IT degree through Mount Washington College starts as low as $4,800 annually and is highly flexible to accommodate adult student schedules. The program enables students to finish assignments and earn their degrees as time permits, while juggling work, family and other responsibilities that are often roadblocks in more traditional education settings.

Whether you are seeking to advance in your current career or embark on a new one, career opportunities in the IT industry are numerous. Now, obtaining the skills you need to be successful in this

market are more accessible and affordable than ever. To learn more about the Mount Washington College IT program, visit mountwashington.edu. - (BPT)

Best Business Investment for 2014: Fueling Employee Engagement d-mars.com News Provider

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o your employees feel personally connected to the organization for which they work?

Would they recommend your workplace to others? If the answer to any of those questions is "no," you're far from alone.

Employee engagement is way down, so low that a recent study found that twothirds of the U.S. workforce is not fully engaged.

What exactly is employee engagement?

Boiled down, the term means employees who are fully involved and enthusiastic about their jobs. Beyond simply being satisfied, engaged employees feel connected and committed to their coworkers and the organization where they work.

Employee engagement isn't only good for the individual worker, but has numerous benefits for the organization as well.

"Engagement is directly tied to productivity and loyalty," said David Fagiano, chief operating officer, Dale Carnegie Training. "This coincides with ROI, which is the reason why every business should pay close attention to their employees and their well-being."

Only 29 percent of U.S. employees are fully engaged, according to a study from Dale Carnegie Training and MSW Research. Furthermore, 26 percent are considered disengaged. Disengaged employees are two and a half times more likely to leave their job for any level of pay increase than engaged employees. The study also found that young employees and older groups are more engaged than middleaged people, with engagement peaking among employees who have been at their place of employment for three to five years.

"Empowering people to make decisions about their work will generate enthusiasm and inspire people to try harder, producing the strongest lift to engagement," Fagiano said. "The single most important person for driving employee engagement is the direct supervisor. This person truly sets the stage for positive or negative outcomes."

Managers should be aware of the three organizational drivers of employee engagement, according to Fagiano: 1. Relationship with immediate supervisor – Does this person appreciate

and recognize the employee?

2. Belief in senior leadership – Do employees believe the company is headed in the right direction?

3. Pride in working for the company – Do employees feel a sense of worth when doing their jobs?

"Really good supervisors know that people are driven by their emotions," said Fagiano. "If they feel engaged, they'll work harder and be more likely to help their coworkers. The power of positive emotions should never be underestimated."

The common connection between all engaged employees is that they feel valued. A recent Dale Carnegie white paper, titled "Emotional Drivers of Employee Engagement," explores emotions that are connected to feeling valued. Here are the four core emotions of feeling valued and how supervisors can use them to build more engaged employees: Confident: When employees feel confident, they are more productive and more likely to take on new challenges. Build confidence by giving sincere praise. Be specific about what you think they have done well in the past and reinforce it with a positive statement or suggestion about the future.

Empowered: When employees have the tools and support they need, they feel empowered. Keep an open door policy for questions and conversation. Truly listen to what employees say. Ask them what projects they'd like to work on. Show them you genuinely care and have high expectations.

Enthusiastic: Enthusiasm is contagious.

One employee who feels these emotions can spread positive energy to the entire group. Boost enthusiasm by sharing company plans for the future and be open to employee suggestions. Live by example and talk about how excited you are for future developments.

Inspired: Knowing the future is bright and there is opportunity for career growth will inspire employees. Be a mentor and a coach as well as a boss. Provide growth and development opportunities. Remove obstacles and be proactive about providing any necessary resources. Keep an open dialogue about an employee's vision for their job in the future.

Employee engagement is a trending topic that is sure to peak in 2014. To learn more visit www.dalecarnegie.com.

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'Tis the Season for Online Shopping Traps d-mars.com News Provider

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t doesn't matter if it's the day after Thanksgiving or the night before Christmas, cybercriminals don't take a holiday.

"People are spending with reckless abandon this time of year," said Christopher Elliott, consumer advocate and author of "Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles and Shady Deals."

To avoid falling victim to these creative crooks, financial services company USAA advises consumers to watch out for these five common cyberscams.

Fake shopping sites With all the hype about Black Friday and Cyber Monday, consumers go into shopping mode expecting to find good deals. But it is possible to get sucked in by websites selling counterfeit goods or overseas-based sites that take your money and provide nothing in return.

"Deals that are too good to be true are a huge red flag," warns Scambook.com, a site that collects consumer complaints.

• Never follow links sent by email. If you're going to follow search engine results, learn about the site before you make purchases or provide personal information.

• Watch out for sites with names that

sound similar to popular sites or include a brand name in the URL. Research the site by typing its name into a search engine with the word complaints. You can also put the name in the Better Business Bureau database. If you don't find anything wrong, that doesn't necessarily mean you're home free. It could indicate the site was recently created.

Scam sites often pop up overnight and quickly disappear when enough people catch on. SiteJabber.com also publishes user reviews of sites.

Promises of free stuff

Promotions to like a company's Facebook page in exchange for a $1,000 gift card or getting texts with similar ploys have become more prevalent. Why? Because people fall for them. Identity thieves count on consumers entering their personal and financial information to get the freebie.

A company is not going to give away a $1,000 gift card in exchange for a like and won't randomly text you with a similar deal. If you see one of these come-ons, delete it.

Buying through online auctions or classified sites If you're looking for a deal or an offbeat item, turning to online auctions or classified sites could make sense. But they are also home to numerous scams.

• Use a credit card when buying online.

Credit cards can protect consumers against fraud.

• Don't make a payment using a money transfer service to anyone you don't personally know, and use the same caution when asked to pay with a prepaid debit card.

• Don't pay upfront. If you're buying something locally, pay upon receipt of the item.

Phony Black Friday

or other ads

If you're planning to shop on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, you want to see the big sales in advance. Cybercrooks know that, so they create sites that try to capture traffic from searches for sales fliers. The goal is to get your personal information or have you click a link that loads your computer with malware that captures and transmits your information to them.

• Don't click on random links, and don't download attachments from people you don't know.

• Be sure your malware and virus protection software is up-to-date and turned on.

• If you're looking for Black Friday ads, find legitimate sales information at sites such as BlackFriday.com or DealNews. com.

Holiday vacation deals you don't want If the idea of spending the holidays on a cruise or lying on a warm beach appeals to you, you may be tempted by an offer laden with freebies. "Anytime you see the word 'free,' alarm bells should go off," Elliott said. "Free cruise. Free all-inclusive vacation. Free flights. All of those things are signs that you are probably looking at a scam."

In these sorts of deals, at some point you're going to be asked to a pay "taxes" or a fee. "Once you buy in, they'll promise you the world and they'll ask you to wire money," Elliott said.

• Use only trusted travel sites and rental agencies when booking.

• Don't fall for gimmicks that make a pricey vacation look like something you can get for a fee or a couple of hundred dollars. When those tantalizing promises are dangled, Elliott says, "don't walk away – run.” - (BPT)

Check your Tax Forms for Errors and Avoid Fines for 2013

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ax season will be here before you know it and businesses everywhere want to handle their reporting quickly, efficiently and on time in order to avoid the penalties and fines associated with missed deadlines. In recent years, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has increased its penalties for misfiled or late tax forms. As a result, it's more important than ever for leaders of small- to midsized businesses to stay on top of changes and be doubly vigilant in assembling and reviewing their reporting documents.

As simple as it may seem, one of the most important but least utilized steps to this review is simply double-checking all reporting documents and deadlines. It is vital to double check the information on tax forms for accuracy and be aware of year-end deadlines to prevent errors resulting in fines or other penalties. If filing is not done by the deadline, taxpayers will face failure-to-file penalties.

"Tax season doesn't have to be a stressful time of the year that starts ulcers for small business leaders," said Janice Krueger, a tax and reporting expert at Greatland, one of the country's leading providers of W-2 and 1099 products for business. "A recent study revealed that 39 percent of filers are never certain that they are meeting all the rules and requirements when reporting annually. We want to help alleviate those concerns by informing taxpayers about filing requirements and deadlines, along with the ramifications of errors and/or

late filings."

Many 1099 and W-2 reporting penalties have doubled or even tripled over the past few years and it is increasingly essential that businesses file and complete all wage and income filings on time. Here is a list of filing penalties for W-2 and 1099 forms Greatland believes taxpayers should be aware of this season: • The penalty for failing to file accurate information on returns is $100 per return.

• The maximum failure-to-file penalty is $1.5 million.

If returns are filed within 30 days • after the due date, the penalty is $30 per return.

• The maximum penalty for organizations that issue returns within 30 days is $250,000.

For small businesses, defined as organizations with annual gross receipts of $5 million or less for the three most recent tax years: • The maximum failure-to-file penalty is $500,000.

• The maximum penalty for organizations that issue returns more than 30 days past the due date, but before Aug. 1, is $200,000.

To make sure your business has all of the accurate information needed, you can find a full list of federal and state filing regulations to remember on Greatland's W-2 and 1099 fact center website. (BPT)

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Maximizing Working Capital: How Growing Businesses Can Gain an Edge in an Uncertain Economy

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usinesses of all sizes, especially small and mid-size businesses, have faced a number of divergent economic headwinds since the onset of The Great Recession in late 2008. Chances are good that during that time a business held on tightly to the cash it had, put its growth plans on hold, or both.

Now that the economy is gaining stability, business owners might be asking themselves how to best manage their business finances for the future – ride out the recession or take advantage of an upswing?

The answer is simple: get a crystal clear view of both your cash position and your cash needs and manage them closely.

Although it may sound complicated,

small and mid-sized businesses can easily maximize cash through a combination of smart strategies and a dynamic checking account.

"Small and mid-sized businesses seeking to shore up their financial health and gain an advantage in this economy can best achieve these goals by maximizing their working capital," said Bill Fink, executive vice president and chief lender for Regional Commercial Banking at TD Bank.

"If there's one area that businesses seem to be struggling with in this economy, it's how to best manage and maximize the return on their cash. But you don't necessarily need to have a CFO on staff to do it well. Sound cash management strategies and access to advanced payments and receivables services through TD Commercial Convenience Checking can provide an edge for any business owner."

Before a business can reap the benefits inherent in identifying short-term funding gaps in working capital and long-term financing needs for growth, it needs to adhere to essential elements of cash management. A business owner should know when and why cash needs will occur and understand the full range of options for meeting cash needs, which likely include a combination of savings, financing and relying on trade credit terms.

There are two main strategies for busi-

ness owners to get the most out of their working capital, Fink said.

The first is to expedite receivable collections, putting cash back to work for the business, and allowing it to work for the maximum amount of time when measured against the accounts payable window. This gap provides a significant window of investment opportunity and is very similar to how a bank makes money.

The second strategy is to take full advantage of trade credit discounts. The available trade credit terms vary by industry, with many offering a discount from seller to buyer if payments from the seller are made promptly.

"For example, a trade credit agreement might allow for a two percent discount for a 10-day payment arrangement," said Fink. This equates to an annualized interest rate of 72 percent on the trade discount – you save this effective interest rate by paying them early. If in this same instance, your business had a line of credit at today's prime rate of 3.25 percent, you should take advantage of available trade credit discounts to realize significant savings, because the annual interest rate on the trade discount is higher than your cost of borrowing."

Other avenues that are often overlooked by small and mid-sized business owners: the use of controlled disbursement ser-

vices, implementation of zero balance accounts and utilizing the automated clearinghouse network for payments.

Once these strategies are implemented, the next step is to be sure the business has a commercial checking platform that meets the dynamic needs of the company.

For businesses that require flexibility as they grow, TD Commercial Convenience Checking allows customers to select and pay for only the services they want, with the benefit of an Earnings Credit Rate that can help offset the cost of banking services. Account holders have access to several advanced payments and receivables services, including TD eTreasury, helping to run their business more effectively. Key features include 1,000 free transactions per statement cycle across the account relationship, and the ability to waive a monthly maintenance fee.

With strong cash management practices in place and a powerful but costeffective commercial checking platform, small and mid-sized business owners will generate more cash, freeing up capital to support organic growth.

"To best maximize your working capital, implement sound cash management practices and be sure your checking account is robust enough to meet your firm's changing needs as you grow," Fink said. -(BPT)

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VOTE TANISHA GREEN JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 2

I N T E G R I T Y. S E R V I C E . E X C E L L E N C E .

• Licensed Attorney • Member of the Air Force Reserve • Assistant Attorney General • Mother, Community Activist • United States Air Force Veteran

Election Day: March 4, 2014

tanishagreenforjp@gmail.com | www.TanishaGreenForJP.com Pol. Adv. Paid for by Tanisha Green Campaign Treasurer Reginald McKamie 1210 Antoine Dr. - Houston, TX 77055

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Three Big Ways Small Business Owners Can Save on Taxes

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f you own a small business, every dollar matters – especially when it comes to taxes. Whether your business is a partnership or corporation, Uncle Sam offers some sizeable deductions to lower your liability, allowing you to put those dollars toward capital and employees.

Easy-to-use tax preparation solutions have become an increasingly popular way for small business owners to navigate deductions and tax law changes.

The programs ask simple questions about business income and expenses to help maximize your deductions. Solutions, such as the value leader TaxACT, allow you to use their online solutions for free and only require payment when you're ready to file.

TaxACT spokesperson Jessi Dolmage shares three ways to reduce your small business taxes.

Tip 1: Buy to Save Whenever buying new equipment, technology, software or even furniture for your business, save those receipts and keep detailed records that include purchase price and date placed into service.

You should be able to substantiate any expenses you claim on your tax return.

ness use of their personal vehicles. Actual expenses may include costs for fuel, maintenance and parking fees. Your detailed mileage records should include date, total miles, tolls, parking and purpose of trip.

You can also deduct vehicle depreciation and loan interest.

The bottom line

The 2013 Section 179 deduction limit for new and used assets purchased is $500,000. However, your business must be profitable in order to receive this benefit in 2013. In 2014, the dollar limit drops to $25,000 unless Congress extends this tax break.

Bonus depreciation of 50 percent of the cost of new items expires at the end of 2013. Depreciation can be claimed whether or not your business is profitable.

Tip 2: Tis Always the Season for Giving Company donations of money, supplies and property are all deductible expenses.

So are bonuses (and associated payroll taxes) awarded to your employees, partners and officers. If your business is an S

Corporation, keep a close eye on officer compensation to ensure you meet IRS requirements and thus avoid penalties.

Give yourself the gift of education. Take a class or seminar or attend a convention that helps you maintain or improve skills required for your business.

Tip 3: Business is Sometimes Personal If you use your home for your business, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, repairs and depreciation.

Corporations and partnerships can also deduct actual expenses for non-personal uses of your personal vehicle, as well as reimbursements to employees for busi-

Small business owners have year-round opportunities to cut their taxes. Dolmage recommends doing a dry run of your taxes with an online or download solution like TaxACT before you actually file to identify potential savings. Answer simple questions about your expenses and revenues, and the program will do the rest so you can see how moving revenue and expenses forward or back may change your taxes.

To make tax time easier, TaxACT also offers a free mobile app for organizing your tax documents throughout the year.

Take a picture of receipts, statements and tax forms with TaxACT DocVault, then save up to 3 GB of digital images on TaxACT's secure servers. At tax time, import images into TaxACT to save with your 1040, 1065, 1120 or 1120S tax return.

Get more business tax tips at www.irs. gov and learn more about TaxACT Small Business solutions and TaxACT DocVault at www.taxact.com. - (BPT)

Turner Hosts Construction Industry Group Monthly Meeting d-mars.com attended the Construction Industry Group Monthly Meeting at Turner Construction recently. The construction industry group is a collaboration of minority and general contractors to create and promote initiatives that will increase the growth and development of minority contractors in the construction industry. The group is

comprised of general contractors, primes, minority contractors and local government and municipalities. Initiatives include advocacy, capacity building, and relationshipbuilding.

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Use your Rewards Credit Card Wisely over the Holidays to get the Most out of your Spending

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estive decorations, twinkling lights, seasonal foods and the company of loved ones – everyone has that special something they enjoy most about the holiday season.

Avoiding sticker shock when you see your January credit card bill might be one of them. It can be a challenge to keep costs down, however, when you have a lengthy gift list to get through.

Of course, creativity can help shoppers manage their finances responsibly during the holiday season, whether it's by making gifts or finding the best sales. One easy option you may not have thought of is probably already waiting in your wallet – if you use a credit card that offers a rewards program.

Americans spent $579.5 billion on holiday shopping in 2012, according to the National Retail Federation. Many people use credit cards for holiday shopping, both online and in stores. Choosing to use a rewards credit card for holiday purchases can help you leverage the dollars you'll spend on gifts and other purchases.

Here are some ways you can put your rewards program to work for you this holiday season:

• Review your rewards agreement.

Understand how you can accrue and redeem rewards. Does your card give you cash back for qualified dollars spent with particular merchants? Or does it award you points for purchases? Are you able to redeem rewards for gift cards or merchandise? Are there fees or charges when redeeming? Knowing this information will help you understand how to get the most out of your rewards program.

• Take advantage of rewards you already have.

While some people are vigilant about monitoring and using their credit card rewards programs, others rarely think about the rewards they've already accumulated.

If you fall in the latter group, take a look at your rewards balance. You may discover that you already have enough to redeem

and apply toward a statement credit or deposit into a qualified account. Or, you may be able to redeem for merchandise that would make a great gift for someone on your list. Still another option is to use your redeemed rewards toward gift cards for holiday gift-giving.

• Leverage shopping to earn future rewards.

The average consumer will spend $737.95 on holiday shopping, and online shoppers expect to spend an average of $884.55, according to the NRF's Shop. org. If you'll be spending that money regardless, and especially if you'll be buying with a credit card, why not get even more for you money? Use your rewards credit card for holiday purchases and you'll earn rewards throughout the holidays that you can put toward your own uses in the

coming year. Many programs offer special deals during the holidays that offer additional rewards for shopping with certain retailers. Typically, those purchases must be made through a special website, like Wells Fargo's www.EarnMoreMall.com feature. And remember, even if you intend to pay off those holiday credit card bills right away in January (good for you!), rewards earned during the holidays don't go away just because you don't carry a balance.

• Defray holiday travel costs.

Many credit card rewards programs offer points and other incentives for hotel stays, airfare and car rentals. Redeeming your rewards for a free hotel stay, for example, could offer flexibility and help you avoid an overcrowded home during the holidays. Be sure to check for blackout dates that may fall around the holidays.

As you shop this holiday season, keep in mind the basics to avoid overspending, including setting and sticking to a budget, keeping a gift list, and shopping for deals, discounts and sales. Add your credit card rewards program into the mix, and it's possible to stretch your dollars even further – and keep the holiday season bright for you and everyone on your gift list. - (BPT)

Five Key Deadlines to Help Small Businesses Avoid IRS Headaches d-mars.com News Provider

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he adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure still rings true – especially for businesses preparing for tax season. If you oversee your company's filing requirements, knowing what is due and when it’s due can save you and your employee's penalties, time and stress.

Every year, January's arrival means two important tasks if you are in charge of filing and reporting for your company or employer: issuing W-2s and 1099 forms to employees. Small- to medium-sized businesses should plan accordingly to stay ahead of key dates crucial to making the 2013 filing season your "gold-star" year.

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), businesses must send their employees W-2s by Jan. 31 and provide all W-2s and the transmittal form W-3 to the IRS by the last day of February.

If an employee does not receive a W-2 from his or her employer, he or she can contact the IRS for assistance. The IRS requests employees to wait until at least Feb. 14, allowing for slow mail delivery. After Feb. 14, the IRS will contact the employer and request the employee

receive a duplicate W-2. The employer will be notified of the penalties if it fails to comply with government regulations, which can include fines, penalties and even imprisonment.

The same applies to issuing 1099s, used primarily for reporting company payments to freelance and contract workers, or other non-employees. In general, businesses need to furnish employees with a copy of their 1099 form by Jan. 31, 2014.

According to the experts at Greatland Corporation, a company that provides W-2 and 1099 forms and e-filing services to small businesses, for the past three years, the IRS has been cracking down on

contractors who aren't always attentive when it comes to paying taxes. In fact, the government has collected $9.5 million in back wages from employers who misclassified workers as independent contractors since 2011.

"We have many customers that used to feel overwhelmed by adopting a clear process for managing the timeline for ordering and submitting their forms," said Janice Krueger, spokesperson for Greatland, one of the country's leading providers of W-2 and 1099 products for business. "Feedback from a recent survey we conducted showed that 43 percent of small business filers are terrified of being fined by the IRS for not complying with a

new rule or regulation for W-2 and 1099 reporting. Adopting an early game-plan is always recommended to allow enough time for the complicated filings."

Estimates reveal that 20 percent of businesses misclassify workers; so make sure your business knows how to correctly report your contractors when issuing a W-2 and 1099 forms.

According to Greatland, these key dates will allow company W-2 and 1099 filers to stay on track this filing season: • Jan. 31, 2014 - Due date to mail employee copies for W-2 • Jan. 31, 2014 - Due date to mail recipient copies for 1099 • Feb. 18, 2014 - Due date for 1099-MISC if reporting payments in boxes 8 or 14 • Feb. 28, 2014 - Due date to send Copy A to federal agency on paper (W-2 to SSA, 1099 to IRS) • March 31, 2014 - Due date to send Copy A to Federal agency electronically (W-2 to SSA, 1099 to IRS) To make sure your business doesn't miss a deadline, you can find a full list of federal state and filing dates to remember on Greatland's W-2 and 1099 fact center website. -(BPT)

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