s a professional owner, entrepreneur/newcomer, or a person in need of that inspiration, the fuel you ran off on last year is no more. Whether it’s further advertisement you need for your business to grow or professional career broadening, existing plans of expansion, or promotional partnerships – completion is gateway to satisfaction.
Our motto for the month of January stands on growth, expansion, partnership and completion. Houston ranks 18 among the top 20 cities in the U.S. for having Black-owned business at 3.6 percent, per LendingTree.com. Those numbers fall behind Atlanta, D.C. and Fayetteville who’s in the top five.
Not to be deterred, we here at d-mars.com want to remind you as to why you got into business for yourself. Whether you’re in need of a start, a helping hand or encouragement, remember to sharpen these tools.
With any new year comes reflection that leads to a road of growth – Are you growing alongside the seeds you’re
sowing? Has the purpose you set out for being nurtured by you or those in your close surroundings?
“If there is no struggle, there’s no progress,” words delivered by the late social reformer, Frederick Douglas. We all have a struggle in some area, but how often do we take responsibility for what it causes? Are we choosing to stay there out of comfort, or can we let go to expand?
Growth employs an ability to treat each moment not like the day before but with a purpose for better today:
• Learning to better control your emotions and negative thoughts.
• Overcoming procrastination or laziness.
• Being open to learning new things and skills – having a “growth mindset “and finding peace and contentment with things you cannot change.
With MR. D-MARS, growth is a constant fixture in his vocabulary and communication with others. As it pertains to Vaskey Media Group and its long-standing entity, d-mars.com, the Houston native is never shy about conveying a supportive message challenging his employees’ current thinking,
With that knowledge you’ve acquired, write that business plan, decide on the legal structure for your company and keep clear records of your profitability.
If God gave you a mind, use it. Use your intellect. Be open-minded to being able to receive it.”
He concluded, “They always say, ‘Knowledge is power,’ but knowledge is not power, it’s potential power. It’s real power when you use it.
- Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis Sr.
CHANGE CHANGE
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Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis Sr. Shows How ‘Maximizing Your Own Treasure Chest’ Starts With You
The refusal to commit can be consequential, of course, but what it adds is character. It drives accomplishment, requires resolve, devotion and adherence.
People commit for their reasons, not yours. Though that’s out of our control, understanding the vision of those we have close ties to, work or personal, has value. With value is the engine needed for commitment.
When we think of expansion, we think of enlargement and growth. However, in what ways is that directed towards the enrichment of our lives? What’s our current focus and what’s being done about it?
Part of our expansion includes defining our future outside of setbacks. It’s where we finetune and describe the life we’d like to live. In doing so, we must become the person who seeks the achievement for our goals. It isn’t just for us, it’s for those around us. What affects you influences those close to you in any environment.
Author Elaine Welteroth simplified the term saying, “When the world tells you to shrink, expand. “Give more than you must. Make time for what you love. Refine your Inner Circle to place your peace back on the earning block of quality. Resolve your unfinished business. Rethink existing habits and routines. Most importantly, change what you can, not what you can’t control.”
When we think about commitment, we think of dedication to a cause or faithfulness to an activity of importance and significance.
MR. D-MARS has upheld that standard for the past 24 years by keeping an innovative staff filled with creativity while introducing each person to old-school methods that have added quality and practicality for success. That formula alone births its own commitment with gusto.
While commitment may vary in levels given the individual, the benefits of allegiance have its own weight of rewards.
And what do we as individuals get out of commitment?
Fulfillment, respect, relationship building and achievement.
One aspect of MR. D-MARS’ persona is the repetitiveness of one’s commitment and value,
“We all understand that when we have a treasure chest but using it is what’s valuable and important.”
He added,
“Each one of you is unique and valuable to our department’s running successfully. I’m here but I also want to depend on you to be a beacon so that someone else can look to you for leadership.”
When wanting to expand your industry, trust in your research with these tips:
• New Products for New Markets (age, gender, location)
• Tap Into Different Social Media Platforms.
• Brand Collaborations & Partnerships such as influencers who can boost your audience
• Location-Based Offers such as drawing in consumers by offering free shipping or discounted products for locations.
• Optimize Your Website by making consumers from other regions of the world feel welcomed to use your services
Civil Rights Attorney Vernon Jordan expressed how partnership and reciprocity go hand in hand amongst community and our personal lives saying,
Educator Esther Jno-Charles once said, “What you focus on expands. So, focus on what you want, not what you do not want.”
IS GOOD IS GOOD
PARTNERSHIP
“You are where you are today because you stand on somebody’s shoulders. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself. If you stand on the shoulders of others, you have a reciprocal responsibility to live your life so that others may stand on your shoulders. It’s the quid pro quo of life. We exist temporarily through what we take, but we live forever through what we give.”
As Mr. D-MARS embarks on better partnerships with existing clients and making room for more, he’s also growing his commitment to the community, inwardly.
There’s a saying that goes, “If I sang the praises of your hard work, I would lose my voice pretty quickly!” Mr. D-MARS’ demonstration of partnership has included compassion for those he places with opportunity for growth
and expansion.
In December, he was joined by veteran employees Kimberly Floyd (Chief of Staff & Managing Editor), Lindsey Ford and Bria Casteel (Senior Project Coordinators), Erick Fontejon (Digital Marketing Manager), Tiffany Brown (Assistant Sales Representative) as they welcomed newcomers Émil Flemmon (Associate Editor) and Willie Jones (Sales and Distribution).
However, with new team members comes a time of adjustment and learning; not always an easy feat for some. Moreover, room was given to bring forth a collaboration with likeminded individuals understanding what was and what can be. How are you elevating your current partnerships with people in your family, your community and work establishments? Does who you surround yourself with feel like they’re walking with you instead of behind you?
Adjustment period aside, partnership mobilizes resources for development, assistance and sustainability. If you still have some connections that deserve your time, your commitment and can challenge you into greatness, that change starts with you.
• Agree on your goals for partner marketing.
• Practice transparency and mutual respect.
• Communicate constantly.
• Set up a business prenup as a cushion for unexpected results
“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist
COMPLETION
merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts,” said by Swiss philosopher and poet, Henri-Frédéric Amiel. The word completion implies fulfillment, accomplishment, execution and achievement. It ultimately provides us with a realization.
In 2019, MR. D-MARS published “Maximizing Your Own Treasure Chest” which went on to receive positive reviews from his community of supporters and those who he has inspired throughout his career. In the book’s preface, he acknowledges friends, family, clients, political and community leaders. However, his humility lies from the growth he received from his mentors.
“I admire all [of my mentors] not for what you have, or what you do, but for using your platform to sow seeds in individuals like me. Not having it all figured out can be a challenge and it is a blessing to have people like you to assure me not knowing it all is a part of the process,” he said.
As for his mentees including his current staff, MR. D-MARS said he’s “blessed with experiences.” He continued, “My journey would not be complete if I could not include you in my endeavors to continuously grow and learn. I hope that my leadership has been significant to you, and it inspires you to take others under your wing….”
Predetermination sets the tone of how ideas are executed.
Apply that to your plans to achieve goals over a set time and your journey will cultivate your mentors and your pending mentees inspired by your efforts.
We can see how growth, expansion, partnership and completion has its own cycle. Whether we follow that model, or not, the start of a new year means the completion of 365 days. Now, how do you want to “grow” your business goals on this day? It’s time!
“We encourage you to look in these areas as you head to the next level. Throughout my 24 years of operations, I understand each category. And with that experience, I want to guide each of you through this new year. It can be done!” MR. D-MARS concluded.
Top Row: Mike Jones, Keith J. Davis Jr., Keith “MR.D-MARS” Davis Sr., Angel Rosa Middle Row: Kimberly Floyd, Tiffany Brown, Kailyn Davis, Erick Fontejon, Bria Casteel, Emil Flemmon Bottom Row: Willie Jones, Lindsey Ford
By d-mars.com
W 11 Ways to Ensure a Fraud-Free Mission, By Veterans For Veterans
hile identity theft and similar scams are a problem for many Americans, U.S. veterans face a higher-than-average risk of falling victim to that kind of fraud.
Statistics back that up. For example, of the 200,000 reports of fraud the FTC received from military members in 2021, 78% came from military retirees and veterans. And an AARP survey shows that a whopping one-third of vets targeted by service-related scams have lost money in those scams.
What’s going on? Unfortunately, vets and their families are prime targets for fraudsters, in part because they receive special benefits and in part because while enlisted, they frequently changed residences. Past data breaches have also led to leaks of their personal information that make the problem worse.
The good news is that vets can follow these 11 suggestions for protecting themselves and their families from fraud.
1. Practice skepticism. Be suspicious of unexpected calls, emails or text messages that demand action from you. Fraudsters often masquerade as legitimate organizations by creating authentic-seeming caller IDs, email addresses and websites; for example, their email addresses may be similar to those you know and trust, but they’ll be off by one letter - or they’ll end with .net instead of .com, .gov or .org. When in doubt, don’t click on the provided link or attachments or follow their directions; instead, end communications and contact the real organizations directly via the number listed on your latest bill or their official website to check whether the sketchy-seeming communications are legitimate.
2. Protect your private data. Be wary about shar-
Security numbers (SSNs), birth dates or other personal info. Provide the data only when necessary, then confirm how it will be secured. Black-out personal info on any forms you wish to use to access discounts.
3. Create a family code word. Provide that word to the legitimate banks, insurance providers and organizations with which you work so they can easily prove they’re not fraudulent.
4. Review account statements and credit reports. Regularly look over financial, medical and other statements. Every four months, request and read one of the free credit reports offered by Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Follow up on any questionable charges or other discrepancies.
5. Set up free fraud alerts. Any of the three credit bureaus can arrange for you to be automatically contacted in the event of suspicious charges.
6. When in doubt, freeze your credit. If you’re experiencing identity theft or other possible fraud, a freeze will keep criminals from further accessing your credit.
7. Protect sensitive documents. Shred or keep safe papers containing personal info, including tax forms, birth certificates, Social Security cards, bank account statements and military benefit forms.
8. Be strategic about passwords. Use complex and different passwords, or even “pass-phrases” for each online account, incorporating multiple digits, upperand lower-case letters and special characters. Stay away from obvious words like pets’ names, your hometown or your favorite sports team. Never write them down. A password manager tool can help you keep them all straight.
9. Forward your mail. Have all mail forwarded when you move or relocate so credit card offers and other documents with potentially private data don’t fall into the wrong hands.
10. Set up
duty credit alert. For active-duty service members, ask one of the three credit bureaus to mark your file with this free, one-year alert. It encourages lenders and creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before approving new or additional credit. Your name will also be removed from pre-screened credit card or insurance offers for two years.
11. Know the signs of identity theft. Indicators may include a lost ID; unfamiliar charges on your bank or credit card statements; credit score issues, calls trying to verify unfamiliar purchases; unfamiliar medical bills; mail theft; suspicious logins to your social media accounts; unrecognized account authentication messages; the arrival of unfamiliar bills or packages; or even warrants for your arrest.
Looking for even better peace of mind when it comes to fraud protection? Aura’s user-friendly, all-in-one digital security platform continually monitors your credit, financial transactions, bank accounts, SSN, the dark web, home and title use, and criminal and court records to help keep your finances and identity safe and secure. As added protection, Aura’s U.S.-based customer service team is available for problem resolution 24/7, and each customer is backed by a $1 million identity theft insurance policy for eligible losses.
Source: Brandpoint
American Cancer Society Urges the Black Community to Pay Close Attention to Prostate Health
PBy d-mars.com News Provider
rostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer death among Americans with prostates. This year alone, more than a quarter million people in the U.S. will receive the diagnosis. With approximately 1 in 6 Black men expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime compared to 1 in 8 White men, the Black community is disproportionately impacted due to long-standing health inequalities.
To address this issue and save lives, the American Cancer Society recommends Black people born with a prostate speak with their doctor and make an informed decision about screening. There are usually no symptoms until the disease is advanced. Screening can catch cancer early and make it easier to find effective treatment options.
“Health inequalities within the Black community have been well documented,” said Tawana Thomas Johnson, senior vice president, and chief diversity officer at the American Cancer Society. “Reasons for these inequalities are complex but likely rooted in the structural racism that contributes to poverty, under-resourced communities, and the lack of access to high-quality health care. All these factors lead to Black people having a higher cancer burden due to greater obstacles to cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival.”
While death rates from prostate cancer have dropped by more than 50% since the early 1990s, Black people still have the highest death rate for prostate cancer of any racial or ethnic group in the
U.S., dying from this type of cancer at a rate double to white people. Studies also show Black people diagnosed with advanced-stage prostate cancer are significantly less likely to receive any treatment compared with white people, even when they have similar health insurance.
“We urge the Black community to work with us to address these alarming statistics,” said Dr. Arif Kamal, the chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society. “Talk to a doctor about screening and available screening options, and if diagnosed, use us as a resource to learn more about the research and resources available for the best cancer outcomes.”
Talk to a doctor about prostate cancer screening if you are:
● • 40 or older and have more than one close family member who had prostate cancer
● • 45 or older and Black or have a close family member who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before they turned 65
● • 50 or older and have no family history of prostate cancer
From 1991 to 2019, there has been a 32% decline in cancer mortality due to early detection, research, advocacy, and patient support. The American Cancer Society offers multiple resources to support patients and improve cancer outcomes. This includes a 24/7 cancer helpline, free transportation to treatment, free lodging if treatment is needed away from home, online patient and caregiver peer support communities and information on current research.
Learn more at cancer.org/partneringforlife.
Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)
