OffBeat Business Magazine July 2015 by OffBeat Business Magazine

ISSUE 08 | JULY 2015

T. ALLEN HANES

ADAPTINGTO CURRENT MARKETING - HOW ONE COMPANY OVERCAME

BATTLE-BUDDY VETERAN DIRECTORY

Off BeatMagazine | JULY 2015

FOOD BILL OF RIGHTS

Off BeatMa CONTENTS

14-15 The Comeback of The Independent Fitness Club By Adam Aberbach

17-18 Residential Service Companies Must Adapt To The Times By Dorothy Skinner

19 Leave a Legacy of HOPE By John Carroll

20 The Story of 5 Monkeys By Monica Cornetti

21 28 Is the Sole Proprietor- How I Broke A Lifeship the Right Entity Long Habit Type for Your Business? By Taylor Kay Stephens By Christi Rains 29 22-23 Susansays by Susan Hamilton Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your Contingency Plan? By Shari Voigt 30-31 Preferred Vendor 24-25 Business Directory Independence is Healthy, Stand Tall By Clint Fuqua 32-33 Battle-Buddy Directory 26-27 Your Food Bill of Rights By Kris DeFoer

agazine OFFBEAT BUSINESS

Susan Hamilton

susan@offbeatbusiness.com

SHOW & MAGAZINE

EDITOR’S NOTE Can you believe we’re six months into the

to these thoroughly vetted programs. Users

year? It’s amazing how quickly time flies!

have accessed, and/or researched these or-

When I first met T. Allen Hanes, our cover

ganizations, and many have received services

shot, I was in Houston speaking to The Fu-

from the listed providers and consider them

ture Media Association. He’s an interesting

to be viable sources providing assistance

guy and I want to share him with you.

DIRECTLY to a service member or their family.

Susan Hamilton

Look for the two-page spread in the back of

Art Director

As a retired US Navy Photographer’s Mate,

the magazine in every edition of The OffBeat

Air and Surface Warfare Specialist and

Business Magazine from here on out.

Division Commander, he’s got plenty of stories to tell. He’s also on a mission to help

Friends, we invite you to share our resources

business owners and entrepreneurs develop

with your social circles. Get the articles you

their own unique and necessary celebrity

enjoy in front of your friends and business

status - which, isn’t what you think, but yet

associates. When you provide thought pro-

it is.

voking, insightful content to your network, you become a ‘Rock Star’ in your own right,

Off BeatMagazine Editor

Jonathan Bodnar

Graphic Designer Jonathan Bodnar

Manager

Susan Hamilton

Marketing

In today’s business environment, you’d

and will start seeing a difference in the level

Dream Casters Marketing

better be familiar, and you’d better be the

of work you get. People want to work with

go-to resource for the services you offer. You

people who have an established knowledge

Web editor

really do have to make your own ‘celebrity’

base. It gives them the confidence necessary

status! T. Allen Hanes shows people how

to pay what you ask, happily.

Dream Casters Marketing

to do that. You’ll find his special Lonestar Veteran Business Leaders promotion inside,

The OffBeat Business Show & Magazine is out

and if you hurry, you can still get tickets to

to improve American business influence na-

BoldBookTour.com and get to see Mr. Hanes,

tionally and abroad. Does YOUR voice count?

Les Brown and many more of your favorites

It could! Make sure you reach out to me at

in person!

Susan@OffBeatBusiness.com with your questions, accolades and suggestions so we can

In this month’s issue, we’re also partnering

continue to offer the type of information you

with Battle-Buddy.info. Veteran resources

want access to. Enjoy! ~ Susan Hamilton

are often hard to find, but if you’re in business in America, chances are you work or live with a veteran who may need access

WE’RE CELEBRATING VETERANS AND FREEDOM ALL JULY ON THE OFFBEAT BUSINESS SHOW Don’t miss a show, 20 minutes could change your life! JULY 7TH US MARINE CORP. VETERAN AND PAY PER CLICK EXPERT Craig Shinn, talks about the importance of an ad campaign as it relates to the needs of your website visitors.

JULY 14TH ELIZABETH MCCORMICK Your Inspirational Speaker, uses her years as an Army Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot to shed light on limitations and breakthroughs. She’ll reveal upcoming programs and resources, don’t miss!!

JULY 21ST MARQUETTE STEVENSON with Montrel Living talks about housing issues of our re-integrating veteran population, and what we can do to help.

JULY 28TH DAVID SHAW OF WALK THE PAW shares the needs of animals while you work and some truly amazing dog training that helps disabled veterans be more independent.

Sound advice, NEVER boring! 4

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WeAreDreamCasters.com 13

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THE COMEBACK OF

THE INDEPENDENT

FITNESS CLUB

By Adam Aberbach

uccess can be measured in several ways, and being the best is something everyone in the fitness industry strives for. But keeping the doors open has become a challenge for smaller business owners. 10 years ago, you may have seen just a few national chain fitness clubs in the market. Today we see more than ever, opening up every few miles and sometimes across the street from one another. Not only has this happened in the fitness industry, but large electronic, appliance and wholesalers have virtually cannibalized the market. To survive, independent fitness clubs will have to find other ways to attract and retain members. This can be done, and we’re seeing it happen.

The Good and The Bad

The overwhelming growth of the national chain has created both positive and negative effects. From the consumer standpoint, affordability for a fitness club membership is much better, and now not reserved exclusively for country club style luxury. The convenience of more locations and amenities, if used, are also a positive for the average consumer. But no different than many businesses outside of the fitness industry, as the quantity and size increases, the quality may suffer. For the independent club, I believe they must recognize this, and focus their efforts on the quality they bring, and the culture only they can offer in order to continue.

The Problem

How do independent clubs and trainers survive?

Smaller facilities usually cannot afford to build and maintain such grandeur, making it almost surprising that any independent clubs still exists. As the big box takes a huge piece of the non-use membership holders, they leave the independent clubs very little share.

 Make Members Feel Valued - The opinion of many big box club members I have spoken with feel their membership makes them ‘just another number’ and not necessarily a highly valued customer. Once they are in the door, they may never hear from the person who enrolled them in the club. The quality of interaction and member results don’t seem to be the top priority, and the quality of the facility drops immediately. A lot like many large car dealerships. The salesperson is your best friend when you first come in to get a membership. High pressure, ending

Only about 15% to 20% of those who buy memberships actually use them, and the big box undoubtedly capitalizes on that, as they offer a very low cost membership dues and sell incredible volumes. Add that to very deep pockets, huge marketing campaigns, tremendous buying power across multiple locations and often boasting facilities over 20,000 square feet - and you have a force to be rekonned with. Large pools, hot tubs and basketball courts are what I refer to as an ‘unused wow factor;’ a great lure, but not so important if they’re not being used.

How does the local club owner overcome marketing strategies of national fitness club chains? Offer better hours, newer equipment or maybe lower costs? Although these are all somewhat valid suggestions, we know that people join fitness clubs for results.

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MAKING OWNERSHIP PROFITABLE AGAIN

Off BeatMagazine specials, and manager turnover all come into play. This should be the exact opposite in an independent facility. The owner or manager should be very in tune with getting the members results, continuing to encourage and help their members achieve their goals. Members should feel as if they are actually a part of something.  Quality of Training - One of the most attractive things I find when it comes to the quality of independent clubs, is not just the relationship they offer, but also the quality of training. On average, the going rate for personal training sessions are more expensive at an independent club or training studio, but there is really no comparison, in most cases. The barrier of entry for a trainer in many national chains is very low. In some cases, almost anyone who wishes to become a fitness trainer can, and many will even hire without certifications. The trainers in these facilities might make as little as $7.00 an hour on average. The turnover can be very high in these instances. Independent clubs and trainers should be capitalizing on the results their personal trainers offer, and building long-term career options. Another trend I’ve been seeing in the in-

dustry, is a club culture. Truth be told, it costs a lot to maintain a facility and keep members when they are at a 15% to 20% user rate. This is where an independent club and independent club trainers can far exceed the large chain.  Operate From The Floor - Instead of a top down club culture approach, the members of an independent club are much more the influential in the way it will operate! It goes deeper than just someone knowing your name when you walk in the door. Although, that is something members are more likely to experience at an independent club. When their voice is heard and their membership is valued, members are motivated to be a part of the club. Programs, equipment, hours and amenities can be catered to the members of an independent facility. Local ownership over corporate ownership may be a factor in decision making. Ask your members what they would like to see in the club. You may be surprised.  Engage in Local Programs - Local community involvement is one of the best ways for creating an amazing culture for your business as an independent. I suggest owners really think about what you want your club business to stand for in a local community sense. Health and

wellness are central, but there are local programs and engagements that clubs can get involved in, where members can see the direct effects outside the club as well as inside. Independent fitness clubs can strategically master these areas to grow their membership base and return value to the entire process - including enjoyment of ownership.

My name is Adam Aberbach and I am very passionate about the fitness industry. I have worked in several of the big box clubs, starting at the bottom and working up to management, trained in clubs, owned my own club, and currently help build, design and supply facilities with multiple needs, with systems and equipment as the general manager of a commercial fitness supplier and the DFW’s largest retailer for fitness equipment. We believe fitness professionals time and talent training veterans for free, creates lasting and measurable habits in health and wellness, and is the best way for the industry to give back to our heroes, by reducing depression, stress and anxiety through working out. Discover more at www.FitnessMilitary.org, and email me at Adam@FitnessMilitary.org

MUST ADAPT TO THE TIMES By Dorothy Skinner

ary’s Quality Plumbing is not the new kid on the block, but we are fairly new at using social media to promote our business. We have been in business since 1971, starting out with new home construction plumbing, moving on to larger projects such as restaurants and apartment buildings. We decided to focus our business on service work in the middle of the 80’s. There were some trying times in new construction back then and getting paid was usually a long ordeal, that at the time, we couldn’t afford.

We met a man by the name of Art Adams through a mutual contractor, and he had started The Neighborhood Referral List. After checking our references and referrals, he placed us on the list that he mailed out to specific zip codes. Our service business was off and running. He was an honest man, and contractors were on the honor system to pay him 5% of every completed job. We liked interacting with the customers and getting repeat business and referrals - and that is how we continued to carry on with our business.

Only word of mouth and the referral list!

But times have changed, haven’t they? The referral list business was sold after a few years and eventually fizzled out. Other referral list business popped up, but they could not compare to the original, even though they required a larger take of the receipts. Many of our wonderful customers passed away, moved to a retirement home, or moved out of the area as they aged. Obviously, your business name is no longer passed on the same way at that point. We

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RESIDENTIAL SERVICE COMPANIES

Off BeatMagazine are still on many of the local neighborhood lists, and appreciate so much the people that have felt we did a good job at a fair price for them and have passed our name along. These days, so many people are busy morning till night, away from home, and not really talking to their neighbors. Some don’t even know the neighbors on either side of them. They are, however, on their smart phones and computers checking their social media several times during the day. This is the now the way to communicate with potential customers and be recognized as a solution for their needs, but we were very resistant. The biggest question we had was, “what do we say on social media?” The second biggest question was, “who is going to do it?” Two of my daughters are in marketing, and have trained us to look at what we want to accomplish in a year’s time. In a family business, it’s hard to delegate those kinds of tasks when no one wants to take on the responsibility. Knowing what we all want to accomplish makes it easier to participate, and exciting to watch our progress.

We’re on Twitter and Facebook, but primarily using a Facebook business page. Our newsletters and blog posts send out automatically to our social media now, which saves us a bunch of time and keeps us in front of people. We routinely get emails from our subscribers who hire us for local work. We always ask, every time the phone rings, “Would you like to get our newsletter?” The response is overwhelmingly positive, and our list continues to grow. It’s today’s version of our own referral list! What to say on social media? Well, that’s a little trickier. We want people to know about us, but we also want them to want to know about us, and that means we have to answer the things our customers ask us all the time. It feels redundant, but actually, it’s those repeated messages that make them comfortable with us before they ever call. My husband, Gary, and I started this business on our own. We were blessed with 6 children that are all involved in one way or another. Gary passed away last year, but not before he had trained his three sons, Steve, Danny, Jason, and son-in-law Adam to be the best plumbers in the field. Knowledge, honesty and integrity is built into these men. Debi is our youngest daughter, married to Adam. You will hear her cheerful greet-

ing when you call. She has a wealth of information from growing up in this plumbing family. Chances are if you call with a problem she will let you know what you are dealing with and know what it will take to solve the problem. She will treat you right every time and make sure you have a convenient time for your service - respecting that your time is valuable. We service churches, realtors and property managers, restaurants, condos, beauty salons, doctors, lawyers, retail stores – and service their personal properties, too. We’ve had to adapt, and as uncomfortable as it initially was, we’re glad to be recognized online as a trusted brand.

Dorothy Skinner is the owner of Gary’s Quality Plumbing, serving the north Dallas area. Read the Ask The Plumber Blog to learn how to protect your home or place of business, and find beautiful fixture options for your next remodel. Contact Info@GarysQualityPlumbing. com or call 972-424-6479 for your gas or water plumbing needs.

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“There is only one thing worse in the world than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” – Oscar Wilde

LEAVE A LEGACY OF HOPE By John Carroll

hat will be your legacy? Is it to one day discover a cure for cancer, to be a good role model and provider for your family, or to just live well and be happy?

the earth. And much like our parents before us, we want to provide a better life for our families. But what else could we be doing to make a difference?

in these or other critical areas to improve the quality of life? In this life, nothing happens until somebody does something, so get involved!

By definition, we have described a legacy as something that is handed down by an ancestor or predecessor from the past. Traditionally, this legacy has been in the form of money or personal property. However, as you can surmise as parents, neighbors, business and community leaders and citizens of this global society, our legacy impact is much greater than the simple gifting of money and property.

The recent events in Nepal are a tragic reminder of how fragile life can be and the importance of giving to others in need. In my first book, GLOBALIZATION: America’s Leadership Challenge Ahead, I devoted a chapter to some of the ways to contribute to the greater good and leave a legacy of HOPE. This chapter highlights important causes and some of the toprated charities and relief organizations in need of daily assistance.

Will you be that somebody? Will you be that someone who leaves footprints in the sand for others to follow? You see, the greatest gifts we can give to others are not material things, but rather our LOVE, SUPPORT and HOPE. Be a difference maker, lead by doing and leave a legacy of HOPE.

Our greatest impact lies in the positive difference we can make in the lives of others.

How can we as individuals leave a legacy of hope for others?

We all want to be remembered for something. Each of us wants to be viewed as relevant, to know what we do makes a difference and that difference is recognized by others.

What will your legacy be?

As we grow older, our legacy and what we will leave behind of us becomes more of a topic for reflection. We all desire to leave this world better for having walked

Future generations will thank you for it.

Start by considering the broader issues you are passionate about today. For example: ºThe economy.  The environment.  Global warming.  Poverty and world hunger.  Homelessness.  World peace and stability. Now, where can you apply your time, resources and talents to make a difference

John Carroll is a business and leadership strategist who works with business leaders to help them ‘achieve the results to move beyond their vision.’ He is a bestselling author, educator, blogger and speaker. Email John at john@ trescoach.com or learn more at http://www.trescoach.com/.

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CAUTION:

THE STORY OF MONKEYS

THIS STORY MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS.

By Monica Cornetti

often, nobody actually remembers why they were started in the first place … it’s simply a matter of “That’s the way we’ve always done it!” Once we think we know how something should be done, we keep doing it, then we teach others to do it the same way, and they in turn teach others until eventually you reach a point where no one remembers why something is done a certain way but we keep doing it anyway.

here were five monkeys that were put into a room. In the center of the room was a ladder at the top of the ladder was a banana hanging from the ceiling. One of the monkeys saw the banana and started to climb the ladder. As he did all of the monkeys were showered down with icy cold water. Each time a monkey would start climbing the ladder, they all would get showered down with icy cold water. After awhile they quit trying to go for the banana. The researcher then took out one of the original monkeys and brought in a new monkey. This little guy sees that banana, starts to climb the ladder … and as he does, the rest of the monkeys run up to him and beat him up and keep him from going for that banana. It isn’t long before he realizes these other monkeys are not going to let him get that banana so he stops trying. A second of the original monkeys is taken out and a new monkey is brought in.

He sees the ladder, sees the banana, and starts to go for it. The rest of the monkeys beat him up and keep him from getting there including that monkey that was never showered down by icy cold water. Finally, the cage had five monkeys of whom none have experienced the icy water treatment. The experimenter then introduced a new monkey to the cage. When this monkey tried to reach for the banana, all five monkeys ran up to him and beat him up and kept him from getting that banana. They had no idea why they were beating up the new guy and preventing him from getting the banana … they just knew – that’s how it’s done around here. None of these monkeys knew about the punishment of icy water, none knew why they are not allowed to get the banana, but somewhere along the way they learned that reaching for the banana is not allowed. They had become the guardians of this rule without knowing its purpose. Over the years, all organizations develop routines, habits and practices. Very

The pace of progress is faster than ever before and we must all learn to remain productive and relevant. As parents and students search and ask for the information they need, traditional methods will be left behind. But, professionals who evolve and move toward new trends and techniques will achieve top-quality instruction and provide cost effective, valuable benefits to parents and students alike.

About the Author: Monica Cornetti www.monicacornetti.com A gamification speaker and designer, Monica Cornetti is rated as the #1 Gamification Guru in the World by UK-Based Leaderboarded. She is the author of the book Totally Awesome Training Activity Guide: Put Gamification to Work for You, writes The Gamification Report blog, and hosts the weekly Gamification Talk Radio program. She is a professional consultant and known for being one of the leading players in thinking differently to create different results since 2008.

By Christi Rains

the Right EntityType forYour Business?

ithout endorsing any single type of entity, please know that this is simply a discussion about the pros and cons of some of the different choices. Any final decision needs to be made between you and those that you rely on for advice (hopefully an accounting expert or attorney.) The Sole Proprietorship is the simplest and most basic of these entities, designed primarily for the individual. All income is ‘passed thru’ to the proprietor and the profits and losses are handled on the individual’s 1040 at tax time. Now the actual profit and loss will be calculated with the help of a Schedule C form, with the final numbers being added to your personal taxes. The biggest benefit to most people is created here, if losses were incurred with the business, then those losses can be used to offset your tax liability.

Alongside your 1040 will also be a Schedule SE. This is the form that will help you determine your self-employment tax. There are quarterly requirements that go with this annual payment of self-employment taxes. These taxes are based on estimated earnings, and can start with earnings as small as $400 a year in income. Unlike other entities, this is the only time that a sole proprietorship will get hit for taxes. On the flip side, there are two big disadvantages to creating a sole proprietorship. First, is your liability. In a sole proprietorship, just like everything else, your liability ‘flows thru’ to the personal side. Your personal assets (home, car, etc.) are at risk of being seized in order to fulfil a debt from your company. The second, comes in the form of financing your business. Banks and other lending institutions tend to shy away from sole

proprietorships and therefore you’ll generally find yourself having to selffinance. Those are the basics of a sole-proprietorship, but by no means are they the only things to consider. Please remember to research your own state’s requirements and to consult a trusted advisor.

Christi Rains, President Alpha Omega Consulting & Bookkeeping, LLC – Sensiblebusinessowner.com Email: Christi@AOBookkeeping.com for more information.

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Is the Sole Proprietorship

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By Shari Voigt

Contingency Plan? Y

ou look forward with anticipation as your travel date approaches. This vacation is just what you need! You’ve researched the attractions, booked your flight or serviced your car, reserved your hotel room. Now it’s just days away, but the weather looks iffy, the kids get sick, or your car breaks down, and you start to wonder: is this going to be a dream vacation or an expensive disaster? Traveling full-time, as we have for two years now, we’ve learned the importance of a contingency plan. Although Plan A sounds marvelous, sometimes Plan B or C becomes necessary and with a little attitude adjustment, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. You might even enjoy it! Early in September 2014, we experienced this first-hand. Driving our motorhome down a very busy highway in Virginia, we noticed a vibration. Actually, I noticed it when I walked back to use the bathroom. It was way louder than normal in the back of the bus. Something wasn’t right. We stopped at a nearby rest area and got out to investigate, but could find nothing wrong. Figuring it was probably just the road surface … you know how some roads make a different sound than others, we hopped back on the highway. Thankfully, there was another rest area within a few miles because it quickly became apparent that we had a problem. It turned out to be a big one. The rear trailing arm is a heavy-duty piece of steel that holds up your rear axle. Ours had cracked, but not broken entirely through as we drove down that busy highway at 65 mph. The idea of what could have happened still gives me chills. Our guardian angels got a workout that day. And this leads me to our contingency plan. Plan A: We were on our way to Maine to consult with one of our favorite companies, as well as to simply enjoy the area before beginning a leisurely trip south to winter in Florida. But fixing our crippled bus took a week of fundraising, then a week’s wait while 500 pounds of parts were trucked over from Indiana – all while stay-

ing at an expensive RV park because it was the only one we could get to with our crippled bus – none of this covered by warranty or insurance. While we were waiting, Plan B began to look pretty good. The extended stay in Maine that we had planned for simply wasn’t going to work due to all of the added expense and lost time. Plan B was a way for us to recoup expenses as rapidly as possible – and that required lots of miles and hard work in a short period of time. Was it a disappointment? Yes, but we made the most of it, set our minds to enjoy Plan B, and continued to enjoy the journey. We’ve heard of others who refused to consider contingency plans: Travelers who flew to their planned destination, only to be told they had to turn around because an evacuation order had been issued for an imminent natural disaster; RVers who skipped their destination altogether because their favorite resort was booked solid. Another more recent Plan B experience for us was parking our bus (and staying in it) for three nights in the McCormick Truck Marshalling Yard so that we could experience downtown Chicago at the same time as our kids and grandkids who were vacationing there. Yes, an actual campground would have been more comfortable, but Plan B saved us dollars that we spent on attractions, taxi fare, and a meal or two out on the town. Plan A wasn’t available and Plan B turned out to be an adventure – a good one, that we’ll always remember. Go with the flow … it’s a mantra that works for any traveler. Or as we’ve heard others say, “Make your plans in jello, not concrete.” Life happens. What’s your contingency plan?

Shari Voigt and her husband Gerald are business owners on the move! Discover more about their experiences at USA-RVNomads.com, and connect with them on Facebook/RVNomads.

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What’s Your

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Independence

IS HEALTHY, STAND P

atriotic parties thrown with fireworks and music and cookouts and star spangled clothing covering the backs and butts of many people - ignorant of the very backs broken and butts lost to create what we now enjoy and squander.

Freedom. From sea to shining sea. That dream of living under rule of no oppressive authority and having full auton-

omy allows us to pursue the things that make us happy every day of our life. The reality of freedom, however, is very different due to all the responsibilities that come with this incredibly expensive gift. Freedom really is independence and self reliance, two things ‘we the people’ don’t have - and may never have - even in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Politics and health are much of life because we are often born into the first and can’t live without the second.

It is time to be brave and start living free.

Taking care of your health is your first priority, and it will take a monumental amount of bravery. The resolutions many people write at the first of the year to correct some bad behavior work about as well as they do when sent to a rogue leader of a third world country. Dictators and tyrants only give up control and power after they have been overthrown

By Clint Fuqua

TALL

by a revolution. We all happen to have one of those little ego driven voices in our head and it’s time to toss it out. Write your own declaration of healthy independence to start the process, and let that little dictator know you are boss now and you will not be over taxed with excessive donuts and oppressively weighty medical issues. Write it, send it, and get ready to fight the good fight for a few long hard months so you can

Life must have meaning and a foundation, otherwise there is no point, no direction, and at any moment will not be your own. The best way to maintain your life is to have a Constitution. This iron will is the one thing that will keep you from wavering in your own life and fend off anyone that would try to overtake it by any means to run it as they see fit. This one thing will keep you from having to write meaningless resolutions to ill-willed tyrants interested in only ruining your life for their momentary happiness. Stand tall in your convictions, backed by a constitution of will, and hold steady. Rights are interesting things, especially when they are wronged. Getting what you want at the expense of someone else is wrong no matter how happy it might make you. You can have all the things in life you want, but you will have to pay for it, and all the related expenses down the road. For example, you’re free to eat all the pizza you want, but you have no right to free pizza or free medical treatment for the diseases caused living life by the slice. The chef and the doctor may love what they do, but they won’t do it for free and you aren’t free to eat it all without consequence to your health; or bank account.

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live independently healthy the rest of your life.

Action Steps:  Go read the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and reflect on what those documents mean to you and this country. Then reflect on the actual words in those documents, why they were written as they were, and what they mean to you.  Go write your own Declaration of Independence, your own Constitution, and your own Bill of Rights. Take the time to look at your life and how it could be an inspiration for others to live better.  Go live what you have just written and when the time comes, add amendments to improve your life and the lives around you for the long term.

Rights are responsibilities that are often realized when the wrongs we have done are done to us. The best way to live right is through responsible thought and action every moment of every day. Enjoy the occasional pizza slice, tip the chef well for better quality ingredients, and see the doctor yearly for better health rather than as a last minute, very pricey, life saver.

Visit me at www.ClintFuqua.com and contact me with any questions, comments, request, recommendation, proposals, fan mail, or hate mail at Clint@ClintFuqua.com.

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YOUR FOOD

By Kris DeFoer

BILL OF RIGHTS

Do you have the right to know the chemical makeup of the foods you eat?

Some big companies, among them, Monsanto, Dow Chemical, Bayer, and DuPont, think not. Genetic engineering, the process of embedding an organism with non-related genes, is big business. These organisms are loosely referred to as GMOs, genetically modified organisms. Some states, Texas among them, are at various stages in the process of requiring laws that genetically modified consumer products be labeled. Let’s talk about why this is important. But first…

What does GMO mean anyway?

There are two ways plants can be altered: hybrid plants are cross-pollinated with other similar plants of the same species, in a way that would naturally happen if they were left alone, i.e. different varieties of tomatoes or radishes. This sort of plant would not likely need to be labeled. Genetically modified (GMO) or genetically engineered (GE) plants are those that have been modified in a laboratory by the insertion of genes from unrelated plants, animals or bacterium to create some sort of change to the plant. This type of modification would not happen in nature.

So, what’s the big deal about GMO foods?

There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about GMO foods. Initial FDA reports in the 90s advised against genetic engineering. Some studies (mostly those funded by the industry) say that they’re perfectly safe. Others (from other entities) suggest correlations between GMO foods and conditions such as: birth defects, autism, Alzheimer’s, various cancers and autoimmune illnesses, and a number of others. Additionally, these modifications have been tied to

“leaky gut syndrome,” which in itself has far-reaching consequences – ability to digest nutrients, immunity, hormonal function and emotional balance – did you know that 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut? If the gut isn’t working properly, all of these things can get out of whack. FDA only requires that industry provide research proving the safety of its products, not that it provide unbiased research. (This applies not only to GMO plants, but to all foods and drugs on the market.) Any research that’s been done outside of the industry has been contradicted by research funded by industry, so it’s hard to know what’s true.

So, back to labeling and why it’s important.

Currently, the science is too muddy to know if these products will or will not be harmful to humans over time. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather avoid something we just don’t know about. At this time, the only way to do so is to only buy organic. Organic products can be both hard to find and costly. If the law required products containing GMO ingredients to be labeled, consumers would have an easier time making an informed choice. Sixty-four countries around the world, including 28 countries in the EU, Japan and even China currently require such labeling. California had a proposition on the ballot in 2012, and the industry spent some $46 million to advertise against it. Vermont voted to require labeling of GE foods, and a joint appeal has been filed by the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the Snack Food Association, the International Dairy Foods Association and the National Association of Manufacturers. At this time, Vermont is holding firm, and the law is slated to go into effect on July 1, 2016.

Currently, there are bills requiring labeling of GE foods being introduced in other states, including Texas. To learn more about this important issue and to electronically sign a petition supporting these bills, go to http://centerforfoodsafety.org/take-action. Together, we can make our voices heard. Kris DeFoer is a certified Holistic Health Coach who works with women individually and in groups, to help them re-discover their natural health and vitality. She believes that healthy living should be fun, that healthy food should taste good and that good health is about much, much more than eating well and exercising – that how we live has an enormous impact on how we feel. Visit happybodyhealth.net for more information.

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HOW I BROKE

A LIFE-LONG HABIT

By Taylor Kay Stephens

or 37 years, I misplaced my car keys at least once or twice almost every day. Intellectually, I knew that I needed to put them in the same place every time, but it just hadn’t worked for me - I had tried everything I knew with no success. One day I was really late for an appointment because I couldn’t find my car keys and I didn’t know where my spare key was either. I can laugh at it now, but it wasn’t funny back then. I had reached my threshold of pain and was furious. Sometimes anger can motivate you to make necessary changes. Right then, I made the decision to change this habit, but how? I had failed miserably in the past, but I knew there must be a way. After coming back home from my appointment, as I drove into my driveway, I had an idea. I pulled into the garage, turned off the ignition and closed my eyes while I calmed down. Next I visualized myself always being able to find my car keys. I could actually see my hand reaching into my purse, holding them in my hand and the feeling was incredible. I was completely focused on what I was doing without any distractions. Grabbing my purse, I closed the car door, walked into the house and set my purse down. I consciously put the keys on a hook inside my purse, walked a few feet away, stopped and I said “Yes!” I turned around, picked up my purse, removed my keys, started my car, pulled out of the garage, and drove away. I turned the car around and repeated this process 21 times in a row without stopping. I kept saying, “This will work and I can do this!” I thought about how much

easier my life would be and the feeling was incredible. It only took about 30 minutes to break a life-long bad habit. Ask me how nice it is to be able to find my keys every time and not be frantically looking everywhere, all stressed out. Was it worth 30 minutes of my time? Absolutely yes and the feeling is priceless!

Taylor Kay Stephens, speaker, author and transformational life coach, is no stranger to tragedy, adversity and obstacles. She teaches people how to get out of overwhelm, change their bad habits and stop self-defeating behaviors. She has developed her own easy and practical techniques and systems so simple a child can do them. Discover more at TaylorKayStephens.com

We’ve had a lot happen in the last few weeks. It’s already got conservatives and liberals in an uproar. Between arguing gun control, gay rights and the Affordable Healthcare Act, no one stopped to consider all the garbage that would be included in any of it. These days, no bill is passed without a mountain of crap laden into it. It’s a shell game. When I went to my first rally in Austin last November, I was there supporting TIFA (Texas Inmates Family Association.) If anyone in your family has ever been blatantly lied about and facts ignored in the courtroom, you realize charges that fit the crime and favorable rulings are for people who can afford to pay BIG. What passes for DNA evidence is crap, too. DNA ‘proof’ necessary to damage a reputation forever has only to prove forensics can’t rule out the person charged. What passes for guilt in MANY sexual offense cases would also convict 1 out of every 3 people sitting in the courtroom. It should take more than that, don’t you think? Yet we parade the faces of those who are merely charged, not convicted, across the news screen as though we’re doing our community some favor. Those people have families. But clearly, we’re guilty in America until proven innocent. We let fear, arrogance and mainstream media define our stances and avoid the real conversations. After the rally, we went in to meet any legislators who represented our areas who were still on the floor. I met a young lady who told me, “Yes, I actually write the criminal justice legislation. But then we hand it off to database companies who plug it into existing code.” A light bulb went off for me. I realized that this is what we had done with ALL the legislation regarding health care, Veteran’s Administration, criminal and tax codes! It’s time to be BOLD. We’ve created a cobweb of laws no judge can understand.

It’s Time To Be BOLD By Susan Hamilton MORE legislation is NOT the answer. Until we agree to take a hatchet to about 70% of the flagrantly ridiculous written into our codes, we’re fooling ourselves if we think ‘there oughta be a law’ about anything more. We don’t know what’s in there right NOW. A group of people sat down and decided to enact a ‘use’ tax. Why didn’t we stand up and say, “WHAT?” Most of our toll roads have been paid for years, but private and foreign countries receive the dividends and THEY never have to prove THEIR accuracy, charging insane amounts for you to get across town. What business can come back to you after 6 months and say, “Oops, we forgot to charge you $1.25 on your automatically deducted tolltag bill, so we’re now going to charge you a higher rate and you have to pay or have exorbitant late fees adding to your debt.” The tolltag authority, that’s who. And THAT’S legal? Friends, we’re too busy and we’re not paying attention. Traditional news media has become propaganda. If we don’t have a strong position of influence and authority online and in our communities, we’re not taken seriously by anyone. My call to action for you is to find out how YOU can master your business digital presence. Make sure your opinion makes sense in regards to the REAL issues and that it MATTERS. NOT on your Facebook news feed or in your particular Twitterverse. Only YOU can make your business influence strong.

Susan Hamilton Susan Hamilton is your host and editor of The OffBeat Business Show & Magazine, showcasing businesses through video, audio and magazine content for maximum exposure. Susan believes that by sharing great business and entrepreneurial lifestyle tips and advice in an easily digestible format, businesses can grow to become a significant influence within their communities, causing progressive improvement on legislative and community levels for our children, seniors, veterans and businesses.

Decide if you are out to draw a line in the moral sand or if you are willing to stand up to those who define us in code. Power to the people, people. (That’s US.) ~ Susan

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SUSANSAYS

Preferred Business Resources Directory

independent insurance agency 1910 Pacific Ave, Suite 17180 Dallas TX 75201 (o) 214.329.0209 Chief Strategist (c) 469.939.6136 Ryan@HollowayBenefitConcepts.com

Ryan Holloway

www.HollowayBenefitConcepts.com

Gerald Voigt

Shari Voigt

info@ZeroToSixtyMarketing.com 920.378.2178 920.257.4944

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What makes Battle-Buddy Info unique among Resource Directories: Battle-Buddy Info resources are pre-vetted for inclusion into the Directory. Our Users have accessed, and/or research the organizations and many have received services from the listed providers and consider them to be viable sources providing assistance DIRECTLY to a service member or their family. We provide eligibility information as listed on the Resource’s website (i.e. Branch of Service, Disability level, seasonal resource, Branch Specific, geographical, etc.) From Battle-Buddy Info, once the User has determined they meet the criteria for assistance, they can link to the Application Form from our site, eliminating the need to read through pages of content provided by an organization.

Equest

The Equest Hooves for Heroes program offers current service members, honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S.

Armed Forces, and adult military family members the Hooves for Heroes program free of charge.

Attitudes & Attire: Boots to Heels Program

A customized program designed exclusively for female veterans giving them the camaraderie of being with peers who understand the experiences and challenges they face when returning home. We provide a four part program to assist female veterans with their transition from military to civilian life. After participating in our workshops on self-esteem and interview skills, each veteran is invited to select professional attire and accessories from our upscale boutique.

Recovery Resource Council

Recovery Resource Council offers FREE and confidential counseling services through the Enduring Women and Enduring Families Veterans’ Services grant.

Enduring Women provides group counseling and peer support for various issues including, but not limited to, post traumatic stress, military sexual trauma, reintegration issues, substance abuse or parenting difficulties.

Allies in Service

Allies in Service’s mission is to identify and support Dallas area veterans who need assistance in the areas of employment, housing, education, and health care. We partner with veterans, employers, community and other veteran support organizations to educate and enhance the quality of life of our veterans.

Combat Faith

For all warriors needing healing there are some key factors that apply universally. Combat PTSD stems from dangerous situations where their or their comrades’ lives/ health were at stake. Most combat veterans with PTSD had multi-traumas rather

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than just one traumatic incident. The following information on PTSD anecdotes was provided to me by a fellow Vietnam veteran who was wounded in Vietnam as a Navy Corpsman assigned to the Marines. After the case study for each war, there will be suggestions for a spiritual approach to the issues affecting veterans.

Grace After Fire

Grace After Fire was created by women to provide an online resource for women veterans – women helping women. Here you can truly be yourself, laugh, cry, share – and safely gather to identify. You’ll find resources, experts, and fellow women vets around the world that understand where you’re coming from.

Honor Courage and Commitment

Honor Courage Commitment is a nonprofit organization that recruits, educates, mentors, and guides transitioning military veterans into becoming socially responsible entrepreneurs and community leaders.

K9s for Freedom and Independence

We specialize in PTSD and /or TBI Service Dogs. Our focus is on those persons that have served our country as a US Military Member, Law Enforcement Officer, Fire Fighter, EMS Worker.

Suicide Prevention 22tooMany

22toomany Instagram page is for Veterans in dark places. Call anyone listed on the site 24/7. Committed to being available for ALL before a permanent irreversible step is taken.

Logan’s 5

In December of 2013, a request was made by a retired Marine. “Give me five reasons to live each day.” Author and Battle-Buddy Info Founder, responded with a quick, “I can do that!” This is the chronicle of those encouragements, inspirations, and facts of friendship. We can all use a little remembrance and recounting of five reasons to fight, five reasons to stay alive, five reasons to make it through another day.

National Resources Hope for the Warriors

The mission of Hope For The Warriors® is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their fami-

lies, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.

IAVA The mission of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and their families. Rapid Response Referral Program, assigns a case manager to help IAVA members navigate through a variety of resources available to them. The Career Pathfinder program includes resume builder, military skills translator, and career mapping tool.

Veteran Artist Program (VAP) VAP, a 501c3 nonprofit, takes artists who are also veterans, and propels their works and careers into the mainstream creative arts community through networking, mentorships, collaborations with professional artists, and original productions. Weekly Podcast features veterans in the Arts.

The New Sound...Re-Found Internet Radio GROOVE TIME - Classic Jazz, Big Band, Blues, Motown & Beach Music Easy to operate, just click the Playbox! TUNE IN - Engaging Talk Shows Creating Captivating Dialogue. Listening will enrich your day.

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