Rural Leader Magazine September 2016

SEPTEMBER 2016

2016 Forty under Forty Feature Issue

Top Four L to R: Teddy Reese, Raven Payne, Shaunae Motley, & Erin Hutchins GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 1

Contents Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD

6 Ten Questions Every Leader Ought To Be Asking

Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad.

8 Are You Disciplined For Success?

www.RuralLeaderMagazine.com Guest Contributors Christopher Briggs Author Joe Edwards Media Marketing Specialist Gristen Grondin Entrepreneur J. D. Hamilton Business Coach Lisa Haneberg Leadership Guru

11 Understanding the Law of Attraction 14 Precision Geriatrics: What is it, and How can it Improve Your Health?

17 RL Magazine's Forty Under 40 Top Four 18 Erin Hutchins 20 Shaunae Motley 22 Raven Payne 24 Tremaine Reese

52 Public Speaking Courses - It is All About You (But Maybe Not in the Way You Think) 54 10 Things to Outsource to a Virtual Assistant 56 Seven Top Tips to Getting More Done 59 Start Giving Back to Yourself 60 The Importance of Facebook on Businesses 64 How to Promote Your Business

49 How to Promote Your Business with no Money

Daniel Kingsley Professional Public Speaker Carla McNeil Entrepreneur Devid Miller Social Marketing Expert Navdeep Sethi IT Specialist Samuel K. Williams, M. D. Geriatrics Physician

Readers’ Forum Tell us what you think about our publication, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission for us to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@RuralLeaderMagazine.com—

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Join Today! Visit GSAACC.org Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent.

Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermagazine.com

Rural Leader Magazine, LLC 400 West Peachtree Street Suite #4-529 Atlanta, Georgia 30308 info@ruralleadermagazine.com 1-866-293-1162 Fax 866-477-8873

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Editor’s Note Greetings, As editor, I am pleased to present to you the 2016 Rural Leader Forty under Forty Honorees.

The judges, once more, had the difficult task to select forty outstanding leaders from Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

The leaders represent the rich talent, skill, and vast knowledge that can be found in small town America. Again, I was extremely impressed with the level of expertise and accomplishment found among this year's honorees. Their exemplary service to the people in small communities is a testament to their dedication. Without such leaders, who pour daily back into the essence of communities abroad, Small Town America would undoubtedly cease to thrive.

Therefore, I continue to be committed to acknowledging the efforts and contributions of leaders in small rural communities. I understand all too well the significance of their efforts. My hope is that the Forty under 40 Honors encourage young leaders in the knowledge that what they do each day matters.

Without further ado, I present to you the 2016 Rural Leader 40 under 40 Feature issue!

Respectfully,

Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Editor-in-Chief and Publisher

What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 3

Reader's Voice Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Just wanted to let you know that I was so inspired by the Celebrating the Women of Small Town America campaign last June!

Please keep you the great work letting the world know that Small Town America is alive and well.

—Justina K. Dothan, AL Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I just want to thank you for creating the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction Honor.

I appreciate your efforts to acknowledge individuals who work hard to attain higher education —Benny N. Raleigh, North Carolina Dear Rural Leader Magazine, The article Why Your Employer wants you to Volunteer (August 2016). It was informative and made me realize the importance of giving back to community.

—Brenda G. Columbus, Georgia Dear Rural Leader Magazine, The Fifty under Fifty Feature Issue (June 2016)! I can count on Rural Leader Magazine to feature wonderful, talented, and deserving individuals. Keep up the great work!

—Melinda J. Ozark, Alabama Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Awesome publication! I share it with family and friends each month. I would love to have a hard copy option.

—Cathy M. Tupelo, MS

What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag 4 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2016

09.11.2001

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Ten Questions Every Leader Ought To Be Asking

by Lisa Haneberg

If I read another article that starts with, “during these tough times,” I am going to scream. Let’s get with it, leaders, these times are why we exist. The more we talk about how the times are tough, the greater the likelihood that we will approach our work as victims. We are at our best when we catalyze progress – when we create environments that help people, teams and processes do great work together.

I invite all leaders – at all levels in the organization – to embrace the opportunity to be great like you never knew you could be or was possible. Here are ten questions you can ask yourself and your team to get catalytic juices flowing: • What’s the new opportunity that we are not seeing? How might we learn from other organizations, both competitors and non-competitors? • How might new trends in how people communicate and work open up new ways to improve our organization? What does the workplace look like when we are focused and in action?

• When a meeting feels flat and perfunctory, what’s going on? What’s on people minds that they are not saying? What question could I ask that would open the discussion back up? What’s possible if I had the courage to do this?

• What is “my best work” and how can I ensure I do that today? How can I enable my team to do their best work?

• If we were starting this organization from scratch, how would we design it? What would we do if resources were not an issue?

• What’s the craziest idea that just might work?

• What are the most irksome/damaging barriers facing me and my team right now and how can I reduce or obliterate them?

• What is my manifesto (driving philosophy and passion) as a leader and how can I ensure my team understands it? What is our team’s manifesto?

• What’s possible now that was not possible last year/month?

• Do I have my team focused on doing the work that matters most? How can I optimize how we spend our precious time? Create your own list of questions and bring them into your next staff meeting or team huddle. Select one of these questions to drill down on with a small group of peers.

Great questions help us generate productive conversations and conversations are our currency for getting things done. We are leaders because we make things happen that would not happen without us. We are driven to create, model, and catalyze excellence.

We do not maintain. We do not play the victim. We take the initiative to do whatever it takes to make a significant and positive difference and we have more opportunities to do this today than ever.

As the great Henry V said in Shakespeare’s play, “All things are ready if our minds be so.” And let’s not forget Westmorland’s response, “perish the man whose mind is backward now!” Indeed. The most effective leaders will shine bright now because they are ready to slog through any organizational muck that threatens to slow their team down.

Let’s all be a part of the leadership revolution.

Lisa Haneberg is VP and OD Practice Lead for MPI Consulting. She is the author of ten business books and the management blog, Management Craft. She speaks and offers training programs for leaders, managers, and teams.

Contact Lisa Haneberg at www.managementperformance.com or www.lisahaneberg.com.—

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Are You Disciplined For Success?

By Carla McNeil

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Are you achieving all the success you want in your life; if not, do not expect success to fit into your current habits. You are going to have to adopt and develop new habits. "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." - Eleanor Roosevelt When you come to the realization that your current behavior has not brought you all the financial success, the loving relationships, the perfect health or the spiritual knowledge you desire it can be a pretty scary place to be. Life goes along, we believe we are doing all that we can and then we realize those dreams and goals we had when we were younger are still a dream – What Happened?

We are not taught how to encourage ourselves to become the giant success we dream of when we are kids. We are taught to go to school, get a good job and work for the next 40 years. However, many of us have come to the realization that is not the path to financial freedom or living the life of our dreams. 98% of people are retiring dead broke relying on others in order to survive in their retirement. What can you do in order to live the life of your dreams? My solution to you today is to change your habits. Do not expect success to fit into your current habits, because if you had the habits you needed you would already be there! You need to develop a blueprint for your life.

A blueprint gives you hope that what you dream can come true. Can you imagine a construction company attempting to build a skyscraper without a blueprint? You're right! It would be a disaster! Most people attempt to build their life without a blueprint and we need one, badly. Once you have your

blueprint you can then use your imagination to put yourself into the picture. You can go on-line, find or create pictures that represent your blueprint to you and then post them around your environment so that you see them on a daily basis. My coach John Di Lemme calls that the "construction zone" because you are constructing your life. Once you see that picture, it is actual evidence that it can come true. Then you can start to build the faith in yourself that you really can make it happen. You own the title deed to your life, it’s yours, quit giving it away. You can stop giving it away by creating a blueprint and constructing that dream on a daily basis. Just because you cannot see something does not mean that it does not exist. Evidence and confirmation surround you – it exists somewhere, you just aren’t seeing it.

When you make a reservation for a flight for an exotic vacation, with just a confirmation number alone you have faith that you are going to be able to get on a plane and fly off. You cannot see gravity, only the result of gravity and we all have faith that gravity exists, as a society we no longer question it.

You need to learn to develop that kind of faith in yourself; that yes, you can achieve the life of your dreams.

Develop your blueprint, construct the pictures that support the blueprint, and create the habits that will generate faith in yourself. Take that first step, start the journey. It is well worth it. I would love to hear about your blueprints, what will your like your life to look like in five years? Will it be the same or dramatically different?

For more information, write to Carla@RetireWithCarla.com or visit RetireWithCarla.com.—

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First State Bank of Randolph County Cuthbert-Shellman

Post Office Box 141 Cuthbert, Georgia 39840 229-732-3791 229-679-5344 10 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2016

Understanding the Law of Attraction

By J. D. Hamilton

There are a lot of different ways that you can look at life. Millions of people today just look at things in a very basic manner. They go to work, they come home, and they try to do it all again in the morning.

If you have been working through the same old days, nights, and weekends, you may need something new.

That’s where the notion of the Law of Attraction comes into play.

Many people have found that this is a beautiful way to live, and perhaps could increase the ability to see huge details for the future. If you want to change your life, you may want to get an understanding of how this works and why it works for people of all backgrounds. The Power of Positivity The first thing that you have to realize is that the law is not so much about doing 1 thing right, it’s about positivity in all things.

People today are often times way too negative for their own good. You may find that you are navigating a sea of this at work, in school, or in your daily life.

If you’re dwelling on the negative, then it’s time to change things up. To do this, just start to write down what you are downcast about and change things up by adding positive affirmations to your life. When

you do this, you will be sending out to the universe a notion that you’re happy, and that you are in need of more of that. Happiness is infectious, and if you go with a positive attitude throughout your life, you’ll start to see positivity come through to you. The Power of Laughter People used to scoff at the notion that laughter was a good medicine.

As more and more research has been done, people have figured out that this is in fact true. Laughter has a huge jump in terms of medicine, and it can help with so many ailments, as well as mood enhancement. If you want to take on this notion, the Law of Attraction should be a simple concept to grasp. It’s in the same element that you will find happiness, and joy through the action of giving to yourself. Self-improvement is a hot topic issue, and something that can help you heal from the burdens of daily life.

When things get you down, you could fight back and get the upper hand. Stopping The World The biggest goal of this is simple, stopping the world from spinning around you. When you know more about yourself, and what is going on around you, you can gain a semblance of control. When things seem to be headed for disaster, you’ll be the one left standing, GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 11

because you will have the notion of a futuristic element that is hard to define in a simple stance. Look, millions of people try to be happy and fail, and it’s because they are going about things the wrong way.

This aims to correct that, and could very well be the best thing to go forward with, if you are honest about the elements. JD Hamilton is a digital entrepreneur, #1 bestselling author, peak performance researcher, and CEO of Success Praxis -

SuccessPraxis.com, one of the top personal development websites on the web today, and is relentless towards his pursuit of empowering people from all walks of life explore and achieve their peak potential. Read more at Successpraxis.com/category/ mind-praxis/.—

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Precision Geriatrics: What is it, and How can it Improve Your Health?

By Samuel K. Williams, III, M.D.

My name is Samuel K. Williams, III, M.D. I’m a fellowship trained geriatrician from Johns Hopkins University. My medical schooling was at Meharry Medical College School of Medicine.

I recently became interested in precision medicine and became a Pro Member of the International Academy of Precision Medicine.

In an email to a colleague, whom I asked what the benefits of precision medicine are to older adults, he stated that he “did not know much about precision medicine.” Since it is a relatively new approach to medical treatment I thought that I would read more about it and share it with interested readers.

Precision medicine is defined by the International Academy of Precision Medicine (IAPM) as: “. . .[involving] designing a rational treatment plan which address-

es the root causes of each patient’s medical and psychiatric disorders.

It requires a personalized, fully integrative approach to healthcare. This begins with careful and extensive laboratory, diagnostic testing to determine the precise nutritional, metabolic, immune, allergic, endocrine (hormones), neurotransmitter, infectious, toxicity, and genetic status. . . .”

The term “Precision Geriatrics,” is not a formal term but one coined by the author.

In addition, it is thought by some to be more reliable than history and physical examination in helping to determine the cause of chronic medical and mental disorders. And it perhaps expands risk factors for diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, to include molecular, microbial, inherited, nutritive, and toxic etiologies.

This is interesting, because his-

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tory and physical examination can diagnose 90% of medical conditions without further laboratory testing. In general, one would not order laboratory tests without a thorough history and physical examination. Perhaps, utilizing a precision/functional medicine approach might reduce the time spent in history and physical examination, which might leave more time to be personal with your patients and/or spend less time in the examination room.

IAPM asserts that: “Precision medicine is not simply a revolution in healthcare, it’s the answer to the healthcare crisis.” The scientific basis for precision medicine, as expressed by Wikipedia is: “. . .the application of panomic analysis and systems biology to analyze the cause of an individual patient's disease at the molecular level and then to utilize targeted

treatments (possibly in combination) to address that individual patient's disease process. The patient's response is then tracked as closely as possible, often using surrogate measures such as tumor load . . . and the treatment finely adapted to the patient's response.

The branch of precision medicine that addresses cancer is referred to as ‘precision oncology.’”

Kirti Patel, in Precision Medicine: Pros and Cons suggests several advantages and disadvantages for this approach to medical care. Pros including identifying new diagnosis for diseases that were previously unknown, advances in prevention vs. disease management, earlier diagnosis, identifying protective genes, developing novel medication therapies, individualizing treatment, improvements in population health, and reducing health care cost by focusing on prevention.

Cons included possible difficulty with storing potentially massive amounts of data related to gene sequencing of patient populations, protecting patient information especially regarding sensitive genetic data; questioning the relevance of data obtained, sociological factors affecting use, i.e., preventing institutional misuse; questions also arise such as who will claim ownership of the data, how will research in this area be regulated. There is also the possibility for an increase in health care related costs.

Personally, I recently became reacquainted with the concept of methylation and how methylation affects the function of DNA and bioenergetics. I started taking a supplement of L-methyl folate which is thought to lead to improvement in these areas.

Although possibly a placebo effect I felt remarkably energized after several doses. More in line with my specialty, however, and answering the question posed to my colleague is how this functional medicine approach may be of value in the treatment of elderly patients.

I’ll comment on one area that precision medicine may be of benefit in treating older adults, but I’m sure that there are other areas such as in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease patients. In Precise Medical Decision Making in Geriatric Anti-depressant Therapy, Giovanna Gentile and her colleagues state that: “The Precision Medicine approach take[s] advantage by novel decision-supporting tools, as pharmacogenomic testing, drug-drug interactions evaluation and therapeutic drug monitoring, [and] allowing to improve informed-decision making in prescription of antidepressants.”

As a young physician who is still actively learning and seeking to promote the best possible patient care.

I’m thrilled to learn that there are advances in medical treatment approaches that focus more on prevention of disease and may potentially make medical visits more affordable for economically challenged patients and communities.

I hope that more physicians, particularly in my field of geriatrics will expand on their current practice approach to include an emphasis on functional medicine and less, potentially toxic pharmacotherapy. If we knew how to prevent more illnesses than perhaps people would live longer and be happier individuals and societies.

Of note, the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model might be a great place to incorporate precision medicine given the focus on a patient centered approach to healthcare. We can learn more about topics like precision medicine from the IAPM’s website: http://internationalacademyofprecisionmedicine.org/.— About the Author Samuel K. Williams, III, M.D. is a geriatrician practicing in Albany, Georgia.

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Save the Date

Fletcher Henderson Jazz Festival Saturday, October 8, 2016 Sponsored by The Fletcher Henderson Jazz Festival P. O. Box 504 Cuthbert, Georgia 39840

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40 UNDER FORTY Two Thousand Sixteen Honors

Making A Difference in Rural America What You Do Matters.

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 17

Top Four

Erin Hutchins Age: 29 Hometown: Anniston, AL Profession: Public Administration and Nonprofit Management Erin Hutchins is the beloved daughter of Carl and Joyce Hutchins. An alumna of Auburn University, Erin received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in May 2009. In December 2011, she graduated with a Master's degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from Auburn University, and received a Graduate Certificate of Nonprofit Organization and Community Governance. While in graduate school she was inducted into the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society, the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, and was the National Forum for Black Public Administrators Scholarship Recipient in 2011.

With a passion to build sustainable communities, Erin began her career in Albany, Ga., in November 2011 and committed to a year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer In Service To America) at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany for the United Way of Southwest Georgia. During her year as an AmeriCorps member, she participated in several community initiatives, her most notable accomplishment was spearheading the Community Hygiene Drive, which she continued throughout her time in Albany.

In November 2012, Erin furthered her career in youth development and accepted the charge to serve as the Program Director for the Albany Area YMCA

21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Program, which offers free academic and enrichment opportunities during non-school hours to students in the Dougherty County School System (DCSS).

During her tenure with the 21st CCLC Program, Erin successfully managed two grants valued at $4 million, allocated resources, and established partnerships that provided exciting learning opportunities for her students. In addition to her administrative duties, Erin maintained a presence and relationship with over 600 children and their families. Under her leadership, the program received the Dougherty County School Systems Partners In Excellence Award in 2015.

Erin is a graduate of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Institute for Leadership Development’s inaugural class of 2015; and the recipient of the 40 Under Forty Award in 2013 and 2015 presented by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and The Albany Herald.

Erin recently returned to her beloved alma mater, Auburn University, and now serves as the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator in the Office of Alumni Affairs for the Auburn Alumni Association. She plans to continue on her path of impacting positive social change within her organization, community, and society at large. —

Risings Stars in Rural America

Above and Beyond What You Do Matters.

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Photo Credit Sharonda Bussey

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Top Four

Shaunae Motley Age 37 Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia Profession: NonProfit Management

As an emerging 21st century woman of purpose and passion, Shaunae Motley has been a champion for youth development and family strengthening for well over a decade. She is a senior-level executive with demonstrated success in transforming operational and cultural results. Having led multiple federal and state grant programs, she is also skilled in strengthening internal and external organizational capacities.

Currently, Shaunae serves as the Director of Programs for Quest For Change, a nonprofit organization that helps Georgia individuals and families initiate personal and social change to be positive citizens in their communities. Before joining Quest, Shaunae was Chief Operating Officer of Future Foundation where she helped grow the once grassroots organization from a fledging entity to a multi-million dollar, nationally recognized nonprofit.

She has also worked with Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta; the Boys & Girls Club of Bulloch County (Georgia); and the Bulloch County

School System.

Outside of work, Shaunae volunteers her time with many community and faith-based service organizations. She serves on the Council on Accreditation’s National After-School Endorsement Team, Department of Juvenile Justice’s Atlanta YDC Advisory Council, and Lindsay Street Baptist Church Youth Ministry.

Shaunae earned a degree in Public Relations from Georgia Southern University and also holds a Graduate Certificate in Business Excellence from Columbia Business School. Shaunae strongly believes that it is the community’s responsibility to support effective change. She pursues her mission of public service through her many community revitalization and development projects. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her daughter, Sanaa Lauren.—

Risings Stars in Rural America

Above and Beyond What You Do Matters.

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Photo Credit Sharonda Bussey

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Top Four

Raven Payne Age: 32 Hometown: Americus, Georgia Profession: Higher Education Raven is a major advocate for higher education.

While working in the post-secondary level, she developed an appreciation and passion for modeling the benefits and value of education for students.

She enjoys being able to contribute to changing the course of lives in a positive way , especially for those looking to take advantage of retooling their knowledge and skills for today’s workforce.

Raven also find a sense of satisfaction helping young people prepare for productive adult lives by vocalizing to them the importance of having a solid grounding in education. She firmly believes that education helps to mold an individual into a well-rounded, effective, productive, citizens of society.

Raven graduated from Spelman College in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. In 2010, she attained a Master's of Science degree in Management from Troy University; she holds a Master of Arts in Critical Literacy from Georgia Southwestern State University. Raven is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership at Grand Canyon University with an expected completion in 2017.

In her spare time, Raven enjoys participating in community service activities in the Americus-Sum-

ter County, Georgia area. She believes that one must be an effective change agent, which entails being a voice and taking action. Raven believes that participation in civic/social/professional organizations is an opportunity to help create positive change in her community.

Raven is very involved throughout her work and community. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is currently the vice chair of Sumter County Board of Elections; a board member of the City of Americus Planning and Zoning Commission; a Leadership Facilitator for Advancing Sumter Leadership Institute; and she is a co-leader for Project Angel Tree at Bethesda Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia.

Raven is currently an English Instructor at South Georgia Technical College. She is a Planning Committee Member for the Georgia Association for Developmental Education (GADE) (2016-2017 ). She is the co-chair of the Quality Enhancement Plan team (2015-2020); an advisor for the National Technical Honor Society Chapter and a State Officer Director for the National Honor Society. In 2015, Raven was named South Georgia Technical College's Instructor of the Year.—

Risings Stars in Rural America

Above and Beyond What You Do Matters.

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Teddy Reese Age: Hometown: Profession:

Risings Stars in Rural America

Above and Beyond

Photo Credit Sharonda Bussey

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Top Four

Tremaine "Teddy" Reese

Esq.- JD, MPA

Age: 36 Hometown: Gordon, Georgia Profession: Law

Exceeding his own expectations has long been the driving force of Tremaine “Teddy” Reese. Born and raised in the very small town of Gordon, Georgia, Mr. Reese would become the first in his family to attend a college or university.

He graduated from Albany State University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

He later graduated with a Masters in Public Administration from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia in 2005.

To further advance his career and ability, in May 2012, Mr. Reese graduated Cum Laude from Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando, Florida. He is an active member of the Florida Bar where he clerked for the Honorable Marc L. Lubet with the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, Felony Division. He is also a member of the State Bar of Georgia.

While at Albany State University, Teddy was involved in numerous clubs and organizations.

He served as Student Government Association President for two consecutive terms (2001-2002, 2002-2003). It was in 2002 that he founded and held the very first

WINNER

Annual Student Leadership Conference at Albany State University.

He also served as Vice President of the Delta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In 2003, Teddy was named the Alpha Phi Alpha District of Georgia College Brother of the Year. He has served on committees at the request of the former Governor of Georgia, Sonny Purdue, the former Secretary of State, Cathy Cox, and the University System of Georgia. Teddy received the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals Outstanding Student of the Year Award in 2003, the Center for Legal Education Opportunity Diversity Leadership Award in 2012, and the American Bar Association Law Student Division Golden Key Award in 2012. Teddy's previous employers include GEICO Corporate, Wilkinson County, Georgia, and the City of Atlanta.

Teddy's involvement includes the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association since. He is proud and honored to have served as the American Bar Association Law Student Division National Chair for the 2011-2012 year. Mr. Reese is currently em-

ployed with Georgia Appleseed Center for Law and Justice as a Staff Attorney and Director of Community Operations and Affairs. He was named to the 2014 Columbus and the Valley Magazine, Top 5 Under 40 Professionals. He was selected to the 2014 Class of Young Game Changers through Georgia Forward and graduated with the Leadership Georgia Class of 2015.

Teddy works closely with the Columbus, GA community. He is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the 100 Black Men of Columbus, GA. He is a member of the Fountain City Bar Association, the Columbus Bar Association and the Columbus Inns of Courts. He helps oversee the distribution of grant funding with the City of Columbus Community Development Advisory Board and enjoys a strong working relationship with the Crime Prevention Department. He enjoys volunteering and working for the betterment of others. Additionally, he enjoys fishing, traveling, reading and playing softball. Mr. Reese is married to Dr. Chasity Reese, who is a family physician with West Georgia Health.—

Risings Stars in Rural America

Above and Beyond What You Do Matters.

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Photo Credit Sharonda Bussey

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Marcus Anderson, 33

Hometown: Orlando, Florida Profession: Entrepreneur He graduated from Maynard Evans High School.

With intense motivation, desire, and will power to provide for his wife and family, Marcus once made a living by cutting lawns and odd jobs. The money he made was enough to pay his financial obligations.

However, Marcus desired more.

Marcus discovered a path towards entrepreneurship after painting the exterior of his grandmother's business. After which, he received a number of referrals. The rest was history. Friends and associates booked him for their paint jobs. Marcus Anderson owns Anderson's Quality Painting LLC was established in Orlando, Florida.

Anderson's Quality Painting, LLC's mission to pledges to up-hold and to provide the highest level of quality and expertise in the world of professional painting. The company provides competitive rates for exterior and interior painting, residential, and commercial properties.

Marcus expanded his professional painting skills with self-taught tutorials. He successfully mastered courses with Home Depot and Sherman Williams.

Meanwhile, Marcus remained humble and persistent with his craft. Marcus knew that the key to success was giving back and helping others when their was a need. He used his skills to help his community.

He also volunteers weekly for school projects, as a head football coach and as a mentor. With an eye for detail and a heart to give back, Marcus painted the playground of his son's preschool.

Marcus is resides in Orlando, Florida with is wife Twanna and their six magnificent children.—

Tawanna Jones Anderson, 37

Hometown: Orlando, Florida Profession: Entrepreneur Tawanna is a graduate from Jones High School in Orlando, Florida and is co-owner of Anderson's Quality Painting, LLC. She is very active in her community. She frequently volunteers at church, nonprofit organizations, and her kids' school. Tawanna loves working with youth.

Tawanna is also a mentor for a number of teenage girls. She enjoys helping others and making others smile. In her spare time, she is also a caretaker fro her brother, who is disabled.

In the near future, Tawanna and her husband plan to start a nonprofit organization to aid troubled youth. Tawanna currently resides in Orlando, Florida with husband, Marcus Anderson and their six wonderful children. —

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Tamara Wimberly Barber, 34

Hometown: Cuthbert, Georgia Profession: Social Services/Criminal Justice Tamara Wimberly Barber is the youngest daughter of Genett Wimberly Jones and the late Melvin Wimberly. She began her career as a Juvenile Probation/Parole Specialist II with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 10 years ago.

She is currently the Operations Support Manger for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice at the Muscogee County Education Transitional Center.

Tamara earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Columbus State University with a concentration in Criminal Justice in 2004 and received her Masters of Science degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy State University in 2007.

Tamara is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Executive Board member of Georgia Juvenile Services Association, and a member of the Peace Officers Association of Georgia. She is very active in her community through service learning projects and volunteering.

Most recent volunteer endeavors include; American Cancer Society (Relay for Life), Alzheimer’s Association, Keep Columbus Beautiful, feeding the needy/homeless, and other local service projects throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.

Tamara is a devoted wife and mother and cherishes every moment with her family. She believes in maintaining a healthy lifestyle in order to become emotionally, physically, and spiritually balanced.—

O. Quintodd Bryant, 25

Hometown: Albany, Georgia Profession: Minister/Pastor O. Quintodd Bryant is the eldest of three siblings.

He is a graduate of Dougherty Comprehensive High School in Georgia. He is currently attending seminary school at The Beulah Heights University in Atlanta, GA. Pastor Bryant is majoring in Religious Studies.

At present, he serves as the Pastor of Kennon Grove Baptist Church of Fort Gaines, Georgia and St. Stephens Church of Edison, Georgia.—

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Elizabeth Clenney, 39

Hometown: Morgan, Georgia Profession: Educator Elizabeth has been an educator for ten years. She enjoys teaching and the classroom environment.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and is certified in middle grades Social Studies. Elizabeth was voted Teacher of the Year at Randolph County Elementary School in Georgia.

In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family, and developing new ideas for her classroom. Currently, she is working towards completing all middle grade certification and a master's degree in education.

Elizabeth resides in Early County, Georgia with her husband and three children.—

Debbie Capers, 36

Hometown: Sanford, Florida Profession: Nurse and Entrepreneur Debbie is a dedicated individual who loves serving God and others. She is a nurse by trade with a passion to serve others in need.

Her service to others extends throughout the community. Debbie discovered a means to serve others by launching her own business-Capers Majestic Cleaning Service.

She is a faithful member at Center of Hope Outreach Ministry in Orlando, Florida. Debbie currently resides in Apopka, Florida with husband of 21 years Elder Wallace Capers and son Wallace, Jr.— 28 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2016

Barnum Funeral Home, Inc. Servants of the People Since 1905

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GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 29

Thomas "Pokey" Davis, 33

Hometown: Shellman, Georgia Profession: Professional Athlete Thomas is a 2005 graduate of Randolph Clay High School. He is also an American football outside linebacker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). Davis played college football for the University of Georgia.

He is a recipient of the following awards: the ProFootball Writers' Association (PFWA) Good Guy Award (2016), "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year (2016), the Bart Starr Award (2016), Pro Bowl (2015), First-team All-Pro (2015) Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2014), and the Second-team All-Pro (2013).

Thomas established a foundation entitled, Defending the Dreams in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The mission of the organization is to educate, empower, and defend. The organization's mission is designed to encourage students to develop essential life and social skills that will make them leaders of tomorrow. Thomas is married to Kelly Davis and has four children.—

Jessica Fenn, 33

Hometown: Fitzgerald, Georgia Profession: Criminal Justice Jessica Fenn is a 1999 graduate of Fitzgerald High School. She graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 2002 with an associate degree in criminal justice. She also holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice (2004) from Albany State University (GA).

Jessica began her career in law enforcement at the Tift County Sheriff's Office in 2002. In 2004, she was employed by Maximus Probation in Moultrie, Georgia as misdemeanor probation officer. In 2006, she transferred to Professional Probation Services in Albany, Georgia.

March 1, 2013, Jessica began her career with Georgia Department of Corrections as a probation Officer and was awarded the Law enforcement Officer of The Year award in Moultrie, Georgia in 2015.

Jessica is currently working with the Department of Community Supervision as a Community Supervision Officer III where she resides in Albany, Georgia.—

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Alfred Gaines, Jr. 34

Jaqavious Gaines, 28

Hometown: Orlando, Florida Profession: Entrepreneur, Musician and Music Producer Alfred Gaines, Jr/ (also known as A.J.) is the son of Apostle Alfred and Prophetess Barbara Gaines. He is the oldest of three siblings: Marcus Gaines, JaQuavis Gaines, and La'Barbara Gaines-Harris.

Alfred is also known as AJ Platinum Tracks Super Producer. He produces well known artists, such as Young Jeezy, JaRule, Pastor Troy, and other mainstream artists.

Since the age of 16, AJ worked full time in music ministry. Today, he owns a full time studio, where he has helped youth musically with Stop the Violence for Orlando programs. He is also a Minister Music and owner of Worship Melodies CD, which has healed and delivered listeners who needed a breakthrough.

AJ and wife, Sheena have a live radio show called, What's Up World. AJ's passion and desire is to continue to spread his music to the world and to impact the youth positively. He currently resides in Orlando, Florida, with his wife Sheena and two daughters: Ayleena and Aja Gaines.—

Hometown: Orlando, Florida Profession: Former U. S. Navy Sailor And Photographer Jaqavious is the son of Apostle Alfred and Prophetess Barbara Gaines. He served five years in the United States Navy. He is also founder of Hope Pushers, an organization designed to help people in need. Jaqavious is also passionate about photography to capture priceless moments. He currently resides in Orlando, Florida.—

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Hometown: Orlando, Florida Profession: Minister, Musician, Poet, Rapper, & Entrepreneur "When it’s all said and done, you don't have to remember my name, just see more of the Trinity and GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 31

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Marcus Gaines 33

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less of me. I'm just the Picture Frame," says Marcus Gaines, who is also known as U.C. or Unforgotten Child. He strives to live by this quote from one of his Spoken Word Poetry pieces, which is his passion.

He is also a respected rapper and renowned Spoken Word Artist. Marcus is also the founder and C.E.O. of U.C. 3, Inc. which operates U.C.3 Clothing and 3in1 Café. U.C.3 Clothing is a clothing company meant to encourage believers and nonbelievers to wear their faith. 3in1 Café serves as a place for believers and non-believers to fellowship, in a neutral environment, with song and great food!

Above all, U.C. is proudly on assignment to showcase God's creative versatility, while ensuring ministry is forefront. Raised in Church, with two brothers and one sister, he is the son of Apostle Alfred and Prophetess Barbara Gaines.

Marcus answered God's personal call to Ministry and salvation in 2009. This calling inspired his ministerial name, Unforgotten Child (U.C.); for he was never forgotten even when his life did not reflect that of a follower of Christ.

In addition to the ministries God has blessed him with, U.C. is an ordained minister with Center of Hope Ministries, under the leadership of Apostle Alfred Gaines, where he may be found preaching on occasion; He also utilizes all of his talents as a proud member of the international ministering group Kingdom U.N.I.T.E.D., which furthermore proves that God still has not forgotten His child.

U. C.s' first industry release, “3sss Uuup” was an instant hit! “3sss Uuup”, was officially released, with heavy demand, September 25, 2012, under the 7th Seal Records label. It was produced and recorded by the popular producer, AJ Platinum Tracks, and features recording artist, Tracy Clark.

His follow up singles “Move On” featuring Tracy Clark and “I Need You” were also an instant hit and a radio favorite. He followed the same previous winning combination utilizing the production of the talented AJ Platinum Trakz and also released an official video for “I Need You” on December 31st, 2014.

U.C. is working diligently on his first industry EP titled, Unforgotten, to be released under 7th Seal Records, in summer of 2016. His full album release will follow shortly after. Both projects will utilize the same God Given formula that made his previous singles a hit; great music, catchy hooks, relevant to the joys and troubles of today, but extremely thought provoking and aligned with Biblical scripture.—

Sheena Gaines, 31

Hometown: Orlando, Florida Profession: Entrepreneur Sheena was born Opelika, Alabama and raised in Warren Ohio. She is the daughter of Pastor Larry and Shelia McCurdy, the founder of Chain of Love ministries Orlando, Florida. She is the oldest of two siblings: Stacy McCurdy and Aaron McCurdy.

Sheena is owner of ChangeInc. The aim of the company is to help women change their inner and outer appearance with colon cleanses, healthy eatings, and undergarments that aid weightless and to enhance self-esteem.

Sheena and husband, Alfred have live radio show called, What's Up World, where they we help people with real questions with raw answers. They helped married, dating, and singles with their Perfecting Love Again Seminars.

Sheena's desire and passion is to continue to help others live out loud, and to live their dreams. She currently resides in Orlando, Florida, with husband, Alfred and their two beautiful daughters: Ayleena and Aja Gaines.—

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Corderal Gilbert, 27

Hometown: Fort Gaines, Georgia Profession: Minister Corderal Gilbert, is the son of Mr. Archie and Beverly Gilbert. He is also a minister, pastor, and founder of New Generation Ministries, Inc. in Fort Gaines, Georgia.

He has a strong love for the church. His philosophy is that it is important to reach the lost then build strong disciples. He strives to help others develop steadfast Faith.

Corderal is currently employed with Volunteers of America as a maintenance technician in Cuthbert, Georgia.—

Marlon Gilbert, 23

Hometown: Cuthbert, Georgia Profession: Educator At a young age, Marlon learned the importance of education and community. Coming from a family of educators, Gilbert had no choice but to understand that education is the key to success.

Marlon is the son of Jonathan and Janice Gilbert, who was educated in the Randolph County School System (Georgia). He knew early that he was destined to be an educator and often played school with his cousins.

Therefore, he continued his education at Fort Valley State University (Georgia) and received his Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education, with a concentration in Math and Science. He believes that all children can learn.

Marlon is currently pursuing a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Columbus State University (Georgia).

Marlon is currently employed with the Randolph county Board of Education as a teacher and football/ basketball coach. He is dedicated to improving the lives of youth in his community through education and service.

His short term career goals include becoming an Administrator in Randolph County Schools and being a catalyst for academic and athletic success in his community.—

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Selvin O. Golding, Jr., 33

Hometown: Orlando, Florida Profession: Entrepreneur Selvin is the oldest of two siblings. He is a native Floridian, who beat the odds despite growing up in a tough neighborhood. Faith was foundational in Selvin's life, for he was reared in the church. However, he detoured from his upbringing briefly as a youth man. Consequently, Selvin made a number of poor decisions that steered him off course.

At the age of 28, Selvin decided to change his life for the better. He was reawakened spiritually and began his journey back to his roots--working in the church. Currently, Selvin is the president and lead usher at his church-True Vision In Christ. He is also a proud entrepreneur.

Selvin resides in Orlando, Florida with his wife. —

Congratulations 2016 Rural Leader

Forty under Forty Honorees From

Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

What you do matters.

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 35

Artist of Randolph County II Shellman Center for Art and Rehabilitative Energies, Inc.

LaBarbara Gaines-Harris, 23

Hometown: Orlando, Florida Profession: Non Profit Management LaBarbara graduated Valedictorian in 2011 from high school. Her passion has always been to encourage others, especially girls and young women.

She was inspired to establish a nonprofit organization. Today, LaBarbara is the chief executive officer and founder of Love No Matter What, a mentoring organization for young girls. Her vision is to encourage, to equip, and to enlighten young girls.

Her mission is to help young girls grow both spiritually and naturally into successful women. LaBarbara's motto is that "we can do all things through Christ Jesus that strengthens us."

She currently resides in Orlando, Florida with husband Herbert, Jr., and their three children.—

The Second Annual Exhibition of artists living and/or working in Randolph County will open with a reception honoring the 15 invited artist, at the Center for Art located at 3696 Pearl Street, Shellman, GA on Sunday, September 4th.

The hours of the reception are from 2:00-6:00 P.M. The Reception is open to the public, free of charge.

Everyone is invited to bring friends and family. Light refreshments will be served. If you are unable to attend the Opening Reception the exhibition will be on display at the Art Center which is open every week-end from 2:00 – 6:00 P.M. thru October 30th.

Some of the artist, who were featured in the 2015 exhibition, are returning with new work along with additional artists who will be showing, for the first time, at this Randolph Arts Council sponsored event.

Twenty-eight works of art (oil and acrylic paintings on canvas, watercolors, pastels, drawings, tole and encaustic collages on paper, counted cross stitching, photography and sculpture) will be on view in the Center for Art gallery housed in an old onion barn. There is ample off-street parking.

Plan to attend the Reception where you will be able to chat with the attending artists. Those featured are: Stella Barr, Rachel Bell, H. Everett. Collier, Jr., Patsy DeMouy, Jo Hixon, Chris Johnson, Charles Ledden, Laurie Mackey, Sheri Michaels, Becky Mills, Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy, Ann Nichols, Linda Peak, Ray Pierotti and Carol Wilson. A splendid group of talented individuals who contribute greatly to the economic & spiritual well-being of our communities.

As the National Endowment for the Arts states, “art works”.

For additional information or for photographs of the artist’s works to be on view please contact The Center for Art and Rehabilitative Energies by phone (229) 679-5069 or (229) 679-2070 or by email: rpryb@windstream.net. Also visit shellmancenter. wordpress.com for more information. Artists' work will be on display through October 30, 2016.—

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Donnell Harvey, 35

Hometown: Shellman, Georgia Profession: Non Profit Management and Professional Basketball Player Donnell previously played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns.

He attended Randolph-Clay High School in Cuthbert, Georgia, where he was the consensus 1999 national high school player of the year. In 1999, he was in the McDonald's All-America Game, was in the USA Today All-USA 1st Team in 1999, and got the Naismith Award as nation's top high school player in 1999.

Donnell accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he played for coach Billy Donovan's Florida Gators men's basketball team during the 1999–2000 season. After starting three-fourths of the Gators' first 12 games, he lost his starting spot to Brent Wright after returning home over the New Year's break because of homesickness. Harvey averaged 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game and was voted to the SEC All-Freshman Team in his only season playing college basketball.

He was selected by the New York Knicks with the 22nd overall pick of the 2000 NBA Draft and then traded, along with John Wallace, to the Mavericks in exchange for Erick Strickland and Pete Mickeal.

He was in Dallas until he was traded to the Denver Nuggets in February 2002. He then latched on to the Orlando Magic in September 2003, only to be traded to the Phoenix Suns in December 2003.

He was signed then waived by the Atlanta Hawks in October 2004. Donnell joined the Sioux Falls

Skyforce of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) in December 2004. He was called up to the New Jersey Nets in February 2005 but was waived later that month.

He then played for Panionios (Greece) from September 2005 until March 2006. He then went to Besiktas (Turkey) in 2006-07, then later went to Rieti (Italy) in July 2007.

Donnell has also played for Banvitspor in Turkey and the Carolina Giants in Puerto Rico (2009). In November 2010, Harvey signed with the Bosnian club KK Igokea. After playing for Jiangsu in the Chinese Basketball Association for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, Harvey played 32 games with Tianjin Ronggang for the 2011-12 season, averaging 24.7 points and 14.7 rebounds per game.

He joined the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters replacing the injured Omar Samhan for the 2012 PBA Commissioner's Cup. He led the Texters to the finals, but the team ultimately lost to the B-Meg Llamados 4-3. Later that year, he returned to Tianjin Ronggang.

[10] In 2013, he rejoined the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters. However, he left the team midseason to be with his children in the United States as they recovered from a car accident Donnell is also founder and chief executive officer and founder of Reconstructing Youth Foundation (RYF). RYF is a non-profit, nationally recognized youth organization geared towards providing resources and information essential to assisting in the development of America’s youth. Since 2001 RYF has been focused on aiding in youth development and low poverty area development.

Children raised in poverty or lower income homes do not have access or accessibility to resources that may change a child’s life or outlook on life, but they encounter challenges that seem impossible to overcome as their brains are familiarized with negative behavior or performance.

In conjunction, the goal is not only making sure resources are actually available and attainable, but also to prepare the youth for the many challenges and experiences they are sure to encounter, believing and knowing anything is possible. RYF provides knowledgeable services, events, programs, camps, community service, and seminars to usher in individual success. This individual success is complimented with a balance in mental, physical, and social guidance.

The core value of the Reconstructing Youth Foundation is to support the community youth as they develop their strengths, skills, and talents using effective outreach, camps, programs, seminars and hands on involvement in their lives.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 37

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UNDER FORTY Terry Heflin, 39

Hometown: Lineville, Alabama Profession: Nurse and Community Activist Terry is the son of Ruthie Mae Heflin and the late Thomas M. Heflin. He is the twelth child of thirteen children. He is a 1998 graduate of Lineville High School.

Terry is also a licensed nurse by trade, so he enjoys helping others. In 2003, he graduated from Ayers State Technical College of Nursing. During the same year, he was received the Lamp Lighter Award. In 2004, Terry earned an associates' degree in psychology at Ayers State Technical College.

Terry is hardworking community activist who strives to make his community a better place daily.

Currently, he serves on the Board of Deacons at the Worship Center Church in Lineville, AL. In 2008, he served two terms on the Broad Band Board of Clay County, Alabama.

Terry also is co-fonder of Washington Heights Community Outreach, Inc. The purpose of the organization is to enhance, to equip, and to empower the Clay County (Georgia) Community educationally and economically. He serves also as secretary of the board of directors of the Washington Heights Community Outreach, Inc. Terry also serves as the event coordinator for Clay County Alabama Faith in Action. Clay County Faith in Action is an organization designed to build a better Clay County. The organization's strategy encompasses working to ensure skilled, committed, leaders of faith who can effectively organize the community around community issues of concern and to build relational power across racial and denominational lines.—

Tracee Howard, 37

Hometown: Cuthbert, Georgia Profession: Licensed Practical Nurse Tracee is a 1996 graduate of Randolph Clay High School (GA). She earned an associates' degree in nursing at Wallace Community College (AL) in 2005.

The proud mother of three is an advent volunteer for community events and at the local school.

Currently, Tracee is studying at Wallace Community College to become a Registered Nurse. She is employed at Crowne Healthcare of Eufaula (AL).

She resides in Cuthbert with her husband and three children. —

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De'Andre Miguel Johnson, 26

Hometown: Morgan, Georgia Profession: Business Management De'Andre is a 2008 graduate of Randolph-Clay High School. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Valdosta State University.

De'Andre is currently the Cross Regional Customer Service Manager and Fraud Manager for First Arkansas Bank & Trust. In his spare time, De'Andre enjoys mentoring inner city kids and spending time with family.

He currently resides in Hiram, Georgia with wife Williethia, and three children De'Aria, Caleb Wallace, and Chase. —

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Domanique Johnson, 35

Hometown: Wildwood, Florida Profession: Actor, Entrepreneur, Missionary, Singer, and Writer Domanique, has been singing and writing since age 11. His first job was a radio host on WHOF 640 AM, where he hosted a gospel music broadcast at age 15. All throughout grade school, he received awards and recognition from teachers for his creative writing abilities.

Since 2005, he has written and acted in the highly acclaimed stage plays, Why Does It Hurt So Bad, In the Nick of Time, and Love, Marriage and Murder.

Domanique received additional actor's training at Tasha Smith Actors Workshop, who was an acclaimed actress in several of Tyler Perry's movies, such as Why did i get Married, Daddy's Little, Girls, and Addicted. He learned how to draw from past experiences in order to bring real emotion to characters.

In 2013, he earned license as an Assisted Living Administrator through the University of South Florida and Department of Elder Affairs. He is also the founder of The Best Life Theater, Destiny Place Assisted Living Facility, and Best Help Home Care.

Domanique is also a missionary to Haiti and helps provide relief through humanitarian efforts. —

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time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Marco, and cheering from the bleachers for Coach Kirk and his football team on Friday nights. Dr. Kirk has practiced in the Healthcare field of Pharmacy for 13 years.—

Shawona Walker Kirk, PharmD, 38

Hometown: Sumner, Georgia Profession: Pharmacist Dr. Shawona Walker Kirk grew up as one of eight children in the small rural town of Sumner, GA. The current population is less than 500 residents. She always knew that failure was not an option for her.

As a youth, she would peer out over the distant trees and envision a large city where she would ultimately find her success.

After high school, she attended Wesleyan College in Macon, GA. Dr. Kirk obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry, with minors in Spanish and Biology. Notably, she became the first Black to receive a Chemistry degree from Wesleyan College in Macon, GA, in 1999.

After Wesleyan, she went on to further her education at Howard University in Washington, DC, where she obtained a Doctorate degree in Pharmacy in 2003. Dr. Kirk completed a postgraduate residency in Pharmacy Practice in 2004 at St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System in Savannah, GA. Most recently, she completed a Spanish for Healthcare Professionals Certification Program from Darton State College in Albany, Georgia, in December 2015. Her motto in life is, "success should never end with you. "If you are the only one that succeeded in your family, then you have failed."

Dr. Kirk is an avid believer that there is always someone who can benefit from your encouragement, mentorship, and support. Change your circumstances and 1 surroundings by developing strategies that will ensure that the present generation is more successful than the previous generation through continual growth and education. In her spare

LaSonya M. Lucy, 33

Hometown: Citronelle, AL Profession: Business Coach and Entrepreneur LaSonya is a graduate of Citronelle High School.

She is the proud owner and chief advisor of Fast Time Tax Consultant, LLC. She strives to provide the highest quality of services focusing on income tax planning, tax return preparation, IRS correspondence, and representation.

LaSonya is also a certified business coach, and strives to utilize her skills in coaching other individual who desire to become successful business owners in the tax industry.

She has a heart for the people with a passion to someday open a women’s shelter for homeless and battered women. LaSonya also desires also to mentor community youth. Though she knows that it is impossible to reach every youth, she will strive to reach as many as humanly possible.

LaSonya currently resides in Mobile, Alabama with her son.—

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Aldwayne Martin, 26

Hometown: Orlando, Florida Profession: Entrepreneur My Name is Aldwayne Martin. I'm currently 26 years of age. I was born in Kingston Jamaica. At the age of 5, I immigrated to the United States with my Father and sister. For my Grand mother previously came to the States working diligently to allow passage for her 5 children and their children for a better opportunity.

After graduating high school, I was unsure about what career I wanted to pursue. Events lead to me studying Business Administration, and Small Business Management in college. While enrolled I grew to realize that I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Looking back at the things I did to generate income as a teenager. Needless to say I started my own business and have been learning and growing as a business-man since. Ultimately my businesses will be a staple in our culture as well as emerging into other cultures. For my mission isn't simply to build a profitable business system, but to empower and uplift those in and around my foundations. —

Patsy Milliner, 39

Hometown: Fort Gaines, Georgia Profession: Registered Nurse My name is Patsy Milliner born in Thomasville, Georgia and raised in Fort Gaines, Georgia. She is a 1995 graduate of Randolph Clay High School (GA).

She is a registered Nurse at East Albany Medical Center and First Call Nursing Agency in Albany, Georgia. Patsy has been a nurse for 15 years. She enjoys helping and caring for others.

She currently resides in Albany with finance, Torre Harris and her two children James and Jameriya Milliner. —

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Mario Mitchell, 28

Hometown: Cuthbert, Georgia Profession: Entrepreneur, Founder, Licensed Professional Clinician, Mentor, Producer Mario makes it an effort to serve his family, church, and community as a husband, father, leader, and mentor, along with maintaining integrity and character to the highest degree known.

Mario is involved with several organizations that mentor young adults. He volunteers and speaks in school systems, encouraging young people to take advantage of every opportunity given to excel in education. He ministers to young people at churches, festivals, concerts, etc, through music and promote the gospel to make known that true success cannot be reached without the wisdom of God and his guidance.

He helps the less fortunate in communities by volunteering his time during back-to-school events that give away book bags, school supplies, and uniforms to children; he partners with organizations who feed families during Thanksgiving; and provide gifts for single parent homes to children for Christmas holidays.

Mario is a 2006 graduate of Randolph Clay High School. He has served as a Peace Officer working at the Department of Juvenile Justice for four years, sites in Americus and Albany. He currently works as a Para-Professional under a Licensed Professional Clinician at Albany Aspire Behavioral Health. He is Chief Leadership Officer of No Excuses Mentorship Organization. He is the founder of independent Christian music label Thugless Gospel Group. —

Brittney Mitchner, 27

Hometown: Cuthbert, Georgia Profession: Educator Brittney is a 2007 graduate of Randolph Clay High School. During her high school career, she was very involved. She participated in volleyball, cheerleading, and was selected Little Miss Hope (2002-2003), Junior Miss Randolph Clay High School (2006-2007).

In the fall of 2011, Brittney graduated from Valdosta State University with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. During the same year, Brittney became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Later, in 2015, she earned a master's degree from Albany State University (GA).

Brittney is currently a teacher at Randolph County Schools(GA), where she is also a cheer coach. The most rewarding part of her job is teaching and giving back to community. Brittney resides in Cuthbert with her son, Braydon T. Peak.—

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One Family, One Farm, Five Generations, 150 Years...

Rebecca Peachey, 33

Hometown: Dawson, Georgia Profession: Educator In 2003 I graduated with an Associate Degree in Physical Education from Darton College. I went on to graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Southwestern State University located in Americus, GA in 2005. I am 33 years old and currently in my 12th year at Randolph County Elementary School. Along with being an educator, I am a wife and a mother of two boys. I am passionate about what I do and look forward to each and every day that I get to spend with the children that enter my classroom. —

We take care of the land and the heard, and they take care of us.—Harris Family Core Value

WhiteOakPastures.com (229) 641-2081

Coming in 2017 For details, visit RuralLeaderMag.com

44 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2016

Magazine

ny Tech’s Internal Customer Service training, she was awarded Sonny Purdue’s Georgia Work Ready Certificate, and she received a Six Sigma Green Belt in Quality Assurance Specialist.

Natasha is the mother of 2 beautiful daughters Nilante and Amoree Price and the wife of Antavius Price.—

Natasha Price, 32

Hometown: Sylvester, Georgia Profession: Business Administration And Education Natasha is the proud daughter of Ira and Patricia Adams of Sylvester, GA. She is the 2002 graduate of Worth County Comprehensive High School. Natasha holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management, both from Albany State University, and an Associates in Administrative Office from Albany Technical College.

During her tenure at Albany State University, Natasha served as an Honor Code Council Member where she and 14 additional students were responsible for implementing the honor code for the student body. She was an active member in the Golden Key International Honor Society as well. Natasha also graduated with honors by meeting specified standards of Academic Excellence at The Unsinkable Albany State University (GA), where she maintained a 3.5 GPA (Cum Laude).

For the past 10 years, Natasha has been employed at Albany Technical College, where she began part time while receiving her diploma in Business Office Technology. Upon graduation, Natasha was hired full time. Her instructor Dr. Mary Richardson saw more in her as an online student that she saw in herself at the time and encouraged her to apply for the administrative office assistant position in the president’s office.

Natasha was selected to represent the president’s office at Albany Technical College.

During her tenure, Natasha received Alba-

Kwanda Howard-Pryor, 38

Hometown: Mobile, Alabama Profession: Entrepreneur Kwanda began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA ). She enjoys making people smile and helping others. After fifteen years in the healthcare profession, she desired to cast her net in the business waters. She decided to go back to school, and so she enrolled in Remington College. In2005, she earned an associates degree in business.

Kwanda began doing taxes in 2010. Two years later, she took a leap of faith and invested in a franchise.

With much hard word and dedication, today she is the proud owner of Kingson Financial Solutions, LLC. Consequently, Kwanda discovered a new passion, which is to help others become self-sufficient as entrepreneurs.

Kwanda, currently, resides in Mobile, Alabama. —

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was presented Annual Earle C. Mitchell Leadership and Guidance Summit, Atlanta, as the guest speaker.

Darrell can also speak, read, and write French with basic competence. He also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and the Emerging 100.

Darrell is the recipient of a number of accolades.

In 2013, he was awarded the Boys’ and Girls’ Club Mentor. In 2012, he was recognized as Eagle Scout Mentor of the Year, Troop #226 . Both honors were received in Americus-Sumter County, Georgia. He also is a 2016 graduate of the Congressional Black Caucus Leadership Institute.—

Darrell D. Sabbs, Jr., 34

Hometown: Americus, Georgia Profession: Community Activist, Educator, Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Political Consultant Darrell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 2005 from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2008, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics at Albany State University (GA).

Currently, he is pursing an Associates degree in Funeral Services at Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, Georgia.

Darrell began his teaching career in 2008 as a high school math teacher at Americus-Sumter High Rhiannon Scott, 32 School (Georgia). In 2011, he became an Adjunct Hometown: Cuthbert, Georgia instructor at South Georgia Technical College in Profession: Media/News/Publishing Americus, Georgia. During his tenure, he has taught Rhiannon is the owner of The Citizen's Times math and interpersonal and developmental skills.

Newspaper located in Cuthbert, Georgia. She graduIn addition to teaching, Darrell is also a licensed ated from Randolph-Clay High School and studied at apprentice at Barnum Funeral Home in Americus.

Darton College in Albany, Georgia.

In his spare time, he finds time to give back to othRhiannon began her newspaper career at The ers and community. Darrell was the Lead Trainer, Cuthbert Southern Tribune as a layout technician for IT Specialist, and Mentor at Terrell County Midfive years. Later, she took a job as editor/layout with dle-High School Saturday Academy, Albany, GeorThe Citizen News. A year later, she became the owner gia from 2008-2012. During that time, he also was of The Citizen News at the age of 27. an Advisor for the L.E.G.O. ( Leadership through Rhiannon is married to Jimmy Scott, Jr. of ShellEducation under Greek-lettered Organizations) at man, and they are expecting their first child. — Americus-Sumter High School. Darrell was also head coach for the boys and girls swimming team.

He also currently serves as an Off-Campus Advisory Committee Member for the Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated at Morehouse College, a position he has served since 2008.

Darrell has written a number of publications and papers. His most recent piece was published in 2014, entitled, “Intake: The Proper Course of Action," He 46 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2016

Tw e m t y S i x t e e n

40 UNDER 40

Tw e m t y S i x t e e n

40 UNDER 40

Harvey Dennis Smith, Jr., 29

Porche Simmons, 36

Hometown: Tangerine, Florida Profession: Entrepreneur Porche is the daughter of Jacquelyn and Eugene Hill and is the 5th oldest of eight siblings. After high school in 1998, Porche attended Lake Technical College, where she earned certification as a nursing assistant. After which, she worked as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) career for several years to support my family.

In 2009, Porche worked as a preschool teacher and a manager at a local restaurant to make ends meet.

One day, she decided to enroll in college and pursue a degree in the Allied Health program as a medical assistant. In 2011, she earned an associates degree.

In 2012, she enrolled at Lake Technical College to study early childhood education, where she earned Child Care Operation Certification and a Child Development Associate (formally known as CDA).

July 10, 2013, Porche opened her own child care facility, Creative Kids Learning Center in Eustis, Florida. She started four children for the first three months. Through great odds, Porche's business is hugely successful. For the past three years, the facility is filled to its capacity- 52 children Porche is married to Bryant Simmons and the proud mother of four children. —

Hometown: Cuthbert, Georgia Profession: Educator Harvey is the son of Janis Gilbert and Dennis Gilbert Harvey Smith Sr. He graduated from Randolph-Clay High School with honors in 2005. He attended the Unsinkable Albany State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 2009. Currently, Harvey is enrolled at Columbus State University pursing a master's degree in teacher leadership. In 2011, He enrolled in the Georgia Teaching Fellows program and became certified as a part of the 2011-2012 Cohort in the Middle Grades Science content area.

He began his teaching career at Marshall Middle School in Columbus, Georgia, where he taught sixth grade Science. He was also the co-defensive coordinator for the football team, and the boys' Head Basketball Coach.

Harvey returned to Cuthbert in 2013 and began teaching middle grades science and served as Assistant Head Football Coach/ Defensive Coordinator for the Randolph-Clay football team. As a part of the 2015 region championship team, Harvey was named an Assistant Coach of the Year for region 1A football.

In 2015, Harvey transitioned from Middle Grades Science to Physical Education. He has a passion for helping children, especially African American males.

He desires to teach them to become upstanding young men who know the value of hard work and education.

Harvey is married to Shanequa, and the proud father of five: Jaishun and Jy'Quan, 11, Jenise, 9, Ayden, 2, and Sean Smith, 1.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 47

Trudy Terry, 38

Hometown: Shellman, Georgia Profession: Entrepreneur Trudy is the daughter of Ella Neal and the granddaughter of Annie Marcus. She is one of five children and a 1995 graduate of Randolph Clay High School (Georgia). She completed the Business Office Technology program at Albany Technical College (GA) in 2001. In 2004, she completed the culinary arts program at Albany Tech as well.

During the same year, Trudy launched her homebased bakery business, Tru-Delicious Bakery. Trudy currently resides in Albany, Georgia, where she enjoys baking tasty treats.—

40 2016

Kathy Thornton, 38

Hometown: Cuthbert, Georgia Profession: Educator Kathy is a 1996 graduate of Randolph Clay High School. She earned at a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education at Albany State University (GA in 2000. Kathy earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education at Troy State University (AL) in 2006.

She was named Teacher of the Year (2012 -2013) at Randolph County Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Randolph County District Teacher of the Year. While at Monroe Elementary School, she also won Teacher of the Year (2000-2001).

She is an active member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Cuthbert, where she serves as youth director. Kathy is also a teacher for the Upper Elementary Sunday School .

Kathy currently is a teacher at Pataula Elementary School in Edison, Georgia. She resides in Cuthbert with husband Brian, Sr., and their three children: Brian, Byron, and Brianna.—

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By Gristeen Grondin

With No Money

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Starting a small online business can actually be quite easy, but probably only if you know what you are doing. There’s even a sequence of steps that you can just follow while starting out with your online venture. It’s believed to be working quite effectively for almost everyone; regardless of they are a newbie or an experienced entrepreneur. There are quite a few factors that how to start a photography business, how to start a photography business and opening your own business. Some of the major ones are being mentioned below. #1 Finding a need and filling it. One of the biggest mistakes made by most new entrepreneurs, both starting an online or offline business, is coming up with a product idea and then trying to find a market for it. It would almost always need to be the other way round. If you know there’s something in demand, but not being supplied adequately in the market, you can definitely consider developing a product or service around it. However, if you come up with the product or the service first, and then look for the perfect target market, you may end up disappointed when you don’t find enough demand or if there’s way too much competition. Visiting online forums, doing keyword research, checking out your potential competitor’s sites and finding out what they have done are sure to give you a lot of ideas. #2 Writing a great sales copy. Content is arguably the most important aspect when it comes to an online business. Regardless of how good your product or service is, it may not sell well and you wouldn’t

be able to make money online unless you have a great sales copy on your website that will manage to convince the potential customers. There are actually a few important things you need to focus on while writing a great sales copy. They usually include: • An interesting title that would grab the attention of the visitors • Telling them how your product can solve their problem • Backing it by some feedback or reviews of the past customers • Its benefits and what it has in store for them • A call-to-action, or asking them to buy your product #3 The website. A great sales copy would probably convert well only if the website it’s posted to is equally convincing. It needs to be ensured that the website is easy to navigate, and loads quickly. You can also choose to have an opt-in to collect the visitors’ emails if your niche allows. # 4 Driving traffic. This is usually the most challenging part for most new online marketers. However, if you have targeted the right keywords with low competition, you can simply consider doing blog commenting on niche related blogs and you may see the traffic start flowing in soon?

Here you can get information about starting a home business, small businesses to start, start online business, how to open a small business, how to start a successful business, how do i start my own business, how do i start a business, how much does it cost to start a business and how to start up a business.

For more information, visit .Khojindya.com/6questions-youll-have-when-starting-a-business/.—

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52 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2016

By Daniel Kingsley

Public Speaking Courses - It is All About You (But Maybe Not in the Way You Think)

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ome people assume that public speaking is mostly about your audience - giving them what they want and what they require, and they're partially right. Others say that public speaking is all about your relationship with your audience - really being present with them and really being accessible to them, because if your audience feel in rapport with you, they will be more willing to pay attention to what you have to say. Check below to find useful information on overcoming your fears with Public Speaking Courses.

Livingston Taylor (who teaches a course in relational performance at Berklee College of music) gets closer to the truth when he says: "This is a great game of Simon Says". The audience have employed you to take control. They want to get into your reality. If you are still, they're still. If you are tense, they're tense. If you're at ease, they're. If they trust you, they will put themselves in your hands". This is greatly put and very true - the way you show up as a speaker, your inner state, does essentially impact the way an audience experience a speech and how they relate to you.

But even this isn't really the end of the story. Because what if you are not calm, relaxed and comfortable? What if you are pressured and frustrated? What then? And this shows you that the most essential element of the jigsaw is still missing. This is the element about your inner game. We often say of someone (including a speaker or performer) who looks naturally confident that they are "comfortable in their own skin". This phrase holds the solution to under-

standing the inner game of public speaking. Where's the person? They're in their own skin - their focus is inside of them. This means that at the moment of providing a speech or presentation to an audience, they aren't thinking about how they're showing up from their audience's perspective. They're inside their own skin feeling their own feelings.

So, what to do when you catch yourself mentally outside your body, imagining stuff about what your audience are thinking about you? Easy. Drop it.

Choose to imagine that your audience are supporting you unless you have any hard evidence to the opposite. You'll generally be right. The most important thing to notice about emotions is that they're like waves. They arise (sometimes from nowhere, at times in response to a situation), they lurk around for a while, and then they subside. It is inevitable that a wave will rise, and it is just as unavoidable that it will fall.

And like the waves in the ocean you cannot prevent emotions. But you can learn to surf. Surfing feelings is actually like surfing waves, rather than addressing them as an issue you treat them with fascination. As opposed to waiting for them to disappear, you discover how to ride them.

In case you are ready to improve your confidence, you can hire Public Speaking Courses. Find more info at PresenceTraining.co.uk/public-speaking-courses-london/.—

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by Navdeep Sethi

10 Things to Outsource to a Virtual Assistant

The biggest problems that new entrepreneurs and business owners face are managing multiple tasks.

Because of lack of man power, they usually end up wearing too many hats! Well, for the lack of a better term, let us all it the “Superhero Syndrome”, that they will encounter eventually if they keep continuing this way of working! It just makes your business go downhill and reduces its effectiveness. You cannot be the Jack of all trades!

A virtual assistant comes to the rescue in such situations. It’s a smart way to leverage your business and get your tasks done with least amount of workforce.

One should quit being a micro-manager and start letting loose of the work. Hiring a virtual assistance does the needful. There are a variety of tasks that can be outsourced to a virtual assistant. Let us have a look at them: Email Management and Filtering: Sending out emails and campaigns is a tedious task and very time consuming. The best way to manage them is to outsource these tasks. Imagine getting all started with a new task, getting into the zone and making up your mind and suddenly a new engaging email is received.

You start replying to it and before you know you’ve spent 20 minutes on the email itself. There goes your work flow. To avoid this, the best way is to hire somebody to do these tasks. Schedule Management: Every entrepreneur has a mix of tasks on his palette.

Each of them must be executed efficiently. To manage them effectively it is important to have a systematic approach towards it. Scheduling these tasks is an important issue that is covered by a virtual assistant.

You can complete the chores much faster if you hire a virtual assistant for it.

Bookkeeping: Bookkeeping consists of a lot of tasks like recording bills, invoices, payments etc.

These tasks are time consuming as well. Outsourcing them to a virtual assistant, sure eases down the task.

But doing so requires the trust factor to be there.

You should hire someone for this task only if you can handover them private information, such as passwords, account sheets etc. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Having a beautifully designed website is not sufficient to build your product online. The building part requires marketing it online. A VA with experience in SEO and/or digital marketing will prove invaluable to your company. It can boost web traffic, sales number and brand marketing with right SEO and digital marketing technique.

Web Developing: Web development is another important aspect in any business. As they say, the first impression is the last impression, it is necessary

for your website to have an attractive user interface.

Your VA will have the skills necessary to produce a website that will have traits like quick loading times, easy usability, business and contact information, good navigation system, high ranking on search engines.

Content Writer: If you’re doing a lot of online marketing and need a number of articles every week, a virtual assistant would be your best hire. The trend of blog posting, press releases, copyright writing, directory submissions, etc has increased the necessity of content writing.

Administrative Tasks: There is a lot that your VA can do as an administrator. Dealing with additional administrative tasks along with the usual tasks is always a benefit. There are a lot of meager tasks that require attention and a lot of time that it takes to execute which an authoritative person cannot carry out daily. Hiring a VA for that is a good option.

Managing Social Media Accounts: With the change in the digital era, the social media traffic is bound to be there every day. Handling it an acknowledging the notifications is a lengthy task. The smartest way to deal with it is by hiring a Virtual Assistant for it. A VA can help out with all the related tasks like blog posting, image sharing, video sharing, etc.

Database Building: Building a database is another task that you can outsource to a VA. Updating and managing records in email and contact list comes under database management. All these tasks would be efficiently managed by the VA. Graphic Designers: Fiddling around with Photoshop is a massive waste of time for any entrepreneur.

Hiring a VA for it turns out to be a great solution to the time consuming activity of graphic designing.

Explain your requirements to the VA and the rest of the task can be efficiently handled by him. The list of tasks can go on and on that a VA can handle.

Outsourcing your task to them is a smart choice and will help you tasks done with a minimum of work staff. Being a potential ‘go to’ source for all your minor tasks, hiring a VA according to me would be the best option for any entrepreneur at this day and age. Maxsource Technologies provides high quality IT Services, internet marketing, virtual assistance and web designing and development. For more information visit Maxsourceworld.com.—

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by Christopher Briggs

Seven Top Tips to Getting More Done

A

s we all know, being productive isn’t easy and if you read my last post you’ll know exactly why it’s so difficult and why it’s not actually our fault. If you didn’t read the post please check it out because it’s a huge problem that affects all businesses and organizations. Having highlighted just how difficult it is to be productive and why, here are 7 things you can do straight away to get more done with your precious time.

1. Set a time I do this all the time and am in fact doing this right now. Set the timer function (probably under the clock app) in your phone to 50 minutes. Add a sound alert and turn the phone face down on your desk. That way your attention won’t be pulled away if the face lights up because you’ve received a text or some other alert. You now have 50 focused minutes to carry out your task. Of course you need to set your mindset too to say that when the timer is going you won’t divert from the work that you need to do. Once the 50 minutes are up stop what you’re doing as soon as you can, get up, walk away and take a break for 5 to 10 minutes. Movement will get your blood flowing again and doing something different like making a drink or getting some fresh air, will clear your mind.

Once your break is up get back to the task, reset the timer and dive into the next chunk of 50 minutes. 50 minutes is a good length of time and it’s amazing how quickly it goes and how much you can get done. This tactic really helped me when writing my book, Your Business Foundation.

2. Plan your next day the night before Use the last 30 minutes of your day to plan the next one.

From a bigger picture perspective you should already know what you aim to achieve that week and

month as they fit into your bigger strategy plan. But what specifically do you need to do the next day?

What must you complete? What must you make good progress on?

What must you address? Identify your “must-dos” followed by other tasks that would be good to do. Set this “next day preparation” task in your calendar to repeat with an alert each day. By doing this you can better switch off when you finish work, relax and enjoy your evening.

3. Do your best work in the morning Having set your key tasks the day before, you won’t get ready in the morning wondering what you should be doing – you’ll know.

Start to think about that first task.

Stay focused – picture getting to work and getting on with that first priority and don’t allow yourself to be distracted by others until at least this first task is complete.

(Or at a point where you intended to stop working on it.) Most of us are at our most productive in the morning so if you get into the habit of thinking about this first task and on not allowing others to interrupt your time then you’re far more likely to get this intended first task done on time. Having successfully done what you set out to do first, you’ll feel good (you’ll have received a deserved injection of dopamine) and energized to handle your other tasks.

4. Don’t open your email program This nicely follows on from the previous tip. Most people check their emails first. By doing that their precious time is taken by others. No matter how trivial the email, your attention is focused on it and not on what you should be doing. If the email requires a response from you then someone else has well and truly taken your attention and time. Even if you decide to respond later, your brain will know it’s there and keep

switching you back to it. Research has shown that even knowing you have an unread email in your inbox or an unread text can cause your IQ level to drop 10 points.

So, don’t open your emails until your first task is done or until you’re taking a break from it and make sure your email program is closed, when you’re not checking or writing emails, so that you don’t receive alerts when a new one arrives.

5. Limit your time Always give yourself a limit on how much time you’ll spend on a task. “Parkinson’s law” says a task will fill the amount of time you have. If you want to lose a stone before your holiday in 6 months time you’ll take 6 months to lose it. If your holiday is in 6 weeks then you’ll do it in that time.

Limit your email time to say 30 minutes. When that time is up close the email program. This way, you’ll be focused on searching out or writing the important emails and then moving on to the next thing on your list. Don’t do this and you’ll scroll through and open other emails out of curiosity (these are some of the shiny objects our brain loves that I talked about in the last post) and before you know it half your morning has gone. I don’t open my email program until my first task of the day is done.

In this case it’s writing this post.

(Which I’ve scheduled to complete by 11am.) That means my email program isn’t usually opened until around 11am and only earlier if I need a particular email to do my work or need to send one. If 30 minutes isn’t enough, make it slightly longer or better still schedule another email session later in the day, say after your first afternoon task is done.

6. Set clear expectations and deadlines As well as limiting your own time make sure you set a

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limit on the time for tasks you delegate to others. they can fit into your schedule with little impact on Whether your own people or outsourced to exteryour planned work. nal consultants or freelancers, make sure you have a Make it happen. There are many more in addition deadline agreed. If you don’t, you’ll end up chasing to these 7 tips but these are a good start and can for the results of the work you’ve assigned and if this make a huge difference to your productivity. But happens it’s not their fault it’s yours. If you don’t set these won’t happen without you being determined a deadline you cannot be upset if a piece of work is to make them happen and disciplined enough to get delivered later than you expected. Talking of expecstarted and stick with it. As I showed in my last post, tations – make sure you have set clear expectations. being productive is extremely hard and a lack of it Too often expectations are not clearly communicated can have a massive impact on a business regardless and a task ends up taking longer to complete because of whether it’s a large corporation or a single-person the initial deliverable wasn’t up to scratch. Other micro business. I would go as far as to say that propeople’s productivity and standard of work will imductivity is the equivalent of your biggest competipact your own so make sure you are clear about what tor – only hidden. At least you can see the potential you need and when you need it. damage that your biggest rival can make. Implement 7. Schedule your calendar. Schedule your key and these tips and, if you have them, have your people regular work in your calendar. If you’re not fortunate implement them too. Soon you’ll see just what a enough to have a PA managing your time then doing difference it can make and not just to how much you this will really help you get the most from your day. and your people get done. You’ll notice how much Set your regular tasks, colour-code them and set control and time you’ve taken back and how much alerts if necessary. The colour coding will help you better you feel because of it. It’s a little after 10:30 and associate the colour with the task and more easily see my timer has just alerted me that my 2nd set of 50 when you have scheduled what. The alerts remind minutes is done – time for a cuppa. you that it’s time to start on that task. Top CEO and Christopher is founder of Your Business Foundaheads of state don’t worry about their calendar and tion and is the best selling author of the book with schedules. They have others to do that for them. the same name. The success of a business is directly This means they can focus on the task at hand, proportional to its strength - a strength that comes such as an important meeting, knowing that others from creating and implementing the right strategy to will make sure the task (meeting) is brought to an have a business grow to the next level with certainty end in time for the next scheduled task. Doing this and control. Chris has been using his proven, "Build for your regular tasks will, in time, also help make Your Business Foundation System" to help business them easier to get started – just like cleaning your owners build strong, successful businesses since teeth in the morning – you will just get on and do it.

2009. Go to http://www.yourbusinessfoundation.

Once you have blocked out your time in this way you co.uk and download the FREE eBook - "How Strong will be able to better manage requests for meetings Is Your Business?"— and for unexpected tasks because you’ll see where 58 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2016

Start Giving Back to Yourself

By J.D. Hamilton

Millions of people today don’t give to themselves.

They spend their lives giving to others, and they do not focus on a little bit of self-love. This is something that is a good thing. It is a beautiful thing to work on self-improvement. Whether you are dealing with emotional distress, or you are just burned out from work, you’ll find that you can give a little to yourself and enjoy a huge wealth of benefits. There’s a lot of benefits that come within the world of improving self. People pay a lot of money to see therapists to help them with this.

While there are some issues that do require professional assistance, you can still work on giving back to yourself and treating yourself something grand.

Down In The Dumps There are going to be times when you don’t feel good. You just grow tired of the same routine. You’re not alone. There are individuals that wake up early, commute to a job that they don’t like, and they find themselves trying to figure out how to rise through and change things up for the better.

You could numb the issue, but it’s not a good thing. Instead, give back to yourself, and you will find that there are beautiful overall. To start giving back to yourself, you’ll need to assess what you are doing and what is pulling you down. Whether it’s work, family obligations, diet, exercise, or just the monotony of going through the daily motions, you need to address what could be dragging you down. Rising To New

Heights Once you know what’s wrong, you can start to chip away at it.

For instance, if you are having problems at work, you can take baby steps to improve what you’re doing. People that don’t like their jobs have to find new ways of looking at it, to enjoy things. You could take on a new educational pursuit, something that will help lift the burden of your daily routine, and then start to invest in something new. Learn something new and you’ll end up feeling better about yourself.

This will help with confidence as well. Find Something That Makes You Truly Happy The best bit of advice that you can take away with you today is simple, give back through finding what makes you happy. What makes you smile? What do you love above all other things? Think about this.

Once you start to realize what makes you happy, start to slowly pursue that. You don’t need to drop everything and pursue this, but rather, focus on changing your life to allow for more time with that one thing that makes you smile. That’s something that will help you gain the upper hand in improving your self-esteem and much more. At the end of the day, self-improvement is not a difficult task. You just have to find things that you love and explore new endeavors that help you out. Whether you focus on your mind, or your body, push your own limits and you’ll see great things come through, guaranteed.

For more information, visit SuccessPraxis.com.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 59

The Importance of Facebook on Businesses

By Joe Edward

When Mark Zuckerberg came up with a then new concept of social interaction with the help of a site named Facebook, he would have never imagined it to become what it is today. Facebook has revolutionized the social networking world. There are more than 700 million active users of this platform.

It is interesting to know that Facebook has as many users as the complete population of China.

With this information you can see how popular the platform has become. No one can think about social networking without Facebook.

Also the site holds tremendous potential for businesses as they offer a huge customer base and dozens of ways to reach them. Here are few reasons why Facebook is important for your business: 1. Customer interaction: one of the best ways of improving the number of fans and followers is

having the business on Facebook by using a fan page. The fans would definitely provide the site with feedbacks that would act as direct conversations with the target audience.

2. Personal touch: business is all about connectivity. If you have a small business, you must especially be personally connected with your audience. With the help of direct communications, you can improve networking.

As the people would be directly involved, you can instantly create brand image. You can also make the conversation more amicable by introducing personal experiences to it. The fans will feel more connected at some level.

3. Loyal fan base: with Facebook, your business can easily develop its own community. By simply posting links and relevant convent that are useful to the customers in some way, you can develop a loyal fan base. By organiz-

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ing promotional campaigns and through active contests, you can offer incentives and other prizes to your customers. With time you will find your page loaded with loyal and active fan base.

4. SEO: in order to build good web presence, you need to keep SEO as a key aspect. Facebook pages add to the SEO efforts made by any business to make its presence felt on web. The links and content that are posted are indexed by several search engines.

Thus the Facebook page must keep flowing with relevant and useful content so that your online page has good rankings in search engines.

5. Beating competition: as every business has created their page on Facebook, your business too must have one that is better than the rest. 6. Viral promotions: promotions go viral if someone like your page. Even if the page makes a dot-size update, the status pg. 61

Congratulations 2016 Rural Leader 40 under 40 Honorees

What you do matters.

Brad Stafford, Owner Six Locations Near You 523 Forrester Drive Southeast Dawson, Georgia 39842

229-995-6493

www.Badcock.com Albany ~ Americus~Columbus Cordele~Sylvester

40 2016

UNDER FORTY

The Importance of Facebook, Cont'd from page 60 updates or content postings will be meeting the eyes of the liker. Thus you can make regular updates so that the business gets a viral promotion. If one of the user comments on the page, his friends are most likely to open and see the page and they may end up liking it too.

7. Ads: Facebook offers brilliant scope of advertising through Facebook ads. You can choose the relevant crowd to whom the ads must be visible to. As per your budget you can create ads that can suit the necessities of audience such as interests, demographics and much more.

Summary: Facebook is one of the most important tools of business growth. But by simply creating a page, the business cannot reach the pinnacle of success. In order to improve participation of crowd all the above methods must be applied. From contests to ads to updates, these ways will ensure connectivity and improved customer base.

Joe Brown is a content writer basically writes the article on social media like facebook. To know more about please visit our website http://dreamztech.com/ services/digital-marketing/—

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Congratulations 2016 Rural Leader Forty under 40 Honorees

Shellman Drug Company "Family owned and operated retail pharmacy and gift shop"

75 West Railroad Street Shellman, Georgia 39886 229-679-5070

62 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2016

Cooking for the Chamber September 8th, 9th, and 10th

7 AM-6 PM Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Slow Smoked over oak wood BBQ Plates Sponsored by the Georgia State African American Chamber of Commerce

For More Information, Call

229-431-3157, 229-272-0130, 229-272-2925 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 63

By Devid Miller

How to Promote Your Business

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Business promotion and business success go hand in hand. You cannot acquire new customers if your business is relatively unknown. Through business promotion, you get to reach a wider customer base as well as hijack new opportunities. With that said, what are the free and effective ways through which you can promote your business online for free?

Optimize your business website. Proper search engine optimization is the key towards having your business website rank higher on search engines. Ensure that your website is properly optimized and that it can easily be found by your prospective customers through organic search.

Utilize the use of social media. You cannot effectively market or promote your business without having a social media presence. Almost each one of your customers has a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google + or LinkedIn profile and there is no better way to interact and engage your prospective customers than on social media. You can run promotions on social media, offer discounts and respond to customers on social media. Make use of local listings Google, Yahoo and Bing are three big search engines offering local listings for business.

There is no better way to promote and market your business than through ensuring that your business can easily be found by customers when they make a search online.

Start a YouTube channel. You can create enticing, informative and interesting promotional videos to market your business and post them on YouTube.

Alternatively, you can place your business ads on other people’s videos and reach as many people as possible. Start a blog A blog is a great way through which you can effectively market your business to followers while at the same time churning out informative and qualitative content. However, for a blog to be effective as a promotional tool, you need to post quality and informative content regularly to keep your followers engaged.

How to grow your business. Business growth and expansion is indeed the end goal. Marketing initiatives, branding, corporate social responsibility and everything you can think of in between is simply a means towards an end. It’s what businesses engage in to achieve growth and expansion. Startups and mid level businesses are always seeking for ways through which they can achieve a competitive edge and grow.

So how do you grow your business? Turn your existing customers into ambassadors for your business Customer referrals from your existing clients can be and is indeed a powerful way through which you can attract new customers, increase profit margins and

inadvertently grow your business.

Learn how to delegate. Achieving efficiency in your business requires that you delegate duties that you are not good at so as to meet and exceed the expectations of your customers. As the owner of your business, you cannot afford to be a jack of all trades.

You cannot be an accountant, business strategist, a marketer, and a project manager all at the same time.

Delegate duties to increase efficiency and effectiveness and this will not only attract but also retain existing customers hence ultimately leading to the growth of your business.

Develop new products. In order to achieve a competitive edge and remain relevant in your line of business, it’s essential that you be innovative and continue to develop new products. It gives you a comparative advantage. By developing new products, you venture into new markets, attract new customers and ultimately grow your business.

Find new markets. Success of a business is all about finding and penetrating new markets. That is one of the surest ways to expand and grow your business. You can decide to make your business go global by penetrating new markets such as China or any other market you feel your product or services will do well. For more information, GetJimPalmer. com/.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 65

Congratulations 2016 Rural Leader 40 under 40 Honorees

The DAWG HOUSE Hotdogs-Hamburgers and More On The Square Cuthbert, Georgia

229-732-5688

Congratulations 2016 Rural Leader 40 under 40 Honorees

Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church 184 Piney Grove Church Road Cuthbert, Georgia 229-732-6006

Rev. David Hamm, Jr., Pastor Deacon Timothy Starling, Chairman Deacon Michael Starling, Treasuer Services each 3rd Sunday at 11:30 AM Sunday School at 10:30 AM 66 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2016

Congratulations to Rural Leader Magazine's 2016 Forty under Forty Honorees What You Do Matters.

GetRuralLeaderMag.com

Monday, September 5, 2016

Congratulations 2016 Forty under Forty Honorees Sheriff Eddie Fairbanks And Randolph County Sheriff 's Department 216 Recreation Camp Rd. Cuthbert, Ga. 39840 229.732.2525 www.randolphgasheriff.org

GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2016 67

68 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2016