BizNow - November 2014 by BizNow Magazine

Vol. 4 Iss. 11 November 2014

BizNOW get inspired

inspiring the creative spirit in every business leader

LIFE IN THE SPOTLIGHT US ATTORNEY FOR SOUTH DAKOTA, BRENDAN JOHNSON

WAYS 71T0OT S SIP LIM

TODO AV ONID W BURNOUT FAST

WANT TO WRITE A MOVIE?

A HOLLYWOOD SCREENWRITER TELLS YOU HOW

BENEATH THE SURFACE. Swier Law Firm can help you resolve deep issues and provide an anchor of trust for you and your business. Our attorneys thrive on delivering exceptional, yet creative, legal services to local, regional, and national clients with high expectations. Having four offices in the heart of South Dakota, Swier Law Firm stands apart based on our nationally recognized experience, responsiveness, and results. We proudly provide innovative legal services while keeping our client’s needs in mind. The attorneys at Swier Law Firm make business law easier so you can get back to doing what you love... running your business.

Visit Swierlaw.com for helpful articles and tips on business issues.

Scott Swier –

Brooke Schloss –

Jake Fischer–

Maxx Hickey–

Chris McClure–

Amanda Work

Nationally Recognized Legal Solutions SIOUX FALLS OFFICE 5024 S. Bur Oak Place | Suite 214 | Sioux Falls, SD 57108 605.275.5669 With additional offices in Avon, Corsica and Winner.

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contents

Photo by Shalista Photography

ABOUT THIS ISSUE:

To some extent, we ALL live “in the spotlight.” As a business owner or leader, you are always “the face” of your business; you’re always promoting your business – even when you’re in the line at the grocery store or at the gas station. Your image sets the stage for trust and likability. On the cover this month is US District Attorney for South Dakota Brendan Johnson, with photography by Shalista. Brendan tells us what it’s like to live your whole life in the spotlight! Sioux Falls attracts some big talent, and they don’t come much bigger than a Hollywood Screenwriter! Matthew Specktor, recently in town for the SD Book Festival, talks to Biz about what life is like in the movie & TV biz, and what’s involved in getting YOUR screenplay into the right hands. Find out how to polish up your profile image in this issue, with tips to make you stand out online. Learn how to deal with the media when you are dealing with negative news. Cyber attacks are becoming more common, is your business vulnerable? Find out how to make your business shine with these articles and more. And now that we’re heading into the holiday season, and we’re in the spotlight at parties and galas, it’s easy to pack on those extra pounds. Don’t miss our tips on staying slim through the holidays – we’ve got the tricks to get you through the treats!

16 SMART BIZ 7 A void the Holiday Gain 10 ways to lose weight FAST! 23 O nline Spotlight: Polish up your Profile Image

NOVEMBER FEATURES 9 F oreign Buyers: USA is #1 Investment Choice 10 L ife In the Spotlight: United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan Johnson

12 Cyber Attacks: Are YOU Vulnerable?

13 4 ways to Protect yourself from Identity Theft 16 BizNOW Exclusive: Matthew Specktor, Hollywood Screenwriter 20 6 Tips for a SD Business Dealing with the Media

26 IN EVERY ISSUE

22 11 Tech Tools to Organize Your Business

Inside Biz 4

25 Soy: The New Kid on the Block

Biz Finance 26

29 See the Good in your Client

Biz Spiritual 29

Biz Real Estate 9 Biz Health 27 What's NOW 30

It’s all here in this issue of BizNOW. November 2014 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 3

inside Biz

note from the editor

NOW Publisher BizNOW Magazine, LLC.

WE ARE ALL LIVING IN THE

SPOTLIGHT As business owners and leaders, we’re always “the face” of our business -- at the gas station, even in line at the grocery store. Your image sets the stage for trust and likability. Likability makes you more influential: it helps you sell more, win more, and help others more. A study of 133 managers by the University of Massachusetts in 2013 found that if a manager is likable and gives a well-organized argument, others tend to comply with his suggestions, even if they disagree and the manager lacks supporting evidence.

So what makes a person likeable and trustworthy? Here are 3 tips to help you increase your likeability factor …

Be Honest. It makes you credible. If people think you’re less than truthful, they’ll struggle to trust and like you. There’s an old joke about a store whose motto was, “not the best but still pretty good” -- it stands out because it shows how rare honesty is in business. Be Sincere. People appreciate feedback that’s genuine. A heart-felt compliment or gentle yet constructive criticism goes a long way toward building a strong relationship. Make eye contact, convey warmth in your tone, be authentic. Empower Others. Are people better off after they spend time with you? Do they feel better about themselves? More encouraged? Enlightened?

The ability to come across as likeable shapes how people treat you. Likeable people are more apt to be hired, get help at work, win accounts, communicate better, and have mistakes forgiven. It takes guts to lead with integrity – to lead with honesty and sincerity and to empower others in each encounter. But the best part of being in the spotlight is not standing alone in it; it’s bringing someone else into it with you.

Editor Charlotte Hofer 605-376-3758 char@biznowmagazine.com Design Director/ Senior Creative Ally Vogel 605-759-5615 ally@allysart.com Director of Marketing Tim Cummiskey 605-366-1489 tim@biznowmagazine.com Director of Business Development Alan Dooley 845-235-5381 Contributing Photographer Shalista Photography November cover photo by Shalista Photography

Reproduction or use of the contents of this magazine is prohibited. BizNOW Magazine is published monthly by BizNOW Magazine, LLC and strives to publish only accurate information, however BizNOW Magazine, LLC cannot be held responsible for consequences resulting from errors or omissions. All material in this magazine is the property of BizNOW Magazine, LLC and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Send magazine feedback and advertising and sales inquiries to tim@biznowmagazine.com ©2014 BizNOW Magazine, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Connect with us! Visit us online at:

www.biznowmagazine.com

@BizNowMagazine Char Hofer

4 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2014

Publisher/Editor

for news that affects the Sioux Empire business community

Biz Contributors Contributors With a degree in Journalism and English from South Dakota State University, Tessa Audet enjoys both reading and writing. She spends her time writing for BizNOW and exploring Denver, CO. When Biz isn’t keeping her busy, you can usually find Tessa with her nose buried in a book or out spending time with friends.

Alan Dooley is a 32-year veteran of IBM and now runs Grathia Corp, a private lending and real estate investment firm. Having been a soccer coach and heavily involved in the Boy Scouts of America, he raised four children and now cares for his parents, one of whom is in remission from bone marrow cancer. Putting the fast-paced corporate world behind him, he now lives in Madison. He has a BS in Computer Science from Rutgers University.

Casey King works as a support

professional at LifeScape, where he helps provide support for people with disabilities in a group home setting. He is currently finishing a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications at South Dakota State University. His pursuit for a degree has landed him here at BizNOW where’s he involved in writing and design work. When he’s not busy at the Biz, he is likely playing video games, attending sporting events, and staying up to date on social media.

Mustafa Sharif is a freshman at SDSU in Brookings. He comes from a family of immigrants from Kenya in East Africa and is bilingual. He was an editor for The Voice, the New Tech school newspaper. Journalism is his declared career path. He spends a lot of time watching sports and blogging about sports. Mustafa has been a fan of the New York Giants since he can remember.

Web First. Marketing Always.

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Get to the job you love with a great interview with tips from ERC. It’s what every job seeker should know whether you’re changing careers or headed into business for the first time. During your interview, refrain from playing with your hair or touching your face, remember to make eye contact and smile. Let them know that you’re the enthusiastic and qualified candidate they’re looking for. Good luck! (See ad page 7)

Smart BIZ

by Tessa Audet

AVOID THE HOLIDAY GAIN:

10 WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT FAST It’s the holidays. Everyone knows what that means: cookies, candies, and treats, treats, treats. Also brand new Thanksgiving and Santa bellies for everyone! Avoid the holiday gorge and keep that tummy in check with these 10 quick and easy tips to lose weight – or at least not gain it, through the holidays. 1. Grab a spot at the end of the table, because the chips and appetizers usually end up in the center.

2. Read your email. A Kaiser Permanente research study

found that people who read weekly wellness newsletters ate more fresh fruits and vegetables and less trans fats after 16 weeks.

3. Use smaller plates. A Cornell University study showed that people who use oversize bowls served themselves 31% more food.

4. Have good posture. Look, no more spare tire! 5. S leep in a cooler room. Turn down the temperature a

bowl of soup, people consumed 60 fewer calories at their next meal on average. Scientists think cayenne pepper can help boost metabolism.

8. Write down what you eat. Everything, even the bon-bon.

9. Drink more water. It fills you up so you eat less. 10. B rush your teeth after every meal so you don’t reach for seconds. u

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by Alan Dooley

BIZ Real Estate

Foreign Investors Buying up the Midwest A higher percentage of foreign residents now own a home in the US than USborn residents. According to NAR, 80% of foreignborn US residents owned a home in 2009, compared to a national ownership rate of 65.4% According to Realtor. org, the top 5 foreign purchasers in South Dakota are from Ethiopia, Burma, China, Philippines, Iraq. For Iowa, it’s Mexico, India, Burma, China, Vietnam and for Nebraska they are from Mexico, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Somalia. For Minnesota they hail from Somalia, Ethopia, Kenya, India and Liberia. These 4 states represent 1.96% of total immigrants in the USA. Chinese buyers typically pick up properties in the $1 to $5 million range in New York, often buying two and three at a time for investment purposes, according to Pamela Liebman, CEO of the Corcoran Group. Sources – Forbes, Reuters, NAR

FOREIGN BUYERS:

USA IS #1 INVESTMENT CHOICE

security, an economic outlook that is superior to The National Association of Realtors (NAR) many other countries and has more affordable reports that “international purchases surged homes by comparison. by $16 billion this year, one of the highest increases in recent years.” The USA is still seen as a great place to invest, with Canadians being The abundance of distressed properties coupled the largest group for the past four years and with depreciated prices has fueled the domestic China at second with 9% of total international all-cash purchase phenomenon, which now sales. For the first quarter of 2014, China makes up about one-third of all sales. is the fastest growing foreign About 62% of international sales demographic and has surpassed were all cash. According Canada with Australia to NAR President Ron third, according to Forbes. The top 5 Phipps, “This percentage Mexico, India and the is significantly higher foreign purchasers in UK round out the top than all-cash purchases international purchasers. South Dakota are from for domestic buyers, Foreign buyers tend to mostly due to Ethiopia, Burma, China, purchase close to air the differences in transportation, colleges, Philippines, Iraq international credit and mild climates. Some reporting standards. simply seek safe havens for Financing challenges their cash and also establish continue to be a major a base for their children to get hurdle for international an education in the West. The buyers, with 32% reporting this most popular destinations for foreign as their reason for not buying a home.” purchasers are Florida at 31%, California at 12%, Texas 9%, and Arizona at 6%. On the flip side, especially for recent immigrants, Phipps contends, “Many foreigners Despite our unpredictable economic perceive owning a home here as an important conditions and credit restrictions for domestic accomplishment in their efforts to become investors, pushing mortgages to a 14 year low, established in this country.” Even foreign foreign purchasers still seek out the USA. By executives working temporarily in the U.S. have comparison, the USA has a stable government, shown a preference for buying over renting. u November 2014 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 9

BIZ Q&A

interview by Char Hofer

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

US ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH DAKOTA:

BRENDAN JOHNSON What was that moment like when you were nominated by President Obama for the position of US District Attorney for South Dakota? Honest, it was more a sense of relief than excitement, because the process to become US Attorney takes about 8 months, it’s a very public process you go through, but also a sense of excitement because there were several issues I wanted to tackle right away as a US Attorney.

Your father was a US Senator, now you have a career in the public eye. What is it like to live in the spotlight? Growing up, I never felt that I was personally in

the spotlight. Obviously, my father was. When you grow up with a father who’s in the United States Senate you have no room for error, anything you do can be scrutinized. But our parents made sure we had some isolation from being in the public eye. Now when I first meet someone, people immediately make the connection with my father, but it doesn’t take very long for me to be looked at as my own person and judged on my own merit. 10 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2014

What is the best thing your father taught you? We live in an age when people are very cynical about government and public service. I was taught at a very young age that government can improve the lives of people, that it can make their lives easier, and part of the responsibility of a public official is to represent those folks who don’t have a voice. He also taught me not to be one of these people “who’s born on 3rd base and thinks they’ve hit a triple.” My parent’s accomplishments are their’s, not something I’m entitled to. I developed a sense of standing on my own two feet and not in their shadow.

How did you decide the law profession was for you? I was influenced by Bobby Kennedy. But early on in

my life, I wanted to be a pro baseball player. After I realized I couldn’t even hit a curve ball, I knew I needed a different avenue! And it was really the Civil Rights Movement and the idea that attorneys can be a positive force for change in our society that made me want to choose law.

able to bring kind of a common sense, Midwest approach to national issues.

Who inspires you? I am inspired by both my parents and the health struggles they’ve had to overcome, and the strength they’ve shown. I’m inspired by my wife – hardest-working person I’ve ever met, and my children. My Ethiopian children have overcome incredible obstacles; one of my biological children has special needs, they’ve overcome so much and they encourage me. There are many struggling entrepreneurs out there. Do you have any advice for them? There are so many

different stresses in our lives. At the end of the day, the most important thing we have is our relationships. I know that some people in the private sector are struggling every day to make it, one thing I think is very important is not to take those stresses home. Make sure your family relationships are strong.

Tell us about a recent high profile case? I’ve been very involved with prosecuting

As chair of the Native American Issues subcommittee, what are some of the major issues facing the NA community?

commercial sex trafficking in our state. To give you some context of the significance of the problem here-- in the entire US, 20 individuals have received life sentences in federal court for commercial sex trafficking, and 3 of those cases have come from SD! That includes our prosecution of Mohammed Sharif Alaboudi, he received the longest sentence in the history of the US for sex trafficking – 4 life sentences. His home was in McKennan Park in Sioux Falls, so commercial sex trafficking is right here in our community.

My focus has been on preventing violence against women and children on the Reservation. Fact is, about 1/3rd of all Native American women have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime. A big part of my focus has been partnering with tribes, because I don’t think we want a top-down strategy where federal government comes in and imposes law enforcement strategies on these communities. So we partner with tribes, helping them to implement the ideas they have, and we’ve seen that strategy produce significant results here in South Dakota.

What would you like your legacy to be? My focus has been on violence against women and children, human trafficking. Before I became US Attorney in SD, we never had a case of human sex trafficking in the history of South Dakota. Now, we’re a national leader in prosecuting sex traffickers. I hope my legacy has also been in working with the tribes in SD, and creating safe communities for women and children. And I hope that when people look back they will say, he was fair, and he treated people equally.

What's it like to be an advisor to the US Attorney General? It’s been a good experience. I’m honored to be

Why do you enjoy reading BizNOW? What I really enjoy about BizNOW is the profiles of people in the community. Dana Dykhouse, obviously one of the most successful people in South Dakota, was in a recent issue, and the fact that he’d be willing to talk about some of the challenges he’s had in his career was very powerful. The fact is, all of us have challenges, and that’s what we learn the most from. u

one of the 15 attorneys on that panel. When you’re advising the Attorney General of the United States, the issues range from national security to cyber crime to immigration. So, my involvement extends far beyond South Dakota into national issues. And that’s something I really enjoy. And hopefully I’m

November 2014 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 11

y Dahl-W Trac eb

BIZ Feature

by Casey King

CYBER ATTACKS:

Cyber Attacks by the Numbers Data breaches can happen in a variety of ways. A 2013 NY Attorney General report showed:

41%

of data breaches were hacking intrusions

24%

were lost or stolen equipment and documentation

20%

ARE YOU VULNERABLE?

Cyber attacks are becoming more common and more dangerous, affecting large and small businesses alike. And unfortunately, many companies have already been hacked and they don’t even know it! One example of a cyber attack is a data breach. In December, 2013, according to Krebsonsecurity.com, 70 million customers lost private information and about 40 million credit card accounts were affected by the massive data breach at Target. The cost to Target is an estimated $420 million, plus $100 million to upgrade their security systems. Another $200 million was spent by banks and credit unions re-issuing credit cards. And the loss to Target’s reputation is incalculable. Cyber attacks hit at all levels, small and large businesses. In fact, the cost of attacks on large companies is up by 10% percent from last year, according to the Cost of Cybercrime report published by the Ponemon Institute in 2014.

Survey of 2013 found that nearly two-thirds of respondents said they discussed IT security at an executive level only two or fewer times a year, with one in seven (14%) never discussing it at all. “An organization needs to protect itself on all levels, business and personal,” says Tracy Dahl-Webb of Howalt-McDowell, a Marsh & McLennan Agency, an insurance firm in Sioux Falls that offers cyber security.

But there are some things you can do to prevent cyber crime. Here’s what YOU need to know to protect your business.

Aside from the easy steps like making sure data on laptops, PDAs, and smart phones which can be lost or stolen, is encrypted, look into hiring a third-party data security expert. An expert will be able to detect where the vulnerabilities lie and what protective steps to take. Steps might include proper storage, data minimization, and ensuring all data is encrypted.

Go beyond the IT department. The Marsh & McLennan Cyber & Data Security Risk

inadvertent breaches

10%

of breaches were attributed to “insider wrongdoing”

Educating employees on safe practices and making it part of the culture can help cut down the risks of a data breach. A Cyber Liability policy can safeguard your company from lawsuits and can provide resources such as crisis management consultants.

A third-party provider for your organization may also pose risks. Learn what protection policies and procedures they have in place and put together a contractual agreement protecting your organization should a breach happen to them. Finally, have a plan. If a data breach happens, a preparedness plan will guide you through the necessary steps, saving you time, money, and possibly more data from being stolen. The goal is to learn where the problem is and contain it before the worst happens. u

12 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2014

by Casey King

4 WAYS

TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT Thieves today are getting smarter and have a wider range of tools -- like the internet-- at their disposal for stealing your personal information. But there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself from identity theft. Here are some unique ways thieves are now stealing our information -- and how you can prevent it:

(Across from Qdoba)

(Across from Hy Vee)

57TH & CLIFF

DAWLEY FARMS

275-2887

275-2881

275-2882

57TH & LOUISE

(By East Target)

Don’t give out personal information via text or email.

A woman had her cell phone stolen, and as soon as she could get to a phone – about 15 minutes later, she called her husband telling him what happened. He said, “I got your text asking for our PIN number at the bank and sent it to you a few minutes ago!” They rushed to the bank, but the money was already withdrawn! The thief had used the stolen cell phone to text her husband from her contact list to get her bank information. Rule to remember: if a spouse or friend ever requests sensitive information via texting, do not respond. Instead, ask them to call you or better yet, meet in person to verify the request. Also, don’t use names in your contact list that are easy to identify -- like “hubby”.

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continued > November 2014 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 13

BIZ Feature

4 WAYS TO PROTECT

YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT continued

Leaving your vehicle in long-term parking.

If you leave your vehicle in long-term parking, it’s vulnerable to identity theft. Don’t keep personal information including your vehicle’s GPS in your car when leaving your vehicle in long-term parking lots. Thieves may assume you are not at home since your vehicle is in long-term parking, and they can break in and access your GPS in order to find out where you live, and then rob your house while you are gone. Keep personal information either with you or locked at home when leaving for extended periods of time.

Avoid uploading personal information or vacation photos to social media sites.

Be cautious about what information you are providing to the public on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Don’t give out information like your address or date of birth on these websites, as it will increase your risk of becoming the victim of theft. Also, if you upload vacation photos to social media sites

while you’re still away, you’re telling everyone that your home is empty. Protect yourself by either changing your privacy settings to only allowing close, trusted friends to access your account or even better, just wait to post the photos until you get home.

Reduce clutter and carry only a minimum amount of identifying info.

Have you cleaned out your purse or wallet lately? You might be surprised at how much identifying information you are carrying with you at all times. Limit the amount of personal information by leaving birth certificates, checkbooks, and social security cards behind when you know you’re not going to need them. Keep track of your purse or wallet while out, too. It’s easy for a thief to snatch a purse in a shopping cart when you have your back turned for even a second. Identity theft affects nearly 15 million Americans every year, each instance resulting in approximately $3,500 in losses, so use these tips as a reminder to be safe and protect yourself. u

Sources: identitytheft.info, consumer.gov, walkkill.com, montclairsic.org, montclairsic.org/personalsafety.htm

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BIZ Q&A interview by Char Hofer

BizNOW Exclusive:

MATTHEW SPECKTOR

“Film is a director’s medium and TV is a writer’s medium.” –Matthew Specktor

HOLLYWOOD SCREENWRITER This son of a talent agent and screenwriter, author Matthew Specktor has an insider’s view of Hollywood. His latest book, American Dream Machine, is now being adapted for Showtime.

How did you get into the business? My father was a

talent agent, my mother a screenwriter. As a teen my job was to review scripts that were submitted to Creative Artists. I would stamp them “pass,” “consider,” or “recommend.” It’s a huge filter system. I found it amusing at the time that these poor writers were having their fate decided by a 15-year old kid. I wound up working for the story department of my dad’s agency… so I’ve always been doing script analysis. Later I moved to San Fransisco, and worked for Francis Ford Coppala, he was a friend of the family. But an entry level job is not that hard to get; you can work your way up.

Talk about your writing process. Every book seems to

establish a certain rhythm. When I was writing the first draft of my novel American Dream Machine, I wrote about 3000 words a day, which is a lot -- about 12 pages a day. I think the industry standard is 500 words a day; Hemmingway wrote 500 words a day. A usual good day for me is 1500 words. For scriptwriting, I try to write 5 pages a day. That way, you’re done in a month. An hour script for TV is 60 pages, and feature film scripts are 120. 16 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2014

Talk about the rejection a writer faces. I started writing when I was 25 but I didn’t publish until I was 40. And I never got a rejection letter that wasn’t nice. But the rejection took a toll, it destroyed my marriage. The only way you can do it is by being a bit of a glutton for punishment; it’s like being a boxer, you just keep getting hit. But you gotta stay with it.

What is Hollywood hungry for? The feature business seems hungry for themes based on Marvel comics, graphic novels, fantasy, science fiction, and things that can be franchised – like Spiderman, Superman – they have the potential for sequels. Also, fantasy and comedy, those things never go away. Drama still seems to be the prestige medium. How do you shop your screenplay if you have no connections? It’s hard but you can do it. You can send it to a

studio. Or, you might get a script into the hands of a producer or agent, or actor. And since movies can be made so cheaply now, you can submit your work to film festivals such as Sundance or TelluRide, where people screen your work.

Do you ever see an interesting person, and they become the basis for a character? Not

consciously. Usually, I’ll watch someone, and I’ll feel myself absorbing them, and I let them disappear into the soup pot of my head.

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What takes a screenplay from good to great? Good question. The element of surprise,

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Would you rather write a novel or a screenplay?

A novel, every day of the week! Because the novel is a complete art form; a script is not a complete art form, it’s really a sales document. It’s a story, a drama or whatever, but predominantly meant to persuade someone to give you the money to make it. And if it doesn’t do that, it really doesn’t have any reason to exist.

by Julie

Continued >

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November 2014 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 17

BIZ Q&A

What kind of payment can a screenwriter expect?

It depends on how many bidders there are, you can sell a spec script for north of a million dollars, but more often, lower 6 figures. Scripts can also be optioned – which means someone buys the rights to it for a certain amount of time. For TV, it’s usually 12 to 18 months; for film 1 or 2 years. And with residuals, every time it airs, you get a payment.

Tell us about your current project for Showtime.

I’m turning American Dream Machine into an hour long drama. It’s a story about American entrepreneurship and how that’s changed in the last 50 years. It’s about 2 guys who come up together and start a talent agency in Hollywood, and have a big war for control of it… replete with drugs, murders, disappearances!

How has the industry changed? Movies used to be

driven by individuals – a writer or director had an idea for a script; they’d team up with a producer, together they’d push the

18 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2014

MATTHEW SPECKTOR

movie into being. Now, the feature film business is driven by corporations that own franchises, they’re telling writers what to write about, it’s a top-down approach.

Where is the opportunity now – writing for film, TV or cable? Cable. And there are also new distribution networks

– Netflix, Amazon, Xbox, and more coming.

How much does the director change a writer’s script? Well, film is a director’s medium and TV is a writer’s

medium. TV is being written and re-written as its shot, so the writer is central. There is no show without the writer. But in film, re-writes are rare. When a film goes into production, the writer is pretty much out of the picture.

Recommendations for aspiring writers? Read Syd Field’s ScreenPlay. Track down screenplays and study them. u

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BIZ Legal

DEALING WITH THE MEDIA 6 TIPS FOR A SOUTH DAKOTA BUSINESS

20 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2014

BIZ Legal by Scott Swier, Swier Law Firm

Here’s the scenario – you are the CEO of Sioux Falls Banking Company, and you have just been sued by XYZ Construction Company, one of your most loyal and biggest customers. The situation has deteriorated quickly, and it has cost you a customer. Immediately after being sued (and before you have the chance to talk with your attorney), you receive a call from a local TV station asking about the lawsuit and quoting the vice president of XYZ Construction Company as saying, “Sioux Falls Banking Company has defrauded us and they refuse to acknowledge their actions. That is why we were forced to sue them.” The television reporter wants your side of the story. What do you do? Developing a structured media response in this situation is often essential in today’s business landscape. Here are six tips for a South Dakota business dealing with the media in a highprofile lawsuit.

Tip #1 Select one company spokesperson to respond to media inquiries.

Tip #2 Try to avoid the common response – “No Comment.” This response usually makes you look like you are hiding something. Instead, you may want to say, “I’m sorry but this lawsuit was just started, and I cannot respond to any questions at this time.” Tip #3 Speak in plain English that is easily understandable and cannot be misinterpreted.

Tip #4 Treat reporters with respect and courtesy. Their initial impression of you and your company may impact the tone of the story. Tip #5 Timely return calls from the media and be sensitive

to their deadlines. Reporters are usually on tight deadlines and will be grateful for your courtesy in responding promptly. Hearing on the evening news that your company “could not be reached for a comment” does not create a favorable impression.

Tip #6 Don’t argue with the reporter. Be firm but never confrontational. After the story runs, you may get questions from friends, family, and business associates. Politely tell them that you cannot discuss the lawsuit. An experienced lawyer can help you with these issues in a way that puts your customers at ease while protecting yourself from liability. A business-related lawsuit will usually not be the day’s big story. With a disciplined and structured approach to the media, you can minimize the lawsuit’s damage in both the media and the courts. u

5 WARNING SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS 1. People mumble when they speak. 2. You hear but do not always understand. 3. You ask people to repeat themselves. 4. Ringing in your ears. 5. Difficulty understanding speech in a noisy background.

If you experience any of these symptoms give us a call, today! AUDIOLOGY SPECIALTY CLINIC 5124 S. Western Ave, Suite 4 • Sioux Falls, SD 57108 (605) 275-5545 • www.audiologyspecialtyclinic.com November 2014 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 21

BIZ Tech Talk

by Mustafa Sharif

11 TECH TOOLS TO ORGANIZE YOUR BUSINESS

To stay competitive, it starts with organization. Here are some of the top tech tools to consider. Users say they can sharpen your competitive edge and help you conquer the business world. Try them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you might be surprised. 1. Google account

Google is far more than a search engine; they have a whole suite of tools available to boost your productivity and open avenues of communication. "Google Docs" which is free, includes a word processor, numbers spreadsheet, and digital presentation slide shows. The best part is they can be saved to the Cloud and only one log in attempt is needed to access these tools, as they are intertwined.

22 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2014

2. Google Analytics

With this tool you can stay informed about how much traffic your website is getting, if they are mobile or desktop users, and if they use Google or another search engine to find your website. Google Analytics is free but does come with some priced add-ons.

3. Mobile credit card reader

These are inexpensive and useful gadgets to have. They can maximize efficiency and productivity by allowing you to continue sales away from an office. Various vendors such as Square, PayPal, Intuit offer card readers for purchase.

4. Email marketing tools

Since we are now a mobile society, take advantage of email. Mailchimp, Sendy and various other services offer free email marketing packages that can save you time and help you promote your business.

5. EchoSign

This is a tool for online bookkeeping and file storage. It's touted as an efficient and environment-friendly method for keeping organized. You can forget expensive printers, scanners and ink cartridges. All you have to do is upload your files and share them with the other party or recipients.

6. Omnifocus

This application will help keep you focused. It features to-do lists which you can organize to your liking. Save anything from project ideas, tasks, to reminders. All of your data is synced to the cloud so it's accessible wherever, whenever.

7. Skype

Skype allows you to video conference with other companies or individuals from your office or home. Skype works with your busy schedule when you need to meet with others.

8. LinkedIn

LinkedIn allows you to build a company web page, educate your clients on your products and services, and advertise your company job

Smart BIZ Biz Staff Reports

ONLINE SPOTLIGHT:

opportunities. It can help you develop new business opportunities and a network of referrals.

9. Prezi

Prezi is an online slideshow presentation which allows you to collaborate with colleagues on slideshows. It saves everything automatically to the Cloud. It features innovative color schemes and layout choices which are eye catching and appealing.

10. Evernote

Evernote keeps you organized. It serves as a database for your files and information. They can be easily searched and saved to the Cloud without slowing down your computer. From appointments to business meetings, it keeps you updated.

11. LastPass

LastPass saves your passwords and gives you one master key to access all of them. The goal is to create an integrated, secure and stressfree experience on the internet for business. Be sure to safeguard your master key.

POLISH UP YOUR PROFILE IMAGE As a business owner or leader, you are always “the face” of your business; everywhere you go, every time someone sees you, you’re demonstrating your professionalism. Your image always sets the stage for trust and friendliness. So what are some ways you can put your “best face forward” in your profile image? Like it or not, your digital reputation matters. Because when someone finds you through an online search, what they see when they look at your Profile Image is the first impression you make. So make it a professional one. Have you seen the profiles on Facebook and LinkedIn that have just plain bad photos? They are blurry, they are too informal or even worse – there’s no headshot image at all! (No, maybe the worst is when someone posts their company logo as their personal profile image).

Make sure your profile image sets the stage for trust and professionalism. Because those profile photos have a life of their own – they follow you around wherever you post, and live on through your networks. When you post a status update, it’s there. Every time you like, comment, or send a message, it’s there. And when you call someone on a cell phone, it’s (sigh) there. A missing image won’t enhance your credibility. If your image is missing, you won’t have credibility. Because, how can you make a human connection? There’s no face! A missing photo misses out on the emotional connection. An outdated photo isn’t much better than no photo. A photo from 15 years ago may look great, but if someone won’t recognize you in person, it’s time to replace it! Good rule of thumb -update your profile with a fresh headshot every 4-5 years. So step into the spotlight, put your best face forward, and make a beautiful first impression with these simple tips. It’s easy. After all, how could they not love you? u

November 2014 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 23

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! A brief history of soybeans

3000

years ago The domesticated soybean is estimated to have originated in China.

BIZ Ag

by Alan Dooley

SOY

THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

1765

The first beans arrive in North America as a garden curiosity.

Late

1920s

Markets for soybean oil began to develop. Production reaches 400,000 tons.

1930s

US soybean production grows to over 2 million tons.

1950s

Demand for soy meal to supplement livestock feed increases along with the demand for its oil, pushing production to over 8 million tons.

1960s

Demand for meats, milk and eggs climb. New grasslands diminish, so farmers begin feeding their livestock more soy supplemented grains. Soybean meal becomes the primary product of the soybean outpacing the demand for its oil.

Corn has always been in the spotlight in the Midwest, but there’s a new kid on the block – soybeans. And this kid

may just take it to a new level. SD ranks eighth in US production at 182 million bushels in 2013, up from 130.2 million in 2012. Illinois and Iowa hold the top two slots at 460.6 and 415.3 million bushels respectively.

Soybeans were really just a bit player on the world’s

Population growth also drives demand

through direct consumption of tofu, miso, and tempeh or indirectly through the consumption of livestock products. The United States and China are the two leading consumers of soy products and have population growths of 3 and 6 million per year, respectively. And as the demand for biodiesel increases, soy oil will find another use, further driving up demand and price.

Ag stage until nutritionists As soybean demand verified that soy has value continues to The United States and for livestock. Once it expand, more China are the two leading was discovered that production land will be combining soybean meal needed or yields need consumers of soy products with grain – usually corn to increase, and both and have population growths – boosted livestock’s are problematic. As a efficiency of converting legume, the soybean of 3 and 6 million per year, feed to consumable fixes atmospheric respectively. protein – resulting in nitrogen in the soil and meatier cows and plumper is not as responsive to chickens – it pushed the fertilizer as is corn which bean to permanent agricultural loves nitrogen, making these prominence along with wheat, rice, and two crops ideal for land rotation. corn as the world’s four main crops. However, because the soy plant uses some of its metabolic energy to fix nitrogen, it has less energy to produce seed, making it difficult The United States currently produces to raise the yield. Soybean acreage in the US about 80 million tons, Brazil 70, and now exceeds that of wheat. In Brazil, soybean Argentina 45 million tons accounting for over acreage exceeds all other grains combined and four fifths of world production. China is a Argentina’s soybean area is about double that distant fourth at 14 million tons and has to rely of all other grains. So, where will the land come on imports primarily due to its lack of adequate from or how can we increase yields? u production land. World soybean consumption is increasing by some 7 million tons per year as China and other nutrition conscious nations Sources: sdsbp.com (south Dakota soy bean processors), treehugger.com, statista.com drive up the demand for livestock products. November 2014 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 25

BIZ Finance

by Alan Dooley

INVESTING WITH A FRIEND:

GOOD OR BAD IDEA?

Investing in business is complicated enough, but when a friend asks you to invest, things can get even more complicated. Losing your money in an investment that sours is one thing, but are you ready to possibly lose your friend too? Taking the time to analyze the risks will help protect you, your family and the friendship. Know what you are getting into. Are you familiar

with the type of business or product? What is your friends’ knowledge and experience? Where are the market risks and competition? Is there a business plan? How much is your friend investing? Are others investing too? You have a right to know the details. Will you be an active shareholder or a silent partner offering a loan? If you are going to be an equity partner, know your limits of liability and understand the profit potential or expected return on your investment. If you are being asked for a loan, ensure the repayment terms are specific and the collateral being offered is sufficient and clear of title.

Investment Type. If your friend is buying an existing

business, was a Fair Market Valuation performed? Were the books examined by a forensic accountant or CPA? Does the venture represent a risk consistent with your investment strategy, time horizon and portfolio allocations? A new business can be much riskier, according to the Bureau of Labor

26 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2014

Statistics about half of all new businesses fail within four years. Can your investment portfolio sustain the loss? Can you readily sell or liquidate your share if you need to?

Contracts. Mary Burd of Burd and Voigt Law, Sioux Falls

says “Get an attorney to set up your business, get it all in writing, don’t leave out any details or assume you and your friend have a mutual understanding.” In the event of a death, the heirs will need to know the details. Put a lien on any real property being offered as collateral and consider getting insurance on the principal partners. Mary also suggests “establish a receivership plan that covers a forced liquidation.”

Friendship. You have a right to say no if you are

uncomfortable with the risks or you simply do not want to mix business with friendship. Perhaps you are uncomfortable with part of the plan, tell your friend your concerns and what would be required for you to invest. On the other hand, many close friends have successfully partnered because of the level of trust and confidence previously established - the call is yours. u

BIZ Health

by Tessa Audet

GIVE YOUR BRAIN A STAY SMART, WORKOUT STAY SHARP!

It’s important to stay in shape with the holiday season approaching, but have you ever considered keeping your mind in shape? It’s easy to get complacent and stop challenging yourself both mentally and physically, we all do it. But staying sharp and keeping your smarts is easier than you think. With these simple tips, you might be on your way to a Nobel Prize … or at least realize a little bit faster that those sunglasses you’ve been searching for are on top of your head.

1. Meditate. Clearing your mind of all the stress and anxiety of the day can be both calming and beneficial to your brain. You will feel less muddled and start finding solutions to problems much quicker.

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2. Sleep. Your brain is a muscle and it needs its beauty sleep to stay strong. A tired brain is a sloooowwww brain.

3. Read more. Reading helps boost cognitive activity and increases your vocabulary. 4. Talk with new people. Talking about new topics with new people can challenge yourself to think on your toes quickly and come up with new topics and ideas. 5. Play games. Playing games that challenge your thought

processes is an excellent way to train your brain. Try sodoku, chess or scrabble to really get a good mental sweat going. u

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! Biz Spiritual Series: Has a principle of faith helped YOU in business? Write us and tell us about it. At Biz, we believe that you cannot separate your spiritual self from who you are in business & how you run your business life. Spirituality – or lack of it – is reflected in every encounter we make, every business deal we do, with every person. Thank you to so many of you for your positive feedback to our ongoing series: Spiritual Principles & Business Success. View other articles in this series, starting with our July 2014 issue at www.biznowmagazine.com. We define spiritual strategies as part of an overall approach to life – ways of thinking, doing, and engaging with others that can enable us to live our best life and guide our everyday business transactions.

BIZ Spiritual Biz Spiritual Series:

by Darren Matthes, Owner, Darren Matthes Guitar Lessons & Drum Lessons

SEE THE GOOD IN YOUR CLIENT “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” –Hebrews 13:2 King James Version (KJV) We’ve all heard stories of monks who greet visitors to their monasteries as they would greet God himself. A practice such as this encourages us to see the unique spiritual gifts in others – gifts such as patience, kindness, generosity, humor and compassion. That’s important, not just in our personal relationships, but in business as well. There’s more to someone than their physical appearance, what they do for a living and the assets they hold. If you focus on the gifts that highlight the strengths of your clients, you will be inspired to give each person your best care and attention. It’s not always easy. But when you decide to see the divine spark in others, you will find it. And you'll be inspired and amazed at the powerful and unique gifts that each person has been given.

...when you decide to see the divine spark in others, you WILL find it...

Acknowledging the spiritual nature of your clients has a healthy impact on how you interact, serve and build relationships with them. u

Submission guidelines: 500 words or less, on how a principle of faith has helped you in business (such as honesty, humility, patience, gratitude, generosity, compassion) to: info@biznowmagazine.com If your article is selected for publication, you will be notified.

November 2014 | BizNOWmagazine.com | 29

BizNOW Calendar

Send items to: info@biznowmagazine.com

what's now

Nov 4 SME Membership Mixer 4:30 -6:30 pm Dow Rummell Village Network while enjoying appetizers and beverages.

Nov 5 YPN Morning Buzz 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Panera Bread Network with other YPN members over a cup of coffee.

Nov 7 DTSF First Friday 5:00 – 9:00 PM Downtown Sioux Falls Shopping, entertainment and special events at your favorite downtown locations. Featuring 27 artists at 19 locations in downtown Sioux Falls. Meet the artists and watch them work. For $15, enjoy sampling Cask & Cork wine at each location.

Nov 8 Brandon Expo 10:00 – 3:00 PM Brandon Valley High School Free. See what products and services Brandon offers. Nov 12 Siouxland Industrial Roundtable 12:00 - 1:30 PM Speaker Brian Wiese, Director of Gas Portfolio and Planning for MidAmerican Energy

Nov 13 Brandon Mega Mixer 5:00 – 6:30 PM Holiday Inn Express Booths with products and services in Brandon. Nov 18 Brandon Network at Noon 12:00 - 1:00 PM Pizza Ranch

Nov 7,8 Sioux Empire Arts and Crafts Show Nov 7: 2:00 – 8:00 PM Nov 8: 9:00- 5:00 PM Expo Building, Sioux Falls

Biz Lunch Corner Need a nice spot for a quick lunch and to conduct business?? INCA INCA, the informal oasis, is tucked away on the north side of 41st Street in Sioux Falls and offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes at reasonable prices. Enjoy gluten-free enchiladas or a hot tamale. Warm up with a soup or enjoy a variety of taco salads with a glass of wine. Can’t decide - get a combo meal. Don’t skip the desserts which include flan, sopapillas, flamed banana or deep fried ice cream!

Got a place we should know about? Send in your own review in 75 words or less - we’d love to hear about it! info@biznowmagazine.com

30 | BizNOWmagazine.com | November 2014

Nov 18 Money Management, Personal Finance & Budgets 6-7:30 pm Instructional Planning Center; 201 E. 38th St. Learn to build a budget ($10 material fee) Info / register at commed.sf.k12.sd.us –or 605-367-7999

Nov 20 Business After Hours, Sioux City 4:30 - 6:30 PM The Salvation Army of Siouxland, Sioux City. IA

Nov 20 SD Real Estate Investors Association 6:30- 8:30PM Keller Williams RE office, 5915 S. Remington Place, Sioux Falls November 20-21, 2014 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire 10th Annual Hunt for Kids’ Sake SouthFork Lodge– Dallas, SD To register call 605.334.1632s Nov 25 Sioux Falls Chamber Mixer 4:30-7:00pm Best Western / Ramkota Exhibit Hall. 3200 W. Maple St. Holiday Fair displays. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, beverages, $3 RSVP to 605.373.2014 or plund@siouxfalls.com.

Nov 29 Madison Area Annual Chamber Show & Sell 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Dakota Prairie Playhouse & DSU Fieldhouse One of the largest vendor events in the area. For information or to register, call the Chamber at 256-2454 or contact us at // chamberofmadisonsd.com. Dec 4 Brandon Mixer 5:00 – 6:30 PM Oakridge Nursery & Landscaping Mix with members, build trust, confidence and new customers.

L to R: Ashley, Colleen, Heather, Megan, Tony, David, Diane, Sue, Carli

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