Pulse Beat August 2011 by City of Paramount

PULSE BEAT PULSE BEAT

August 2011

Paramount Chamber

Leadership at Annual Installation

Bill Winters

Petroleum),

Vice

Dennis (Weber Metals), Director Darren Kurkowski (Bianchi Theatres),

Vinegar), Vice President Brenda Olmos (AppleCare Medical Group), Director Kevin

and Director Garo Kazarian (Alondra Hot Wings).

According to Leonard Crespo the newly elected president of the Paramount Chamber of Commerce, “The annual Installation Luncheon is one of my favorite events. It gives the Chamber the opportunity to say thank you to the board members, ambassadors, and board liaisons that make this organization what it is. It’s also an opportunity to thank the sponsors who make events like the installation possible, and to recognize others who have made special contributions to the community.”

More than 120 business and community leaders attended the event which was sponsored by Weber Metals. In addition to recognizing Chamber officers, directors, and ambassadors, several businesses received awards for their support including: Platinum

Paramount Chamber of Commerce

PULSE BEAT

15357 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount, CA 90723

Sponsors; Carlton Forge, Clinica Medica Hispana, Modern Development, and Paramount Petroleum. Gold Sponsors; Luis Acosta State Farm Insurance and Weber Metals. Silver Sponsors; Cal Met Services, Fenico Precision Castings, and Supervisor Don Knabe. Bronze Sponsors; Eastern Meats, Lindsay Lumber, and Transcom Services.

Congresswoman Sanchez along with representatives from the Office of Supervisor Knabe, Senator Lowenthal, and Assemblyman Hall joined Mayor Daryl Hofmeyer in recognizing Ben Harvey from Southern California Edison with the Mayor’s Award. Ben received the award for his help with a new fitness park now in development. Harvey was credited with helping to make the park a reality by acting as a liaison between the City and Southern California Edison.

What’s inside

The Chamber also presented awards to district wide Teacher of the Year- Randall Reza, Ambassa -

dor of the Year- Deborah Jameson, and a Special Recognition award to Emmanuel Reformed Church.

Paramount Chamber of Commerce Ofﬁcers and Directors for 2011–2012, from left: Past President Martin Johnson (Attorney), Director Dr. Tom Hansen, Director

(Paramount

Senior

President Dr. Max Martinez, Chamber President Leonard Crespo (Total Western) Treasurer Paul

Director Leigh Clausen (Gateway Business Bank), Director Jon Tanklage (Marukan

Lindsay (Lindsay Lumber), Director Joseph Hernandez (Torino Lounge),

Paramount Chamber board liaisons with president Martin Johnson. From left: Ambassador Chair Debbie Jameson, City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal, and PUSD Superintendent Dr. David Verdugo.

Longtime Paramount Leader Henry Harkema Celebrates The Big 100

Henry Harkema holds the distinction of being the oldest City Councilmember in the state of California. He was 91 when he retired in 2002, after 17 years on the Paramount Council. He still serves our community today as a member of the Paramount Senior Services Commission.

The Paramount City Council held a special celebration at our August 2 meeting to mark Henry’s 100th birthday, which is August 7.

Moving out west with his family from Iowa during the Great Depression, Henry settled in Clearwater (which later became Paramount) in 1936. He has seen everything unfold in our city since then, and had a public career that included time on the Paramount Water Commission and the City’s Public Works and Planning commissions. During years on the City Council, he served as Mayor twice.

On behalf of the entire City, we wish Henry a very happy 100th birthday!

Paramount Joins Other Cities to Protect Redevelopment Funds

In an effort to fix its own budget problems, the State of California has passed a law to abolish redevelopment agencies. Not only is this a misguided money grab, it also flies in the face of a proposition passed by California voters last year that specifically protects redevelopment agencies from being drained by Sacramento.

Paramount stands to lose millions of dollars if our redevelopment agency is looted and shut down. As a result, we have joined numerous other cities and state organizations in lawsuits to challenge this law.

Redevelopment agencies take local tax monies and put them to use in local communities. They create jobs and improve neighborhoods. Most of the positive changes that have occurred in Paramount over the last 30 years have been due to our redevelopment agency.

Now, the state taking this money that our own businesses and property owners have paid, and is redirecting it to other purposes. This is prohibited by the State Constitution. The City of Paramount will continue to ﬁght in the courts

to protect our tax revenues.

Senior Nutrition Program Changes

The City offers a variety of services for the senior members of our community. In addition to resource referrals, health screening, classes, homeowner and renter assistance and recreation activities, we also have appetizing and well-balanced hot meals served Monday through Friday at the Paramount Community Center, as well as home-delivered meals for homebound seniors. These meals are offered to individuals ages 60 and over for a suggested donation of $2.00 (or $2.50 for home delivered).

The popular program is instituting a few upcoming changes. For instance, on August 29, a new reservation system will begin. Reservations will be made one week in advance, and priority will be given to Paramount residents.

Then, beginning October 3, meal time will change from 1:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. There will be a limit of 80 meals served per day (although this will not apply to special events). Also, the Senior Nutrition Bus hours will be adjusted to allow users to attend the meal at 12:00 p.m. (This bus provides transportation to and from the Center.)

For more information, please call (562) 220-2090.

West Nile Virus Birds Showing Up In Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has reported the highest number of birds dying from West Nile virus (WNV) this year when compared to all other counties in California. In our local area, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) has conﬁrmed that these birds have been found in Cerritos, Compton and La Mirada.

GLACVCD has also confirmed WNVpositive mosquito samples found in Cerritos, Bellﬂower, Downey and Norwalk.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn, and outdoor activity should be avoided during these times when possible. If you are active during these times, wearing protective clothing such as a long-sleeve shirt and pants will help prevent mosquito bites. Residents should also apply insect repellent. Properly-ﬁtted screens, free from tears, on every window and door around the home will help to keep mosquitoes out.

In addition, residents can eliminate standing water sources where mosquitoes can breed by taking the following steps:

• Eliminate standing water in anything that holds water for more than a week to break the mosquito life cycle.

• Ensure that swimming pools, spas and ponds are properly maintained.

• Change the water in pet dishes and birdbaths weekly.

• Request FREE mosquito fish from GLACVCD for placement in out-of-order

Mexican Restaurant

swimming pools, spas and ponds to control mosquitoes.

• Report any mosquito activity near vacant or foreclosed homes and abandoned swimming pools in your neighborhood.

For more information about West Nile virus and vector control services, please contact GLACVCD at (562) 944-9656 or visit www. glacvcd.org.

Recycling Used Motor Oil

Summertime is peak season for people to change their own oil in their vehicles. If you change the motor oil in your vehicle yourself, you can’t throw it in the trash or down the drain. It must be recycled. But there are two easy ways to do that in Paramount.

You can take used oil and used ﬁlters to Kragen Auto Parts at 15725 Downey Ave., phone (562) 272-1433. (It is recommended that you call before bringing the stuff in.) Or you can arrange for them to be picked up at home by calling Curbside Inc. at 1-800-449-7587 or online at www.curbsideinc.com.

A few details to keep in mind: do not mix oil with bleach, paint, solvents or automotive ﬂuids; contaminated oil will not be accepted; carry oil in clean, non-breakable, non-metal containers; maximum container size accepted is ﬁve gallons; maximum drop-off amount per day is 20 gallons. You can get a CALRECYCLE container for the oil from Kragen. For more information on recycling used oil or for other drop off locations, please call 1-888-CLEAN-LA.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

PARAMOUNT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Invites you to attend a Open House / Ribbon Cutting

After School Unlimited Learning

Center

Thursday, August 25 8022 Somerset Blvd

Beginning at 11:30 am Lunch Served

Mayor, Daryl Hofmeyer

Next DUI Checkpoint on August 12

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in the City of Paramount will be conducting a DUI checkpoint on Friday, August 12th at 7110 Rosecrans Ave., from 6:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.

These checkpoints – which are funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street. They serve as tools to educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving and encourage sober designated drivers.

The public is also encouraged to call 911 to report drunk drivers and be ready to describe the vehicle, its location and direction of travel. The following clues can help motorists detect a drunk driver:

• Weaving/swerving in and out of the lane.

• Weaving within the lane quite noticeably.

• Traveling at speeds much slower than the ﬂow of trafﬁc.

• Braking erratically or stopping in the lane.

• Sudden stops for signal lights and slow start once they change.

• Remaining at the signal lights once they turn green – asleep at the wheel.

• Making wide turns and/or cutting the corner, striking the curb.

• Headlights off at night or on high beams.

• Driving with the turn signals on.

• Straddling the center line of the road or lane lines.

• The driver looks intoxicated – staring straight ahead, face close to the windshield, and appears to be quite sleepy.

• Finally aggressive driving – speed, tailgating and multiple lane changes or unsafe passing may also be the tell-tale signs of intoxication.

For more information, visit www. StopImpairedDriving.org and www.californiaavoid.org or call the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at (562) 220-2002.

National Night Out Noted

The 28th Annual National Night Out (NNO), a crime/drug prevention event

sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), took place this year on Tuesday, August 2. Millions of people in communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide participate.

The City held a special dinner acknowledging the commitment and dedication of our Neighborhood Watch participants, Sheriff Station volunteers and those who get involved in positive activities in the community.

NNO is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and ﬁghting back.

For information about becoming a part of Neighborhood Watch in Paramount, please call (562) 220-2002.

July 4th Violations

Paramount Sheriff’s Station deputies were very busy over the 4th of July holiday. They covered the City, implementing Paramount’s zero-tolerance policy on dangerous illegal ﬁreworks.

As a result, more than 80 citations were issued to individuals for using illegal ﬁreworks in town. The majority of those carry a deterrent-based ﬁne of $1,000.

Summer Vacation Home Checks

For those taking a late-summer vacation, remember that Paramount residents can contact the Sheriff’s Station about having Volunteers on Patrol keep an eye on your home or property while you’re gone.

Call (562) 220-2002 to ask about vacation checks.

Members in the News

This summer Paramount Dance Company traveled across the ocean and through the desert to bring home the gold. They traveled to Italy and won 1st place in their category and in costume in the International Dance Competition in Italy. From left: Andrea Mercado, Linnette Lopez, Christine Navarro, and Eva Vasquez.

Vince Torres Chairs

Pathways 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Vince Torres, Director Community

with fellow board member Field Deputy for Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Erin Stibal and husband Matt.

The 17th Annual Pathways Volunteer Hospice Charity Golf Tournament will be held on August 15, 2011 at the El Dorado Golf Course in Long Beach. At the helm this year is tournament chair Vince Torres from the City of Paramount Community Services and Recreation department. Vince is a long time supporter of Pathways and currently serves on the board of directors.

“We are so thrilled to have Vince as the chair this year, said Cindy Skovgard, Pathways Executive Director. Vince has always been a tremendous support. He usually likes to stay in the background so it’s fun to have him out in front leading the charge.”

Joining Vince in support of the Pathways tournament are Major sponsors Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, Paramount Uniﬁed School District, Lakewood Regional Medical Center and Paramount Petroleum. Adds golf committee member Leigh Clausen of Gateway Business Bank, “Don’t forget about the $10,000 hole in one prize that is being donated by Marianne and Bob Hughlett. That along with all the food vendors, Karl Strauss, Margaritas, rafﬂe prize baskets and auction items, the day promises to be a grand event!”

Starting in 1994, the golf tournament has grown to be the largest fundraising event for the Pathways organization. Proceeds from this event provide much needed services for Pathways’ Hospice, Elder Care and Bereavement programs for adults, children and families.

Also supporting Pathways in their efforts (as of 7/15) are Gold Sponsors, CARE Ambulance, Gateway Business Bank, L.A. County Lifeguards, Rose Hills, Hawaiian Gardens Casino, Lakewood Center, the Moskowitz Foundation, Fenico Precision Castings and The Zamboni Company. Course Sponsors include Outback Steak House, Eastern Meats, Watson Land Company, Farmers & Merchants Bank, and Coast Healthcare Management, LLC.

The tournament begins with a 12:30 p.m. shot gun start and features complimentary food and beverages on the course, plenty of rafﬂe and auction prizes and an opportunity to golf at the home of the Long Beach Open.

For reservations or more information on the Pathways 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, please contact Pathways at (562) 531-3031.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Community College

The California community colleges are a system of two-year public colleges. There are over 100 community colleges community colleges throughout the state. The colleges serve over 2.5 million students each year and represent the largest system of higher education in the world.

California community colleges offer courses designed to meet many diverse interests, educational needs, and vocational needs of its students. College programs may consist of one course or a series of courses leading to a technical/vocational certiﬁcate, an associate degree, or preparation to transfer to four-year universities and colleges.

Programs that offer courses that meet lower-division (ﬁrst two years) requirements of a four-year university are offered at all of the community colleges. Trained counselors and advisors can help you plan your community college program to make sure that the courses you select are transferable.

Vocational programs are unique at each California community college campus. Vocational programs prepare students for entry employment and career advancement in hundreds of areas that employers need.

These fields include law enforcement, animal husbandry, crop production, computer science, computer graphics applications, fire science, electronics, automotive, engineering, nursing, accounting, dental assisting and broadcasting and more. Many colleges work closely with business and industry to offer programs tailored to their employment needs and have up-to-date equipment and facilities and instructors who are experts in their fields. Depending on the occupation you select, training may take from six months to two years. Associate degrees and technical certificates are available in many fields.

Courses in art, literature, humanities, foreign languages, instrumental and vocal music, drama and speech provide cultural enrichment for community college students. Students who wish to broaden their horizons and to become more aware of themselves and the world about them will be drawn to offerings in health education, consumer education, psychology, child development, sociology, speech, conservation, and physical activities.

Students should contact the community college’s admission ofﬁce or go to the college’s web page for a complete listing and description of programs.

Other courses are designed to assist the individual in skill development. These courses may include reading improvement, effective study skills, career awareness, job employment skills, and introduction to mathematics and pre-algebra.

At many California community colleges,

English as a Second Language is offered for non-native speakers of English who desire to learn English or to improve their English proﬁciency.

Plenty of Help For All Students

California community colleges offer a full complement of support services. Following is a list of services that colleges may provide to help you successfully complete your educational goal:

• Counseling and advising

• Career center and job placement services

• Child care

• Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS)

• Financial aid

• Health services

• Scholarships

• Testing services

• Transfer center

• Tutoring

• Math assistance

• Writing assistance

• Veterans services

• Services for students coming off welfare

A very large percentage of students at community colleges are above the age of 25. Many colleges have developed special programs to assist re-entry students. Some of these services may include a drop-in re-entry center, a counselor especially for re-entry students, and college orientation/success classes designed for re-entry students.

Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) provide support services, specialized instruction, and educational accommodations to students with disabilities so that they can participate as fully and beneﬁt as equitably from the college experience as their nondisabled peers.

Examples of services available through DSPS that are over and above those regularly offered by the college would be test-taking facilitation, assessment for learning disabilities, specialized counseling, interpreter services, reader services, speech services, transcription services, transportation, specialized tutoring, access to adaptive equipment, job development/placement, registration assistance, and specialized instruction.

(The preceding information is from www. cccapply.org.)

PEP Programs Resume This Month

All programs and classes offered by the Paramount Education Partnership will begin again on August 24th after taking a break for summer. For a full list, please visit the City website at www.paramountcity.com and go to the Paramount Education Partnership page, or call 562-220-2121.

Clubs & Organizations

Sister Cities Announces Scholarship Winners

the

In May

Paramount/Tepic Sister Cities Club held their annual Installation of Ofﬁcers at which they announced four lucky scholarship recipients, they are: Roberto Anaya, Ray Nuñez, Karina Flores, and Ashley Mack. Club members assisting with the awards were Dolores Covarrubias, Ben Dominguez, Beatriz Contreras, and Frank Barrazas.

I NSTALLATION & A WARDS L UNCHEON

Fireworks Stand Pays for Summer Camp

Lifegate Foursquare Church Pastors Larry and Debbie Jameson with winners of the free drawing for a box of ﬁreworks.

In July Lifegate Foursquare Church hosted a Community BBQ that included: face painting, a jumbo slide and bungee run. The BBQ was just one of the week long activities leading up to the July 4th celebration.

For the past 21 years Lifegate’s ﬁreworks booth has been raising money to help kids attend summer camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. The church

expressed their sincere appreciation to the community and congregation members who purchased ﬁreworks and donated their time to the support the program. “Thanks to them the ﬁrst week in August we will send eight boys and girls to kids camp and eleven from junior high and high school. Their investment will be life transforming for these young people,” said Pastor Jameson.

Seniors MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Battle of the Dance Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Departing 10:00 am and returning 2pm $33 per person

Viejas Casino Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Departing at 8 am • Returning at 6pm $2 per person (Wait list)

For more information: 562-220-2090

Paramount’s Kids Win National Top Studio

Kimberlyʼs Dance Studio continues to represent the City of Paramount on a national level. This group of talented dancers recently competed at KAR Dance Nationals in Las Vegas. In addition to receiving a variety of awards and various recognitions, Kimberlyʼs Dance Studio walked away with the honor of National Top Studio. KDS was also recognized for most spirited studio and Kimberly Gonzalez received the Dance Teacher of the Year of award.

HELP WANTED

Help Wanted @ P Dogs: CASHIER’S & COOKS Late evenings early mornings please walk in for application. 13610 Garﬁeld

INSURANCE – Growing company seeking hard working, energetic and bilingual (Spanish/English) individuals with a strong interest in educating the community about Insurance and Financial Products. A positive attitude and commitment to providing exceptional customer service are required. Insurance experience is a bonus but not a necessity. More importantly, we are looking for ambitious quick learners who want to be an integral part of a growing company. Email resume to maria@galliagency. com or fax resume to 562-817-5621.

Close the door on dryer ﬁres

By Luis Acosta State Farm® agent 562-531-1900

You could be heating up more than clothes in your laundry room. According to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated 15,500 dryer fires annually, resulting in nearly $100 million in damage. The most frequent causes of these fires are improper ventilation and/or poor maintenance, which allow lint to accumulate. When lint covers heaters, switches and motors in the dryer, fires can result.

Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are some things you can do to help prevent dryer ﬁres:

• Avoid leaving the dryer running when away from your home.

• Clean the lint trap after every use.

• Don’t dry oily rags in your dryer.

• Don’t operate the dryer without a lint ﬁlter

• Ensure that the dryer is plugged into an outlet suitable for its electrical needs.

• Keep the dryer area free of combustibles such as clothing and boxes.

Adequate ventilation is key to not only the safety but the performance of your dryer

Members in the News

as well. The dryer duct should vent directly outdoors, not into an attic, crawl space or indoors. Ducts should be kept free of lint and combustible debris to prevent a ﬁre from spreading outside of the dryer.

Use only metal dryer ducts. Plastic ducts can collapse, causing blockage and lint buildup within the dryer. Plastic ducts may ignite or melt, and will not contain a fire within the dryer. Follow the manufacturer’s suggestions on the length of ducting you should use, since appliances are tested and certified according to certain specifications. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual for more information.

Hot spots

While there are no sure signs that your dryer may catch ﬁre, the following are some possible warning signs of trouble:

• Clothes, especially towels or jeans, take a long time to dry.

• Clothes are hotter than usual at the end of the cycle.

• The ﬂapper on the vent hood won’t open when the dryer is on.

Consider having a professional disassemble your dryer to clean the lint and debris covering the heaters, switches and motors in your dryer and help prevent ﬁres from occurring.

Three Exemplary Students Named El Camino College Compton Center’s 2011

Presidential Scholars

Three El Camino College Compton Center students who have worked hard to prepare themselves for the next step in their academic careers have been honored with the 2011 Presidential Scholars Award. Marisela Chavez, Monique Harris, and Luis Paredes each received the prestigious award in recognition of their academic achievements and contributions to ECC Compton Center. Here are their personal success stories:

Marisela Chavez

When Marisela Chavez graduated from high school, she enrolled at California State University, Fullerton. But, the pressures of attending such a large campus at a young age proved to be too much. After taking a semester off from her studies, Chavez enrolled at ECC Compton Center.

ECC Compton Center’s personalized attention and small classes have helped change Chavez’s initial impressions about higher education. She now knows that even though a subject may seem challenging at ﬁrst, it is not impossible to succeed in it.

“My professors have shown me, through example, that so many things can be accomplished in a lifetime. I have learned so much from the professors here and not just the material they were teaching,” says Chavez.

Chavez feels strongly that ECC Compton Center has given her a solid foundation, upon which she is able to continue building her education. “I know that attending a big university will be different from attending ECC Compton Center, but I am ready to face that change. I now have the conﬁdence to pursue my bachelor’s degree and possibly even further,” Chavez says.

Monique Harris

Monique Harris is a business administration major who plans on transferring to the University of California, Riverside, and dreams of starting her own nonproﬁt organization called The Highest Tree. She wants to assist and inspire others because of the way she has been motivated at ECC Compton Center. Harris credits the profes-

Consumers Are Now Able to Take More Control of Health-Care Expenses

By Maria F. Galli State Farm Insurance 562-817-5620

Are you looking for a way to trim your health-care costs, reduce your federal income tax liability and potentially save more for your future?

As part of the Medicare Prescription Drug legislation signed into law in 2003, you may now be able to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) which, when used in conjunction with a high deductible health plan (HDHP), helps individuals save for qualiﬁed medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.

All earnings in an HSA are tax deferred and distributions are tax free if used for qualified medical expenses, including long-term care premiums. This

allows you the opportunity to pay for your medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. In addition, any unused HSA funds may be withdrawn after you turn age 65 with no penalty; the funds will be taxed as ordinary income.

HSAs are portable, with rollover provisions, allowing you the opportunity to move funds from one HSA to another. If you obtained an HSA through your employer and change jobs, you can roll over your HSA into a new HSA and take the funds with you.

HSAs are important, particularly for those who are under or uninsured, small business owners or anyone facing the challenge of affording quality health insurance coverage.

Contact your local insurance agent for more information on HSAs.

sors at ECC Compton Center for teaching her that if she sets her mind to something, nothing is impossible.

“I am proud to say that I attended ECC Compton Center because for two years, teachers, students and experiences have helped me mature and made me believe that it’s not about where you’ve been in life, it’s about where you’re going,” says Harris. “ECC Compton Center was an important step in my life toward success, and I honestly believe that if I had not come to this school ﬁrst that I would not be the young woman I am today.”

ECC Compton Center provided Harris with the resources she needed to become conﬁdent in herself. Now, she is ready to use her newfound conﬁdence in order to make a difference in the lives of others.

Luis Paredes

Luis Paredes is an ambitious biology major who plans to transfer to a UC school to earn his bachelor’s degree in microbiology. Because of the education he received at ECC Compton Center this goal, as well as a career in clinical lab science or public health, is now within reach. When Paredes graduated from Narbonne High School in 2002 he had no plans to go to college. In fact, Paredes began working as an auto dismantler and did so for six years. It wasn’t until Paredes had the idea to open up his own business that he considered going back to school.

He had reservations about becoming a student again, but enrolled at ECC Compton Center in spring 2008. In his ﬁrst semester he earned straight A’s and knew that he had made the right decision. Paredes says, “Being introduced to new ideas and having contact with encouraging people such as my fellow students and professors motivated me to make the most out of life.”

During Paredes’ time at ECC Compton Center he played on the men’s soccer team and studied hard enough to earn a 3.89 GPA.

“ECC Compton Center is a great school that has enriched my life in so many ways,” says Paredes.

10 Tips for Successful Negotiations

BY RIEVA LESONSKY

Whether it’s an ofﬁce lease, sales terms or a contract, negotiating is part of every small business owner’s life. But unless your former work experience was in sales, you may not feel conﬁdent in your negotiating skills. Here are 10 tips to help you improve.

1. Know your goals. Before beginning any negotiation, determine the outcome you want. What is your ultimate goal? Where are you willing to compromise? What is non-negotiable?

2. Do your homework. Learn all you can about the company and individual you’ll be negotiating with. This will give you insights into their goals and desires.

3. Aim high. Negotiation inevitably involves compromise, so start by asking for more than you think you can get. You may be pleasantly surprised when the other person agrees to your terms.

4. Time it right. Important nego -

tiations require your full attention and energy. Schedule negotiation for a time when you’re not tired, distracted or rushed, and when you have plenty of time to complete the discussion.

5. Stay focused. Experienced negotiators may try to distract you or take the conversation off on a tangent. Politely, but ﬁrmly, move back to the topic at hand. The more focused you are on your goal, the more likely you are to attain it.

6. Aim for a win-win. The goal of negotiation is not to destroy your opponent. It’s to arrive at a solution that all parties are happy with. This kind of negotiation builds lasting business relationships.

7. Get help. Sometimes, complex negotiations benefit from involving experts such as your attorney or realtor. If you lack experience in a particular area, don’t be afraid to enlist help, either before or during negotiations.

8. Know when to stop. Negotiation

is a process. If you reach a point where neither side is willing to compromise further, or you need to get more information or confer with others before proceeding, be willing to end the meeting and reconvene later.

9. Put it in writing. Take notes during negotiation to make sure you are clear on all points discussed. As soon as possible after reaching agreement, put the agreed-upon terms in writing, whether an ofﬁcial contract or a quick, interim email.

10. Learn from your experiences. The more often you negotiate, the better you’ll get. After each negotiation, take note of what worked and what didn’t. If the same problems keep arising, think of possible solutions so you’ll be prepared next time.

Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Rieva Lesonsky also works with the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network. The SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow their business through low-cost workshops and free one-on-one consulting in business planning, ﬁnance, marketing, and various other specialty areas (Spanish speaking consultants available). To make an appointment call: (562) 938-5100, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu.

Business Card Directory

Tel:

casundra@wardprop.com

562/634-5000

FAX 562/634-4900 7805 Madison Street Paramount, CA 90723-4220

Recipe of the Month

Cheddar Mushroom Spread

2/3

Stir

Join Congresswoman Linda Sánchez at her 9th Annual Senior Fair

Congresswoman Linda Sánchez is committed to helping senior access free and helpful services. She has designed this forum to connect you to local organizations and agencies that provide health information, legal assistance, health screenings, and other resources for seniors.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Paramount Park 14400 Paramount Blvd. Paramount, CA 90723

This event is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided. For more information, please contact Congresswoman Linda Sánchez’ district ofﬁce at (562) 860-5050.

Participants will provide:

Free Health Screenings • Health Education • Food Assistance Programs Veterans Assistance • Consumer Protection Education • Housing Assistance Job Training Programs • Utility Assistance Programs Elder Law/Rights Information...and much more!