™
2010 March
March 2010
F.I.T. Money Magazine
12 Rise of a Mogul
21 Where are you.
6 Contributors
We share our conversation
Learning how the business
7 My Library
with De ’ Von Christopher, the
cycle can have a hold on you if
9 Spotlight on Business
21st century businessman
you don ’ t get a hold of it. Staff
17 Learn How to Grow. Free workshops for entrepreneurs give access to increased revenues 18 Spring Fling Great fashion tips, trends and style for a fresh boost
8
10 Learn To Invest Raise your financial IQ and share.
Editor-In-Chief - M. Natasha Reid Editor At Large: Sojourner David Managing Editor - Shirley Reid Art & Photo Director - M. Natasha Reid Photo Editor – M. Natasha Reid Production Director: M. Natasha Reid
20 Bold Statements,
Production Manager - Shirley Reid Office Manager - Shirley S. Reid
Soft Palettes
Cover Art - LuMaxArt ( www.lumaxart.com )
Discover the soft sexy trends
Contributing writers: Steffany Allen, joseph riley land,
for Spring Improve Your Video
Founder & Editorial Director - M. Natasha Reid
Graphic Design and Layout: M. Natasha Reid Carlos, C. Johnson, Derrick Guest, Fatima Tan ’ ia, Published by: F.I.T. Money Publishing , LLC Offices: Wilmington, DE 19801
for Business Sake
For more information please email us at :
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2010 March
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Spring is here! And like everything else that symbolizes rejuvenation, this issue is all about action! As winter comes to a grinding halt, the new season brings energy, excitement and more than an ounce of anticipation. What can your business get out of all of this? Where are the increased revenues? What needs to happen next? It is time to take action like never before. 2010 is the jump off point for businesses to seize their share of the industry, capitalize on the incentives offered to small businesses and make a difference in lives of every customer that walks through your door, virtually or physically. We, as business owners, have the power to transform the lives, well being and opportunities for the people we work with, the customers we serve and the community we connect with on a daily basis. We can shape our environment to produce the results we seek. From offering employee incentives to customer rewards, we can add substantial benefit to their needs while increasing revenues to produce the win-win-win scenario. It is a difficult challenge but those who master it create empires that withstand sour downturns. It’s time to turn that frown upside down, dust off the winter blues, and spring in to action. Are you ready? We are! Our goal is to be your online resource for business information. If there something you would like to see, drop me a line at editor@fitmoneymag.com. We believe in you, in your dreams and we’re here to show you the way… Until next time…stay F.I.T.!
m. Natasha Reid
Follow me on Twitter: @MNReid @FITMoney
2010 March
Fatima Ta ’ Nia is the founder of Perception & Co, an image consulting and personal styling company based in New York. You can follow Fatima and her fashion tips on twitter: @PerceptionAndCo
joseph riley land is a freelance writer and graphic designer with a passion for
Carlos C. Johnson is the President/ CEO of Gold Corp Financial Group, is the Chairman of Economic Development committee for the NAACP and is based in Florida.
Steffany Allen is a fashion stylist based in New York City assisting women re-entering the workforce find their comfortable work style.
indie soul music. Hailing form the great state of Tennessee, joe adds southern spice to the piece “ Mogul Rising ” - a delightful look inside the mind of an entrepreneur with a passion for living. Follow on him on Twitter: @josephrileyland
Ask about our headshot specials! Say F.I.T. Money sent you. Follow me on Twitter: @KestonDuke
Fashion, Beauty and Advertising Photography www.kestonduke.com keston@kestonduke.com 917.294.8811 March 2010
F.I.T. Money Magazine
What are you reading? By M. Natasha Reid Want to see your business explode? Just read the first three chapters and apply. Here’ s a sample: ― A law isn’ t a rule, tip, or step, but distinguishes the moving parts at play behind an observable phenomenon. A law is invariable. Whether you believe in gravity or not doesn’ t lessen its effect on you.‖ ― Change doesn't happen in a vacuum; it happens when people see and hear a future they can get excited about. Steve Zaffron and Dave Logan show how true leaders sidestep stumbling blocks to articulate visions that inspire. —Ken Blanchard, Co-author of The One Minute Manager© Jack Welch and Leading at a Higher Level said, "Sam Walton understood people the way Thomas Edison understood innovation and Henry This is a true library classic. Ford, production. He brought out the very best in his employees, gave his very best to his customers, and taught something of value to everyone he touched." Leadership builds value in every company and Sam Walton was definitely a legendary leader. Gain insight on what put and has kept Wal-Mart No time to read? Don ’ t sweat it! We have ways that at the top of its game. can help you get the word in!
With so much on your plate how does the entrepreneur find time to read? Welcome to audio books. Listen to the volumes of information while you ’ re running, walking, traveling, commuting, etc. Put more into you day using these great gadgets. MP3 players have found their way into what we do every day and they are here to stay. Make them apart of your routine and business expenditure. Tip: Offer one loaded with great two or three great audio books to employees for great performance. The Width 0.7 in Depth 0.4 in Height 1.8 in Weight .38oz Supported Digital Audio Formats MP3 Price: starting at $59 for 2GB As shown: 4GB Polished Steel $99, Apple Store Exclusive
rewards for your business are endless.
Zune HD© Touch Screen w/WiFi Width 52.7mm Depth 8.9 mm Height 102.1 mm Weight 74 grams Supported Digital Audio Formats: MP3 Price: starting at $199 for 16GB As shown: 16GB Steel $199, www.zune.net
2010 March
Kodak Zx1 takes stunning 720p HD videos, pocketable, weather resistant design. Suggested retail price $149.95
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ntrepreneurs try to do all things. We want to cut costs hence believing we can do it all ourselves. You may be missing the point: you can’t be all things to your business and often professional advice is needed. When creating a video to promote products, services or events remember the 6 P’s: prior proper preparation prevents poor performance. I would run out of fingers and toes if I tried to count the amount of times I saw videos with poor sound, bad lighting and boring content. What a big turn off leaving me to ask ―Why would I wanting to contact that company?‖ If the first impression isn't positive there is no need to contact you. Think about it. After a negative first meeting, you’re probably looking for the nearest exit while quickly losing their card. When putting a video on You Tube, Yahoo or any social networking site, consider the impression you’re making to the world, they are potentially your new customer. As a professional videographer, may I suggest seek out a professional first before creating a video on your own. But if you are crunching the numbers, here are some handy tips to follow to improve your online video for business: 1. Buy a good camera. Don't use a cell phone camera or any camera that does not work well in all kinds lighting situations. There are small hand held cameras which shoot good quality and are very inexpensive. F.I.T. Tip – Check out the Kodak Zx1 Pocket Camera, m.s.r.p. $149.95. The video quality is impressive and it allows you to store huge video memory. Plus, you can connect a professional microphone for great sound quality. 2. Good lighting, great video. Ensure you have good lighting in your video. If shooting the video in your home or office, use natural sun light from the windows. On a sunny day it provides the best lighting for your video. Shooting on a rainy or cloudy day, you can always use household lamps with soft bulbs (i.e. soft lighting lamp). Lamps with very hard or bright light leave harsh shadows on the face March 2010
F.I.T. Tip - Make sure the light comes from behind the camera. The camera eye is like our your own, it closes down when too much light is let in. 3. Bad sound, bad video. No matter how great the picture, if the sound is horrible the video is even worse. Most professional or amateur cameras have sound monitors/ levels you can see. Buy an affordable pair of headphones to monitor the sound levels. (continued on page 9)
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Derrick M. Guest , CEO of Griot’s Roll Production
F.I.T. Money Magazine
Each issue we highlight a business in your community to share who they are, information on their service and why they are in it to win it. Paul Okura; President of CMIT Solutions of Southern Westchester, 5 Cypress Road, Eastchester, NY 10709. Website: www.cmitsolutions.com/swestchester Area of Industry: IT Consulting Featured in the Westchester County Business Journal, Paul Okura and CMIT Solutions are know for quality service, fast turnaround and cost effective solutions.. ― I had a very successful career in senior management of a major financial institution but I was constantly flying all over the world, working the financial district. I wanted to start my own company to help business owners in my community improve their results through the use of IT (Information Technology). We provide enterprise level IT service to small and medium sized companies at affordable prices. I have found that good listening skills are the keys to success. I learn my customers’ needs to provide a solution for them. We are always willing to help and provide a positive attitude. We even go the extra mile and it has been the best source of referrals. In addition to customer referrals', we network with other businesses by joining our chamber of commerce, local business council and participating in various tradeshows.
(continued from page 8)
F.I.T. Tip – Don’t use the headphone for your iPod. Try the Audio Technica Precision Headphones, a great investment at $69.95; professional sound on a budget. 4. Connect people to content. Create a ―how-to‖ video where you showcase your talent. Host an event for children or adults and use their testimonials. Consultant or professional? Current news is great to connect with potential customers. Think about information and its use to the viewer. F.I.T. Tip – Be sure to include contact information at the end of your edited video. People use the web to gain information when they want it. Be that information hub through your online video marketing. Derrick Guest, CEO Griot’s Roll Production 212.281.2286 www.griotsrollproduction.com griots@griotsrollproduction.com Follow Me: Join me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Griots
2010 March
Having spent the last fifteen years in the investment business, I have seen some strange things. I could not believe that some people have what I like to call, “a love / hate relationship” with money. They resent those who have it, but spend their entire lives attempting to get it for themselves. The reason a vast majority of people never accumulate substantial cash is because they don't understand the nature of money or how it works. You have to accept the fact that cash, like a person, is a living thing. When you wake up in the morning and go to work, whether you like it or not, you are selling a product yourself (or more specifically, your labor). When you realize that every morning your assets wake up and have the same potential to work as you do, you unlock a powerful key in your life. Each dollar you save is like an employee. Over the course of time, the goal is to make your employees work hard, and eventually, they will make enough money to hire more workers (cash). So essentially, when you invest, you are in training yourself to become the CEO of your own investment empire. But first, you must begin by putting your employees (cash) to work for you. One of the biggest mistakes most people make is that they think they have to start with a large amount of cash. They suffer from the "not enough" mentality. Feeling if they aren't making $1,000 or $5,000 investments at a time, they’ll never become rich. What’s not realize is one simple truth: fortunes are built one dollar at a time, literally. I once worked with a client who spent 40 years working at the post office. This man invested and saved everything he had despite it never being more than a few dollars at a time. Now, his portfolio is worth millions. All of which was built upon small investments. This individual clearly understood the power of wise investing and compounding. He also took the time to learn about investing, which is the first step in the process. Do not let the fact that you do not have a lot to start with deter you from putting your wealthbuilding plan into action. I currently work with a woman who invests part of her tax refund once a year. Her nest egg is growing by leaps and bounds. (Deadline to file your taxes is April 15, 2010. Check with your state to verify when your local is due.) (continued on page 11)
March 2010
F.I.T. Money Magazine
When you put it in these terms, you see how spending $20 here and $40 there can make a huge difference in the long run. Since money has the ability to work in your place, the more of it you put to work, the faster and larger it will grow. Along with more money comes more freedom - the freedom to stay home with your kids, the freedom to retire and travel around the world, or the freedom to quit your job. If you have any source of income, it is possible for you to start building wealth today. It may only be $5 or $10 a week, but each of those investments is a stone in the foundation of your financial freedom. Years ago, a friend told me she didn't want to invest in stocks because she "didn't want to wait ten years to be rich..." she would rather enjoy her money now. The folly with this school of thought is that the odds are, you are going to be alive in ten years. The question is whether or not you will be better off when you arrive there. Where you are financially, right now, is the sum total of the financial decisions you have made in the past. Someone once asked me why they weren't wealthy. They always felt like they were putting money aside, yet never seemed to get any further ahead. The answer is simple. I told them to stop buying the products companies sell and start buying the company itself! A survey of America's affluent revealed that 27-30% of all the income the wealthy earned went into investments and savings. That’s not a result of being rich, that is why they are rich. When the pain of getting out of the bondage of financial slavery is greater than the pain of changing your spending habits, you will become rich. Either change, or be content to live as you are. A very wise investor once said to pick the traits you admire and dislike the most about your heroes, then do everything in your power to develop the traits you like and reject the ones you don't. Mold yourself into who you want to become. You'll find that by investing in yourself first, money will begin to flow into your life. Success and wealth beget success and wealth. You have to purchase your way into that cycle, and you do so by putting your money to work for you. More money is not going to solve your problems. Money is a magnifying glass; it will make you more of what you already have.
Get any 2 ads and get 1 free upgrade! Contact us for our current rates Email: advertise@fitmoneymag.com Call: ( 212 ) 662-1288 www.fitmoneymagazine.com If you are not financially capable of handling a job paying $18,000 a year, the worst possible thing that could happen to you is for you to earn six figures. It would destroy you. I personally know many people earning over $100,000 a year who are living from paycheck to paycheck and don't understand why. The problem isn't the size of their checkbook; it is the way in which they were taught to use money. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you will keep getting what you’re getting. Plain and simple! That’s one of the harsh realities of life. To achieve the financial freedom and success that you desire, you have to do two things. First, make a firm commitment to get out of debt. Second, make saving and investing the highest financial priority in your life. Carlos C. Johnson III, President / CEO GoldCorp Financial Group “Helping ordinary people build extraordinary wealth” GoldCorp Financial Group is a national wealth building and investment education organization. We make it possible for ordinary people to build wealth utilizing their current resources. Visit us at: www.GoldCorpFinancialGroup.com
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By joseph riley land
D
e’Von Christopher is a man who knows himself very well. He is acutely aware of his blackness. He knows that he is a handsome guy. He is aware that he has achieved a lot in a short time. He has taken his ability to understand who he is, his limitations and his strengths, and channeled them into attaining what he wants. Now, at the ripe old age of 32, he has transitioned himself from a small town boy into a multi-hyphenate (restaurateur-event planner-real estate investor-magazine owner and publisher) mogul on the rise. Arriving at our meeting – exactly on the hour – with publicist in tow, Christopher and I sat down for what turned out to be a relaxed, easy conversation that showcased his charisma (he has plenty to spare), his self-awareness (those Dawson’s Creek kids couldn’t hold a candle), his dedication to his craft (“I’m headed right back to the office after we finish,” he tells me at 7:45 PM) and his secret to making good business moves (keep reading and you’ll find out). Réal Hamilton-Romeo, the publicist, sat there taking notes, but remained mostly quiet. When asked if she was there to keep Christopher in line, she shrugged, laughed and responded, “I’m just here to observe.” Two extra points to the guy who has a publicist, but is articulate enough to speak for himself, and still brings her along just in case. A brief biography of De’Von Christopher’s life: Born and raised in the suburbs of Long Island, “a small town, with four traffic lights,” Christopher was taught to succeed from birth. His grandfather, a mechanic who owned his own shop, seemed to have plenty of time to do his work and spend time with the family. Young De’Von felt like that was the norm.
As a young man, he earned his Eagle Scout badge (putting his name on a [relatively] short list that includes Neil Armstrong, J.W. Marriott, Steven Spielberg and President Gerald Ford), in an all-black troupe. The “My window wasn’t despair,” he says, reflecting on his childhood. dedication required to attain this, the Boy Scouts’ highest “If I were to sit down and watch Good Times and The Jefferson's, I honor, showcases the earnestness he has put forward since childhood to generate what he wants out of life. would relate to the latter. George Jefferson owning a string of He is, truly, a man who believes in springing into action. dry cleaners made sense to me.” When he was ten, he was the kid with the lemonade stand. When he was thirteen, he had a At fifteen, he started a DJ company. “I wasn’t the best paper route. And just like the most famous mogul-in-the-making of his generation, Sean Combs, he hired other kids to help run his DJ… but I was a great hype man, so that’s what I did.” In fact, across the board, De’Von has been good at routes, all the while pocketing money from each one realizing where he excels, where he doesn’t and using March 2010
F.I.T. Money Magazine
From bottom to top: From Def Jam to Bleu Magazine, De’Von is defining his own landscape showing that moguls can be respected, casual and fierce while having fun.
both of those to his benefit. “I couldn’t be the best athlete – there were others who were bigger and faster than me, so I didn’t play sports. I decided to become tough, mentally. I read. I studied. I learned a lot. That was my sport.” He grew up to own a magazine. Clearly, his decision-making process was on-point. After getting his degree in Communications from Seton Hall, he landed a job with Def Jam, but with a twist. He tells this story with pride, his eyes gleaming and his smile widening, so pay attention: Like any good recent college graduate, De’Von Christopher went into the interview, dressed – suit, tie, the whole proverbial nine yards… He doesn’t hear back from them. That weekend, he went to Joe’s Pub, alongside some friends. He was dressed in a relaxed, untailored style, speaking in a more casual tone. He ran into the Human Resources people from Def Jam. He got the job. They appreciated that he could fit in from a corporate point of view while having street credibility. Lesson learned? Know your audience when applying for a job or working a deal. Make sure you are giving them the real you and also what they want to see. After Def Jam, he jumped around - Universal, Atlantic, Asylum - until he decided he wanted to do his own thing. Once again, in his mind, this was the logical way of moneymaking. He put together the concept of Bleu Magazine based on what he saw was missing on newsstands; a magazine that represented him. In 2006, the magazine launched, choosing to make it “the premiere urban magazine catering to all men whether gay or straight.” Remember, “I wasn’t an athlete and I couldn’t rap. I believe there are other success stories for black men that do not involve either.” With distribution in all 50 states (yes, apparently there are black men in Wyoming), as well as 7,000 digital subscribers (including men in London, Japan and France), Bleu Magazine is successfully providing a counterpoint to the argument that magazine publishing is dying. As many magazines are going under, Bleu magazine is surviving. In fact (continued on page 15) 2010 March
http://www.webstarts.com/Perception-And-Co http://www.fitmoneymag.com
http://www.webstarts.com/Perception-And-Co http://www.webstarts.com/Perception-And-Co
http://www.webstarts.com/Perception-And-Co
http://www.webstarts.com/Perception-And-Co http://www.webstarts.com/Perception-And-Co
Can you see what I see? De’Von Christopher fills the void most don’t even know exists. Magazine publisher and restaurateur, Atomic Wings delivers on your late night cravings. Top: De’Von Christopher thinking about his next move Below: Menu at Atomic Wings, Harlem, 2080 Frederick Douglas Blvd., Harlem USA (continued from page 13
Hamilton-Romeo says that from their 50,000 subscribers, an estimated 250,000 people actually read parts of every issue. As the magazine started running smoothly, the next decision clearly was where to branch out, but which direction would be best for him? As he had launched his magazine in Harlem, and created a space for himself, he looked around the neighborhood to see what was missing. (The same process he utilized when he launched the magazine). And what did he see? Chicken. Friend chicken. “Everyone loves it; there are fried chicken places everywhere in Harlem. But…,” he says with dramatic pause, “I deliver.” With that, Atomic Wings opened in Harlem in December 2008. As it turns out, his “logic works.” By the way, that is his secret ingredient. What are Mr. Christopher’s future plans? Besides a possible reality show, an opportunity to open a lounge, founding a new petting zoo for circus animals and a possible full night’s sleep someday soon (only one of which is a lie), his future is open and wide. He’s moved himself into a living dichotomy, where he is both so busy he does not have time for anything else and concurrently is ready for something new.
You can view more of joseph riley land’s writings at http://kitchensofa.wordpress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @josephrileyland Find him on Facebook: www.facebook.com/josephrileyland
2010 March
March 2010
F.I.T. Money Magazine
Living in New York City has many benefits: access to rapid transit, culture, nightlife and lots of INFORMATION. There are so many free resources for anything you want to learn, it’s hard to choose which one is best for you. But if you want to start a business, New York City is a great place to start. I recently was fortunate to participate in a wonderful program offered through the Industrial + Technology Assistance Corporation, better known as ITAC ( www.itac.org). ITAC, in connection with NYC Business Solutions, offers the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation's FastTrac® Growth Venture entrepreneurship program. This eight (8) session, four (4) week program is intense and not for the weak hearted. The brave souls that dare to take on this challenge leave with the skills and tools needed to master industry with a new hold on business. The FastTrac® Growth Venture series looks at established businesses and gives them a picture of what the results could be if the right areas of the business were tweaked. Would you like to see an increase in revenue and learn how to predict when it should occur? Well, read on. From the first session you and your business become one. You begin with Seizing Up Your Business and Exploring Growth Opportunities. Both modules are made to give you an in-depth look at where your business is currently, a plan for the growth desired and shows how to conduct research needed to analyze your potential growth. Move on to Making Strategic Decisions and Using Financial Tools where you define your business strategy, create and exit plan and look at your financial plan. This is only the first two days and did I tell you there was homework?
Yes, that’s right homework so every person can immerse themselves in the subject matter gaining a more in-depth understanding. The entrepreneur is given no breaks but is actually asked to stretch beyond their comfort zone by taking on this additional challenge. When you’re finished, there is more than just a snapshot of what you company will be, a blueprint has been (continued on page 22)
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Can you identify your business with S.W.O.T. Analysis Diagram? 2010 March
By Steffany Allen
l to r: Tie Dye - Blumarine Spring 2010; Camouflage/Military - Balmain Spring 2010 (courtesy of Imaxtree)
Ahhhh Spring! We welcome you with open arms! Finally we can trade in our bulky coats and scarves for light jackets and pretty dresses. I suspect the only items from the winter months that will stick around are the ever popular rain boots for those April showers and the puddles they create.
Some of my favorite looks are making a return and I couldn’t be happier! I was elated to see ultra-sexy maxi-dresses, jumpsuits and wedges hit the runways and make it on the “must have” lists for the season. Thankfully, amidst the usual sightings of ruffles and frills, there is always room for edgier standards like camouflage shorts and combat boots for us to take notice. And perhaps for the ultratrendy crowd, “ripped and torn” jeans pair well with the looks of hippie tie-dyed apparel or a simple white t-shirt and a light weight leather jacket and funky jewelry.
As we transition into Spring, we look forward to a time of renewal and fresh beginnings. Yet I’m glad to see some of the classics like trench coats and military jackets holding their ground. There are a few pieces that have crept over into Spring from Fall like the boyfriend jacket that can be paired with cute shorts Another idea for Spring I was surprised to see were and sandals. And there is something about fringe that just won’t leave us alone, so I guess that’s here leisure suits! Can you believe it? Not the polyester ones from the 70’s, but a current more stylish twist to stay; but only on a handbag or fun accessories. to this nostalgic and sometimes questionable look. Naturally, soft pastels like pale pink, mint green and The suits represented in the shows were slinky and feminine with a slight hint of sexy! Colors like slate lavender always create a subtle feminine appeal. Neutrals like tan, beige and khaki are making a blue and grey help to make this look easy on the strong appearance in some of the looks for Spring as eyes and even easy to wear. (continued on page 19) well. On the other hand bright, bold prints and rich colors like orange, yellow and kelly green help a fashionista stand out in a crowd. And we all know a pop of color is always on point. March 2010
F.I.T. Money Magazine
(continued from page 18)
The great news is that several runway trends are easy enough to translate into effortless wears for those of us who are not model thin or six feet tall. There is a return of true sportswear and separates which makes getting dressed in the morning somewhat less of a daunting task. And who couldn’t use a little help in the morning? The only item for Spring that is questionable is the return of the overalls. Really?!! Hmmmm...I’m not to sure about that one, but then again fashion is always subjective, so we shall we see! I’m looking forward to see how many small boutiques pick up these trends. Great Spring boosts that leads into sexy Summer styles, but that’s next issue. Stand by for more style tips and fashion updates from your Personal Style Coach - SteffanyAllen Drop her a line: Steffany.Allen@gmail.com
Spring things on this page Top to Bottom: Overalls - Ralph Lauren Spring 2010 Leisure Suit - Chris Benz Spring 2010 Maxidress - BCBG Spring 2010 (courtesy Kristian Dowling/ Getty Images)
2010 March
average garments. When wearing remember: ruffles ime to say adios to those Winter Blues and spring add volume, be sure you avoid any problem areas forward into a new look. Now that Spring is rapidly you do not want to emphasize. approaching it is the perfect time to freshen up and prepare, by organizing your closet and make-up bag. Neutral Tones- If you appreciate elegance found in In order to make sure you have what you need, here subtlety this trend is sure to rank high on your list. are the necessities to revamp your wardrobe with the Neutral tones for spring have never been nuder until now. Neutral tones create an elegant yet barely there must haves to be fresh faced. look. Champagne, beige and all shades of gray are Masculine/Boyfriend Element - Bold shoulders and in. Neutrals are sure to last for years to come. The cubic shaped vests are guaranteed to embroider key point to remember when neutrals this Spring is spring clothing in 2010. No need to be afraid of to keep looks simple. wearing a manly piece. Paired with shorts, leggings or the right dress you will not lose the feminine ap- In order to spring forward into a new season alternatpeal. Women’s ready-to-wear has found itself in a ing and discarding some of your cosmetics is a must. visual perception between femininity and masculini- The softer color palette is better suited. Here are ty. On a more casual day this trend is comfortable, some essentials to rid you of mishaps: saucy and believe it or not can be dressed up or down. By playing up a masculine tone your outfit Make-Up Bag instantly becomes tomboy chic. Make-Up Brushes, Shimmery pale pink gloss, Light Bold Prints - Be bold this season with ultra-bright, rose blush, Black Mascara, Black liquid liner, eye-popping prints. This spring, bold prints will be a Bronzer, Shadows lighter shade of brown and gray, big trend that we will continue to see in Fall. Make Nude (peach tone) lipstick sure whichever print you choose, it is one that you Don't throw away everything you own. The items absolutely love. Choose one item with a print and tone it down by pairing it with a solid color. Geomet- you currently have may accompany your newer pieces, during an evening out with friends or a late night ric prints, animal prints, stripes and florals have all date. Just know when to wear what. During the day heavily hit the runways for Spring. opt for your lighter colors (much more professional Ruffles -Whether you wear them outrageously enand refined) and when evening approaches you can larged or soft and subtle, ruffles will definitely enadd a more dramatic look. One thing is for certain hance any look this season. Elegance is the first word springing forward can be fun and exciting. SPRING that comes to mind when one I think of ruffles. They IS HERE! are a definite “it” item for Spring 2010 that comes in many different sizes. Ruffles are no longer considered too feminine or uptight. Ruffles are now in an assortment of colors, shapes and are embellishing
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March 2010
F.I.T. Money Magazine
Fun F.I.T. Tips: For the past two years we have been hearing about the recession the country has been facing. When you ask the Discounts: Is there something sitting on your shelf you small business man what that means to them, the response is haven’t begun to see a return on investment (ROI) often “If I don’t do something, I may have to close my on? Discount it and let your customers know about doors.” the appreciation sale. Send them exclusive coupons for their use and one for a friend. Show them the What can be done when your country, state, city and neighlove. bors seem to be all singing form the same Top 40’s Hits Call them In: Do you recognize you have not seen some “When your pockets are lean…” How do you change the of your favorite customers in a while? Give them a station? How do you take a sour situation and turn it into a call and see how things are going. Tell them about prosperous one? You begin by listening to your customers. the new items you have and you miss seeing them in Take out that long list of customers you began collecting. It your shop. A little appreciation goes a long way. is time to put them to work for you. Here are some fun and Make Your Presence Felt: Find local organizations and easy tips to give great value and to get what you want charities that are line with your company's vision more revenue. statement and lend a supporting hand. Giving back, Check out the chart below, see where you are and use the as a supporter, allows the community to connect with following tips to move you along. you, your brand and your business.
Diagram of the cycle of business. Knowing where you are right now can help you prepare for the next phase. Where are you right now?
Peak
The Business Cycle:
Expansion
Where are you?
Contraction (Slow Down)
Trough (Recession)
2010 March
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My graduation day (l to r): Stefan Doering, Founder & CEO of Best Coaches, Inc.; M. Natasha Reid, Editor In Chief, F.I.T. Money Magazine; Adam Bulatewicz, Tech. Prog. Coordinator, ITAC.org
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(continued from page 17) Learn to Grow:
drafted giving you step by step details in building the empire you so desire. Every brick laid, from Strengthening the Product/Service and Seizing the Market to Charting Financial Performance and Making it Happen, is designed to take your business to the level you determine. These tools make you a master builder for your business needs. Where do you want to be in the next five years? How much revenue do you want to acquire in that time period? Where do you fit in the market place? What is my exit strategy? What innovations will we put in place? How do we maintain our market share? This and every other question you can imagine are covered in this program. Here is a sneak peak of what you can look forward to: The SWOT Analysis is a useful tool to assist in the better understanding of your business’s current position. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. By determining what you face in each sector you begin to formulate a strategy for keeping the things that work(strengths), restructuring what doesn’t (weaknesses), finding new revenue stream(opportunities) and fortification from unforeseen dangers(threats). As with all things business there is no quick fix but with the right plan and tools you can set a course for growth. To learn more about the FastTrac©program in your area, go to http://www.fasttrac.org. In New York City and your need help bringing your technology ideas to the forefront, contact ITAC at 212.788.7222 or visit them on the web, www.itac.org. Tell them F.I.T. Money sent you.
March 2010
If you are interested in a creative atmosphere, dynamic work environment and have a desire to learn how to be your own boss. This is place for you. Are you: Skilled with internet and social media marketing? Proficient in Adobe creative Suite 4? Great with numbers and enjoy meeting new people? Love to write about new things? Drop us a line at info@fitmoneymag.com and let’s explore a new partnership together. We look forward to hearing from you. As one door closes another one opens and the brave few will step inside. We are coming to a close of our introductory year and we hope this has been as exciting and fun for you as it has been for us. June will be our last quarterly issue. Starting September 2010 we will be producing ten (10) issues annually. Look for expanded sections on:
Technology and IT management
Finance: Business and personal:
Marketing: PR, Advertising, Sales, Social Media and more
Business Education:
Business Law
And much, much more.
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