ISSUE 18 | May 2016
Redefine Your Limits Wisdom From Moms PTSD - No Respecter of Persons
Off BeatMagazine
Off BeatMa Contents
06 Redefine Your Limits Adaptive Training
18 Masterminding Your Way to Nonprofit Success
34 A Business Owner’s Family Law Nightmare
By Susan Hamilton
By John Gilchrist
By Lisa Zahn
10 PTSD - No Respect of Persons
22 Establishing SOPs
37 I Married a Sailor
By Candy Barone
By Dorothy Skinner
26 The Quest for a Six Pack
38 Surprising Headache Facts
By Clint Fuqua
By Dr. Luke Arnett
29 In Memory: Uncovering the Meaning of Memorial Day
40 WARNING - This Can Save You
By Linda Wattley
13 Mother’s Day Layers of Love By Dorothy Skinner
14 Mother Knows Best By Jeff Klein
16 Speak Up! By Claire Billingsley
By Brenda Wakefield
30 The Immune System and the Business Owner By Julie Williams
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By Taylor Stephens
41 Are You Willing To Stretch By Susan Hamilton
offbeat Business
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agazine Susan Hamilton
susan@offbeatbusiness.com
Show & Magazine
editor’s Note Friends,
The United States of America is a great country. Even though we’re seeing more than our fair share of anti-American agendas out there, we’re the core of business owners who know what a healthy, thriving America should look like. Most of us have an active duty member or military veteran in our families or work spaces. We know the conversations that are being had, and we know the sacrifices they’re willing to make. We know because those who have gone before us - those who’ve already shed their blood for freedom - are in our family lines. Our contributors proudly present to you the first Veteran Vein issue of the year, recognizing the loss to our families and our culture. Indeed, it is a very different America being defended today in their absence. I find that courage astounding and I’m flooded with respect. May we stand behind our military to be sure they and their families always have everything they need. Our lineup on the next page links to veteran shows you don’t want to miss, be sure to check them out. Inside you’ll find business tips, editorials, a veteran showcase that will blow your mind, and health perspectives that will renew your commitment to be the best you possible. You’ll think about your mom and smile. Don’t you dare forget Mother’s Day!
Off BeatMagazine Editor
Susan Hamilton
Art Director
Jonathan Bodnar
Manager
Susan Hamilton
Marketing
The OffBeat Business Show
Designer
Jonathan Bodnar
Publisher
Robin Roberson
Producer
Roberson Squared
As always, please continue to send your comments and suggestions to Info@OffBeatBusiness.com so we can continue to bring you the very best resources possible. Happy Mother’s Day, and thank you for your service, ~ Susan Hamilton
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We’re Remembering Veterans All Month On The OffBeat Business Show! May 3rd - You’ve never felt so productive! Returning guest Air Force Veteran Brenda Wakefield teaches us the secret to overall productivity. May 10th - The men and women going through this training are mentally and physically prepared for employment, and are skilled in areas employers need their expertise. But people see a wheelchair and think difficulties. This show destroys that image, and shows you what lies inside the beautiful hearts and minds of these capable military veterans who deserve to work again. May 17th - Gary De Rodriguez talks with Susan Hamilton about Farm Vets, a local organization that trains veterans to sustain a profitable farm from soil to harvest. May 24th - Marquette Stevenson talks with Susan Hamilton about his veteran housing initiative in Dallas, and the current needs of female veterans with children that are often not provided for. Montrel Living is a local nonprofit stepping up to make a difference. May 31st - Charlynn Johns is the founder of Battle-Buddy.info, a resource database of vetted private organizations that meet veteran needs whether the caregiver or veteran is requesting the services.
Business & Lifestyle Success Information B4B | Sales | Veterans | Family Health | Money | Fashion | Coaching Redefining B2B For American Business Owners!
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Redefine Your Limits: Adaptive Training Foundation
By Susan Hamilton
I
I expected to see veterans, I expected to see a training facility - but that can mean many things. I did not expect the first sentence that registered to be, “We just had a quadruple amputee lift 600 pounds.”
had the opportunity to spend a morning at the Adaptive Training Foundation, the brain-child of David Vobora, a 5 year NFL veteran. After a shoulder surgery in 2008 and dubbed ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ by the NFL, today he is Right out of the gate I got to speak with Blake anything but. Watson, the marketing director for ATF. At I won’t tell you too much about his journey. first glance I thought, “He’s young, and he’s You can find all that on the Adaptive Training in a wheelchair. But that’s the sweetest smile Foundation YouTube channel and website. under that red hair!” Blake is a Marine Corps What I will tell you is my experience with veteran, and on December 14th, 2010, he the men and women of ATF only a couple knelt down on top of a pressure plate IED and of weeks ago that has forever changed me - it blew his left leg off above the knee. challenged me - to take the limits completely It also took a lot of tissue and muscle from his off my life. right leg and he had to have his left elbow I walked into the facility not knowing what fused. Two years and 10 months later he was to expect. I had been under deadlines for the discharged - only he took a serious pain pill last week and a half and had not come up for addiction with him. Nothing seemed to help. air to research this appointment. I was going It wasn’t a big stretch to try harder street at the request of one of our sponsors, Dr. Luke drugs like heroin - he would do anything he Arnett, and I was told it was important that I could to stop the pain and forget the torment he’d been through. see what this place was all about. 6
who take their lives every single day, and ATF KNOWS they can do something about it. So can you. Your sponsorship, whole or in part, is tax deductible. Of course, larger sponsors to cover the salaries and overhead of this team are also greatly appreciated and will go a long way to support their end game - an ATF facility alongside each and every VA in America. “Vietnam and Korean Veterans hang out at the VA every day - and not because they have an appointment. They’re looking to belong, they’re looking for commonality. With ATF, everyone’s been through really traumatic experiences and everyone can bond through that,” says Blake Watson.
challenged to become more of himself than Physical training on this level has so many he had ever been before. benefits, and the tribe that’s built from the “It was great to get back into the journey to complete recovery is nothing physicality again, and to be a part of an short of spiritual. This is a family gym, and elite group. This place has become my husbands, wives, and young children are welcome to experience and support the sanctuary.” discipline and effort each of these athletes He is now completely clean. “Getting in pours out. Mental illnesses and addictions physical shape helps confidence,” Blake says melt away as men and women discover hope now. “THAT’S what really makes you feel - triumphantly kicking defeat in the face. good.” He had just leg pressed 600 pounds, “For a guy with one leg, that’s pretty good!” Executive Director, Steve Luppino, says their motto is ‘Redefine Your Limits.’ “This is about constantly seeking that next ridgeline,” says Steve, “We’re recalibrating carnivores here.” The Adaptive Training Foundation is relatively small, staffing only four employees. Every nine weeks they get 10 new athletes and 10 to 15 guests show up every week. No athlete ever pays for training, and it costs $4500 dollars to sponsor just one. But if you go to TeamATF. org, you can cover an athlete for only $22 a month. 22 represents the number of veterans
“We just had a quadruple amputee lift 600 pounds.”
“I thought it was about the physicality, but it was about the hope.” “ATF is not rehab. ATF is designed to provide quality, individual and customized training that will help each athlete create a sustainable lifestyle change,” Vobora states in his bio. “The program now offers a 9-week intensive training to restore, recalibrate and redeploy 7
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When he started coming to ATF, he had half his heart in it. It was hard. He made excuses for about 4 weeks, but like everyone else who experiences the energy, enthusiasm, and support these trainers pour out - he was
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these athletes to inspire others to achieve the “When there’s a triple amputee and a impossible.” quadriplegic bench pressing 300 pounds, tell me how you feel bad about your day.” What a fine young man. Blake Watson, that red head of yours has changed my life. “Don’t let what you can’t do affect what you CAN do.”
They’re constantly looking for trainers who can help support the workload. If you have the skills to step into a training position and support an athlete, you can also sign up at TeamATF.org. Business owners can make all the difference in the world, not only through sponsorship, but through employment. This intensive program breeds able employees, who desperately need and want to work. “Veterans don’t want hand-outs,” says Watson, “they want jobs.”
The Adaptive Training Foundation empowers athletes to new levels. “With or without limbs,” says Executive Director Steve Luppino, “you have the power inside yourself to compete. I’ve got a bunch of ass-kickers coming out of this gym, and they don’t need special accommodations.” 8
Susan Hamilton, editor-in-chief of The OffBeat Business Magazine, went on location to meet David Vobora and visit the Adaptive Training Foundation for interviews with their marketing director, Blake Watson, and executive director, Steve Luppino, for this article. Visit TeamATF.org to sponsor an athlete, sponsor their organization, meet your next new hire or volunteer your services. Call 214.432.1070 or email info@adaptivetrainingfoundation.org today. Connect with ATF: Twitter @VaultTraining YouTube.com/AdaptiveTrainingFoundation FB/AdaptiveTrainingFoundation
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PTSD IS NO RESPECTER OF
PERSONS
By Linda Diane Wattley I come from a military family background. My father, his father and brother and sister all served the United States Army. I and my three brothers joined either the Army or the Marines. Immediately after graduating from high school, I joined the Army, met and married my husband, and we gave birth to two sons. My oldest son joined the United States National Guard and was unexpectedly activated to active duty. He served two terms in Iraq. Almost two years after returning home from his second tour, we learned he had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I cannot begin to describe the heartache a parent experiences while their child is away at war. It is even more painful to learn upon returning home safely, that the war follows them in ways words cannot describe. I will never forget the day when the Akron Police Department called me on my cell phone. They were looking for my son because the threat of suicide was reported to them by the Veterans’ Help Line. For over three hours, I did not know if my son was dead or alive. This 10
was the beginning of my journey of being an advocate for those suffering with PTSD. As I researched Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, I was amazed at the large number of people who are not aware of this continuously growing disorder. They have no clue of its impact on sufferers’ lives. The denial of PTSD is also prominent as well. I am here to join the civilians and the soldiers together so we can strengthen and encourage one another in our plight with PTSD. What I have to offer are powerful tools acquired over the years as I secretly lived with this disorder. I knew my son returned home different than he was before he left. He had symptoms I have lived with for over forty years. My PTSD was a result of my upbringing as a child in a hostile environment consisting of domestic violence, molestation and sudden death experiences. Today, I want all PTSD sufferers to know the more conscious we are about the inner struggles the better we can exist in society. Between my research and personal
Off BeatMagazine experiences with PTSD, I was able to write a book encouraging and strengthening lives daily. When it was in manuscript form, I told my son it was completed. He told me to send it to him and in less than three hours, he told me I had to publish the book because it was going to help a lot of people and it immediately helped him. “Soldier With A Backpack Living And Dying Simultaneously” is written for us to have more control of our lives and to shine light on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“My PTSD was a result of my upbringing as a child...”
My name is Linda Diane PTSD is no respecter of persons. Anyone can Wattley. I am a United be living with this disorder, our loved ones, States Army Veteran soldiers, friends, neighbors, co-workers, who is proud to be an doctors, police officers, urgent care workers, Advocator for PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress etc. It is time for us to create a greater Disorder. I am also an conscious awareness of Post-Traumatic Stress author of “Soldier With Disorder so the fragility of humanity will not A Backpack Living And continue to be crushed. I am now speaking Dying Simultaneously.” out on behalf of us all suffering with it and I Discover more and order your copy at http:// want you to join me by choosing to become www.lindadianewattley.com/ more conscious of this reality. Yes, we are our Contact me at universalove26@yahoo.com. brothers’ keepers. Yes, we need your help and yes, things get a little easier once we understand.
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Layers of Love
By Dorothy Skinner
A couple years back my youngest daughter, Debi, hosted a special dinner to honor the mothers in the family and presented each of us with a handmade scroll extolling the attributes of a mother. It was a beautiful gift, and I know we all hope we can live up his is a special day that has evolved many times to those expectations. I will keep it forever and look over the years for me. at it every now and then.
T
Naturally, my own mother meant the world to me and My wish for all the mothers in the world is that you as a child I would draw on paper with crayons to let enjoy many happy memories of Mother’s Day and her know how much I loved her. And I got in trouble build layer upon layer with your families. picking a couple of perfect flowers from in front of the neighbors house to bring to her. The neighbors objected - not my mom, who thought they were the most beautiful flowers in the world.
Happy Mother’s Day!
I grew up, had children of my own, and Mother’s Day took on another layer. Now I was the recipient of the wonderful crayon expressions of how much they loved me. And the day was extra special because after our little celebration at home, we would visit both grandma’s with flowers and let them know we all loved them and that they were the best mother’s in the whole world. One by one my children married and grandchildren entered the scene for me. Now, not only Mom, but Grandma - and another layer of loving family.
Dorothy Skinner is the owner of Gary’s Quality Plumbing, serving the north Dallas area, Wylie, McKinney, and Allen, Texas. Dorothy and her husband, Gary, raised six children in the plumbing service industry and have built their company of almost 50 years on customer service and fair pricing. Find their ad in The OffBeat Business Magazine.
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Mother’s Day
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Mother Knows Best By Jeff Klein
Recently, I’ve shared lessons about saying what you do so people care, and on not alienating people you’ve already met. This month, in honor of Mother’s Day, let’s talk about using what your Mother taught you in a way you might not have thought of: to make your business better. I’m sure you heard these, some of them many times. I know I did. Treat Others The Way You Want To Be Treated – Let’s start with the Mom version of the Golden Rule. We hear these words, but do we truly take them to heart? How about extending the conversation to how we want to be treated as a customer? I actually prefer the Hillel version of the Golden Rule. It has a subtle difference: What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. In other words, don’t be awful. Are you offering and successfully implementing a customer experience 14
that you would enjoy? Have you closely examined your customer experience? Is the online experience the same as the in-person experience? Early on in a business, it can be easier to “not be awful” than to create an amazing experience. I suggest you start there. Then, you can continually improve and expand on the experience your customers are having. It will grow to be great. Just like you will.
Don’t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket – Many businesses learned this lesson on 9/11/01. Many retirees learned this lesson when Enron tanked. Many organizations learned it when Bernie Madoff got arrested. We can’t rely on one client or one vertical/ industry to support our business. I advocate creating at least 3 targets to market, advertise, and prospect. As you have success in one area, don’t neglect the others to the point that they are no longer in your pipeline. The pipeline is key. You must keep networking
If You Do What You Love, You’ll Never Work A Day In Your Life – This one I put last because I think it’s the most important. If you aren’t doing what you love, PLEASE go find something else to do. Life is too short. I am not being trite or minimizing obligations. When you find that thing you are supposed to be doing, in my case that’s helping people succeed in business, there is nothing more gratifying. I wake up ready to go. I go to bed exhausted because I’ve left it all out there in the world. They say that no one ever lay on their death bed and wished they had more time at the office. But, I promise you that many people
“As you have success in one area, don’t neglect the others...” 15
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to meet prospects, prospecting to meet lay there thankful that they enjoyed their life clients, and serving clients to retain them. If because it wasn’t all about them. They gave of any portion of your pipeline is empty, you are themselves to make this world a better place. looking at trouble, not success. You can’t do that if you don’t love what you Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff – This always do. As you read through this magazine, I have reminds me of the two rules, of which this is no doubt that the authors of these articles #1. And #2 is, “It’s all Small Stuff.” LOVE what they have built for themselves. Each of us knows what it’s like to get so absorbed in minutia that we miss the big Your Mother wants you to be happy. picture. We get sucked into solving some Remember, she knows best. ticky-tack glitch that we neglect the rest of our business. That’s the old cliché about not Jeff Klein offers a monthly seeing the forest for the trees. Networking Lunch in As business owners, our job is to keep our Addison, regular Business sights firmly set on the big picture, the forest, Networking Bootcamps, the overall business operations. It’s not our and a website full of free job to fix every typo (however much we and paid content to help want to) sweep every floor, or pinch every those responsible for penny. Until we get to the point where we generating revenue at can delegate every-day tasks that don’t add (www.Jeffs30Seconds.com/Education) and to the bottom line, we will not see the growth Jeff@JeffKleinSpeaker.com. we are working so hard for. Delegate the small stuff. And then, don’t let your employees sweat it either. Provide a positive experience for them, too. They are as valuable as your customers.
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SPEAK UP! By Claire Billingsley As a professional speaker and speaking coach, I hear frequently, “I could never do what you do!”, as if I came out of the womb and was able to speak in front of large audiences. Like any professional, it takes time, training and practice to master any skill. And even at mastery, do we really know all there is to know? As a speaker, we have to be aware of everything around us – not just the technical things like A/V equipment, room set up, etc., but also what is being communicated verbally back to us from the audience. An even deeper look is what’s not being said. All of us receive information from three parts of our bodies – our heads, our hearts, and our gut. Only one of these areas has linguistics or words attached to it. So, we are language masters, but we have to go deeper to understand our audience and adjust if/when needed. How do you know when your audience is engaged? Do you go by gut feel? Many of us do. If you are fully prepared as a presenter, and as Dale Carnegie said, have “earned the right to speak on your topic”, then your presentation 16
will be second nature to you. This gives you the ability to dig deeper into your audience, and read their body language, their moods, and emotions. These you will pick up in your gut, and you can adjust the topic quickly. Thinking on your feet is a key element in being a successful presenter. It also allows you to show up authentically, which your audience will pick up on in their gut. Being cognizant of this non-verbal exchange is vital to your continued success , not only in speaking situations, but all form of personal and professional communication. How can you communicate non-verbally to your audience? Here are a few tips that can help you get started: Presence – stand tall. Keep your arms open, and pretend there is a string holding your head up to the ceiling. Enter and leave the stage with strong energy filled steps. Gestures – when speaking to your audience, the larger the crowd, the larger your gestures need to be. Watch nervous gestures such as touching your face, covering your mouth, playing with the microphone, clicker, or change
Off BeatMagazine in your pocket. Facial Expressions – use to match your gestures. Your language – start strong with your opening statement Your voice – Your voice should sound upbeat, warm and under control. Lower your voice a bit or slow down on points you want to emphasize. Dress – Attractive but not distractive. Find out ahead of time what the dress code is for the event, and out of respect, take your dress up a notch if possible. Humor – Using humor is a great technique if it’s comfortable to you. If not, don’t force the funny. You will make yourself and your audience uncomfortable.
And, as I “Speak Up! ,“ I would like to honor the men and women in our country that have served or are currently serving in our military. Without you, people like me wouldn’t have the freedom to speak up and out about what we believe in. I honor your sacrifice.
Claire Billingsley is a professional speaker, published author, and edutrainer. She has been seen on CBS Channel 11 and recognized as one of the Top 25 Women to Watch by the Dallas Business Journal. You can reach Claire at 214.289.8802 , at www.billingsleyconsultinggroup.com, or at Always avoid making fun of anyone in the claire@billingsleyconsultinggroup.com. audience. Humor is working when you laugh with your participants, not at them. Using these techniques, along with proper preparation and practice, you will begin understanding your audience’s needs better and know how to adjust to keep them with you. 17
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Masterminding Your Way To By John Gilchrist
board governance, employee management, skills building, marketing and public relations. I’d want to know they are a seasoned group, who’ve sat in my chair and dealt with my challenges relating to uccessful business owners know a thing or revenue, HR, board overreach, and that they’ve two about masterminding. Mastermind groups conquered the ‘tyranny of the urgent.’ offer brainstorming, accountability, and support during decision-making. Additionally, members of As it stands today, nonprofit executives (NFPs) these groups reduce the feeling of isolation, gain conduct a variety of duties, any one of which greater clarity and rise to professional challenges. I represents a full time job. believe in this strategy for personal and professional development, but I’m also convinced that nonprofits HR Financial Controller succeed more often using these strategies as well. Program Expert Nonprofit organizations are often started by business Liaison to the governing board owners or executives who believe they have solutions Conduit for the national umbrella organization and assistance they can offer the world. A great heart IT problem solver for your mission isn’t quite enough to sustain it, Media Relations however, and it’s easy to lose momentum without a And more
S
detailed plan in place - including board membership and sustainable revenue. This is where a mastermind can be of vital use to you.
Identifying The Issues
When times inevitably get tough, it’s time to identify the issues that hold back or get in the way. One of What would I look for in a non-profit mastermind? those issues is simply believing that all resources I’d be looking for a group of nonprofit executives must be put into the NFPs mission. Having a scarcity who seek mutual support. I’d want to know they’re mentality. While this is laudable, any business must actively finding solutions to individual problems and invest in their long-term plans. Businesses, for profit challenges - such as multiple streams of revenue, and nonprofit, that don’t keep an eye on the future,
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Nonprofit Success will jeopardize their ability to serve their customers executives need to create those opportunities so they can retain those valued employees and reduce or clients for very long. turnover costs. Employees feeling undervalued When the board gets too involved in operations, is another issue that can be daunting for the NFP you’ve discovered yet another issue that gets in executive, and cause him or her to look for remedies. the way. Boards are comprised of well-meaning, passionate individuals who want to see the NFP Yet other areas of concern are financially related. succeed. Many boards cross the line between their Often, focus on an upcoming event - logistics, role as strategists - developing and monitoring the sponsorships, ticket sales, entertainment - can take progress of strategic plans - and delving into daily up time that could be used to foster and strengthen management. NFP executives need tactics to turn a relationships with key donors who have the capacity board’s energy toward their best roles - connectors, to make potentially transformational gifts. ambassadors and askers. Stress of finding, researching and writing grants There a million things to get done every day. The wears on many NFP executives. A primary challenge ‘tyranny of the urgent’ is another pitfall. Prioritized with grant funding is the frequent inability to activities in alignment with the mission, preparing understand the level of competition for these dollars. crisis communications, managing an upset donor, The NFP executive who shifts the emphasis of the etc., represent what can happen in a typical day for fund development program to a relationship-based the NFP executive. Take time to develop problem- one - with individuals at the center - is successful for solving skills and improve decision making to get the long-term. past this. Where does an NFP executive turn in times of Many NFP employees understand that they may difficulty? work at salaries below those of their peers in forprofit organizations, but go forward intending to Answers are typically expected to be found in make a difference. They still desire opportunities governing boards, through consultants and internet for personal and professional development. NFP searches. Professional associations are also great
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forums for networking and problem solving, but may not be the most timely option for specific counsel for a specific situation. While on the whole, these associations are wonderful sources of information, use of message boards can leave NFP executives open to unsolicited calls from those trying to sell services rather than sharing information. And if the NFP executive cannot afford the time to belong to a professional association, these resources are not an option at all.
address them fully. Philanthropy Mastermind is not a group class, neither is it a ‘pity-party’ or ‘feel good’ session. Each individual comes prepared to take action and report progress from previous meetings. Group discussions are absolutely confidential, solutions and action plans are developed for each individual - but counseling is NOT part of the process.
The 2016 Philanthropy Mastermind class is forming NOW, to begin in January. For a small monthly fee and a 12-month commitment, participants can glean valuable assistance from seasoned NFP facilitators through case studies, hot-seats during group sessions, personalized individual coaching Relationships built during mastermind participation for professional development, phone accountability are priceless. The right mastermind group will and unlimited email consultation with experienced, offer immediate help for immediate situations. knowledgeable resources who can help you get Brainstorming around critical issues and peer moving quickly. accountability lead to more confident decisionmaking, with increased clarity and real benchmarks YOUR nonprofit CAN improve the world, or it can to achieve real progress. The tedium of defining and rob you of time, energy and money. Position your overcoming professional challenges can lead to nonprofit to be successful when you position feelings of isolation, but the relationships within a yourself for guidance FIRST. great philanthropy mastermind eliminate the notion that you’re ‘going at it alone.’
Find Solutions In Philanthropy Mastermind
Due to the high volume of need in this area and our intense commitment to offering solutions within the nonprofit community, we now offer a 12-month Philanthropy Mastermind facilitated by seasoned and credentialed fundraising and nonprofit executives. Our goal is to build long-term relationships between facilitators and members through secured information and resource sharing. We know that within a 12-month Philanthropy Mastermind, our members can expect to raise more money, operate more efficiently and improve missional viability. Philanthropy Mastermind cuts research time when you have a specific issue, by tapping into the group’s collective mind to secure specific knowledge without hours of searching online for potentially less-thancredible answers. With 55 years experience in nonprofit management, we’ve been there before, and know how to navigate these waters successfully. To be absolutely clear, let me describe what Philanthropy Mastermind is NOT. It is NOT group coaching; it is NOT group consulting. Participants have unique needs and plans, and we
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John Gilchrist, FAHP, CFRE, is a leader in the nonprofit sector, guiding business owners with philanthropic outreaches to fill board positions, generate productive funding and create an overall rewarding scenario that impacts positively the community at large. Visit http://FundraiserStrategies.com to discover what John can do for YOUR nonprofit and contact John@PhilanthropyMastermind.com or call 469-215-1651 today. Look for the Philanthropy Focus advertisement in The OffBeat Business Magazine.
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ROI Re-Imagined
Establishing
SOPs By Candy Barone
For most businesses, the idea of having an operating manual seems pretty basic. However, when asked, most start-up and family companies are lacking in that department drastically. While they agree to the importance of having their operations documented, very few actually do.
For starters, let’s start with some questions to stir the pot: What if something happens to the CEO or president of the firm? Where does all that intellectual property and know-how go if the person responsible leaves (whether by choice or by circumstance)? What if a system goes down?
In fact, the standard operating procedures (SOPs) needed to run and manage their businesses are rarely, if ever, written down, tracked, revised, and maintained. Many entrepreneurs and business owners keep it all “in their heads” and think they got it all covered.
What happens when an organization begins to expand and experiences rapid growth? How will new employees be on-boarded? How will roles and responsibilities be defined and properly assigned? These are all real questions that business owners come face-to-face with every day.
But, what happens when that is the only way they manage their business? When they keep As for me, I recently had the opportunity to explore what some of those questions really it all locked in someone’s head? entail. I spent three days working with my Let’s explore what really happens to an coach and mastermind group analyzing and organization that doesn’t have any written, evaluating all the different SOPs needed to or sufficient, standard operating plans as a support the processes within my business. roadmap for their business. Wow! Did I get a wake up call! 22
Off BeatMagazine To say my eyes were opened, would be a rather large understatement. You see, I was one of those business owners who has it all up there “in her head.” I know my processes inside and out, and also know the importance of getting them down as my own team is expanding.
What caused my shift, you might be wondering? Maybe it was the rich and insightful discussion we had with the attorney that woke me up.
Yet I hadn’t pulled the trigger myself. I still kept making excuses and telling myself, “I’ll get to it later. I don’t have time right now to waste putting these SOPs together. It’s not a revenue-generating activity. It’s just not my priority.” Well, news flash … it may be a revenue inhibitor at some point. A lack of standardized practices could cause me huge bottlenecks moving forward. That being said, I better make the time … and that is exactly what I am doing now. I’m mapping out time every week to prioritize and capture the processes within my own organization, and get them written down in Or maybe it was the future growth of my an organized fashion. company I am envisioning that could begin 23
to feel overwhelming if I don’t have a means and structure to build my team in a way that allows them to play full-out, at their highest and best level, that brought me full circle.
Then my role is to appropriately delegate out these tasks and create the accountability around each SOP to ensure the tasks are completed, tracked and maintained.
Perhaps, it was just plain common sense, that as a prudent business owner, it is my responsibility to protect my investments, serve as my organization’s leader, and streamline the processes that create efficiency and effectiveness within my company.
This is an investment of your, as well as your team’s, time, energy, and possibly company resources. However, this is an investment that will pay huge dividends back to you and your organization. Consider what the opportunity costs to you might be if you don’t. Because, remember … ROI is a return on investment, not a return on intention.
Regardless, I am awake now and see the abundant possibilities. I also take full ownership to lead, which does not necessarily mean I will be the one that is developing each SOP (note: this is a great example and opportunity to delegate to those on your team responsible for the process itself ). My responsibility is in setting both the expectations and the desired time frames to get our processes documented and organized, while also clearly communicating the importance of capturing these SOPs, to my team.
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Candy Barone, CEO & Founder, You Empowered Strong “Your Pull-No-Punches Accountability Powerhouse” International Speaker, Business Strategist, Executive Coach & Trainer, Best-selling Author candybarone@youempoweredstrong.com www.youempoweredstrong.com (512) 693-9732
“What happens when an organization begins to expand...”
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The Quest fo By Clint Fuqua
Spring is here, soon to be followed by the summer and you know what that means. Everybody will be on the quest for a six pack! There will be commercials and ads running non-stop with images of beaches, lakes, stores, guys, and girls all with six packs. Six packs glistening in the sun with water running down, all looking bright and shiny, with no imperfections, and easy to grab at will.
chest you call a belly is the simplest.
Buy fresh or frozen fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, oils, sauces, and meats. This means you will never be in the black hole of packaged death in the middle of the store and your shopping trip will take less than 30 minutes. Fire up the grill, marinate your meats and vegetables, toss some salads, chop some fruits, and enjoy the fresh lightly cooked Now that we’re done with all the beer foods of the summer. Abs are uncovered in commercials you will also be seeing the the kitchen and your health will be saved at before and after ads of every kind promising the same time as you get lean. magic in a bottle. Yes, those fun ads promising ripped abs and some even doubling down by Picking up the right ingredients at the store is promising that you can have a six pack while 70 percent of what makes a six pack possible. enjoying a six pack. Well I’m not going to The other 25 percent requires even more promise you can have your six pack and drink heavy lifting than making it from your car to one too, but if you follow the steps below it the kitchen in one trip after a grocery run. It will also make that trip much easier and worth might be possible on occasion. doing in a tank top, or even shirtless (for the The easiest way to get a six pack is to go straight guys out there.) to the store and bring it back home with you, along with some guns, some wheels, some Yes, you have to do some gut busting work lean cuts, and some buns. This isn’t the list for to grow those muscles you see oiled up on a wild redneck cookout in the country. This is the TV. The thing is, it is not as difficult as it your body and you buy what you look like in is made out to be most of the time. The best the mirror every time you toss something in routines are quite simple and require only 2 your cart and take a bite just a few minutes or things from you to achieve results - proper hours later. The best shopping list for getting form and little to no rest. 30-45 minute Full lean and taking your six pack out of the ice body workouts (squat/row/lunge/push/twist/ 26
repeat) and sprint style cardio (fast/slow/fast/ slow) are the most effective for burning the fat and building muscle both during and after each workout. I do recommend hiring a trainer to get the form right and find a good starting point and to keep you pushing because DYI projects always cost more when you only consult with yourself. I know you’ve been thinking to yourself about my muscle brained math mistake in the last section. Luckily I have a big fat brain and that missing 5 percent is what’s missing for over 90 percent of people. This is the magic of sleep and the fat eating fairies that do their work while you snooze. Forget about the 5 minutes of fun you call magic because the 8 hours of sleep between the sheets is what really gets things done.
Action Steps: 1. Go to the Store. Make a list that contains all the ingredients that make a six pack. There will be nothing in the middle of the store or at the checkout on this list. Buy only what is on the list, leave the store, and don’t return until everything is enjoyed. 2. Pick up only what you need. A six pack is uncovered in the kitchen but is made in the gym. Keep your workouts simple, focused, and fast paced. The more extra stuff you pick up the less you can get done and the longer it will take to build.
3. Sleep off everything you don’t need. All the magic happens in the bedroom for 8 hours every night. The less time you spend there the less the magic can happen. Give Yes, that’s right. You actually lose fat when those magic fat eating fairies a chance to do you sleep and sleep well because your body their job so you can enjoy the results. gets to repair itself. Those fat eating fairies Visit me at are really just metabolic mechanics and they www.ClintFuqua.com do love to munch on adipose while repairing and contact me with any muscles, organs, skin, bone, brain, and other questions, comments, request, tissues. Give them a full 8 hours to do their recommendation, proposals, work and you will notice a better everything fan mail, or hate mail at to go along with along with those abs of steel Clint@ClintFuqua.com. you are building in the gym and feeding at every meal. 27
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or a Six Pack
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Uncovering The Meaning of Memorial Day
Brenda Wakefield, MS, LMT, LMTI, CEP Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, dates back to 1868 to a proclamation by General John Logan, Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, borne out of the Civil War to honor those who died in service to their country. Later it was officially observed by New York State in 1873. Then the northern states recognized it by 1890. The southern states came on board after World War I to honor all fallen in any war. Armed conflict involving the United States has taken volunteers and those drafted (19481973) to serve and protect their nation. As tradition continues, many are remembered this Memorial Day and National Cemeteries will adorned graves with flowers and wreaths in honor of loved ones who are gone but not forgotten. Daily reminders such as an empty spot at the dinner table, a photo, a smell, a holiday, a song - and so much more trigger the memory of what once was. Military members are a special group of citizens who dedicate a part of their life to give the gift of freedom to a nation. Freedom is not free and the memories of those we have lost are precious. The average citizen will never experience or understand the sacrifices associated with men and women in uniform. Military travel, relationships, skills, education and more are very different from staying in one location an entire lifetime or even going away for college or moving away for a job. The road is not at all glamorous - with wars and turmoil, family separation, and missed moments of daily life, but because they chose to take that road the Unites States of America is by far the greatest country.
A huge thank you to all who took the oath and stood to protect the flag for a nation to live free. On a personal note, I love the 20 years, 3 months and 17 days of my service in the United States Air Force. It was a choice and honor never to be taken for granted. Proud of the privilege to stand among the elite of the nation from all branches of the military. In honor of those who died in service to our country, visit a National Cemetery and be thankful for the freedom enjoyed each day. Brenda Wakefield, MS, LMT, LMTI, CEP offers proactive massage and touch therapies and initiates the body’s natural healing ability after injury. Start feeling better today, call her office at 214-380-9700, or her mobile phone at 469-955-6530. Learn more about the therapies she provides at www.handsofchoice.abmp.com. Schedule an appointment in the DFW area at http://styleseat.com/brendawakefield
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In Memory
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The Immune System and the Business
Owner By Julie Williams
What does the Immune System have to do with the Business Owner? A reasonable question. I run my small business and I’m here to tell you that my immune system has everything to do with my business and how much I accomplish. A healthy immune system determines how many days I’m performing at my peak, how many fewer appointments get canceled, and just my overall well being. Energy is usually the first thing people notice when they’re not operating at their best. Have you been sluggish lately? Here are a few tips to boost your immune system, thus boost your business. Okay, the first one isn’t stay home to cut down your risk of exposure. There are two distinct, but inter-connected immune subsystems: the innate and the acquired.
immune system has learned to recognize an enemy, after an initial infection or vaccine, it remembers the enemy’s characteristics and generates the proper response. It is a powerful, highly specific, and sophisticated system but initially slow to respond. It is only able to respond quickly and efficiently if you have already encountered the threat previously. Your first line of defense is the innate immune system, which is more basic. It is faster to respond but less specific. The key cellular components are macrophages, neutrophils and Natural Killer (NK) cells. These natural defensive troops constantly patrol your body looking for anything that doesn’t belong there. If macrophages and neutrophils spot bacterium, they swallow it and try to digest it. If NK cells recognize a virally infected cell they will try and kill it to prevent further viral replication. They will do the same with cancer cells to prevent growth.
There is a little known secret to boosting the The acquired immune system is that part effectiveness of your innate immune systems. with ‘memory.’ It is involved ‘positively’ with It is one of the missing nutrients in most of immunization and ‘negatively’ with allergy our diets. They are called beta-glucans, plant and auto-immunity. Once the acquired 30
“Have you been sluggish lately?”
immune system. The innate part is really the most important because it is the difference between turning the pathogen into a ‘memory’ or the pathogen turning us into a memory! Julie Williams, The Accidental Nutritionist, educates the public about the necessities of proper omega balance and issues surrounding our public water supplies, including consumption and external use of those supplies. Julie clarifies health issues commonly misunderstood, and helps business owners improve their quality of life with simple adjustments made to their daily routine. To work with Julie, call 817-894-5311 or email her at TheHealthDepot@Yahoo.com.
That Disney fruit at the grocer makes the dishes you cook look so much better. Those brown spots contained the the 1:3,1:6 chain of beta glucans. This particular chain travels through the stomach into the small intestine where they are taken up by M cells in specialized regions called Peyer Patches. In the Peyer patches they are presented to the macrophages whose receptors recognize them and bind them together. They then convey them to various regions of the body such as the lymph nodes, thymus, and bone marrow. The macrophages break down the beta glucans into smaller particles and release them over 24-36 hours. These active fragments bind themselves onto the surface of the neutrophils, the most abundant immune cells found in the body. They lock onto the CR3 receptors (Complement Receptor 3) and the neutrophil is now activated or primed and ready to react to pathogens. So there it is. A simple science lesson on the immune system. Most of us get vaccines and are dealing with the ‘memory’ part of the 31
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yeasts that occur in the normal process in a plant’s life. That process is fermentation. In the good old days you could grow your own or buy fruits and veggies at the store and they would have those brown or browning spots. That is unheard of today!
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A Business Owner’s Family Law Nightmare How YOU Can Be Prepared
By Lisa Zahn Hiring a family law attorney can be a daunting task. With over 84,000 licensed attorneys in Texas, where do you start when you need counsel? Who do you call? What should you look for in your attorney? You must ask a lot of questions as you embark on this process. Especially when you are incredibly busy with your own business, it is imperative that you do take the time to choose the best and right attorney for your case. In a family law case, you will experience overwhelm - emotionally, mentally, and sometimes physically and financially. Now is not the time to choose the first attorney who comes up on a Google search.
information.
First Contact Once you have whittled down your list to attorneys with credentials and experience (and no disciplinary history), pick three and start making calls. When you call an attorney’s office for the first time, are you put through to the attorney to have a brief telephone conversation? Are you asked to make an appointment without speaking to the attorney? That may be indicative of how accessible your attorney is likely to be during your case.
You may, under the best of circumstances, be working closely or frequently with a legal assistant or legal secretary. Look for a courteous and professional Where to Start staff that returns calls promptly. Are you willing to wait days for your attorney to return your call? You The best place to start is not by using Google. Start shouldn’t be. Expect a call back that same day, or at by asking trusted friends, family members, your CPA, least within 24 hours. financial advisor, therapist or colleagues who they recommend. Ask why a specific attorney has been Do you have to make an appointment rather than recommended and what they like about him or her. speaking with the attorney you’re calling? Once After you have some names, then start Googling. Find out all you can about the attorneys whose names you have gathered. Look for attorneys board certified in family law. Consider how long they’ve been practicing law, and the counties they work in. In Texas, check www.texasbar.com to see if an attorney has ever been subject to disciplinary action by the State Board, but every state will have this information available so do your due diligence and seek out that
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again, is that attorney going to be accessible to you? Consider the consulting fee. Most attorneys do not offer free consultations, but the first consultation shouldn’t be outrageously expensive. How do you feel when you do speak with the attorney - comfortable or uneasy? Pay attention to all of these cues to start identifying who you would want to represent you in court.
Don’t gloss over the attorney’s fee agreement. Look In the initial meeting with your attorney, bring a list closely to verify that the attorney’s hourly rate and of all the questions you have about your legal matter. additional expenses are clearly stated. It should Does the attorney answer all of your questions? If also clearly spell out what you may expect from the attorney doesn’t know the answer to one of your your attorney during your case and what she/he questions, she should offer to find out the answer expects from you. Are you given adequate time to read the fee agreement or are you asked to sign it and get back in touch with you. immediately? You should always be given enough time to read the contract and ask questions if you have any.
“Look for a courteous and professional staff ”
Does the attorney guarantee a certain outcome in your case? If so, choose a different attorney. In family law, like all litigation, there is no way to know what the judge in your case will rule. Likewise, it is impossible to know how the other party and his/her attorney will behave during the case. Their behavior will directly affect how your case develops. Therefore, no attorney should make a guarantee about how a case will turn out. $300.00 per hour and up is a customary legal fee for experienced family law attorneys in Dallas, Collin and Denton counties, but also find out what the attorney’s paralegal hourly charge is. That rate should fall between $100.00 to $150.00 per hour. A customary retainer range is anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. Ask the attorney if she/he thinks the retainer will be enough to complete the case or not. If your case is complicated, the attorney may tell you that there is no way to know how much the total cost will be because the amount of work your attorney will perform depends upon the behavior of the opposing party and his/her attorney. More work means you will be paying more money in attorney’s fees.
Closely Held Businesses As a small business owner, does the attorney have experience handling a case with an asset like yours? If you are seeking a divorce, your attorney should be aware of how to facilitate the valuation of your business and know when to bring an expert in taxation, corporate issues and the like. Your spouse will probably be seeking at least 50% of the value of your company in the divorce, if not trying to take control of your business. Since Texas is a community property state, if your business was formed during marriage, it is considered community property and is divisible by the court. If you started your business before marriage, it is considered separate property which means the court has no authority to award any portion of your business to your spouse. However, your spouse may still be entitled to some amount of money from your company. This is called a ‘reimbursement claim,’ something that can be complex and a family law attorney must understand and implement it well.
The Story Of Bob And Jean For example, after “Bob” was honorably discharged from the Marine Corp., he founded a printing company in 2002 and ran his business for two years until he met and married “Jane” in 2004. During their marriage, Jane joined Bob in working from time to time at the printing company but she was not paid for her work because she wanted to pitch in and help the business grow. In 2012, the printing business became more successful than ever and had its best year. That growth continued in 2013 and 2014 and each year, Bob held back $100,000.00 per year in the company’s bank account in case there were lean times again in the future.
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The Meeting
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In early 2015, Jane found a boyfriend for herself on match.com and filed for divorce from Bob. Remember Jane “pitching in” to help the business grow? Now Jane is seeking reimbursement for her time spent working at the printing company without pay. She has a reimbursement claim for “time, toil and talent.”
“...over 86,000 licensed attorneys in the State of Texas.”
work as well as negotiation. In addition, Bob needs an attorney who best suits him and his personality. Just because someone has a law license does not mean her demeanor and approach will be appropriate for Bob. Bob’s case has several complex issues that will be drawn out for many months if not a year or more. It is important that he choose an attorney who not only has credentials and experience, but also someone he feels he can rely on and communicate with him in a manner that he can understand.
Final Thoughts As stated above, there are over 86,000 licensed attorneys in the State of Texas. Some of those are family law specialists. All of them are not necessarily the best attorney for you and your case. Family law cases such as divorce, custody battles and child support issues are charged with emotion and stress. Doing your homework in selecting your attorney should relieve some of the stress in your case, not add to it.
Jane is also seeking compensation from Bob for the $100,000.00 a year Bob held back in the company’s bank account in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Technically, Jane may be entitled to a portion of these funds even though the printing company is Bob’s separate property. Jane also wants a portion of Bob’s military retirement benefits. Bob is mentally and emotionally overwhelmed by running the business, taking care of their two children, the divorce itself and the claims Jane is making on his printing company and retirement accounts. Even though Bob is stretched thin by everything going on in his life, it is imperative that he chooses his counsel carefully. He should seek out an attorney who is knowledgeable about the nature of reimbursement claims and is familiar with the various experts (forensic accountants) who routinely investigate reimbursement claims. Bob’s attorney should be aware of what advantages Bob may or may not have in court due to Jane’s infidelity. Military benefits are valued and divided somewhat differently than nonmilitary benefits, so Bob’s attorney should be familiar with that fact or have the resources to find out what to do. His attorney should also be experienced in trial
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Lisa Zahn is a family law attorney who protects your best interests and works hard to ensure you, your family, and your business are prepared for whatever journey lies ahead. A partner at Mackoy, Hernandez, Qualls, Brown & Zahn and Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Lisa is a recognized expert in the family law arena. If you need family law services in Denton, Dallas and Collin counties, wait no longer. Call 888-308-9434 today. http://www.hqattorneys.com/lisa-zahn. Look for her ad in The OffBeat Business Magazine.
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I Married A Sailor
By Dorothy Skinner
Our focus is on the veterans as we get closer to Memorial Day. We give thanks to our brave men and women that serve our nation and keep our country safe, preserving our freedoms. We pray for comfort for those that have lost loved ones in the past and for those that have family serving now in these very dangerous times.
Our family is also very proud to have my granddaughter, Shaina, serving in the Marines for several years - actually since graduating high school. She always said she would be President of the USA some day, and with her grit and determination - I won’t be surprised when I see her name on the ballot one day! Her parents miss her terribly, but they know My husband was in the U.S. Navy and I married she is following her desire to serve. my childhood sweetheart in the last year of his service. He had already had his year at sea We have many knowledgeable and skilled during the Lebanon crisis. We spent that last veterans out there now that are not employed. year at NAS Jacksonville, Florida before going If you or someone you know is planning on back to our home state of Wisconsin to start hiring in the near future, please consider hiring a vet. He or she will provide you with our family. more than just the job you need to have done. Gary was a hard worker and always credited his They will go over and above - because that is discipline, organization and sticktoitiveness just what they do. And they do it best. They to being in the service. He finished his five have practiced to follow thru - go all the way year apprenticeship in plumbing through don’t quit. These are skills they don’t teach in the union in Wisconsin, which required a school but they do learn from military service couple days of school a week and a couple just as my husband did. nights a week as well. So he became very knowledgeable in all the areas of plumbing Thank you for your service! work - large and small. He worked on hospitals Dorothy Skinner is the owner and schools and apartment buildings from of Gary’s Quality Plumbing, the ground up. It was only natural that after serving the north Dallas area, Wylie, McKinney, and being a journeyman, in five more years he Allen, Texas. Dorothy and would become a Master Plumber. He liked her husband, Gary, raised what he did and was always looking for more six children in the plumbing service industry and have built ways to add value to his trade. I know that his determination was very much due to his time their company of almost 50 years on customer service and fair pricing. Find their ad in The OffBeat Business Magazine. in the service and wanting to succeed. 37
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Surprising Headache Facts by Dr. Luke Arnett
Feel a headache, wince in pain, pop an aspirin. Even though that may work once in awhile, that routine is putting your health at risk, not solving the problem. For a myriad of reasons, many Americans believe it’s normal to experience at least 1-2 headaches each month. More than 4% of us suffer from frequent headaches, or headaches that occur at least 180 days of the year. As a matter of fact, over 83,100,000 people search Google using the search term ‘headache’ each day.
for the people surrounding the headache pain sufferer.
While immediate relief may in fact come in the form of a pill, it doesn’t always work so easily. A whole new problem emerges when a headache must be suppressed with additional doses of pain relievers. Over the course of my career, I’ve discovered - through extensive clinical research, education and experience that headache recurrences can be completely resolved, not merely medicated. Real solutions Headaches slow us down and even stop us must start before the headache does, not after. in our tracks, but some people go through Would it surprise you to know that scientists so much of their life in pain, they no longer have identified over 300 causes for headaches? believe they can be free of it. This impacts our workload, our family life and overall quality of We’re covered in pain-sensitive structures life - let alone the economic and social burden skin, muscles, arteries. Our facial nerves and
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2. Muscle-tension-
neck and upper back
muscular spasms 3. Post-traumatic-
following head/neck trauma, i.e. whiplash 4. Drug-induced- from analgesic overuse 5. Migraines
Dr. Luke Arnett is a practicing chiropractor, Doctor of Functional Medicine, Board Certified In Clinical Nutrition, Fellow of the American Association of Integrative Medicine, and holds Diplomate status with the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition. Dr. Arnett has extensive practical knowledge of Applied Kinesiology, acupuncture and thermography, and has successfully formulated 14 products to promote overall health. Contact Dr. Luke Arnett and Dallas Wellness Care at 214-351-2299, and start feeling better today.
6. Cluster
Chiropractors successfully help thousands of people everyday experience safe, effective,
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upper cervical nerves produce headaches long-term relief from headache pain. Most when irritated or injured. headaches have a spinal, muscular or habitual component that a chiropractor has been The most common of these headaches trained to identify and treat. As many as 10include: 25% of patients initiate chiropractic care for the 1. Cervicogenic- problems within the neck relief of headaches.
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WARNING THIS CAN SAVE YOU! By Taylor Kay Stephens
R
Our mind, body and intuition talk to us – they’re there to warn and protect us. It may be our physical and mental health, relationships, finances, business decisions or other areas of our lives. Sometimes we may get only one warning, however most of the time, it starts out as a whisper, then gets increasingly louder or more frequent. Problem is - negative results are usually delayed. Now, I will no longer compromise my health for anyone or anything.
ecently, I found myself in bed for three weeks very sick with Bronchitis. How could this happen – I was healthy and rarely ever sick? Then it hit me and I knew why – this was a wakeup call! Besides feeling horrible, it was very costly in income. Every time I’d been sick before, without fail, it was always after long periods of stress, and or not eating healthy, and or not getting enough sleep, and or not Pay attention to the early warning signs - it exercising - this time was no different. For can save you! weeks, I’d been going to sleep extremely Taylor Kay Stephens, speaker, late almost every night, not exercising, and author and transformational life eating sweets again. coach, is no stranger to tragedy, At first there was a little fatigue, the occasional headache, feeling a little overwhelmed, a little weight gain and bloating. Gradually all this increased more and more, then I needed strong coffee to jump start my day. All this weakened my immune system and I was becoming run down. The warning signs were there, but I ignored them. In the past, during cold and flu season or even when I’d been around people who were sick, it didn’t affect me because I’d been taking care of myself and my immune system was healthy. 40
adversity and obstacles. She teaches people how to get out of overwhelm, change their bad habits and stop selfdefeating behaviors. What makes Taylor different? She challenges the status quo and thinks outside the box. She’s developed her own easy, practical techniques and systems so simple a child can do them. You may contact her at resolutionspeaking@sbcglobal.net and discover more at taylorkaystephens.com
By Susan Hamilton
We all have a vision of how we think our lives and business should look, but not many of us are willing to stretch to reach it. But that’s what separates us, isn’t it?
day. When I look at the guys I met at ATF (cover story) I realize how much we let our circumstances dictate our limitations, and the truth is that we govern that in our heads FIRST.
If you’re reading this, you’re one of the exceptional business owners out there who recognizes the difference between good enough and great. That means when you don’t put yourself out there and play a big game, someone is getting cheated out of their best spent dime. When talking about growth with people, most seem to get that - at first. But we have physical issues and cash flow issues and family issues and legal issues and before long, it’s just easier to deal with what’s already on the table than to read the menu, choose something better, wait for the opportunity to materialize and cut into it. But it’s really no harder than that. The battle, my friends - isn’t with all that other stuff. It’s not you OR them - it’s them, but YOU.
If you struggle to get fired up and on top, I want to encourage you. Do what those guys do. They take a step forward, a leap of faith - PHYSICALLY. They let their body chemistry impact their physiology and let their physiology positively impact their mind. It’s a SUPER important approach. If you’re working all the time and can’t break to exercise, you’re not growing your business, you’re preparing your death bed mentally AND physically. If you think that won’t affect your revenue, think again. Friends, don’t wait to get over the hump before you prioritize your health. Time passes and the truth is, you’ll be able to do MORE when you honor yourself to a higher degree. I challenge you to begin living the life you envision in one area NOW. Then add to it regularly. Instead of saying ‘when,’ say OK. Your life happens when you walk it out. Anything short of that is mere existence - and you are so much more.
YOU are the difference maker. The events in our lives may be unfortunate at times. I often say I’ve walked through machine gun bullets my entire life. That’s why it’s so important for me to reach you, to draw you in, because you CAN build your amazing company in the tornado and still love Have you joined The OffBeat Business Alliance everybody you live and work with. Even though yet? Be counted among the best, join today. it looks like, and it feels like, you can’t. You CAN Susan Hamilton is the owner, take chances on people and you CAN believe the editor-in-chief and talk show best when it looks like hell. You CAN prepare yourhost of The OffBeat Business self for battle and you CAN win. “With knowledge Show & Magazine, a business I increase and strengthen my power, for by wise to business media company counsel I can wage war, and with an abundance of spotlighting what’s working counsel there is victory and safety.” Prov 24 AMP. right in American business
today. To learn how audio, The attacks on your life, money, health, and busivideo, digital magazine articles and ads can help you build a ness are all designed to build you up, not tear you down. You’re here precisely because your busi- strong, influential brand, contact ness is being built for the people you serve and Susan@OffBeatBusiness.com or call 214-714-0495.
the people who work in it and with you - for THIS
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Are We Willing To Stretch?
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“Not having the information you need when you need it leaves you wanting. Not knowing where to look for that information leaves you powerless. In a society where information is king, none of us can afford that.” - Lois Horowitz Our nation’s veterans are dying by their own hand at a rate of 22 per day! One of the issues contributing to that factor is the inability to access resources available to assist our military and their families when they are facing a myriad of issues transitioning to civilian life. Our website began as a solution to the problem confronting transitioning military personnel, spouses, and caregivers. Our focus and goal is to “push” out the information on valid and valuable organizations, resources, peer support networks, both locally and nationally, to the community that needs to access them in quick and efficient manner.
What makes Battle-Buddy Info unique among Resource Directories: Battle-Buddy Info resources are prevetted for inclusion into the Directory. Our Users have accessed, and/or researched the organizations and many have received services from the listed providers and consider them to be viable sources providing assistance DIRECTLY to a service member or their families. We provide eligibility information as listed on the Resource’s website (i.e. Branch of Service, Disability level, seasonal, geographical, etc ). From Battle-Buddy Info, once the User has determined they meet the criteria for assistance, they can link
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to the Application Form from our site, eliminating the need to read through pages of content provided by an organization.
SUICIDE PREVENTION Movement
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Movement 22 Instagram page is for Veterans in dark places. Call anyone listed on the site 24/7. Committed to being available for ALL before a permanent irreversible step is taken. www.instagram.com/movement22_
#22Kill
22Kill is a global movement bridging the gap between veterans and like-minded individuals to build a community of support and understanding. 22Kill works to raise awareness to the suicide epidemic that is plaguing our country, and educate the public on mental health issues such as PTS. The Virtual Veteran Advocate Map identifies committed individuals willing to talk to veterans in crisis. www.22kill.com
Hidden Wounds advocates to help stop Veteran suicides. The mission of Hidden Wounds is to provide interim and emergency counseling services to ensure the psychological health and well-being to combat veterans and their families. Counseling services through Give an Hour.
our network in various ways. We list all jobs on the Careers page of militarycivilian.com, which is a free job board searchable by location, category/ industry, and keyword. We post the jobs to other external job boards such as the Wounded Warrior Project’s CareerBuilder site, the Marine Corps Executive Association board, etc www.military-civilian.com
www.hiddenwounds.org
Vets for Warriors National Resources Hope for the Warrior
The mission of Hope for the Warriors is to enhance the quality of life for post9/11 service members, their families, and the families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope for the Warriors is dedicated to restoring hope for our service members and military families. Offering a variety of programs of assistance including emergency financial help. www.hopeforthewarriors.org
IAVA
The mission of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and their families. Rapid Response Referral Program assigns a case manager to help IAVA members navigate through a variety of resources available to them. The Career Pathfinder program includes resume builder, military skills translator and career mapping tool. www.iava.org
Military
-Civilian
Connecting military veterans and their spouses looking for work with civilian companies looking to hire. We partner with hiring companies to promote their open jobs throughout
Our mission is to provide 24/7 confidential, stigma free peer support by veterans to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members, Veterans, Retirees, and their families/ caregivers. Share lived experiences to create an environment of trust that demonstrates you are never alone, there is a caring, empathic voice ready to connect and follow up. www.vets4warriors.com
Veteran Artist Program (VAP)
VAP takes artists who are also veteran, and propels their works and careers into the mainstream creative arts community through networking, mentorships, collaborations with professional artists, and original productions. Weekly Podcast features veterans in the arts.
The Mission Continues
The Mission Continues empowers veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find new missions. We redeploy veterans in their communities, so that their shared legacy will be one of action and service. Service Platoons offer veterans the opportunity to find a new unit: members work together not only to solve tough challenges, but to also support one another in navigating reintegration into civilian life. www.missioncontinues.org
Team Red White and Blue (Team RWB)
Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) is a veteran support nonprofit organization whose vision is to increase the connectivity between America’s combat veterans and people in their communities. We use exercise as a medium to bring people together (running, triathlon, Crossfit, yoga, hiking, etc...) We also provide personal assistance/coaching for veterans who want to get back into shape. www.teamrwb.org
Scout Military Discounts
Team Rubicon Engages Veterans. Hundreds of US military veterans, many returning home after fighting ten years of war, find a renewed sense of purpose for their skills and experiences through TR. Team Rubicon sets itself apart in the nonprofit world. TR pioneered a new paradigm in disaster response while redefining the meaning of veteran reintegration into society.
SCOUT is designed to have every military discount at your fingertips. It also provides useful features such as USO locations, charities that help the military community and much more. Please add any military discounts you know about today so they can be verified and shared with the SCOUT community. The mission is simple: make every military discount easily accessible to those who deserve them (all soldiers, veterans and their families). This awesome group of people should be able to know that they’re getting a discount beforehand...right from their phone.
www.teamrubiconusa.org
www.SCOUTMilitaryDiscounts.com
www.veteranartistprogram.org
Team Rubicon
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Hidden Wounds
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