The Source by WIN

ource S The

Spring Issue 2010

by WIN

Tips for

Business

Success

• Leadership • Marketing • Media Relations • Funding • Staffing • Entrepreneurship • Interviewing • Customer Service

My

Journey to WIN A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e W o m e n ’s I n i t i a t i v e N e t w o r k , A C h r i s t i a n O r g a n i z a t i o n f o r W o r k i n g W o m e n

Desk Notes]

From the President Jane Boston | President of WIN

Women’s Initiative Network WIN Mission Statement Purpose: The WIN organization will assist women of the Christian faith in their quest to fulfill God’s direction in their initiatives of business, ministry, professional and personal life endeavors. This association will offer training, marketing and supportive assistance for its members who desire to grow in professional and personal skills, in order to credit God for successful results with their initiatives.

The WIN organization is a non-profit South Carolina corporation supported by donations, membership annual dues, sale of training materials, and operation of events. Motivations, Inc., a planning and education company is the association management company for WIN.

1 The Source by WIN

Dear Friends of WIN, Have you spent time lately figuring out what God is calling you to do? Do you know for sure that where you are is where you are meant to be? It’s never too late to re-assess, re-evaluate and realign with HIM. God’s plans are meaty, full of content, meaning and matters that connect to His mission.

Feeling aimless? Then you may not be on task, or perhaps God is giving you a break in the pace through a quiet season. Are you in a quiet season but thinking you are not fulfilling His call? Spend time asking Him. A season of rest can only be enjoyed when we know that is where He wants us.

Through the years, my career has been more work than rest. At one point while managing lots of employees, I pondered whether my expectations were too high, workloads too steep, and energy needs too demanding. In sharing this question with a seasoned board member, he said, “There’s a great sense of pride in a hard day’s work.” God delights in a good worker. 2 Timothy 2:15: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Feeling productive, focused and fruitful is a wonderful feeling and necessary to feeling fulfilled. Idol time is the work of the devil, we are told. Make 2010 a great year by seeking your real calling, as appointed from the Boss of the universe.

At Women’s Initiative Network, we are off and running with leadership in place and hearts united for a very fruitful year. Won’t you join us in gathering women who love to give God the glory?

Excited about the potential, Jane Boston - President, Board of Directors

2 Timothy 2:15: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Jane Boston

President, Women’s Initiative Network jboston@motivationsceu.com

Jane Boston, president of Motivations, Inc., has 20 years experience in health care management and program development, and currently handles course scheduling and marketing efforts. Motivations, Inc. began offering training course to rehab professionals in February 1999.

The company began with the unique concept of bringing providers together in a membership offering quality continuing education. Jane uses her skills in strategic planning, fundraising and rehabilitation to develop this effort. Jane is also president of Women’s Initiative Network. She is a writer, helped create The Source Magazine, and was featured in Entrepreneur’s Magazine in February 2007. Jane Boston’s latest book, “The Longer You Wait, The Bigger the Miracle,” is now available.

Vickie A. Dexter WIN Treasurer simpthgs64@comporium.net

Vickie Dexter serves as the treasurer for WIN and holds a Master’s degree in accounting. She has been employed with Internet Services Corporation for nine years as their International Accounting Manager.

Vickie is active in her church, where she holds a position on the Board of Ladies Ministries at Perfecting the Heart Worship Center in Chester, South Carolina. Vickie carries the plans for a ministry called Forward Motions, which will move people forward toward God’s destiny for their life, by providing resources in the areas of spiritual, physical and financial health. A single mother of three teenagers, Vickie handles all her duties with a calm and radiant spirit.

Allison Osman

Editor of The Source by WIN Magazine TheSource@womensinet.org

Allison Osman is a writer who aims to honor God through her craft. She is also the marketing director and course coordinator for Motivations, Inc. Her professional background is as a public relations director for a private university and as an officer in the United States Navy.

She lives in Charlotte, N.C., with her wonderful husband and dog Daisy, and is a member of Forest Hill Church, Ballantyne campus.

Volume 2 No. 1 3581 Centre Circle, Suite 104 Fort Mill, SC 29715 P: 803.802.5454 • 815.371.1499 E: office@womensinet.com W: www.womensinet.com

Contents 1

From the President

3

From the Editor

4

Your Career Path

5

Brenda Marshall-My Journey to WIN

7

Exalt! Vocal Talent Show

8

Devotional

9

Leading with Love

12 Low Cost Marketing 13 Media Relations 14 Accessing Stimulus, Contracts 15 Women Business Owners 17 Next Generation Workers 19 Entrepreneurship 21 Job Searches 23 Tips for Leaders 24 Customer Service 25 Success in the Workplace 28 How has WIN helped you?

Spring Issue 2010

The Source by WIN 2

From the Editor]

In This Issue Allison Osman | Editor for The Source by WIN Magazine

Dear Readers,

“As the purpose of WIN is to assist women with professional networking, mentorship, training and personal growth, we are committed to helping one another, while glorifying God in our personal and professional lives.”

3 The Source by WIN

This issue is dedicated to providing you tips to succeed in the workplace. As the purpose of WIN is to assist women with professional networking, mentorship, training and personal growth, we are committed to helping one another, while glorifying God in our personal and professional lives. We asked friends of WIN to let us know their tips for success in the areas of customer service, sales, marketing, new media, public relations, budgeting, funding, human resources, entrepreneurial endeavors, job searches and interview skills.

Please keep reading to find out what these successful businesswomen have to say.

Also in this issue, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know more about WIN’s Executive Director Brenda Marshall, her journey to WIN, and her plans for the rest of 2010.

We are happy to announce that WIN is now on Facebook. Simply go to the WIN website and click on the facebook icon to become a fan and follow WIN on this social networking site.

Since WIN has official nonprofit status as a 501(c)3 organization, the website has been updated from a “.com” to a “.org.” Please visit us online at www.womensinet.org.

Wishing you a faithful walk with the Lord, Allison Osman Disclaimer: The tips for success in this magazine are the opinions of the individual authors.

Neither The Source by WIN magazine nor Women’s Initiative Network endorses these methods.

Congratulations to a Friend of WIN Longtime WIN supporter Sheri Miller has been named North Carolina State Director for Concerned Women for America. For the past 12 years, she served as a CWA Prayer Chapter coordinator. Congratulations to Sheri.

Robyn Crigger, CEO | C ompass Career Management Solutions, OI Partners Inc.

Evaluate & Plan YourCareerPath Our current economic situation has many concerned about the security of their jobs or seeking jobs, much less thinking about the future of their careers.

Our current economic situation has many concerned about the security of their current jobs or simply seeking jobs, rather than thinking about the future of their careers as a whole. (Those in a job search should consider the potential future for any employer of interest.)

It is time to look at the big picture and decide what is important to you, what are the priorities in your life, and design a game plan with your priorities in mind.

Take a look at how your current employer is treating all employees. Now is a time when employers should be investing in you.

Are you being offered any training or coaching to grow your skills?

Even if money is tight, an employer should be doing all possible to keep all aspects of the company strong and healthy. In fact, if employees are being trained or coached to be more efficient or to help you think outside the box, you could help your employer to get ahead of the competition.

A proactive employer will also encourage employees to share ideas and suggestions for improving the company, the process, product, etc. Employees who invest in their employers by offering

support, solutions or suggestions, should also be recognized or rewarded in some way. That doesn’t have to be a financial gift, but it could be offered additional vacation days or dinner out for the family, or something that the employee values.

What can a career-minded individual do to benefit a career’s future? Take classes, expand skill sets, seek out a mentor or executive coach to work on weaknesses or build up strengths, or talk to the employer about potential growth in the company. Taking on new challenges for the employer can grow an employee’s capabilities while benefitting the employer.

Look for professional organizations that can expose you to new paths and opportunities. Taking on a leadership role in an organization may demonstrate to your employer that you have leadership skills. Perhaps such a role might even draw attention to your employer. Growth takes different forms and venues.

After evaluating your career status, list some realistic goals for yourself. Do not underestimate the impact of a credible executive, support of family and friends, faith, and self-confidence. What steps do you need to take to reach your ultimate career goal?

Spring Issue 2010

The Source by WIN 4

Brenda Marshall | MPH, Executive Director

My

Meet WIN’s Executive Director:

Journey to WIN, Vision for 2010

5 The Source by WIN

Over the last four months I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of you and getting to know others via e-mail communication and phone calls. You’ve represented yourselves as a wonderful group of Christians who possess a spirit of volunteerism and winsome attitude. It is now my turn to share a bit of how I came to WIN. I’ll try to connect the dots starting with my college roommates.

A Baptist, a Catholic, a Quaker and a Methodist all lived together in a house.

This might sound like the beginning of a joke. It’s not a joke, but it was an adventure of life-shaping magnitude. My roommates and I enjoyed observing each other, comparing and questioning our patterns of faith during the early years of our college days. We became very close friends and probably each took away a great appreciation and acceptance of how our different denominations translate into Christianity. It instilled in me a broader sense of religion and brought me a newfound peace through prayer and fellowship. I went from being a “stressed out” college student to a young woman with a passion for learning. Looking back, this was the beginning of the “mind, body, spirit” revolution that carried me through my years of schooling in community health education and later administration; and is still with me today. From roots of health, community and learning, sprouted branches of public service, teaching and adventure. My adventures have taken me to jobs in Pennsylvania, Oregon, Kentucky, Ohio, North and South Carolina.

For the last several years I have worked with the YMCA, creatively exercising my program planning skills to develop health and fitness programs for targeted populations and seeking out grants in a challenging economy. Searching for a full-time career, I embarked on a career-counseling journey that required me to do the hard work of creating a resume

that would land me the job I needed to restructure my career. Secretly, I wished to land a secure position that would let me climb a ladder to somewhere. In the final analysis all arrows pointed to nonprofit.

Clearly, it is God’s direction for me. One conversation with Nanci Singer was all it took for me to investigate what she shared with me about WIN, a path too interesting to by-pass.

So, as WIN’s executive director, I want to share with you my vision for the journey that lies ahead. First, I foresee WIN growing in membership through chapter development. Chapter development means two things. Starting new chapters is the first. A chapter can be started with a few friends. Simply meet, greet, share and grow. (Check the website at www.womensinet.com and select “chapters” to learn how to start a new one.) I foresee many small chapter meetings being started in and around the cities where we are already involved, as well as in locations totally new to WIN. Chapter development also refers to development within the chapter. As a sisterhood of believers, we are called to lift up those in need. Chapter members

are encouraged to serve as mentors to less experienced businesswomen, and to aid community women in need. This is meant to be a WIN-WIN situation for all involved.

Our journey to cyberspace has been launched with pages on www.facebook. com and www.LinkedIn.com. Our immediate goal is to post weekly on these pages. Please visit these pages and help grow our community of friends and professional colleagues. I foresee the Internet as an important link to our growth.

I’m very excited about the upcoming Exalt! 2010. My love of music makes me want to really create an event that can grow, so this is a big-picture signature event for me. It fits WIN in so many ways. It gives purpose and a venue to that creative license that musicians already possess. So, I can’t wait to hear some of the talent that’s going to bring down the house.

In 2010, we will also offer a 13week bible study to all chapters. Think how much we will benefit if all chapters participate in the course simultaneously!

Together, we can expand our faith journey and share it online.

Teleconferences are another way WIN can support members. By creating a registry of experts, WIN can coordinate a national teleconference for members who desire to call in for specialized workshops.

To me, these are the things that define WIN: Christian outreach to working women, missions, mentorship, support and spiritual growth. All of the above seems like a lot to accomplish in 2010, but I am confident that we will do it and do it well. I believe Phillipians 4:13 will take us there: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Brenda Marshall lives in Fort Mill, SC, with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. She can be reached at national@womensinet.org Spring Issue 2010

The Source by WIN 6

E

Women’s Initiative Network Presents

xalt!

2010

Vocal Talent Show

Celebrating God’s Love Through the Gift of Song

7-10 PM Thursday, June 3, 2010 North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center McGlohon Theatre 130 North Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202

Prlaiczee–$1s ,000

First p ith Grammy Award nw plus Consultatio ucer, Glenn Tabor at Winning prod lotte, North Carolina in Char GAT 3 studios e–$200 Second plac $100 Third place–

Join us for an evening of praise! Singers will offer their gift of song and music in this third annual Christian talent show to benefit the Women’s Initiative Network.

Tickets available through the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Box Office, located in the Belk Theater Lobby at: 130 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 Telephone: 704-372-1000 and www.carolinatix.org Group tickets are available at 704-379-1380 or groupsales@ncbpac.org.

Ticket Prices: Admission: $20, Students and seniors: $15, Group (10 0r more): $18 Presented by: Women’s Initiative Network, C3Communications, Inc. and Motivations, Inc. Talent Show Applicants Must: n Send a CD or DVD of yourself performing two Christian songs that you will perform the night of the competition to the address below (CDs and DVDs will not be returned). n Register online or send name, address, phone and email with mailed registration fee to the address below. n Pay a $49 nonrefundable registration fee online or mail check to address below. n You must be 16 years of age or older by time of event. n Applications with rules and regulations at www.womensinet.org. All contestants must register.

Application Deadline for ALL materials is May 15, 2010.

Send materials to: Exalt! 2010 C3Communications, Inc. 15720 John J. Delaney Drive, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28277 Women’s Initiative Network is a nonprofit Christian organization offering spiritual enrichment, continuing business education and networking opportunities to working women seeking to fulfill their God given initiatives.

For More Information visit www.womensinet.org

From the Devotionals of Acts3One Ministry Reflections on Camping and Crossing Over www.acts3one.giving.officelive.com

As I was reading in Joshua chapter three this morning, I began to think about that word “camping” and all that it implies. “Camping” is a temporary position. There is no connotation of being at home or of putting down roots.

Personally for me, the word “camping” implies a lack of comfort and necessities. Camping may be communing with nature, but I don’t like bugs or snakes or other creatures that may find their way into my temporary lodging. But as I read in Joshua 3 today, I find Joshua camping with the Children of Israel. They were waiting for God to lead them through the Jordan River and into that longedfor Promised Land. For Joshua and the Israelites, camping was waiting for God’s direction.

Oh, how many times have I waited for God to reveal the next step to me? How I can relate to the discomfort of “being still” and “knowing He was God” while hungering to cross over into that promised next phase, next step or next accomplishment on life’s journey. How vital it is to wait on God, yet how uncomfortable the camping and waiting can be for a finite and time-conscious child of God. I have been praying for God to either change my heart or to change my situation. I am weary from camping. There are days when I worry that I will be stuck here camping on the banks of my Jordan forever. Much like the Israelites, I keep waiting for the call to move forward. My bags are packed, but secretly I wonder if I will forever be praying, hoping and waiting. I question whether God is listening and if He does in fact have a plan to bless me (Jeremiah 29: 10-11). I question whether He really will give me the desires of my heart (Psalm 3:4-5) and fulfill the promises He placed in my spirit. So, I am camping. I know that I will move, but am uncertain as to when.

It is easy for me to believe that God is omnipotent, that He is sovereign and powerful.

I don’t have difficulty trusting that He is faithful or just. I believe His character to be steadfast, unmovable and unchanging. Where my faith falters is in believing that this all powerful, all knowing, creation-sustaining God considers me and my daily living important. I want to believe He loves me.

I want to trust that He hears me, but the idea of unconditional, eternal, unfaltering love is far beyond the grasp of a fallible, finite and sinful mind such as mine.

I must pray, believing that God hears me with full delight and full attention. I must realize that I am camping in His presence and abiding in His dwelling place. I must believe that God is near me.

He does hear me. He does love us and He does desire to bless us. He can be our shelter and our tent while we wait on the fulfillment of His promises - if we allow. We must be willing to lie down in the pastures He provides and to pitch a tent where He leads, while we wait on Him to go before us to make preparations. Surely we have realized from our study of the Hebrew Children that if we do not learn to trust His character and to wait without grumbling, the camping experience may be extended.

The Children of Israel learned that entering into the fulfillment of God’s promise was all about trusting that God would be God. Learning to wait is an exercise in knowing how well we know His character and trust His love. Psalm 145 states that the Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made. He is perfect in His timing and faithful to His promises. That is His nature. He can be nothing other than who He is. When I know that, then camping isn’t nearly as uncomfortable a situation.

“I must pray, believing that God hears me with full delight and full attention. I must realize that I am camping in His presence and abiding in His dwelling place.”

Spring Issue 2010

The Source by WIN 8

Human Resources Perspective:

Leading Others with

Love Good leaders are those who realize the many assets they have. Wise leaders, however, realize that the most important of these assets are the people in their care. Leaders who fully understand that people are the main thing are the very leaders who will not only find success for themselves, but also for their followers and their organizations. But how does one successfully lead this most important asset?

We advocate a servant leadership approach.

9 The Source by WIN

Servant leadership begins with love, the cornerstone of all virtues. Not surprising when we take into account that Jesus - in Matthew 22: 36-40 deduced the entire law into two things: to (1) love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and (2) love our neighbors as ourselves. Leaders must love their followers, show true and genuine care and concern for them. These are the leaders who show up, really show up, with all that they are. They are present for their followers physically, emotionally and spiritually, causing a deep connection between leader and follower.

Parker J. Palmer, in his book Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation, reminds us that a leader is someone with the power to project either shadow or light onto some part of the world and onto the lives of the people who dwell there. A leader shapes the ethos in which others must live, an ethos as light-filled as heaven or as shadowy as hell. A good leader is intensely aware of the interplay of inner shadow and light, lest the act of leadership does more harm than good. Without a doubt, leadership is deeply personal and the consequences of leading without the love we read about in Matthew 22 are dreadful, especially for those who follow.

A good question to ask is if love is even appropriate for the workplace.

Obviously some love, such as romantic love, is not. What we are advocating is agápao love—or moral love. Agápao love is motivated by humility and altruism and more often than not results in leader-follower trust and follower empowerment. This is the love that compels leaders to do the right things at the right times for the right reasons.

Leading with love is the opposite of leading with fear. Leaders that spread fear drain their followers’ and employees’ creativity, confidence and

enthusiasm. Ultimately, organizational productivity and effectiveness will suffer. Leading with love fosters these things, as well as creates environments of dignity and respect where followers can thrive and become all they were meant to be. Love attracts the human spirit, entices the spirit, and creates an atmosphere of freedom where creativity flourishes and organizational success is a given. Granted, both fear and love get results. However, how leaders go about achieving those results makes all the difference. It is imperative that leaders carefully examine themselves to see what type of environment they are creating. Is it one of fear or one of love?

Now, before you think this love approach to leading others is all “touchy-feely,” think again. This love is tough, very tough. Servant leadership is for the brave and courageous of heart. It is easy for the leader to disengage and just tell others what to do and how to do it; we can all pretty much do this. And yet, when we lead with love, we will have to engage with our followers and be fully available to them. This requires time, emotional and spiritual resources and the giving of self. For many of us, this might challenge the very notion we have about leaders and leadership. The kind of leadership that we propose here calls for disciplines and habits of the mind and heart that typically are not addressed in traditional leadership training programs: love, patience, humility, faithfulness, intuition and a servant’s heart.

The charge to love also comes with the realization that this involves loving everyone, not just the great superstar employees. Sometimes, we as leaders will have to love the unlovable. Do we love the manipulative follower or the problem employee? We must. In fact,

we have to. We must move beyond seeing employees as hired hands to seeing them as hired hearts.

This love has power, the power to create emotionally connected employees, create lives that are rich and balanced for organizational members, and create an environment that allows followers to take risks—learn— grow—and move in organizations.

Leaders who love their followers are the leaders who change lives—the lives of their followers, the lives of their organizations, and ultimately even their own lives.

Let us be encouraged in this journey of love with the words found in John 13: 34-35, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” You want to be a world changer? Begin with love and you will change much more than you can imagine.

About the Authors: Kathleen Patterson, Ph.D. is an associate professor in Regent University’s School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship; Doris Gomez, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in Regent University’s School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship.

ABOUT REGENT UNIVERSITY Founded in 1978, Regent University has more than 4,700 students studying on its campus in Virginia Beach, Va., and online around the world. Regent offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from a Christian perspective in fields including business, communication and the arts, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, and psychology and counseling.

Spring Issue 2010

The Source by WIN 10

Her Fitness Goals are Spiritual as Well as Physical April King had already turned a background in exercise science into a successful career as a fitness coach and personal trainer. When she decided to take those talents to the world mission field, Regent University’s missiology program— with its international focus and global reach—was exactly what she needed to help give her vision form. Regent specializes in shaping leaders. As a global center of Christian thought and action for more than 30 years, we’ve prepared thousands of capable men and women to excel in business, communication and the arts, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, and psychology and counseling. “You’ll connect with the world at Regent,” April says. Ready to bring your talents into your calling?

We’ll help you discover how.

Call 800.373.5504 www.regent.edu

G On Campus | Online Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctoral

April King Regent Graduate M.A. 2009

Ranked 2nd Nationally Online*

C h r i s t i a n

L e a d e r s h i p

t o

C h a n g e

t h e

W o r l d

*Source: 2009 OEDb Online College Rankings, www.oedb.org/rankings. Regent University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associates, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Regent University. Regent University admits students without discrimination on the basis of race, color, disability, gender, religion or national or ethnic origin. Regent University is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to operate campuses within the Commonwealth of Virginia. ADV096767

11 The Source by WIN

TIPS

Low Cost Marketing Deborah Millhouse CPC, CTS, CSP President, CEO Inc.

E-mail - It’s fast and cheap. Find meaningful, relevant information you can share, and then make people WANT to receive your information. This medium is best used for relationship building communications, education, last minute special offers, one-toone follow-up, candidate marketing, testing offers and pricing options, and market research.

Personal Letters - Good old-fashioned personal letters (the kind where you’re really writing to a specific individual), can be a powerful and effective tool for getting doors opened and bringing dead leads back to life. Best used for warming cold calls with specific prospects, thank yous, follow-ups to sales calls, reaching higher level decision makers (particularly in smaller companies), nurturing relationships, leveraging referrals (i.e., as a first communication with someone to whom you have been referred), and re-opening communication with former clients and cold leads.

Referrals - Just ask! Get in the habit of asking! Best used for developing new prospects, growing relationships within existing accounts. If you have a large number of people or organizations that might be able to send you referrals, consider setting up a formal affiliate or referral network. An affiliate network is a formal referral incentive program in which you share a percentage of your sales (which can range from 5 to 40%) with anyone who refers business.

Best used for increasing referrals.

Give Information - What are the things you know how to do that your clients and prospects don’t? Is there information you have that others would value? You can

position yourself as an expert and generate new prospects by sharing your expertise. An e-mail newsletter, writing a column for a local newspaper, and submitting regular articles for trade magazines or your local chamber of commerce newsletter.

Turn your expertise into your competitive advantage. Best used for developing credibility, positioning yourself as an expert, building trust, nurturing relationships, creating reasons to make follow-up calls, keeping yourself top-of-mind.

Surveys - Whether in written or verbal form, surveys offer a powerful way to develop new sales opportunities. Popular uses of surveys include: nC ustomer satisfaction audits: Identify ways to improve your products and services and pinpoint problems before they occur. nN ew product evaluations: Test the marketability of new concepts. n I ndustry trend surveys: Gather statistical data that will help you become a greater expert on your clients’ industry. n Industry challenges surveys: Determine areas where your clients will need your help in the future. nS alary surveys: Collect data that your cli-

ents and prospects will value and want to receive from you once you’ve collected it. n Instant Polls: Quick one-question surveys to share perceptions or develop a better understanding of specific issues.

Best used for market intelligence, building credibility and expertise.

Testimonials - There is power in a testimony! Collect testimonials that support your positioning message. Instead of having a client say “ABC Company provides great service” try to get a message that shows the value of what you do. For example, “ABC Company helped me lower turnover by 40%” or “On a cost per hire basis, ABC Company was the least expensive and highest quality firm we ever used.” Best used for developing credibility, positioning yourself as an expert, building trust, nurturing relationships, creating reasons to make follow-up calls, keeping yourself top-of-mind. Once you’ve collected the testimonials, here’s how to use them: n In e-mails: Use testimonials to enhance your e-mail communications. If you have a strong case study that goes with the testimonial, the case study could be the entire e-mail. n In direct mail: Whether it’s a sales letter to a prospect or just a follow-up to a client, including a testimonial can be a great way to build credibility and cross-sell services. n On fax cover sheets n On your Web site n In your promotional materials n As part of your on-hold message n In educational materials you create n In trade show displays and handouts

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The Source by WIN 12

TIPS

Media Relations: Patricia Golden President, My Team of Experts, Inc.

No Business is Too Small

What is the difference between marketing and PR? Is public relations and publicity the same thing? These terms are commonly used to describe how businesses promote their products and services. Let’s distinguish between these related, but different activities.

Marketing is the total of activities involved in the transfer of goods from the producer or seller to the consumer or buyer.

It includes everything you do to understand who potential customers are and what they want, to let them know about your product, and to make obtaining the 13 The Source by WIN

product easy. Public relations, advertising, packaging, shipping, storing, and selling activities are just some of what goes into marketing.

Public Relations, or PR, is any activity that promotes a positive image, fosters goodwill, or increases sales for your company. PR plays a major role in the overall marketing plan and includes activities such as partnerships with charitable organizations, speaking engagements, awards and media coverage.

Publicity is media coverage in all its forms, including print, broadcast, and

electronic. It can be positive or negative, helpful or harmful to your business.

Positive publicity is a critical element of public relations.

No business is too small for media coverage. Content providers, including reporters, editors, publishers, producers, news directors, and on-air talent, determine what information is to be communicated to the public. The relationship you establish with these media representatives greatly influences the publicity your company receives.

A mutually beneficial relationship will result in desirable press coverage for your company.

Be a resource. Actively seek ways to assist the people who develop and write the stories that your potential customers read or hear. Provide them with industry trends and statistics. Be prepared to give them contact information for other experts in the area. A reporter who trusts you for timely and reliable information will return to you for additional story leads. If your business concept is unique or you have a particularly interesting story to tell, the reporter may even write a feature article about your company.

Give them a reason to care. Give the media a reason to cover your business.

News media attract audiences by providing unique information not already available elsewhere. Most journalists look for the following in determining whether a story is newsworthy: n Consequence. Does the story educate readers? What is the impact on the reader or the community? n Interest. Is the story unusual or

entertaining? Does it arouse emotion? n Timeliness. Does the story relate to current events or a new trend? n Proximity. Does the story pertain to local issues, local events or local people? n Prominence. Does the story involve famous people?

In addition to reporting on business news and feature stories, journalists often look for people to quote in their stories. They seek people with impressive credentials, name recognition, and an association with a respected organization.

Make it easy. Make it easy for the reporter to cover your story. Put the “who, what, where, when and how” information in the first paragraph with event dates and contact information in bold so that the reporter can quickly find the information.

Email releases should appear in the body of the email since most media contacts will not open attachments from people they don’t know. Keep the press release brief and to the point.

Respond quickly. If your efforts at gaining media coverage are successful, reporters will begin contacting you for additional information. Always respond quickly and courteously to media requests. Be accessible to reporters and provide alternative contacts if you will be unavailable for any length of time.

You may have heard the saying “There is no such thing as bad publicity.” Perhaps that is true for Hollywood celebrities or controversial art exhibits. It is definitely not true for small businesses. Negative publicity will destroy your credibility and, eventually, your business.

But the wrong type of positive publicity can also be bad. Publicity for publicity’s sake is the wrong type of media coverage for a business. Becoming a “star” has nothing to do with getting more customers.

In fact, stardom can be a major distraction from building a strong business. No one says it better than Al Ries and Jack Trout in the classic business tome Positioning: The Battle For Your Mind when they state “…the objective is not publicity or communication for its own sake, but publicity to achieve a position in the prospect’s mind.”

My Team of Experts, Inc. provides public relations services to small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

She can be reached at 704-516-0157 or visit MyTeamofExperts.com for more information.

TIPS Felicia Watlington Senior Associate, Supplier Diversity Works, LLC

Tips for Accessing Stimulus, Federal Contracts

etermine if the federal government buys what you sell, D which is highly likely since the federal government is one of the largest customers in the world. See https://www.fpds.gov. n Determine if your small business has the capacity and capability to be a successful vendor to the federal government. n Determine if your business qualifies for special federal government contract “set-asides” or Small Business Administration preference programs, based upon the ownership of your business – that is, small, woman-owned, minorityowned, and disabled veteran-owned, etc. See www.sba.gov. n Based upon your determination in #3, identify and pursue various business certifications as appropriate.

See www.supplierdiversityworks.com/certification.html. n Register your business in the Central Contractor Registration at www.ccr.gov, an essential first step for marketing to n

the federal government.

Develop a strategic revenue action plan to help focus your efforts and increase your chances of success.

See www.supplierdiversityworks.com/yes_action_plan.pdf. n Research and dentify procurement opportunities.

See www.fbo.gov. n Know the rules governing federal purchasing.

See http://farsite.hill.af.mil/farsite.html. n Access various resources that can assist you, including the NC Procurement Technical Assistance Center at http://www.sbtdc.org/services/gov_procurement.asp and www.YESToolkit.com. n Take advantage of free training resources, including http:// www.sba.gov/training/governmentcontracting/index.html and www.supplierdiversityworks.com/stimulus_teleclass. n

Spring Issue 2010

The Source by WIN 14

TIPS

Janet W. Christy President, Leverage & Development, LLC

Resolutions for Women Business Owners n

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15 The Source

o not let desperation cloud your D thinking. The current storm is caused by customers/clients buying less, expenses rising, customer/clients going out of business and increasing competition for every little opportunity. The perfect storm makes you vulnerable to charlatans who know how to use the right words and prey on your desperation. You will be offered “unparelled access to government purchasers with millions to spend.” If your desperation clouds your thinking, you will not be able to assess invitations and announcements for their true opportunity value. Assess the value of the opportunity and compare it to its cost – actual fee and your time. Don’t let your fear override your good sense; remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Stop looking for grants and nostrings attached money. According to the SBA (Small Business Administration) and many other small business organizations, grants are typically used to fund centers or projects for the development of women owned businesses and not for supporting individual businesses just because they are owned by a female.

Time spent looking for grants would be better spent identifying and qualifying prospects and/or applying for Small Business Loans. There are

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loans available for sound business plans. I moved this item from #5 in 2009 back near the top because the number of people who promise you grants increase and they become more brazen during vulnerable times.

Watch government announcements very closely. In 2009, two characteristics of the stimulus package (officially the American Recovery and Reinvestment ACT) became apparent.

First, the money was going to come through the same channels it has always come – for example: road and bridge money would go to Departments of Transportation or cities and counties to award contracts. Second, most of the money was going to come very slowly. It is important to pledge to watch the government announcements about stimulus packages, incentives and other money related actions because those announcements will provide information about who will receive the money, how it can be used, and may include clues about if and how Woman Owned Businesses can be involved.

Determine if Subcontracting is a good option for your business. Still an untapped possibility for many Woman Owned Businesses. Many WBEs (Womens Business Enterprises) are missing revenue because they do not pursue opportunities to be a subcontractor. Very often government and large business contracts require that the prime contractor use Woman/Minority Owned Businesses (W/MBEs) as subcontractors. The

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prime contractors have trouble finding qualified subcontractors.

Find partners. Retained from the three previous years because women rarely use this strategic practice.

Government agencies, education institutions and commercial businesses do not always separate projects or purchases into small enough parts for most Woman Owned Businesses to participate. This is done to save money because an “umbrella” project saves time, effort and cost for the end user. The economic situation is increasing this trend. Partnering can provide a solution for this obstacle because it puts you, and your partners, in a better position to get the big “umbrella” projects. It also will likely save you money and time.

Look for outsourcing opportunities. As businesses and government agencies reduce staff and struggle to maintain services and functions, they may outsource functions. You could be their outsource. For additional information on outsourcing read my article at: http://www.leverageanddevelopment.com/Outsourcing.html.

Consider new direction or re-packaging of your business. The economic sands are shifting and that may mean you need to shift your direction or the way you package/market your business. Your customers/clients may be changing their product line or the way they do business to deal with the new economic condition. That means you have to change the way you sell, respond, deliver, etc., to them. Always remember that you are not selling your products or services, you are meeting the needs or solving the problems of your clients/ customers; package and market your products/services in a way that addresses that need or problem.

Do the Certification Paperwork!

Because the opportunities for

Make your networking pay off. If your networking activities have not paid off or you have limited amount of time for networking, then be sure you network with identified, qualified prospects. Attend the luncheons, meetings, and conferences that your prospects and customers/clients attend. Because it is comfortable, it is tempting to restrict your networking only to groups of other businesswomen or your profession; but also participating in the organizations and meetings that your prospects participate in provides the best access to the people who actually use your products/services. Also, take advantage of “groups” on the social networking sites. This is the next best thing to being in a meeting with your prospects, but spend your time on the “groups” that your prospects and customers/clients frequent.

Janet W. Christy is the founder and president of Leverage & Development, LLC, a consulting firm that helps woman and minority owned businesses understand and utilize their status.

Her services include marketing research and planning, certification assistance, sales guidance, and assistance in government bidding. She is based in Greer, SC, and does offer phone consultations. The firm also provides research, project development, program evaluation and other services to government, education and non-profit entities. You may contact Janet at janet@ leverageanddevelopment.com or 864-244-4117. Her company website is www.leverageanddevelopment. com. More detailed information and guidance is provided by Janet W. Christy in her book Capitalizing on Being Woman Owned: Expert Advice for Women Who Have or Are Starting Their Own Business available through bookstores and on-line booksellers.

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“The economic sands are shifting and that may mean you need to shift your direction or the way you package/market your business. Your customers/ clients may be changing their product line or the way they do business to deal with the new economic condition.”

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Woman-Owned Businesses are increasing, there are more and more “pretenders” trying to take advantage of the situation. Because of this, most government agencies, education institutions and prime contractors are requiring that WBEs be certified to qualify for opportunities. There is not usually a reason to be certified if your customers/clients are individuals. However, if you are trying to sell to government, schools or corporations, then a certification has become more of a necessity than a differentiator. Pull that certification paperwork out of the “to do” stack and do it in 2010.

Take the time to actually identify and qualify your prospects. All time favorite. In tough economic and slow revenue times it is scary to spend time and money on marketing, but the best antidote for fear and depression is action. Use this time to identify potential customers/clients and conduct research to actually make sure they qualify as prospects for your business. If you do this, you will not only feel more in control of your business future, but you will have a bonafied list of people to target in your marketing.

Spring Issue 2010

The Source by WIN 16

TIPS Lynn Miller Region Manager, RightStaff

Competing for the Next Generation of Workers Five Strategies to Recruit and Retain Generations X and Y

The face of labor is changing. By 2012, it is predicted that Generations X and Y will represent 70 percent of the workforce. With a younger labor market beginning to emerge, understanding and connecting with the next generation of workers must become a key component of your business strategy.

Generations X and Y are writing their own rules when it comes to the workplace.

Generation X, those born between 1965 and 1977, and Generation Y, those born between 1978 and 1995, are nothing like their Baby Boomer counterparts who have dominated the workforce for decades.

Overall, these generations are self-reliant, technologically savvy and skilled in multitasking. They are interested in employment settings that promote communication, flexibility, personal recognition and immediate feedback. In addition, Generation X and Y workers welcome change, are independent, entrepreneurial, and seek experiences and opportunities more than money and security.

Accommodating the very different attitudes, beliefs and demands of these newer generations will likely require big changes in the way employers recruit and retain these employees. As employers of this future workforce,

17 The Source by WIN

“Focusing on the new “rules” of Generations X and Y will be vital for today’s employers to be successful in the competition for tomorrow’s emerging workforce.”

learning what these candidates want and need is the first step to making a solid connection and keeping it.

Focusing on the new “rules” of Generations X and Y will be vital for today’s employers to be successful in the competition for tomorrow’s emerging workforce. Smart business leaders will pay close attention to the very unique needs and values of this new breed of workers in order to connect – and stay connected. n Think Technology – Employers must recognize and provide for the “high-tech” inclination of Generation X and Y workers.

Leading-edge technology is often the key to their happiness. Consider dynamic online recruiting strategies that feature instant messaging, viral e-mail marketing campaigns and Internet advertising. n Create Fun Environments – Generations X and Y like to have fun. Add entertaining elements to traditional job fairs and college recruitment activities. Investing in your company socially will create a fun work environment that not only attracts Generations X and Y, but enhances productivity, quality, customer service and job satisfaction. n Leverage Relationships/Get Personal – Generations X and Y place a significant amount of value on friends and acquaintances of their own generation. They can be the perfect resource for word-of-mouth recruiting of new employees.

Communicate frequently.

Employers should invest in relationships with these generations by taking the time to talk to them and listening to their concerns. n Encourage Workplace Flexibility – Generations X and Y want a balance between their work and

personal lives, so flexibility in the workplace is critical. Develop an accommodating environment by providing workers with opportunity for job change, internal mobility and flexible schedules. n Expand and Enhance Training Opportunities – Generations X and Y thrive on developing their work skills and knowledge. They don’t mind making a lateral move within a company if it means adding to their skill sets. Provide workers with learning opportunities such as e-based learning modules, or institute work “teams,” where veteran workers are paired with junior workers to help prepare them to take over jobs when necessary.

RightStaff is a full service Staffing and HR consulting company, servicing the greater Charlotte, NC, metro area. With the newest office opening in Mooresville, the company is able to extend its service offerings to the northern and eastern region of North Carolina, including the Piedmont Triangle. Areas of expertise include temporary, tempto-hire and direct hire staffing, payroll service, risk and safety management consulting, and talent management consulting. RightStaff places highly qualified people in administrative, Light Industrial, Engineering, IT and Finance & Accounting positions. RightStaff is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s largest third party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the U.S. We recognize the commitment to supplier diversity that is embraced by corporations and government agencies today and we can add diversity to your supply chain. For more information, please contact Diane Tonn, COO, at 704.909.7728 or dtonn@ rightstaffhrc.com.

Spring Issue 2010

The Source by WIN 18

TIPS Sandy Hosey Senior Chaplain

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Succeed as an Entrepreneur

ake the decision to start your own M business: If you can work hard for someone else, you can work hard for yourself. Most of us have lived all of our lives working for someone’s company and helping them to successful.

We think that this is how it must be, never dreaming that we can ever have our own business employing others to work for us. My motto is, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” God has given each of us talents, abilities and unique ideas that can provide services or products that will meet people’s needs.

If Mr. or Ms. CEO of a big corporation can do it, why can’t I? Another motto I live by is, “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?” The first step to starting your business is simply deciding to start one and remember that every great successful business had a small starting point or beginning. The Bible says, “Don’t despise small beginnings.”

So get started by writing your ideas down, doing the required research, and developing a strategy and business plan to make it happen.

Target your market: Who is it I’m trying to reach and serve with my business?

What group(s) of people could benefit from the products or service that my business provides? These are the questions you must first ask yourself. The Chamber of Commerce, the Census Bureau, professional databases, etc., are excellent resource to help discover your potential customer base and help determine your demographics. Once you’ve defined and determined your targeted market, then pursue that market aggres-

19 The Source by WIN

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sively and with confidence.

Position Yourself to Succeed: Success in business doesn’t just happen by osmosis or just come by hard work. You have to position yourself to succeed by first having an “I can” attitude and by being determined to reach your goals and fulfill your dreams. At first, you may be the only one who believes in your business vision and plan. Once you believe in your vision, then sell your ideas to others who believe in you and whom you trust and believe can be valuable assets in helping you fulfill your business vision. Even Jesus had to build his ministry. At first, no one believed in Him or His mission, not even his brothers or his hometown folks. He shared his ministry plan and vision to twelve disciples and now millions around the world have joined Him in his global ministry. A wonderful scripture that my husband and I taught our kids is, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Amen!

Keep your customers happy: Make purchasing from you enjoyable and advantageous for your customers or clients. Providing quality products at a competitive price is the best way to keep your customers happy, but there are other ways to accomplish this goal.

Gathering their personal information such as birthdays and anniversaries and sending them a card or even giving them a phone call lets them know that you are thinking of them on their special day. Our insurance agent does this to us faithfully every year and I have to say it does make a difference. Including

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a coupon or a discount in the card for their next visit or purchase is a nice personal and business touch. Also, when your customers become regular, remember their names. It’s always amazed my husband and me how, from day one, our dry cleaner owners remembered and have always called our names when we enter into their establishment.

We’ve often asked ourselves, “How do they do that?” Needless to say, that is pretty impressive and it gave us another reason to want to patronize their business again and again. Yes, there were other good dry cleaners in the area that were less expensive, but remembering and calling our names each visit was a special and personal touch that helped to win our business.

Never give up!: My husband who was a high school and college athlete would sometimes quote to our sons what his coaches quoted to him, “Quitters never win and winners never quit.”

Winston Churchill, speaking at a university graduation ceremony, quoted his famous World War II quote saying, “Never, never, never, give up.” Thomas Edison failed more than 1,000 times to invent the light bulb before he successfully made it. You have to have bulldog faith to have a successful business. The way a bulldog’s teeth protrude out beyond his nose allows it to bite down and hold on and still breathe. No mater what happens in your business, how big or how small, bite down, hold on and keep breathing.

Learn from your failures: At some point in your business endeavor, failure

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is bound to happen in some aspect of your business. Although set backs are discouraging, all is not lost. The best positive lessons in life are often learned from our failures and negative experiences. Learning what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.

I’m sure Thomas Edison learned a lot of valuable information from the more than 1,000 times he failed to invent the light bulb that led to his eventual success. I love what Romans 8:28 says in the Bible. It says, “God works all things together for the good to those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.” Yes, we can learn to grow and be successful from the good and the bad, from both the positive and the negative.

You must have an Entrepreneurial Spirit: Starting and succeeding in business requires someone who is gifted and talented in entrepreneurship. It’s that ‘Spirit of Entrepreneurship’ that gives a person the insight and passion for starting and succeeding in one’s own business. That spirit will drive someone through those tough times that would cause others to give up and quit or do a half-hearted job. Starting and operating a business is not only something you learn to do in a college classroom, but one must also possess a burning passion and love for doing business. That burning passion and love for business is called an Entrepreneur Spirit. Without this spirit, your business may survive, but it won’t thrive.

Your business is only as good as your staff: You’re only as good as the people with whom you surround yourself. Hiring skilled and experienced personnel is key to your business success. A staff or board member who has expertise in their specialties is vital. A veteran team will always have the advantage over a team of rookies. Hiring rookies is great if they have a teachable spirit and have determination to excel. Take time and effort to

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gather applications and screen them with detailed scrutiny and with prayer before you fill your staff positions.

Your product or service must meet a practical need: A sure way for a business to fail is to provide products or services that no one needs or something that is already provided for in abundance at a better price. The more unique and practical your product(s), the better success you will have in increasing your long term cliental and eliminating competition.

Have a ‘Buck Stop Here’ mentality: As an entrepreneur franchise owner and

a senior chaplain, I have learned that taking responsibility for the success or failure of my business is very important to the success in my business and ministry. As the CEO, I am responsible for the success of my business even if other staff members fail to do their best job.

I must do whatever it takes, legally and morally, to produce the best products and services for my customers and clientele. The bottom line at the end of the day is that my business starts and ends with me. With every decision and with every product my business provides, the buck stops here with me.

TIPS

Keeping the “U” in EntrepreneUr

Fabi Preslar President, SPARK Publications

ake your true personal mission your number one priority each day.

M Recharge your personal battery each day through prayer/meditation. n Be genuine and authentic in every transaction. n Create a plan beyond your comfort zone (to grow in business and personally). n Focus on service with each new client, vendor and person you meet. n Take a quick break at least every two hours: – Mental- to refocus – Physical- Stretch and refuel to maintain your blood sugar level and sanity. n Schedule a monthly coffee/tea break with your true gal-pals (or those who recharge you the most). n Make a point to exercise regularly and intentionally, (stress is not an exercise). n Running your own business is difficult with daily stresses and challenges. To achieve success, you must focus on being fully fueled and totally engaged. n Stop doubt and negativity...Be good to yourself.

Fabi Preslar is the President of SPARK Publications, a 12-year-old graphic design firm which specializes in the design of custom magazines, catalogs, selfpublished books and effective marketing materials.

Last year SPARK contributed over 200 hours to non-profits benefiting women in need. Fabi recently won the CPCC Hagemeyer for Educational Advancement Award and the International Stevie Award for Best Turnaround company of 2009. n n

Spring Issue 2010

The Source by WIN 20

TIPS

Antoinette Caldwell Human Resources Leader

Tips for Success in a Job Search

I’ve been on “both sides of the desk”, as the decision maker recruiting talent and as a current job seeker myself, having been laid off recently due to cost reductions in the company where I served as director of human resources. God oftentimes changes our “messes” to “messages.” We best empathize with those in a job search when we’ve been there ourselves. n Breathe: When you lose your job, you may want to go into seclusion, pull the covers up over your head, stay inside and away from the people you know…but don’t! This is the time to toss your ego aside and get working on your job search. But first take a moment to breathe...clean out a closet, take a weekend trip, give yourself permission to vent for 24 hours to those you are closest to, then….

21 The Source by WIN

No matter your level of employment, whether entry level or executive, you need to develop and maintain a portfolio. Take it with you to interviews to show tangible examples of your work and your value at previous jobs.

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Talk: Tell everyone you can about your job loss and ask for their help to get contact names and leads concerning new employment. Be interested in the work that others do and ask questions. Networking (I know you’re tired of hearing it, but it’s true), is still one of the best

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ways to land a new job. Try to get at least seven contact names from each person you ask. Wise people help others. The period during the job search can be a time of personal growth and development of faith if you let it.

Create a Victory File: When you are working, maintain a file containing examples of how you are bringing value to your employer. This file can include congratulatory notes or e-mails from your boss, certificates of course work in your area(s) of expertise, company communications detailing how you saved your employer money, how you successfully led a project, etc.

This file can be used in a couple of positive ways: To encourage you on tough days at work (read them on your lunch break) and to become

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part of your portfolio when you’re in a job search, as they are examples of your success at work. No matter your level of employment; whether entry level or executive, you need to develop and maintain a portfolio.

Take it with you to interviews to show tangible examples of your work and your value at previous jobs. During the discussion, tie this value in with the position you are seeking.

A ct As If – Be Enthusiastic: When you get a phone call from human resources calling to screen you initially or set up an interview – be enthusiastic! “Act as if” this is the best day of your life. Even if you’re exasperated with your job search or concerned about finances – “Act as if” you have nothing more important to do than to speak with the company’s representative.

Remember, you have been selected out of potentially hundreds of candidates to get a call. This is your initial opportunity to sell yourself to this employer. “Act as if” this is your only shot at landing this job. Initial impressions are important.

F ollow Directions, but also Try a Side Window: Follow the instructions in the job posting when applying.

If they request no phone calls, then do not call. If they do not prohibit direct contact, then research the company online to obtain the e-mail address of the decision maker. After applying, per the requested method in the advertisement, either via e-mail, fax or snail mail….e-mail the decision maker directly and state in one paragraph what you can bring to the position.

L isten: During the interview, listen to the questions and answer effectively instead of thinking too

far ahead. If it’s been years since you’ve interviewed, take the time to practice. Prior to the interview think about questions that may be asked and formulate your responses, so that you will be prepared.

Even if you’re exasperated with your job search or concerned about finances – “Act as if” you have nothing more important to do than to speak with the company’s representative.

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Ask: At the conclusion of the interview, ask the decision maker for a timeframe of when their decision will be made. Follow-up close to that date to get a status of the position and to ask if you can provide any additional information to strengthen your viability as a candidate for the position.

Write: Within 24 hours, write (yes, write instead of e-mailing) a thank you note to the person(s) who interviewed you. In addition to expressing your thanks for their time and discussing the position, literally ASK for the job and state why YOU are the best candidate. Finish strong and with polish!

Revive and Return to Work: Ignite your enthusiasm for work by resolving any negative emotions you may have concerning your former job or layoff circumstances prior to starting your new job. Forgive if you hold any unforgiveness. Don’t bring any negativity into your new employment. Start fresh! His mercies are new every morning. n Having done all, STAND!: Fast and pray…Wait on the Lord! Remember the times in the past when He delivered you out of your situation and into a better place. When you land a new job, take time to help others who are currently where you were. Encourage them, pray for them, and offer them tangible expressions of love and concern.

Antoinette Caldwell is a global human resources leader who specializes in benefits design, employment law and litigation prevention in the workplace. She was selected to serve on the Board of Human Resources Professionals for Charlotte, NC, making decisions that govern businesses in the Greater Charlotte Area. In addition, she serves on several state and national HR committees to develop policy. She is a writer with international publications in professional journals on topics such as workforce development, employee motivation, regulatory compliance, online sourcing, outsourcing, HRIS: where human capital meets technology, and others. She is currently completing a book detailing her experience with job loss and God’s miraculous provision and faithfulness. Antoinette is involved in a variety of local Christian leaders’ organizations. If you would like Antoinette to speak to your church or job seekers group, please contact her at ssabw@aol.com. n

Spring Issue 2010

The Source by WIN 22

TIPS

Tips for Leaders LaVondilyn J. Watson MBA, CCP

ray diligently for your business, P staff and customers. Success is the result focused, fervent prayer.

S eek His guidance in business matters, partnerships and commitments. He will reveal to you truth and things to come – that’s a benefit of the kingdom.

(John 16:13) n Identify your target market and pour heavily into it. The more you sow into your specific customers, the more fruit they will produce as a result of your seeds.

(Matthew 13:8) n Don’t be distracted by your mistakes.

The truth is you will make them.

Learn the lessons and use them to get better and stronger.

(Romans 8:28) n Love what you do and love for whom you do it. Let love be the foundation for every word you speak and every action you take in business. With love, you cannot fail.

(1Corinthians 13:8) Encouragement Coach™ LaVondilyn J. Watson, MBA, CCP provides Christian women tools to encourage themselves in the Lord.

For her articles, audios, blogs and free coaching calls, visit www. encouragethekingdom.com, or connect with her on Facebook or Twitter. n

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ake service the goal of your M business or organization. Remember, the greatest in the kingdom is the one who serves. Focus on meeting the needs of your clients and your needs will be met.

(Luke 22:26) Listen to your team; they have a lot to offer. Give your team influence and power and their success will be your success and vice versa.

Matthew 20:26-28) Pray diligently for your business, staff and customers. Success is the result focused, fervent prayer.

(James 5:16)

23 The Source by WIN

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ork diligently every day.

W Productivity and guided action lead to both influence and revenues. Ask God to establish the work of your hands.

(Psalm 90:17) Seek God as your Source for new products, services and event ideas.

He is the Ultimate Source of wisdom and He will freely give it to you.

(James 1:5) Walk in integrity, no matter what.

Your commitment to righteousness in business gives you peace and keeps your doors open.

(Deuteronomy 5:33)

TIPS

Tips for Successful Customer Services n

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lways give more than is expected.

A Follow up to see if every thing is OK with the product or service. Send a thank you after the sale. It’s a good feeling when you feel you got more than you paid for. You don’t have to be twice as good or give twice as much, if you are only 5% better than the competition you will be perceived as being head and shoulders above the rest and your reward will be in receiving compounding sales and referrals.

Know what your customers’ real needs are. Don’t show or sell from your interest and needs; step into their needs and concerns.

Maintain business and personal relationships. If you truly care about clients, stay in touch. Don’t only call or email with a product or service pitch.

Call or send a greeting just because it time to say hi. Even better, see if there is something you can do to help your customer connect with someone that may help with their

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business success. You won’t be forgotten when your service or product is mentioned in a conversation.

Have a good web site that encompasses the following: – Easy to find contact info.

– Easy to navigate.

– Effective Google search. Many people are using their smart phone to get local phone numbers from your web site.

– Also link to social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedInetc.

Be reliable: Do what you say you’re gong to do.

Have some flexibility. Never accept the idea that this is the way you’ve always done it. Never accept that a new idea or technology could never work for you.

Business success requires the ability to adapt to changing situations.

Nothing ever goes as planned. The world of business is full of surprises and unforeseen events. Being flexible allows business owners to respond to circumstances with the ability to change course and act without complete information. Being flexible allows us to respond to changes without being paralyzed with fear and uncertainty.

Peggy Johnson CEO, BestGreetingCardService.com

Never stop learning and growing.

Read books in your area of business.

Subscribe to trade magazines. Listen to audio CDs that will help you grow in your field. n Give good service and value. 68% of people quit doing business with companies that have poor customer service. It is far easier to lose customers due to poor service than due to your product’s quality or cost. n Be a great listener by having great questions. If you ask quality questions, it keeps a conversation rolling, allowing you to learn more valuable information about that person, which brings greater value to you. Being a great listener with great questions allows you to find the connections with others and then use that info to build on that relationship. You will come to find that many great listeners are also great at forming and maintaining key relationships in business. n Be polite and patient on the phone.

Always.

BestGreetingCardService.com is a web based service that allows anyone to select and send real custom printed greeting cards, and it’s as easy as sending an e-mail. BestGreetingCardService.com will print, stuff, stamp, and mail your custom greeting card for less than $1.00 retail. BestGreetingCardService.com also offers wholesale accounts for larger card sending needs and cost savings (recommended for business). You can contact Peggy Johnson at peggyj59@ hotmail.com or (727) 214-1533. n

Spring Issue 2010

The Source by WIN 24

TIPS

Danica L. Little Attorney, C.P.A., J.D., M.A., C.M.A., C.F.M

15 Tips for Success in the Workplace

Choose your career wisely. Be passionate about what you do. We are all given special talents and skills and are at our best when we are aligned with God’s plan for our lives. Remember, God knew each and every one of us before we were born – what is His plan for your life? Search for work that you are called to do and truly passionate about and success and blessings will find you. n Have the right attitude. A “can do” attitude is a great way to let your light shine for God in anything and everything that you do. The right attitude really makes a difference. n Practice the Golden Rule. Treat others the way that you want to be treated.

Such a simple rule, but the power it holds is infinite. As an attorney, I use this simple rule more than any law. Be nice to others. n Be positive. It’s contagious. Ever notice that if someone smiles at you, you can’t help but to smile back at them and also to the next person that you encounter? Spread the sunshine every chance you get, and you may just make the difference in someone’s day or life. n Dress for success. Everyday is important and worth dressing up for. Don’t miss out on a new client, deal or opportunity because you were not dressed for success. At the firm where I practice law, it’s always “showtime” – even if it is casual Friday. n Manage your time. Time is a very precious and limited resource. Always arrive on time and end meetings on time. Be a good steward of your time n

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and how you spend it. You can never get back poorly spent time and you only get one chance to make a great first impression. n Set goals. This is HUGE. Invest time and energy in your success in the workplace. Spend time to set short-term and long-term goals for your career. Visualize your goals

Relationships are important to success in the workplace.

Without relationships, we are merely a service provider without a client or a manufacturer without a customer. Develop key relationships with people in your workplace, church and community. and commit them to writing. Ask yourself, what action is required today, tomorrow, next week, next month or next year to accomplish your goals?

Then, take action and hold yourself accountable for achieving your goals.

You have the power to be successful in the workplace, set your goals and take action. n Prioritize. Identify what’s important. If you are not sure; ask. It will help you prioritize properly and it shows that you are conscientious about succeeding

in the workplace. Once you have identified the priorities, focus on your top priorities first and re-prioritize as needed. Remember that what was important yesterday in the workplace may no longer be important today. n Stay organized and focused. Good organizational skills and focus promote efficiency and productivity – both of which foster success in the workplace. n Communicate. Communicate.

Communicate. It is better to err on the side of over communicating than to have a project or assignment fall flat due to lack of communication or understanding. Seek clarification or confirmation of understanding to make sure that you are on the same page with others. If nothing else, you will shine as someone who truly cares about getting the job done right – the first time. n Mentoring. Find someone whose services or accomplishments you admire and ask them to be your mentor. Ask them to provide constructive feedback to help you live up to the full potential that God has bestowed in you. Likewise, find someone to mentor or someplace to volunteer your time and talent.

Mentoring promotes leadership and accountability – both of which foster success in the workplace. n Continue professional development.

The new economy requires all of us to say on top of our game – no matter what our profession. Have a personal development plan that makes sense for you and your position and where you

want to go in your career. If you need new skills to accomplish your goals find ways to acquire and refine those skills. Everyday is a new opportunity for personal development. n Network. Relationships are important to success in the workplace. Without relationships, we are merely a service provider without a client or a manufacturer without a customer.

Develop key relationships with people in your workplace, church

and community. Strong strategic relationships promote success in the workplace. n Fail forward. Learn from your failures and move forward. Failures are a learning process - learn from, but don’t live in failure. Remember, failure is not a result, but rather an inconvenient stop along your greater journey towards success. n Pray. Make sure that you stay on track with God’s plan for your life. Pray often

and open your heart and mind to God’s plan for your success in the workplace.

Danica L. Little, Attorney, C.P.A., J.D., M.A., C.M.A., C.F.M., is an attorney with Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman, P.A. where she practices tax law, trusts and estates, and business law in the Charlotte office. She is a Charlotte Business Journal’s 2009 “40 Under 40,” and upcoming President of the Charlotte Women’s Bar. She is the proud mother of a son and daughter.

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How has WIN helped you?

Erika Morrison: I started singing when I was a little girl.

I would sing at church and family gatherings. From that age, my mom knew that I was anointed to sing the praises of God. I attended The School of the Arts, a performing arts high school, and later graduated from Buffalo State College with a Bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in music.

In 2008, I heard about the talent show “Exalt” through my sister who attended some of the networking meetings given by the Women Initiative Network. She told me about the talent show for weeks, but I was not motivated to do anything because I was having a tough time in life. My marriage was struggling, I did not have the best job, I was barely making ends meet, and I was feeling sorry for myself.

After getting the motivation to submit my application, it got lost in the mail and I almost missed the deadline. Looking back now, I know that the struggle I had entering the talent show was sign that God was going to move.

The night of the show I met Chaplin Sandy Hosey who knew that God was going to do something great in my life because she whispered to my sister, “She is going to stay humble when God makes her famous.” I won third place in the talent show, but that was the beginning of all the doors the Lord had opened for me on the path to my future.

After the show, I was invited by Chaplin Hosey to sing at the Lifestyle Christian Expo which was a three-day event for some of Charlotte’s biggest faith-based organizations. While at the expo, I talked to Chaplin Hosey and she told me she had just recorded a CD and she could give me the phone number of the producers of the CD who were Larry and Brian Gandy. Fearing the cost of making a CD, I hesitated to call, but after a while I called and Larry said come in for a test drive. I went in and recorded a song that the Lord had given me, “I’m Taking It All Back,” which was perfect because I needed to take back control of my life from outside circumstances. Larry said to consider recording a CD. I did consider it, and a year late I am getting ready to release my new CD titled “Gratitude,” which has truly been a way of life for me.

To bring things back full circle, God opened the door for me to be a guest performer at the 2009 Exalt talent show. So, I want to encourage everyone to keep pressing through the hurt, disappointment and even the pain because God has a tailor- made blessing waiting to take you to the path of your expected goal.

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