Women With Know How Magazine

TM

5 Steps to Success in

Connecting to Others

with Confidence

Professional Spotlight

Dawn Leitner

How to Manage an Effective Job Search

Joanna Moses-Elliott

Rise & Shine

From the publisher Dear Readers,

This year is really going by fast!

It seems we just brought in 2009 and now we are in the final quarter.

Now is the time of year to start getting your business on track for 2010. Set your goals, and objectives and start creating your marketing budgets and planning where you market your business.

Mimi Zelman

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Publisher

Create your vision!

Write it down on a piece of paper or create a vision board! This process keeps you in focus if you use it wisely.

Be positive and you will prosper!

The recession is coming to an end, let’s all do what we can and keep the economy going.

With positive thinking and planning ahead we all can make 2010 a wonderful year.

This quote by James Allen really struck me: The Vision that you glorify in your mind, The ideal that you throne in your heart, This will build you life by, and this you will become.

If we all use a vision, any thing is possible! Have a wonderful October and Happy Halloween.

Mimi Zelman Thank you,

Mimi Zelman, Publisher

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Contents

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Now That You’ve Hit Send...

Part 3

8

PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Dawn Leitner

Publisher/President Mimi L. Zelman mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Creative Director, Graphic Design SPARK Publications Copy Editor Cristina Cassidy Sales Representatives Kim Hughes kim@womenwithknowhow.com Contributing Writers Dawn Leitner of Couch You 2Lead Janet Anderson of Anderson PC Training Kim Hughes of Women With Know How Charleston Contact Mimi Zelman 704-491-1207 mimi@womenwithknowhow.com For more advertising information call Mimi at 704-491-1207 or email her at: mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Copyright ©2009

of Coach U2 Lead

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How too Manage an Effective Job Search

Joanna Moses-Elliott

14 18 20

Rise & Shine

Two Flus, FAQ and You

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“ Why Can’t My Hair Be Like that?”

How

to Make You Memorable and Present Yourself with Ease 5 Steps to Success in Connecting to Others with Confidence

26 Let’s Talk About Attraction 30 The Best Time to Buy a Car 32 Fire Saftety 101 34 Weighing in on Weight Loss 34 Weighing in on Weight Loss

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Serving Charlotte and Charleston

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Communication

Janet Anderson Anderson PC Training

Now That You’ve Hit Send...

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Think Smarter!

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Last of a 3-part series on email.

If you have been following this three part email series, you have read about some general email practices, and some tips on composing and sending your emails. This last installment will cover what the best practices are for replying to email you receive and how you can manage your mountain of email to make it manageable and useful.

Replying: Return in 24 hours It is always courteous to reply within 24 hours to a normal email. Even if it is to just say – “got your message. I’m working on it.” This assures the sender that you received it and understood its message.

Again, it’s a way of clarifying communication.

If it is marked urgent, you should respond as soon as you receive it, or within an

hour or so. Or if you notice that it was sent several hours ago, pick up the phone and talk with the sender about the urgent matter. Of course, if this is a person who ALWAYS sends things urgently, you might be inclined not to respond as quickly.

If it is marked low priority, your choice to respond is up to you. If there is a question involved, you should respond at your leisure.

If it is a joke, or you are just the person copied on it, you don’t need to respond at all.

Use Out of Office when you are away.

If you are on an email system that has this feature , you can use the Out of Office reply.

When you are going to be away from email…maybe in Aruba or the Bahamas, you can set your reply to incoming emails to be automatic and informative. In Outlook, choose Tools/Out of Office Assistant, click on out of office and type your message. It is good to include when you will return and a contact for the person to reach in your absence. You can also attach a rule to these messages. For example, all of the messages that come to your inbox could be forwarded to someone else to handle.

Dealing With Your Incoming Email.

Look at email only 3 times a day but not in the first hour of work. Don’t even look at your mail the first hour you are in the office. Of course, be sure

to let your co-workers know that you do this. If anything is urgent they will come get you.

During the first hour, work on a project. This way no matter what happens during the day, you have accomplished part of YOUR work.

Also, plan when you are going to look at your email.

Block out 30 minutes 3 times a day to go through your email. Again, if your coworkers know this, they will plan their communications around it. A Japanese CEO checks his email only three times a day, and since his staff knows this, he discovered that they not only send fewer emails, but also the emails are precise and to the point.

And if they REALLY need him sooner--usually at a critical moment--they call him or go to his office. At a critical or important time, being in his office has IMPROVED the communication by adding the tone and body language to the conversation.

work on the request, if it is an appropriate time, or go to the next step.

Defer. Here you would either flag the message with a due date, forward it to another person or assign it as a task for someone else to complete.

Delete. This should be self explanatory. Delete anything that you are not interested in. Keep in mind this goes to the deleted folder IN your mailbox and does not reduce the size of your mailbox. You must empty the deleted items folder periodically. Deleting the original email you have responded to is a good way to cut down on your emails.

You have a copy of the original with your reply in the Sent Items folder.

Unsubscribe.

Each time you buy something on the internet or just create an account, you generally start receiving promotional materials from that business.

That’s WHY they wanted your information. Sometimes, you can opt out of those extra Deal with them in the communications right on the order you get them. website, but they are often Instead of scanning your inbox hard to find. What you CAN for a message you want to do is unsubscribe from the read, it is much more efficient communication they have sent to deal with each email in the you. Usually at the bottom of order they came in. the email there is a link for you to unsubscribe. Click on that When you do, link and follow their directions.

Deal, Defer, Delete.

That’s all it takes.

Deal. After reading the email that needs your attention Create and Use Folders. either reply with an answer, Creating folders under your

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Reply to all.

Be very careful with this.

Remember that by choosing “reply to all” you are replying to everyone it is sent and copied to. It is not sent to the BCC (blind copy) folks, however, if a “reply to all” is coming from someone on the blind copy line, it would go to everyone who it is addressed and copied to. (To and CC lines).

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October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

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Inbox allows you to organize your work.

without having to scan or search your inbox.

There are many ways to use these folders to organize. You can simply drag a message to other folders. To copy more than one, you can select multiple messages (use Shift key to select contiguously and Ctrl key to select noncontiguously) and click on one of the selected messages and drag to the appropriate folder.

All will be MOVED to the folder.

Take a few minutes and look at the rules (Tools/Rules and Alerts) and peruse the possibilities.

You can copy messages to other folders, but I would not recommend it since you would be adding to the size of your mailbox. There are a few exceptions--for example, if you have multiple subjects in one email and you want it in separate folders. Remember last month, I mentioned that having multiple subjects in one email is a bad idea.

Create and Use Rules In Outlook, rules could be created to manage your emails automatically. For example, you could have any email that has “AM09” in the subject line move to the “2009 Annual Meeting” folder as soon as it arrives. It would not be in your Inbox, but the 2009 Annual Meeting folder will become bold and the number of unread messages would be displayed in parenthesis next to the folder name. That way when you plan time to work on that project, all of the messages are together and all pertain to the project at hand,

Use Flags.

Most email programs have a way of identifying a message that needs to be accessed later. In Outlook you would use Flags. In version 2003, they are color coded. The 2007 version changed them to relate to time frames..i.e. tomorrow, next week, etc.

You can also add a reminder to the flag. A reminder will appear at the time you specified to remind you of the task.

Use Sorting and Filtering.

Almost any email program including yahoo, gmail, etc. includes the ability to sort and filter your mail in some way.

The easiest way to sort is to click on the top column label and your list is in the order by the column sorted. Filtering allows you to see a group of emails that satisfies some

criteria. In Outlook it is the HOW TO: Empty your deleted items every time you leave Outlook: 1. Choose Tools/Options/ Other tab.

2. Click on the’ Empty the deleted items folder upon exiting’ box.

3. Click on the Advanced Options button.

4. Click on the ‘Warn you before permanently deleting items’ button to protect you from accidentally deleting messages you want to keep.

Create a folder: 1. Right Click on the inbox.

2. Choose ‘New Folder’.

3. Type a meaningful name.

4. Check to make sure it will be filled with mail items.

5. Click on the folder it will be a subfolder of.

6. Click on OK

Mix it up.

I have saved the best for last.

In Outlook, you can drag a message to the calendar folder (on the left) to create an appointment based on that email. Simply change the date and time to reflect the correct appointment information. You can go the other direction as well. Simply click on an appointment in your calendar and drag it to the mail button icon and it creates a new mail message with the appointment information in it, leaving the original appointment on the

calendar.

Keep in mind this is not the same as creating a meeting.

Creating meetings involves scheduling, invitations, acceptance of meeting invitations, and tracking the meeting responses.

You can also insert ANY item (any ‘piece’ in Outlook-a message, an appointment, a contact) into any other item.

For example, in a message you write, you can insert contact information, a copy of an email previously sent, or an appointment. Simply choose Insert/Item (not File) and choose the particular

item you want to be inserted.

Most of the time, you have the choice of inserting it as text (within the message) or as an attachment. This is a great way to send someone your distribution list.

As you can see, your email client is one of the most valuable tools you have on your desktop. Take the time to find out what it can do for you. If you are good at following these basic protocols you will find you will no longer be a slave to your email, but rather, you will be in control of your time and the way you communicate with others.

Happy emailing!

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October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

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Professional Spotlight

Dawn Leitner

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Coach U2Lead

By Kimberley Hughes

There seems to be uncertainty or confusion when it comes to “coaching.” Please explain what being a personal coach is.

Coaching, according to the ICF (International Coaching Federation) is “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” There are various names or niche’s associated with coaching but the essence is the same in that a coach is concentrating on how to help a client ‘pull from within’ the drivers to success that only they know of. Basically, we go by the agenda of a client at all times to help them work through inner challenges that are getting in their way of success.

Some areas of coaching are focused in specific areas of your life either personally or professionally. Clients usually feel more comfortable hiring a coach who has specific experience

Dawn Leitner Coach U2Lead

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What started you in a career in coaching?

After a very successful career at a company that helped me grow for over 18 years in various management and leadership roles, I felt it was time for me to take what I’ve learned to help others unleash themselves to find their happiness. I’ve always been an avid supporter and participant of personal development programs, but often felt that training alone does not create lasting change unless there is some kind of follow up and support system. Professional coaching provides this as a transitional relationship and because it’s personal in nature it helps individuals apply themselves in a safe arena without judgment. Who wouldn’t want a job where you get paid to get to know others in a genuine way and see them reach for the stars!

What is the biggest impact you would like to leave on the world?

That I had done “good” in helping others in the smallest ways to enjoy their lives with less stress, more purpose, acceptance and humility.

Can you describe how you work with your clients?

I’ve always been an avid supporter and participant of personal development programs, but often felt that training alone does not create lasting change unless there is some kind of follow up and support system.

It’s very important to me that there is a clear understanding of what a client wants to achieve and is willing to work at for real change in their lives to take effect. Goal setting is critical and spending the time up front working together on shaping the goals and underlying motivators to reaching these goals helps them to see the path for their success. It’s truly a journey they are beginning and I find having a structure

that includes specific exercises or actions for them to reflect on also helps keep them moving forward. Discovering ways that help hold them accountable to the changes they desire is just as critical along with a lot of cheer as they succeed at the smallest steps along the way.

What is the most gratifying moment you have experienced professionally?

Helping another woman step up to replace me when I left a senior level role to pursue my dream of having my own business. It was really important for me to leave a company I came to know as family for over 18 years and very gratifying to know that I not only left them in good hands, but that I could walk out with grace, and also helping to shape the career of someone who really deserved a stretch and promotion. Although she felt she wasn’t ready and a little fearful of what was ahead, I knew she would take the role and even dare to say do a better job in some respects than me.

If you had an extra hour of ‘Dawn Time’, what would you do?

Put my ipod on with favorite tunes and sit in my back patio just taking in the moments of life as an observer instead of a participant.

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

that matches their challenge in order to empathize and help brainstorm ideas to support their goals.

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October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

What is the biggest obstacle that you see holds your clients and people in general back from being their best?

Getting really clear about what you want and how you plan to get there. It’s usually the

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fear of failing or succeeding, and being able to trust in the unknown that keeps most people from following through on taking the time to uncover what they really want. The limited belief in themselves usually follows on being able

to take action and is often driven by good excuses we’ve been building up for years.

The breakthroughs occur when someone is ready to ignore the negative chatter in their head and listen to a new healthy dialogue that satisfies them to truly live and explore their personal best...

Time management seems to be the biggest issue for women; we just have too much on our busy plates!

What is your best tip to balance our lives more effectively?

To me it all starts with “Awareness of where you are giving your time away.” Just like a penny given here and there it all adds up except you can’t get it back like you can with money. To live the life you want you need to be willing to pay attention to your time wasters and decide what you really want to do with your time. It’s easy to complain, its takes strength to do something about it. Learning its ok to say no to others and yes to yourself more often is essential.

Thinking you’re being selfish by limiting your commitments is the most inaccurate statement I hear. You’re actually being selfish when you can’t give the best of yourself because you’re exhausted. It’s one area even I have to tame from time to time.

What is your biggest motivation in life?

It may sound cliché’ but I get energized by helping others

who are stuck in their mind find a way to be happy in their own skin and in life. When I’m working with my clients, it’s not just helping them meet their

goals that gets me motivated, more importantly it’s when they recognize at the core of their being their own potential and can embrace who they are

Our expertise is managing change and cultivating talent

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Change is constant but never easy!

without fear or judgment. It’s just like seeing a baby smile when they realize they just learned something new and are so proud of themselves.. priceless!

What is the biggest barrier you have broken through personally or professionally?

My biggest barrier was being a young and inexperienced blonde woman in NYC trying to create a career without being able to finish college. I was determined to find ways to consistently build my career successfully and with dignity.

It’s truly the backbone of my belief that anything is possible when you can get out of your own way to be who you are meant to become.

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

When I’m working with my clients, it’s not just helping them meet their goals that gets me motivated, more importantly it’s when they recognize at the core of their being their own potential and can embrace who they are without fear or judgment.

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Straight Talk

By Robyn Crigger, CEO Compass Career Management Solutions-Oi Partners Inc.

How to Manage an

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Effective Search

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Over the past year my husband, Bill Crigger, and I have been interviewed by TV stations and newspapers regarding the Job Search and Job Market situation. Bill and I are both “straight shooters,” and yet we are also sensitive to those traveling this road of unemployment. Some topics keep popping up, though. Let me take a little time to try and clarify a few things about a job search, resources, etc.

1.

There is no magic wand or silver bullet to landing a job. Be leery of vendors who “guarantee” to find you a job. There are no

“guarantees,” and even if they do locate you a job, there is no way to be sure how long it will last.

2.

I see two kinds of people in a job search:

a position that will lead to a growing career and opportunities, as well as to locate a credible and supportive employer. Type A candidate should be turning to a placement or staffing service.

Type B needs a professional transitional career counselor or coach, who can teach the candidate how to manage his/ her own job search process.

a) Some people just want you to find them a “job”. They Never put all your don’t want to search for one eggs into one basket themselves, but would when working on your job rather have someone find a job for them. Of course, these search. people would like to make a a) Use multiple venues to seek out a good position. great salary and have a work b) Research companies, environment, too. c) Meet people from different b) Others want to be more in industries and walks of life to control, carefully selecting learn of other good contacts. d) Select multiple places

3.

writer. Remember though that themselves in the foot during an interview. Take time to practice. the resume only gets your foot Be aware of some questions in the door. interviewers ask. Then find out what is the best response. It How do you spend your time each day when needs to be honest and brief.

Many interview questions in a job search? Here is may come from your resume. another place where MANY Therefore, NEVER lie on a people make a BIG mistake. resume. If you attended college You must be organized and but don’t have a degree, state have a plan each day as what that. Even if you get hired, if your you will do to work on your employer finds out later that you job search. However, keep this in perspective. This doesn’t lied on your resume, you will be mean to work on this 24/7. On terminated. the other hand, many people *Recently, our firm has waste a LOT of time each day and wonder why they don’t have located a new job search tool called a “PORTFOLIO”. It is a job a few months later. a technological format that Take stock of your emphasizes your experience, Are you sure that image/appearance. Have skills, and strengths, using you know what you want someone who will be honest graphics to demonstrate these to do? If you don’t know, who and maybe in their thirties aspects of your career. It is does? to tell you how you look. Are geared more for professionalyour hair, makeup, and clothes type positions and can help A resume is still relatively current? Are you too to distinguish one candidate critical in a job search, “over the top,” loud (in clothes from another. It doesn’t take the however, you need or makeup)? Is your cologne place of a resume, but definitely to make it “employer too strong? Do you look “sour”? enhances it. friendly.” Don’t be too Have you forgotten how to generic. Employers want to smile? Do you come across Use “common sense” know what kind of job is a enthusiastic or boring? All of throughout your job search. good fit for you. They don’t these play a part in your job Know yourself. If you have need a “jack of all trades.” The search. not been happy with your line employer’s time is precious. of work, seek professional How are you Make your resume relay early assistance in exploring other marketing yourself? In on what your job target is, and alternatives. When seeking how you can help the employer. a job search, you are selling a professional assistance, ask product, which is YOU! around. See who others have There are other You need a plan to promote used. The Better Business important aspects to yourself. How creative are you? Bureau tracks firms who receive a resume, so if you a lot of complaints. There is Interviewing is don’t have strong nothing wrong about trusting another HUGE hurdle. writing skills, invest in your instincts. A Job Search is Many job candidates will shoot hard work! Good luck! a professional resume

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October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

to network, i.e., Rotary Club, professional trade organization, community groups, church groups, neighborhood gatherings, etc. e) Call old friends and relatives who might know of others you should know. f) Use your Internet for a relatively small percentage of time to check job postings. g) The same for the use of newspapers. h) Use all business publications to learn of good, growing companies that you may want to target. Using all of these venues and others are VERY important!

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By Kimberly K. Hughes

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October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Rise &

The moment has come…

Do you feel it? Do you feel that uncomfortable knot in the pit of your stomach telling you it’s a make or break moment, almost pleading with you to make a decision? The moment where you either push forward and take risks necessary for an opportunity to succeed, or where you fold your cards and step away from the table.

on a way to get out of debt, to deciding to get out of a toxic relationship. These decisions are often uncomfortable, but if you have the mind frame that “this is my life and I HAVE the power to shape my life,” decisions become easier and exciting, and not to mention, necessary for us to live the best lives we can.

Shine

Joanna Moses-Elliott learned at a young age that her destiny was truly in her own hands and the only thing that could stop her was herself. Holding herself back was simply not an alternative in her life’s plan.

Joanna was raised in rural Missouri with four brothers and sisters, and was the daughter of parents without formal educations. Her father was a carpenter and her mother was a housewife and caretaker for

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

This moment comes to us throughout our lives in a variety of ways. It can range from taking the leap to make a career change, to working

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October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

a child with Down’s Syndrome.

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Times were tough, to say the least, and her family’s home life could only be described as dire, as her family lived off the land, growing their own food and using outside accommodations. Throughout their strife, the family’s motto was “rise and shine,” which to Joanna and her siblings meant to wake up and be the best you can be. They started their day by working on the family farm prior to school and again upon returning home. Joanna’s mother had a simple dream for her children. She wanted them to go to college, not for a specific trade or to work in a specific industry, but merely to make every attempt to create a better life for themselves.

To an outsider looking in, the changes of that dream coming true looked rather bleak.

became violent and then left Joanna pregnant and alone.

When he tried to come back, Joanna decided that she and her daughter were better off on their own. It was a time to get tough and Joanna strengthened her mindset that nothing was going to happen unless it was willed to fruition by working hard to achieve goals or objectives. “I believe that attitude is everything,” says Joanna. “It was almost a desire to prove that I was not what I was typecast to be.”

Joanna finished high school at the top of her class and enrolled in a Missouri state college with the aid of scholarships. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Joanna entered the workforce and went After living in Kansas, Joanna back to school for an MBA. moved to New York. The transition was bittersweet.

During this time, Joanna True, Joanna was on her own got married and she and and had to take care of her her new husband moved daughter alone, but she had no to Kansas. Once arriving to negative influences in her life to their new home, they decided sway her from her objectives. to start a family, but after In addition, she was hundreds Joanna became pregnant, her of miles away from the verbal husband changed his mind abuse that her father and exabout becoming a father. He husband had exposed her to.

The move to New York ultimately provided Joanna stability and while living there, she met and married her current husband, who also had grown up extremely impoverished as a child of missionaries in Guatemala and El Salvador. Joanna’s husband eventually adopted her daughter and upon moving to North Carolina, Joanna and her husband had their own child together.

Currently, Joanna is working in IT as a contract project manager, and works for several large corporations in the financial industry.

The true turning point in Joanna’s life, personally and professionally, came while she was working in manufacturing at Corning in New York.

Businesswomen asked Joanna if she would compete in the Young Careerist Competition

During her rise through the Young Careerist competition, Joanna took notice of BPW (Business and Professional Women). She loved the mission of the organization and the friendly network of women that help each other and support each other on a multitude of levels. In June of 1993, Joanna became a member of BPW and served in various positions on a local juncture. It was not until after moving to North Carolina in the late 1990s and becoming affiliated with a local chapter, that Joanna took hold of more of the district and state opportunities that BPW offered women in business for development in leadership.

Today, proudly, Joanna is the it. What is it that we need to President of BPW, representing search for inside of ourselves? the state of North Carolina.

Unlimited power!

Joanna is not secretive about her life story and what challenges she has overcome.

She has found that opening up about her life has brought a lot of good things her way, as well as to others. “I find that rather than being judgmental, it causes other people to open up more and have an affinity for you. They don’t judge me for my past, as they become inspired, saying ‘Wow! You broke free. You kept your career going and pursued love again.’ It is a good step (to tell your story) because it brings you closer to people.”

In this moment, at this very second, we have choices surrounding us--whether we are going to push forward and make those cold calls, whether we are going to go to the gym and get back into shape and feeling good, or whether we are going to stand up to the demons that hinder our progress.

Why do life stories such as Joanna’s pull at our heart strings? Is it because we are envious of the determination that someone else has? Is it the human interest factor?

Or is it because we feel that if someone can keep at it after two strikes, we can, too! For whatever reason, people, especially women, love to see others succeeding. It makes us feel good. It gives us hope.

It ignites a flame in us that sometimes we never knew we had or thought had been extinguished.

What is your story? Don’t be afraid to tell it to anyone. We at Women With Know How would love to hear about your journey. You never know how sharing your life story could help someone get through their struggles. And even more, you never know how much telling it can help you.

What makes you special? In one word – Everything. You No matter what your childhood are uniquely yourself and no was like, no matter what matter where you go, there is depths you have risen from, no one who is like you. So, and no matter what barriers own up to who you are--and you have overcome, nothing be proud! is outside of your reach.

Be proud of yourself, where We, as human beings, have you have come from, what you something that NO ONE have done and what you WILL can ever take from us, but do throughout your life to make sometimes we need to dig your aspirations match reality. deep to find it or uncover

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

in 1993. Joanna obliged, and won the local competition, continued on to the district competition and advanced all the way to the state level, where she was one of the runners up. “I had no support and no one pushing me; I wanted to see how far I would go”, states Joanna about her journey through the Young Careerist competition. “I competed with people who had a better education, better opportunities, and less negative stereotypes and I did it. And from then on, I decided that it doesn’t matter if I am in a man’s world or in a situation where it doesn’t look like I should succeed; there is always the possibility to succeed.”

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Insurance

by Sharon T. Nuttall, M.Ed.

2 Flus, FAQ

Owner Health Insurance Solutions

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

and you

18

At about this time every year, we start hearing about the upcoming flu season and getting advice from health care providers and the Centers for Disease Control about immunizations against it. This year has been no exception, but with an interesting, somewhat scary twist.

For some months now, we’ve all been hearing about the H1N1 (at one point known as the “swine” flu, although it is neither transmitted by nor spread by pigs) strain of flu as it has made its way around the world, including pockets in the US.

This has led to lots of talk and even more confusion about the flu(s) and what to do (or not do) about them. Here’s a little clarification on the two types: Seasonal flu. This is the flu that we hear about every year. It spreads most often during the winter months. The vaccine against it actually protects against several types of flu viruses that scientists are predicting will be the most common ones in the upcoming flu season.

H1N1 (also called ‘novel’) flu. This, as the word

‘novel’ implies, is a totally new strain of flu never seen before by scientists. It first appeared some months ago. To date, its symptoms and severity seem to have been about the same as the seasonal flu.

However, because it is an entirely new strain, there is no natural resistance to it within the human population, making its transmission from person to person very simple. In addition, its spread has been atypical, hitting most frequently among the teen/young adult population rather than the usual flu targets of young children and the elderly.

Given that approximately 36,000 people die each year from the seasonal flu alone, there’s a real possibility that that number

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So what to do?

The first and most important step the CDC recommends is a yearly seasonal flu vaccine.

There is no shortage of vaccine predicted as of this time. As always, the flu vaccine is highly recommended for those at high risk of serious complications from the flu (young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, and those over 65) plus health care workers and those who care for individuals at high risk for complications.

A new vaccine specifically targeting the H1N1 virus is scheduled to be released this fall, although the exact date of distribution will begin is not known. Initial availability is expected to be somewhat uneven. Those who should receive the vaccine first are the same as those recommended

for the seasonal flu.

Depending on your health insurance plan, these immunizations may be totally covered by your policy. If you have questions, call the Customer Service number on your health insurance card. Distribution points for the vaccines may include physicians’ offices, worksites and pharmacies.

In the meantime, common sense preventive actions are recommended.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue (and immediately discard the tissue) when coughing or sneezing.

• Wash hands often and well.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, which are all common entry portals for viruses.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• Stay home at the first sign of flu-like symptoms, and remain at home and away from others (unless seeking medical care) until fever is gone for 24 hours or longer.

Antiviral drugs that can decrease the longevity and

Sharon T. Nuttall, M.Ed. is the owner of Health Insurance Solutions, an independent agency specializing in Individual and Family Health Insurance in the Carolinas. You can email her at sharon@ ehealthinsurancesolutions. com, call her at 704366-4977, or visit her website at www. ehealthinsurancesolutions. com where you can sign up for her free monthly newsletter featuring health and money-saving tips. severity of the flu are available by prescription. They work best if taken during the first 48 hours after symptoms begin.

Flu-like symptoms include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. The hospitalization and mortality rates associated with the flu are normally from heart, lung and other systemic complications that can arise, rather than from the flu itself.

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

could double or get worse with a second flu virus. In addition, having either variety of the flu may increase the likelihood of having increased susceptibility to the other, compounding the risk of the serious side effects that increase mortality.

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A d v e r t o r i a l

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Hair Purpose

20

Alan Daniel Salon

“Why can’t my hair

be like that?

Hair is the purpose…

You see someone with bouncy, curly, well-laid strands and you ask yourself, “Why can’t my hair be

like that?” The reason is not as simple as, you are different, and yet it is. We have covered the root, the chemical and biological

structure and their effects on type, quality, amount and manageability of hair.

To use a new twist on an old cliché, ”…all hair is not

A d v e r t o r i a l

Hair, after all, has its purpose. Its basic use is to protect us from the elements. Of course, we prefer to concentrate on the aesthetic purpose.

Hair is malleable. We can change the structure to create volume, texture, look and feel; all enhancing our look. We know that ethnicity contributes greatly to our hair’s biology (how long, thickness, color and strength). But there are other factors: drugs (medications) can change your hair’s biology.

Contributing agents in certain mediation can alter the follicle growth and change the hair structure.

Some vitamins, while great for your health, may have other affects on it, making it brittle or look dull; sometimes even enhancing it with a fuller glossier look and feel.

Remember, hair’s basic use is to protect us from the sun, and elements of cold and heat. Yes, our hair acts

as an umbrella, letting in some elements, keeping out others. Care for your hair and it will take care of you.

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Recognized for our ability to provide comprehensive, effective, and efficient temporary and permanent staffing solutions. Founded on the belief of developing long term relationships, our focus is on understanding our clients needs and delivering results!!

THE BEST TALENT IS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!!

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Premier Resources . . .Healthcare . . . excellence in healthcare staffing

When healthy hair care is your concern, Alan Daniels Salon is your choice. At ADS we specialize in revitalizing damaged manes, enhancing your personal brand with vibrant color and hi-lites, chic cuts and Extensions by SO. Cap USA trained stylists. Luxury and Premium Hair Care Products: Pureology, Redken and Joico

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

created equal .” With all the products, techniques and cosmetic invasion, we can only manipulate our own strands to the limits of their allowance.

Website: www.alandanielssalon.com

21

Presenting Yourself

by Dawn Leitner

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

How to Make You Memorable and Presenting Yourself with Ease

22

5

Steps to Success in Connecting to Others with Confidence Have you ever attended an event and left feeling like it didn’t matter that you showed up as if you were invisible? Or avoided going to an important function because you were uncomfortable with how to approach others?

Remember the old adage, “Its not what you know but who you know”? Who you know will get you in the door of opportunity

When was the first time you can remember standing out or feeling unique? I would venture to guess probably the earliest time in your life--

That’s what the essence of this month’s article is about…acceptance and how do we tap into that when were meeting other people or trying to get a message across that’s important to us.

Often our fears or lack of confidence keep us from getting what we deserve. the day you were born. Your parents looked at you and saw a beautiful unique being and there was no effort on YOUR part at all; you were accepted just as you were.

Although I am a very outgoing person and love to meet new people. I wasn’t always this way. I had to work through getting comfortable with getting to know new people and building relationships, especially in places where I didn’t know anyone. Prior

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and then what you know is what keeps you there. We all know that meeting others and getting a message across are critical skills in building a business; standing out in our fastpaced world is even more challenging. Often our fears or lack of confidence keep us from getting what we deserve.

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October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

to starting my company I worked at a corporation for 18 years. I was always engaging with people at events, but I had an upper hand, I knew them from my job. Then I went to Malaysia for a four-month assignment all by myself.

That forced me to find ways to get comfortable so I could do my job which entailed talking to many people on the account to solve some of their help desk issues. Then I started my business in 2007, and didn’t have a clue about

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networking and how to meet my target market. It was my coach who recommended I just jump in and attend a conference, so I did! I went to the largest conference in the IT service industry in Las Vegas. There I was, newly-separated, a new business female attending a conference primarily with men in Las Vegas! That was a bit scary, and yet it turned out to be some of the best relationships I formed early on, and still have today.

Here are a few tips of what I’ve learned that helped me overcome my fears about meeting new people and building new relationships when I didn’t know anyone.

The same holds true even if you know someone solely by name. I hope you find these tips just as useful.

To build relationships, use the I-CARE approach

I

–b e INQUISITIVE and curious about the person. This mindset allows you to focus and pay attention. Asking open-ended questions empowers you with a tool to help others open up and feel connected to you.

Examples of Open Ended Questions… Your job sounds very interesting, what you like about your work? What brought you into this line of work? Are there other things you are passionate about?

C - Think of ways to CONNECT the person to others whenever possible. Building relationships is about building trust and rapport by adding value. What can you do to help this person, learn about some of their challenges and who else they may need to meet?

A – Be AUTHENTIC to you and your values at all times. Don’t try to be someone

R E

–R ESPECT the person you’re meeting. Pay attention to what the other person is saying; slow yourself and your nervousness down and take a real interest in what they have to say. Respect their time and your own if you are going to engage with them. Compliment them whenever possible to show your interest and appreciation.

–K now the ENERGY you’re exuding – Your energy says a lot about what is not being said in words.

Are you a dog lover? Isn’t it amazing that every day when you walk in the door your dog is so darn excited to see you? That’s energy. Showing others that you are delighted to meet them is about your energy, the way you shake a hand, the way you make eye contact, the way you smile

and look directly in their eyes is all about the energy and attention you’re giving out. We all know when someone is interested in meeting us, they have our undivided attention.

If you are interested in putting this into practice or want to learn more, mark

your calendar to attend my new monthly teleseminar that focuses on this and many other topics related to the Leading with Charisma program for women. We are also launching interactive online classes that focus on women stepping into their authentic leadership.

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

you’re not. Embrace who you are and it will show. Trust that you have a natural gift that others seek. Authenticity is what makes you unique. It’s also the reason I initially was impressed when I first met Nancy Church, who is now my CPA by the calm aura that emanated around her. I was instantly taken by her demeanor and initiative to meet me, and I knew that she would be a great fit for me to handle my finances, something that I can get a bit frazzled about.

Go to www.leadingwithcharisma.com to learn more!

25

Let’s Talk

By Marcie Browning Owner Chrysalis Hypnosis Center

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Let’s Talk About

26

Attraction

The thoughts you think each day have the power to draw to you similar thoughts, feelings and eventually physical manifestation. The power of your mind is always trying to release itself into expression in your life. Whether that be in positive or negative form depends on your predominant thought patterns.

First, we need to talk about how the mind works. There are two parts of the mind involved in any decision, change or goal. The conscious part of the mind is the reasoning part of the mind. It is the filter that is always looking at your life to determine if a change is needed.

The subconscious is where the data is stored. Think of this part of the mind as the CPU of your mind. Everything that has ever happened to you,

The problem lies in the data that your subconscious is accessing to make this change occur. If the strongest pattern in your subconscious is based on negative feelings, attitudes and beliefs then the subconscious refers to those patterns to try to create the change you desire. When you think positively on a conscious level and negatively on a subconscious level you have immediately created conflict in the mind. Whenever conflict exists in the mind, the subconscious mind goes to the strongest thought pattern or belief. Long term negative thinking establishes the strongest pattern in negativity. It is the same with long term positive thinking.

So, how can you change those old patterns? It takes conscious effort and repetition. The first step in changing old thought patterns is to recognize them. When we are aware of our thoughts we can

change them. Many people are not aware of their thought patterns. They only recognize the physical manifestation of them in that they know they need to make a change.

There are several ways to become aware of your thoughts. The first is to recognize how you are feeling. If you feel good about something in your life then chances are your thoughts about that

particular area of your life are positive ones. If you feel badly about something in your life then chances are your thoughts about that area are negative. The second is to look at the areas of your life that you would like to change and notice your thoughts around those areas. The third is to ask yourself questions about your thoughts and feelings.

Why do I feel this way? Why do I want to change? What could be better in this area?

Debbie Winchester Designs earth e le me nts j ewe lr y

www.dwinchesterdesigns.com dwinchester@carolina.rr.com

704-607-0678

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every thought, feeling, belief, attitude, routine and pattern is stored here just like the data on your computer.

The subconscious is literal and is always striving to do your bidding. It is your faithful servant. When you consciously decide to make a change the subconscious begins to make that happen.

27

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

predominantly think the positive thoughts. As each thought adds to the last, this new positive pattern becomes stronger and stronger until eventually it is the strongest pattern. It is the pattern the mind goes to first and the one that will manifest in physical form.

What is in conflict in this area?

What am I thinking?

Let’s go back to repetition.

Your current beliefs and attitudes began with a single thought and then another similar thought and another and another. This is the snowball effect or attraction.

Then you experience physical manifestation of that belief which began with the first thought and was reinforced with each thought after it. If your beliefs are negative you begin to expect negative results in everything you do. A single thought can be dismissed. It takes more work to change the entire snowball.

Once you are aware of your

28

thoughts then you begin to change them one by one. In essence, you are removing the old patterns and replacing them with new ones based on positive attitudes and beliefs rather than negative ones.

You do this with repetition just like you created the old one.

In the beginning, this may seem overwhelming. My advice is to remember that as the snowball grows it begins to do the work for you. How? Remember how this all began? One thought attracted another like thought and another and another. As you replace the old negative thoughts with positive ones the positive snowball grows and it becomes easier to

How do you apply this to your life? Affirmations! Affirmations are a powerful tool for change.

The subconscious mind looks for the repetitive patterns. You begin by stating what you want as if you have already achieved it. Affirmations are positive, present tense. Use the examples in this article to help you begin to write your own affirmations.

Affirmations should be said aloud and often throughout the day. Write them down and look at them as you say them. Keep them where you will see them throughout the day. One of the best times to use affirmations is at night as you are falling asleep. The last thought in your mind as you fall asleep is the one that your subconscious works on throughout the night while the conscious mind sleeps. Use those eight hours to your best advantage!

Begin with one thought at a time and build on it with the next and the next and the next until you have established the positive pattern you desire.

Affirmations: My conscious mind is ruled by positive thoughts each and every day.

I am positive in my conscious mind because being positive is my true nature.

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Diane S. Davis, CFP®, CLU® Financial Advisor 5200 Park Road Ste. 117 Charlotte, NC 28209 (704)522-6565

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC.

Anything that appears to go wrong this day is immediately corrected and attuned to the positive part of my mind.

My conscious mind is at peace as I go through this day because the true nature of my being is positive and happy.

I am self-confident this day as I allow the positive power of my mind to govern my affairs.

I am positive as I make healthy choices because I know that my body will follow my mind in this change.

I expect prosperity as I fill my mind with positive, prosperous thoughts.

Namaste, Marcie

susie sheftel designs 843•330•9551

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I expect good in my life today because my mind is attuned to a strong, positive belief that my life is good.

www.susieart.com susie@susieart.com

29

Transportation

By LeeAnn Shattuck

The

Best Time to Buy October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

a Car

30

I am frequently asked by my clients, “When is the best time to buy a car?” There are as many theories on this topic as there are fleas on a stray dog, so I thought we would examine some of them this month.

the lots on the weekends.

Car dealers refer to weekends as the “tuna run” — there are so many customers on the lot, they just pull them into the net.

It’s harder to demand a low price when the salesman can simply turn to the next Some people think that rainy customer in line. You stand days will deter car shoppers a better chance during the from trudging through lots, week, when there are fewer and make dealers more fish in the sea. desperate to make a sale.

On the other hand, if you An even better time to shop are slopping around in the is the end of the month rain, the salesman may think or quarter when dealers that you are desperate for are trying to make their a car and push for a higher quotas. The number of cars price! Many highline dealers a dealer sells each month (BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, determines the number of etc.) insist that rainy days cars he can get from the are great sales days manufacturer next month. It because their customers also affects the types of cars would rather spend the he gets (models and colors warm, sunny ones on the that are selling well vs. ones golf course instead of in that are not) as well as their showroom. At any marketing support dollars. If rate, I wouldn’t recommend a dealer is falling short of a making a major financial quota for the month, he may decision based solely on the forego a profit on the car weather report. just to make his numbers.

Weekdays are typically better for car shopping, since most people peruse

The end of the model year and the end of the calendar year are often

sell better at certain times of the year. Trucks and SUVs are popular fall and winter buys for customers living in snowy climates. Conversely, convertibles command higher prices in the spring and summer, save for those sunny states where going topless is feasible year-round.

The bottom line is that the price of any given vehicle depends on supply and demand. (Remember high school economics?) If the dealer needs to move a car,

To confuse matters further, certain types of cars tend to MORE LeeAnn Shattuck is the President and “Chief Car Chick” of Women’s Automotive Solutions, Inc. Women’s Automotive Solutions is a car buying service dedicated to helping women through the entire car selection and buying process. Their automotive experience enables them to save clients hundreds to thousands of dollars on a new or used car without the usual frustrations that come with car shopping.

you can get a better deal.

If a car is hot in the market and flying off the lots, be prepared to pay accordingly.

To make sure you get the best possible deal on the vehicle you want, contact Women’s Automotive Solutions. Our strong relationships with the car dealers combined with our knowledge of the buying process ensure that you will get a great deal without the frustration and time commitment that can come with shopping on your own.

Dr. Kandyce Thomas

Chiropractor T: 704.543.5508 F: 704.543.5509 www.thomasfamilychiro.net

10440 Park Road Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28210

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

good times to buy. Dealers need to clear out the previous model year vehicles in order to take delivery of the new ones from the manufacturer.

Many customers would rather have the newest model year, especially if there has been a re-design (like the new 2008 Honda Accord), so dealers must make the older vehicles more attractive by reducing the price. The manufacturers will usually offer incentives in the form of customer rebates, cash discounts and low finance rates to help dealers move the old inventory. But, don’t think this is the only time to find great incentives.

Manufacturers will offer them any time during the year when they feel the need to increase sales.

31

Fire Safety

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Fire Safety 101

32

The fall time change is a great reminder to changesmoke alarm batteries.

As the time change nears, there are a few simple things you can do to make your home and family safer. This Fire Safety 101 guide will show you easy, affordableand ultimately life-saving precautions you can take today thatcan help prevent a fire in your home.

GettheFactsHome fires seem to be things that happen to other people —so why should you be concerned? Approximately every three hours a home fire deathoccurs somewhere in the nation.Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homeswithout

working smoke alarms. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

According to theInternational Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), workingsmoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by provid -ing an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape. While 96 percent of American homes have at least onesmoke alarm, 19 percent do not have at least one smokealarm that

works, mostly due to missing or dead batteries.This means roughly 25 million homes are at risk because of nonworking smoke alarms and an additional 4.5 millionhomes are at risk by not having smoke alarms. For the 22nd year in a row, Energizer and the IAFC arepartnering in the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery®program.

Established to help reduce

Did you Know •O n average, home fires kill 540 children ages 14 andunder each year.

•C hildren ages 5 and under are 1.5 times as likely as the population as a whole to die in home fires.

•S eniors age 75 and older are three times more likely to die in a home fire.

• 1 1 p.m. to 7 a.m. are the peak alarm times for home fire deaths — when people tend to be asleep and the house is likely to be dark.

• T he National Safety Council reports that almost 700 people die each year as a result of unintentional poisoning by gases or vapors in non-fire situations. Carbon monoxidewas involved in the majority of these deaths.

•S moke alarms don’t last forever. They should be replaced at least every 10 years.

Yes __ No__ Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries are changed atleast once a year.

Use the Change Your Clock Change Your Batteryprogram as a reminder to help keep the batteries fresh.

Yes __ No__ You have both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms.

Yes __ No__ There are working smoke alarms near the sleeping areas.

Yes __ No__ There are working smoke alarms on every level Yes __ No__ The smoke alarms are cleaned regularly and tested once a month.

Yes __ No__ Portable fire extinguishers are available and family members knowhow to use them properly.

Yes __ No__ You have a home escape plan and practice it regularly.Heating Hazards Yes __ No__ Combustibles such as clothes, curtains and furniture are away fromstoves and heaters.

Yes __ No__ Heating appliances are tested every year.

Yes __ No__ All alternative heating devices used are Underwriters Laboratories(U.L.) approved.

Yes __ No__ Carbon monoxide detectors are installed in a central locationoutside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Electrical Hazards Yes __ No__ Electric cords are not worn, frayed or damaged Yes __ No__ Extension cords are not under rugs, over nails, through water oracross passageways.

Yes __ No__ Electrical outlets are not overloaded by multiple plug devices.

Yes __ No__ Electric appliances are not used near water.

General Housekeeping Hazards Yes __ No__ Closets, basements, attics and garage areas are clean of old paper,boxes, paint cans and other trash.

Yes __ No__ Flammable liquids and oily rags are disposed of after use or storedin a tightly closed metal container.

Yes __ No__ All combustibles are stored a safe distance away from any possibleheat source. Kitchen Hazards Yes __ No__ The stove and oven are in good working condition.

Yes __ No__ The stove area is kept clean and free of grease.

Yes __ No__ Combustible materials are kept away from open flames and heatsources.

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

the tragic number ofhome fire deaths and injuries, Change Your Clock ChangeYour Battery urges Americans to change smoke alarm andcarbon monoxide detector batteries when changing clocksback to standard time each fall — this year on November 1.

In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries, take sometime to learn about fire safety and to complete a home firesafety checklist. You can make your home safer — today.For more information, visit energizer.com/ preparedness.

General Fire Safety

33

Weight Loss

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Weighing in on

34

Weight Loss Finding a plan that measures up

Celeste LaBonte’s knee gave out one day at home.

Herorthopedist told the Blackstone, Mass. mom that the kneedamage Celeste LaBonte was caused by her excessive weight. Celeste found that, at 294 pounds, she had to use a seat belt extenderon planes and that she had a difficult time going up stairs.

But it wasn’tuntil she learned of her husband’s upcoming professional award andimagined embarrassment at the ceremony that she decided to make abig change.

Celeste isn’t alone. With

challenges to the body like a slowingmetabolism, stress, childbearing and easy access to less thannutritional food, it’s no wonder that so many women strugglewith their weight.

Weight can affect your health.

According to the Centers forDisease Control, being overweight increases your risk for a hostof health problems, including: • Coronary heart disease • Type 2 diabetes • Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon) • Hypertension • Stroke

• L iver and gallbladder disease •S leep apnea and respiratory problems •O steoarthritis •G ynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility) The Search for a Solution Millions of dollars are spent each year on diet programs, yet upto 95 percent of dieters fail to maintain weight loss. There isoften an initial loss of weight, but then many people hit a plateauand stop losing weight.

Another problem with many diets is that people just can’t maintain a diet long-term.

But many of those programs are

Plan the Solution From the book “Curves Fitness and Weight Management Plan”: Setting goals is a must. Your goals must be specific, written, exciting and achievable. Begin by asking yourselfthese questions: • What personal strengths will help you succeed?

• What are your triggers for making poor food choices?

• How can you manage those triggers more effectively?

• What time of day will you take a 30-minute walk?

• What are your biggest fears about starting a new plan?

• How could you proactively address those fears?

How One Plan Works The Curves Weight Management

based on a flawed premise: if you simply eat less and move more, then you’ll be smaller.There’s more to it than that.

Metabolism Matters When calories are restricted, your metabolism drops. When thishappens, you hit a plateau and the pounds stop coming off. Inorder to break through that plateau, most diets call for a fu rtherreduction in calories. This lowers the metabolism more, requiringa lifetime of low-calorie dieting to maintain your goal weight.

Celeste joined Curves, a fitness franchise designed for women.

She signed up for their free weight management plan, whichtakes metabolism changes into account. She’s lost over 60

pounds so far.

“The Curves plan has changed how I think about food,” said Celeste. “It helped me jumpstart my weight loss, and I’ve beenfollowing the essentials of the plan ever since.” She also foundthat the program, combined with 30 minutes of exercise threetimes a week, improved her cholesterol, blood pressure, acidreflux and knee pain.

The Real Key to Weight Loss “The secret is not willpower or selfdiscipline,” says Nadia Rodman,senior dietician for Curves, “butrather a proper understanding of howwe can change our behavior, or, morespecifically, our habits.”

Plan is a cycle made upof three phases.

• Phases 1 and 2 are weight loss phases that you usefor a combined 30 days.

• Phase 3 is two to four weeks of metabolic recovery.

Research has shown that by following a strength training program, such as the one offered by Curves, and eating a higher protein diet, metabolism is not significantly decreased.

Sometimes, it actually increases — making it easier to burn fat and maintain permanent weight loss.

For more about the free weight management classes —available to non-members as well as members —visityour local Curves or curves.com.

Rodman believes that women cantake charge of their health and com -bat the effects of aging and disease.“We’re about fitness, health, andmoving away from disease,” shesays. “We’re about losing weight andgaining strength. In a community ofsupport and encouragement, you canreach your goals.”

Celeste has a new vision of herself. “I’d always be lookingaround, asking myself, ‘Am I the fattest person in the room?’This has changed the way I view myself. I’ve always beenhappy, but now it’s about having fun, not making fun of myself.”For more about the free Curves Weight Management Plan,visit your local Curves or curves.com.

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Picking a Plan According to the Weight-Control Information Network,safe and effective weight-loss programs should include: • Healthy eating plans that reduce calories but do notforbid specific foods or food groups.

• Tips to increase moderateintensity physical activity.

• Tips on healthy habits that also keep your needs inmind,suchaslower-fat versions of your favorite foods • Slow and steady weight loss.

Depending on yourstarting weight, experts recommend losing weight ata rate of 1/2 to 2 pounds per week. Weight loss maybe faster at the start of a program.

• A plan to keep the weight off after you have lost it.

35

Tomato Risotto with Portabella Mushrooms Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: about 40 minutes

Makes 4 servings

Take Comfort

October 2009 | The premier women’s business resource guide

Cozy up to healthier favorites

36

Can cool-weather comfort foods ever be good for you?

When you start with healthful ingredients, you can end up giving yourself a satisfying meal and a nutritional boost.

Tomato products should be a key ingredient for any meal as they are some of the healthiest foods you can have in your kitchen.

Scientific studies suggest

that tomato products may protect the body against cardiovascular disease, inflammation and various forms of cancer. All of that, plus they are a very affordable way to get an extra serving of vegetables.

For more delicious ways to give your favorite comfort foods a healthful boost, visit www.tomatowellness.com.

Chili Colorado

Stir together all ingredients except optional toppings and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 2 hours or until beef is tender. Remove cover and cook over medium heat until sauce is thick. Season with pepper and serve with diced avocado, shredded cheese and cilantro leaves, if you like.

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 2 hours, 20 minutes (mostly unattended)

Makes 4 to 6 servings

2 pounds beef round, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 1 14 1/2-ounce can Mexican-style diced tomatoes 1 6-ounce can tomato paste 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano leaves and ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste Freshly ground pepper to taste Diced avocado, shredded Mexican blend cheese, cilantro leaves (optional)

Nutritional analysis

per serving: Calories: 330, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 120mg, Sodium: 790mg, Potassium: 742mg, Carbohydrates: 19g, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 11g, Protein: 42g, Vitamin A: 30%, Vitamin C: 30%, Calcium: 6%, Iron: 25%

2 tablespoons butter 1 cup Arborio or short grain rice 1 teaspoon minced garlic 2 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced 1 teaspoon dried basil 4 cups vegetable stock or reduced-sodium broth, warmed 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce 1/3 cup white wine 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and minced 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping 4 small portabella mushrooms

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; stir in rice, garlic and shallots. Cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are soft; stir in basil. Reduce heat to low and stir in stock, 2/3 cup at a time, cooking and stirring until stock is absorbed before adding more to skillet.

Stir in tomato sauce, wine and sundried tomatoes; cook over mediumhigh heat, stirring frequently, until excess liquid has cooked off and rice is thick; stir in Parmesan.

Meanwhile, while rice is cooking, grill or broil mushrooms. Place spoonfuls of risotto inside each mushroom and sprinkle with additional Parmesan, if desired.

Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories: 420, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 960mg, Potassium: 1265mg, Carbohydrates: 67g, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 10g, Protein: 15g, Vitamin A: 35%, Vitamin C: 25%, Calcium: 15%, Iron: 15% Courtesy of Family Features

your idea

your partner

your dream

March – April 2008 LPportal.com

Stacey’s kitchen, which is bound to make you feel so much better about your own culinary skills. A fun, helpful, and yummy read!

Sheri Lynch

Bob & Sheri co-host and best-selling author of “Hello, My Name is Mommy”

Featuring The Collection of Kroghie Andresen

GuNNIN’ BIrDs

22

your stomach happy; it’ll help your heart, since all the profits go to help the millions of kids with juvenile diabetes.”

Jeff Glor

The Early Show National Correspondent, CBS News

Reasons Employees

“This is the first cookbook I’ve seen in all my years of reading them like novels (and

writing a few myself) that is for everybody, Stacey delivers a delightful, entertaining,

But I Know Someone Who Can

“Having worked with her on the anchor desk, I always knew Stacey could deliver the news. Now she’s delivered a wonderful book of recipes. This book will not only make

I Can’t Cook,

About the Author

and useful repertoire of recipes in the same wonderful manner she gives us ‘news we can use’ each morning.”

Barbara McKay Media Personality

HATE their

Jobs

have to live the rest of their lives with diabetes. Thank you, Stacey for all that you do to help find a cure and improve the lives of so many.”

and what companies can do about it

by Denise Altman, MBA, CPA, CPBA

a collection of essays, recipes and culinary tips.

I Can’t

It’s a tell-all collaboration between twenty-five

Stacey Simms, co-host of Charlotte’s Morning side of her own kitchen: the roasted but still half-

Reading, writing and diversity at Trinity Episcopal School

frozen holiday turkey, the emergency visit from the local fire department, and the just-cooked soup poured down the drain. Her stories are as honest

Breach!

as they are humorous. But Stacey isn’t ready to hang up her oven mitts just yet.

She has somehow convinced the best restaurants

An LP Approach to Information Security

in town to share their favorite recipes for this book.

Many of the featured chefs have generously

offered practical advice, along with their recipes, to help both serious foodies and hopeless home cooks like Stacey.

Daniel Stowe in Full Bloom

For founder of real estate firm, priorities are about more than finances

Mooresville’s Artistic Side

Self-taught topiary artist’s yard is a cut above

and Cucumber Soup … to White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Yam Soufflé, and New Zealand Lamb. Some of the recipes are easy, others more complicated, but all of them yield delicious results.

This book also has another purpose—to raise awareness and funds to help in the fight against type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. Stacey’s son has type 1, and by purchasing this book you are helping to support the work of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Charlotte.

Forward by

Carolina Panthers Coach John Fox

Good food, good stories, good cause.

Bon Appétit!

George Winston Welcomes Spring in Davidson LNC 0309 Cover Sig.indd 1

Man on a

VOL. 2 NUMBER

MARCH 2009

3

WWW.LNCURRENTS.COM

2/18/09 2:49 PM

mission

Richard ‘Stick’ Williams, who’ll be the YMCA’s first black chairperson in 2010, makes community involvement his business

PM0609-FINAL.indd 1

MAGAZINES

Your time to self-publish SPARK Publications serves as your consultant and creative department to put your published dream into the hands of your future clients. Imagine your own book published...and you maintain all the rights and all the profits. Imagine your products

Business Issue

News on NewsTalk 1110 WBT, discloses the dark

But I Know Someone Who Can

8/26/08 2:27:09 PM

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

Concrete2Green revitalizes communities, spreads love of soccer

LEADING RETAIL’S RESPONSE TO ORC | JCPENNEY’S AWARENESS EDGE PROFILE OF GORDMANS | HOW TO BECOME A RETAIL EXECUTIVE

SELF-PUBLISHED BOOKS

Currents

of Charlotte’s greatest chefs and one of our city’s worst cooks.

Cook,

Stacey SimmS

Patrick McFeeley

this isn’t your typical cookbook.

I Can’t Cook, But I Know Someone Who Can is

& Recipes Advice From s Charlotte’ s Top Chef

When her two year old son was diagnosed, she immediately went from advocate to fully committed volunteer. She is not willing to accept that her son and millions of others may

JDRF International Board Member

Stacey SimmS

Recipes range from Albóndigas, Bruschetta,

“Stacey has been a long time advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Altman Initiative Group, Inc.

Kroghie Andresen has enjoyed hunting and the outdoors since his early teens in eastern North Carolina. His waterfowl hunting experiences began when he shot two lesser scaup from a stake blind in the mouth of Bath Creek at the age of fifteen. since then his passion for hunting has grown and flourished.

Kroghie worked as a banker for First union National Bank, now Wachovia, for thirty three years before retiring in 2004.

Though his work had no connection with hunting, he continued to pursue his hobby during spare time away from work. While living in raleigh in 1979, his wife ross, bought him his first decoy to decorate their new den. This started a collection that has grown into over 1,100 North Carolina decoys. An early decision to limit his collection to Back Bay, Virginia, and North Carolina decoys led to a very specialized collection. Kroghie always tried to document the history and provenance of his decoys. The lack of information on many North Carolina decoys led him to research many previously unidentified carvers as well as those that are well known. This research and thirty years of collecting decoys have culminated with this book.

Kroghie received a B.s. degree in Civil Engineering from The Citadel in 1966 and an MBA from East Carolina university www.altmaninitiative.com in 1971. He and his wife currently704.708.6700 reside in Charlotte, N.C. They have two grown children, Clark and Hailey.

22 Reasons Employees Hate their Jobs

Kroghie, with Maggie, after a successful duck hunt at Lake Mattamuskeet, N.C. in 2004.

– even dazzling – meals made by you – yes, you! Plus, the fire department has had to visit

PRIDE May-June 2009

V7.2

“If you love to eat, but fear the kitchen, follow Stacey Simms to the stove. Imagine delicious

Denise Altman has spent the past 25 years observing how companies manage and utilize their employees.

Her observations have made her a valued consultant to businesses large and small.

She is the President of Altman Initiative Group, Inc., a behavioral Stacey Simms is the award-winning and strategic consulting firm near Charlotte,Morning North News Carolina. In co-host of Charlotte’s addition to working with individual with Al Gardner and Stacey Simms and companies, she is a frequent speaker at on the subjects Health conferences Headlines: Thenationwide Show, both heard of communication, leadership, hiring, on NewsTalk 1110 WBT. Stacey started employee development and retention.

Her practical information and humorous her broadcasting career as a TV news insights get rave reviews from her anchor and reporter, first in upstate New audiences.

She the author two compact discs York, then in is Charlotte at CBSofaffiliate on behavioral communication entitled WBTV.“Help, She’s a these graduate of Syracuse people are driving me crazy!” and “Help, my husband is driving me University’s Newhouse School of Public crazy!” She has also written a variety Communications.

Stacey lives in Davidson, of articles that have been published in newspapers, magazines newsletters NC with her family. She tries not toand set off around the country. the smoke detectors Denise holdstoo a often.

Masters in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Professional Behavior Analyst.

Learn more about Denise Altman and her work at www.altmaninitiative.com.

and services beautifully and effectively promoted in a custom designed or creatively re-designed catalog, brochure or magazine.

We work with you throughout the process and help you launch directly to your target audience.

To get started, call Fabi Preslar at 704.844.6080 or email Fabi@SPARKpublications.com

5/1/09 12:19 PM

Multi-Cultural Women’s Conference

Bridging the Chasm:

TRUST– A Business Essential Tuesday, October 20, 2009 location: Johnson C. Smith University

D LIMITIENG. SEAT ER T S I G RE AY TOD

Deepika Bajaj, founder and president of Invincibelle, a company dedicated to helping diverse women thrive in a multi-cultural world, kicks-off the conference. Ms. Bajaj will delve into the importance of building trust among women across race and culture in the workplace and in our communities.

Following the workshop enjoy lunch and learn more about the mission of the Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange and plans to build cross-cultural trust through global mentoring and a future partnership with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.

Deepika Bajaj

What:

Trust – A Business Essential

When:

Tuesday, October 20th, 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where: Johnson C. Smith University-Brayboy

Gymnasium and Grimes Lounge

Tickets: $85 for both Workshop and Luncheon

For tickets and more information contact Laura Everett at laura.everett@wi-ce.org.

The Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange, founded in 2005, builds and bridges social capital among women of diverse cultures, fosters cross-cultural awareness and develops the infrastructure for community dialogue, engagement and programs.

Visit www.wi-ce.org for more details.