VMH Magazine - September/October 2016

MAGAZINE!

VMH Vikki M. Hankins!

20

16

PR

GL ESID O E Su BAL NT mm E OB it H ntre AM igh pre A’S lig neu ! ht s rshi p!

Maria Contreras-Sweet U.S. Small Biz Administrator

Atlanta’s Mayor Kasim Reed “Small Business is the Backbone of Atlanta’s Economy”!

Valery Ortiz Hit the Floor, Beauty, Politics

GLOBAL TECH EXEC

Stephen Kelly Ignites Fire Championing Small & Medium Size Business

Daymond John P.A.G.E. Ambassador GES 2016

CYBER !

SECURITY !

Is it necessary to! protect yourself?

Make Time to Care for ‘You’

‘Increase Profit’ Using Technology, Digital Marketing & Innovation Sept./Oct. 2016

"May you live every day of your life.”

!

—Jonathan Swift

9. Actress Valery Ortiz, A Passionate, Talented and WellRounded Personalty Talks Entertainment, Beauty & Politics

"ATTITUDES ARE CONTAGIOUS. ARE YOURS WORTH CATCHING?"

Ortiz is known to millions of young people as cheerleader Madison Duarte on the groundbreaking teen drama SOUTH OF NOWHERE (THE N).

Over three seasons, the series earned loyal fans and garnered critical praise. The show won the prestigious Humanitas Prize® as well as three consecutive GLAAD Media Award® nominations for “Outstanding Drama Series” as well as WGA® and Teen Choice® Award nominations

DENNIS & WENDY MANNERING

by Vikki Hankins

13.

The Benefits of Taking Time to Care for Yourself

14.

President Obama’s Global Entrepreneurship 2016 Summit Highlights

Eating right and exercising regularly can help you avoid excess weight gain and maintain a healthy weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, being physically active is essential to reaching your weight-loss goals. Even if you’re not trying to lose weight, regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health, boost your immune system, and increase your energy level.!

20.

Sage CEO, Stephen Kelly Small Business & Entrepreneurs Stephen Kelly is the CEO of one of the world’s largest technology company’s - Sage. As former CEO of NASDAQ and COO in the UK government Mr. Kelly is at the forefront championing for entrepreneurs.

by Vikki Hankins!

33.

Cybersecurity - Should everyone pay attention to the alarm(s)?

25.

Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP); Will it Benefit Small & Medium Business?

According to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) website, “TPP will make it easier for American entrepreneurs, famres, and small business owners to sell Made-inAmerica products abroad by eliminating more than 18,000 taxes and other trade barriers on American products across 11 other countries in the TPP-barriers that put American products at unfair disadvantage today.”

Around the world bank accounts are hacked, websites are infected with malware and crimes are committed through the cyber world. Should everyday people take this as serious as someone running for president?

Does it call for 24/7 online security? A recent report gives alarming statistics surrounding cybersecurity.

By Vikki Hankins

34.

A Dream Come True; Talk Show Host, Henrietta Stewart Shares Her Amazing Story Interview Conducted by Vikki Hankins

by Vikki Hankins

VMH MAGAZINE A LIFESTYLE www.vmhmagazine.com

UBER CEO,

Travis Kalanick !

GES 2016 Innovation & Equal Job Opportunities

P. 13

Publisher!

VMH Vikki M. Hankins Editor-in-Chief Vikki M. Hankins Journalist/Contributors Vikki M. Hankins Garry Jones Beth Krumbein (visiting)

!

Photography Vikki M. Hankins Garry Jones Alisha Davis

!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!

Cover Photo Credits: Stephen Kelly {Cover Feature): Courtesy of SAGE Valery Ortiz (Insert): Marc Cartwright Maria Cantreras-Sweet (Insert): Vikki M. Hankins Daymond John (Insert): Vikki M. Hankins Kasim Reed (Insert): Vikki M. Hankins

Photo Credit: Vikki Hankins

! www.vmhmagazine.com

6

The Shifting Sands of Employee Motivation

by William Dann

I recently attended a speech by best-selling author Daniel Pink[1] in which he summarized research on shifts in employee motivators. The old “if-then motivators” of giving bonuses for the achievement of goals no longer work. Work has become too complex and is changing too rapidly for such simple formulas to be relevant and to motivate performance.

!The New Motivators !Pink described the motivators

in today’s knowledge economy as being Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose.

Autonomy is the ability to define one’s own work; the tasks, the required time, the best technique and the best team required. Mastery means being afforded the time to make progress on improving one’s own work. Purpose entails knowing that the work being done has meaning or adds value in today’s world.

that facilitate their employees achieving high performance, i.e. Mastery. The acid test for any manager?

If your employees do not improve their performance during a given period, then you have failed to add value to the organization during that period and are a cost without benefit.

!The road to adding value to your employees is paved with regular, frequent and meaningful conversations about performance, problems, ideas for improvement, and how as a supervisor you can support achieving employee goals.

Feedback is critical both to development of Mastery and to instilling/maintaining a sense of Purpose in work.

!These frequent interactions need to replace the annual

evaluation that is based on a judgment rather than partnership paradigm. In an age in which feedback is instant in almost all aspects of our life (e.g. ask a question of Google, instant answer; send a Tweet and the world responds), more frequent dialogue between supervisor and employee is essential.

!I recommend that in each of these meetings, supervisors

define steps they can take to help engaged employees achieve their goals.

Those steps might include:

!

!When these new motivators are in The Challenge

p l a y, e m p l o y e e s b e c o m e “engaged”. Active engagement entails commitment to the organization’s goals and values, motivation to contribute to the organization’s success and a sense that doing so enhances their own well-being. In short, there is alignment between the goals of the employee and those of the organization.

•

!Old incentives and management were focused on gaining

compliance. New incentives and management must shift to increasing engagement if an organization is to remain competitive and retain talent in today’s world. The important and obvious question is: How?

!The New Management !According to 10 years of Gallup Poll data, a full 80% of the workforce is at least somewhat engaged. Leaders and supervisors now must focus on practices that 1) get employees to competence and Autonomy quickly, 2) aid employee efforts to achieve Mastery and 3) continuously instill a sense of Purpose in the work being done. I propose that supervisors consider themselves “partners”

• •

• Giving clearer direction re. needed outcomes, priorities, purpose of position • More clearly defining what good performance would look like in for a given responsibility • Providing more feedback on performance • Granting more authority or autonomy for decision-making, problem solving, altering methods employed Making decisions needed by employees more rapidly Assuring that employees have the resources needed to succeed Giving more credit/appreciation for the results delivered, i.e. strengthening a sense of Purpose

!Added to these seven steps to increase engagement should

be a discussion of employee ideas of how to improve performance in their work area and how management can support those ideas.

!Managers tell me that regularly addressing these topics can

totally shift the organizational culture and the supervisoremployee relationship. It shifts the emphasis from manager to facilitator, from judge to partner. Such a shift is rewarding both for supervisor and employee and has huge potential for performance improvement.

!

(continued on page 11)

a conversation with!

!

VALERY ORTIZ! ! ! !!

Interview Conducted by Vikki Hankins

!!

Vikki Hankins: Your career as an actress looks very fun and exciting, is it as easy as it looks or are there hidden disciplines?

!

Valery Ortiz: Thank you! I definitely feel lucky for the journey I've had but it definitely comes with a lot of discipline. I don't know if you'd say they're "hidden" but like you can imagine there's a lot of rejection, a lot of personal prep like getting coached, staying fit, memorizing lines, audition after audition, etc. I wouldn't call it easy but when you're doing what you love, it is always fun.

!

Vikki Hankins: I notice on Instagram that you recently traveled to the Sahara Dessert, how was this for you?

!

Valery Ortiz: That was absolutely amazing!

I knew I wanted to go and that I would love it but I was blown away! It was surreal and like nothing I've ever seen. We rode camels into the dessert, had dinner with our Berber hosts and other tourists and stayed there overnight. It was a once in a lifetime experience. I would HIGHLY recommend visiting the Sahara Desert to anyone!

! !

Vikki Hankins: ’Hit the Floor’ is a successful, long-running show; congratulations.

How does it feel to be part of the shows success?

!

Valery Ortiz: HTF was amazing! It's always special to be a part of a show from the very beginning. I loved telling Raquel's story. Our

Valery Ortiz Photographer: Marc Cartwright

fans are also incredible! They've really blown me away.

The HTF summer special airs Monday, September 5th 9/8c on Vh1!

!

Vikki Hankins: Let’s talk about your title as ’50 Most Beautiful People’; this is pretty exciting!

How did it feel to wear this title and how do you define beauty?

!

Valery Ortiz: Haha! It's definitely flattering and sweet but its weird all at the same time. I've always felt a little uncomfortable being judged or praised for just looks. I felt more like an ugly duckling growing up and I still feel like I'm growing into myself. Sure, makeup, hair, and a stylist can help anyone look their best! I think my parents deserve any award or recognition I get for my looks. I had zero to do with that! Haha!! Thanks mami y papi!!!

!

Vikki Hankins: Regarding the business side of your career, is it difficult to maintain/obtain roles? And what advice do you give to those looking to start a career in entertainment?

Vikki Hankins: One last question, what can we expect form Valery Ortiz in the near future; any new projects?

!

Valery Ortiz: The final season of 'Switched at Birth' will air on Freeform in 2017 and I can't wait until you meet my recurring character of 'Noelle'. She was a really fun change from 'Raquel' so I was thrilled the producers gave me the opportunity to "play".

!

Season 15 of 'American Latino' begins this fall! I am so proud to be the host of such a positive and inspiring show, still going strong after so many years!

!

Vikki Hankins: Thank you for speaking with me; if there's anything you'd like to say outside of the above, simply share!

!

Valery Ortiz: Thank you for your time and interest! Love to all the readers and fans! You make our sacrifices worth it.

Instagram & Twitter: @ValsTweet Official Valery Ortiz Facebook

!

Valery Ortiz: It is! If people only knew how many times we audition and DON'T get the role they may be very surprised. It can get very discouraging. If you're new to the entertainment industry, stay strong, be patient and do your "homework". It's important to love what you do but also (if not more) important to fall in love with other things too. Keep living in between auditions! It will give you much needed balance. Longevity is the goal, right?!

!

Vikki Hankins: Let’s talk history/politics; how do you feel about Hillary Clinton becoming the first woman to accept the presidential nomination from a major political party?

!

Valery Ortiz: You know, there is so much I'm learning about this unbelievable political race. My brother opened my eyes to things I didn't know and to be honest, some of it wasn't all that surprising but still very sad. Regardless of the craziness behind those political doors, history has been made and that alone is pretty epic. I am happy to be alive in a time like this and although some of this presidential race scares me, I remain hopeful!

!

!

Photographer: Marc Cartwright

“If you're new to the entertainment industry, stay strong, be patient and do your "homework". It's important to love what you do but also (if not more) important to fall in love with other things too.

Keep living in between auditions!�

Valery Ortiz Photographer: Marc Cartwright

I recently attended a speech by best-selling author Daniel Pink[1] in which he summarized research on shifts in employee motivators. The old “if-then motivators” of giving bonuses for the achievement of goals no longer work. Work has become too complex and is changing too rapidly for such simple formulas to be relevant and to motivate performance.

These frequent interactions need to replace the annual evaluation that is based on a judgment rather than partnership paradigm. In an age in which feedback is instant in almost all aspects of our life (e.g. ask a question of Google, instant answer; send a Tweet and the world responds), more frequent dialogue between supervisor and employee is essential.

The New Motivators

I recommend that in each of these meetings, supervisors define steps they can take to help engaged employees achieve their goals. Those steps might include:

! !

Pink described the motivators in today’s knowledge economy as being Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose. Autonomy is the ability to define one’s own work; the tasks, the required time, the best technique and the best team required. Mastery means being afforded the time to make progress on improving one’s own work. Purpose entails knowing that the work being done has meaning or adds value in today’s world.

! !

• • • • • •

The Challenge

!

When these new motivators are in play, employees become “engaged”. Active engagement entails commitment to the organization’s goals and values, motivation to contribute to the organization’s success and a sense that doing so enhances their own well-being. In short, there is alignment between the goals of the employee and those of the organization.

!

Old incentives and management were focused on gaining compliance. New incentives and management must shift to increasing engagement if an organization is to remain competitive and retain talent in today’s world. The important and obvious question is: How?

! !

The New Management

•

!

Giving clearer direction re. needed outcomes, priorities, purpose of position More clearly defining what good performance would look like in for a given responsibility Providing more feedback on performance Granting more authority or autonomy for decisionmaking, problem solving, altering methods employed Making decisions needed by employees more rapidly Assuring that employees have the resources needed to succeed Giving more credit/appreciation for the results delivered, i.e. strengthening a sense of Purpose

Added to these seven steps to increase engagement should be a discussion of employee ideas of how to improve performance in their work area and how management can support those ideas.

!

Managers tell me that regularly addressing these topics can totally shift the organizational culture and the supervisoremployee relationship. It shifts the emphasis from manager to facilitator, from judge to partner. Such a shift is rewarding both for supervisor and employee and has huge potential for performance improvement.

According to 10 years of Gallup Poll data, a full 80% of the workforce is at least somewhat engaged.

Leaders and supervisors now must focus on practices that 1) get employees to competence and Autonomy quickly, 2) aid employee efforts to achieve Mastery and 3) continuously instill a sense of Purpose in the work being done. I propose that supervisors consider themselves “partners” that facilitate their employees achieving high performance, i.e. Mastery. The acid test for any manager? If your employees do not improve their performance during a given period, then you have failed to add value to the organization during that period and are a cost without benefit.

!

The road to adding value to your employees is paved with regular, frequent and meaningful conversations about performance, problems, ideas for improvement, and how as a supervisor you can support achieving employee goals.

Feedback is critical both to development of Mastery and to instilling/maintaining a sense of Purpose in work.

!

12

Benefits of Making Time to Care for ‘You’

! !

Controls weight Eating right and exercising regularly can help you avoid excess weight gain and maintain a healthy weight.

According to the Mayo Clinic, being physically active is essential to reaching your weight-loss goals.

Even if you’re not trying to lose weight, regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health, boost your immune system, and increase your energy level.

! !

Improves mood Doing right by your body pays off for your mind as well. The Mayo Clinic notes that physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins. Endorphins are brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. Eating a healthy diet as well as exercising can lead to a better physique. You’ll feel better about your appearance, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Short-term benefits of exercise include decreased stress and improved cognitive function.

!

It’s not just diet and exercise that lead to improved mood. Another healthy habit that leads to better mental health is making social connections. Whether it’s volunteering, joining a club, or attending a movie, communal activities help improve mood and mental functioning by

keeping the mind active and serotonin levels balanced. Don’t isolate yourself. Spend time with family or friends on a regular basis, if not every day. If there’s physical distance between you and loved ones, use technology to stay connected.

Pick up the phone or start a video chat.

! !

PATIENT -VSDOCTOR

!

MISDIAGNOSIS

Combats diseases Healthy habits help prevent certain health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. If you take care of yourself, you can keep your cholesterol and blood pressure within a safe range.

This keeps your blood flowing smoothly, decreasing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Regular physical activity and proper diet can also prevent or help you manage a wide range of health problems, including:

! !

• • • • •

metabolic syndrome diabetes depression certain types of cancer arthritis

Make sure you schedule a physical exam every year. Your doctor will check your weight, heartbeat, and blood pressure, as well as take a urine and blood sample. This appointment can reveal a lot about your health. It’s important to follow up with your doctor and listen to any recommendations to improve your health.

amazon.com

Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2016 - Silicon Valley (Stanford

!

Photography by Vikki Hankins

President Barack Obama during discussion which included Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerburg

The 2016 Global Entrepreneur Summit hosted by President Barack Obama, was an exceptional experience for entrepreneurs, investors, government officials and the media. If I had to sum up the 3 day event I’d use one word: “results”. President Obama founded GES Summit, creating opportunity for opportunity and connection where innovative ideas interconnect with funding, exposure and unique global support.

I would write a book if I sought to share every detail of the summit.

Instead, I’ll share a few photography highlights and few words from the president’s speech.

! !

President Barack Obama: “The world has shrunk. It is interconnected. All of you represent that interconnection. Many of you are catalyzing it and accelerating it. It promises to bring extraordinary benefits. But it also has challenges.

And it also evokes concerns and fears. And so part of why this Global Entrepreneurship Summit has been so close to my heart, something that I’ve been so committed to, because I believe all of you represent all the upside of an interconnected world, all the optimism and the hope and the opportunity that that interconnected world represents.

!

But it’s also important in these discussions to find ways in which we are expanding and broadening the benefits of that interconnection to more and more people. And that’s what’s so many of you are doing.

!

When people can start their own businesses, it helps individuals and families succeed. It can make whole communities more prosperous and more secure. It offers a positive path for young people seeking t

the chance to make something of themselves, and can empower people who have previously been locked out of the existing social order -women and minorities, others who aren't part of the “old boys”

network -- give them a chance to contribute and to lead. And it can create a culture where innovation and creativity are valued -- where we don't just look at the way things have always been, but rather we say, how could things be? Why not? Let’s make something new.”

Secretary of State John Kerry

Daymond John, P.A.G.E. Ambassadors at GES2016 (Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) initiative is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between celebrated American entrepreneurs, the White House, the Department of Commerce, and our interagency partners.

Entrepreneur Winners of Spark the Fire Pitch contest - cash prizes totaled $65,000 from the World Bank, Omidyar Network, and Microsoft

SBA’s Maria Cantreas-Sweet and I

(continued from page 7)

!How to Handle the Disengaged !What do you do about those (<20%) who are not

Do” employees seek to give the supervisor responsibility for the problem. But, at the end of the day, data on their performance reveals the truth and that truth is that despite looking engaged, they are not producing real products.

engaged? The “actively disengaged” have what is called a “Won’t Do” problem (i.e., they understand the assignment and have the skills, knowledge and authority to do it, they just won’t). For such individuals, best practices would involve diagnosing the problem early and then employing aggressive progressive discipline and/or career counseling to try and turn it around or remove the problem.

A major motivator for writing my recent book, Creating High Performers, was to aid supervisors that find themselves wrapped around the axle by disengaged workers. Such workers sow seeds of self-doubt in the supervisor and continuous thinking re. “What have I done wrong?” or “what could I have done or what can I do now to right the situation?”

!

There are some instances in which “Won’t Do” employees can be turned around. Factors outside of work have de-motivated them about life, and a good supervisor can encourage success at work as a means to build toward success in life. However, many “Won’t Do” problems are difficult to reverse.

!

More problematic is that “Won’t Do” problems are difficult to spot. “Won’t Do” employees cite numerous factors, none of which can be substantiated, that are causing their sub-par performance, i.e. they seek to define the problem as “Can’t Do” (i.e., the employee is eager but does not have appropriate training, skills or authority to do the work). They often appear busy, even joyful.

But, they have a toxic impact on fellow workers. “Won’t

!

!

Summary !

Actively partner with your engaged employees through frequent conversations that search for ways to support employee goals of excelling in the organization. For those that don’t respond, examine carefully their production, not effort, statistics, confront them regarding the failing partnership and hold them responsible to confront the source of “won’t do” problems. In short, decrease the time you are spending spinning the wheels with “won’t do” problems and commit time to maximizing performance of those who are truly engaged.

!

[1] Pink, Daniel, To Sell is Human, Riverhead Books, 2012, Drive, Riverhead, 2011, A Whole New Mind, Riverhead, 2006 William Dann spent 13 years as a CEO before launching his consulting business, Professional Growth Systems, LLC, in 1981 – an organization that has served over 200 organizations in the US and abroad, using proprietary solutions to accelerate performance with as little time and resources as possible. Additionally, Dann has taught for several years at the graduate level at Boston University and is also the founder of BoardGrowth.com, a website devoted to advancing the effectiveness of governing boards.Learn more at www.professionalgrowthsystems.com

www.vmhmagazine.com

Video Marketing:!

Unlock Your Signature Self: Your Video Presence is the Key to Marketing and Making Money.!

!! !My name is Beth Krumbein

by Beth Krumbein|

and I am a Health Coach turned Video Consultant! I help entrepreneurs from all over the world create videos that showcase their true personality and bring them money. How did I get here, you might be wondering? Well what I’ve come to learn is that some of our deepest struggles can lead to our greatest successes. I found myself at 22 with no job, recently heartbroken, and with a host of mysterious illnesses.

!Traditional medicine was not helping me, and in fact was making

me worse. I decided I was going to find a way to feel better myself no matter what! Through Functional Medicine and mindset work to stay disciplined and stick to a strict diet and medicinal regimen, I started to turn my life around. Wellness became my passion and all I wanted to talk about. By that time I was a certified Health Coach and decided to grow my business online so I could design my lifestyle and stay healthy.

!How was I to get clients online though? I began writing blog posts

but they never gained any traction. I then started making videos. At first they were really bad, but eventually I found a system and technique that allowed me to show my ideal audience what I’m all about. Eventually, through video, doors opened for me. I became an expert at Whole Foods, Lululemon, and on news and radio.

!I was constantly bombarded with questions about how to stand out and grow their business through video. I switched gears into video consulting and it ended up being the perfect fit! Entrepreneurs are my favorite people in the world. They’re a different breed. As a 4th generation entrepreneurs I know that the faith in yourself to do what you love is overpowering, and seeing the sacrifice my family made for me is something that will stay with me forever and motivate me to help other entrepreneurs succeed.

!In 5 years, I see myself as a branding and marketing expert, a leader in growing awareness for Functional Medicine, and a motivational speaker to help people be the happiest and best version of themselves.

!Because I am such a fan of Vikki Hankins and VMH Magazine, it is my treat to give you $50 off my flagship course, Unlock Your Signature Self: Your Video Presence is the Key to Marketing and Making Money. Promo Code: VMHMagazine

!

Fast Facts ! !

88% of businesses say that video is an important part of their marketing strategy.

! !

! !

87% of businesses who use video say they use it on social media.

! !

! !

77% of consumers say they've been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a video.

1. Nearly two-thirds of Americans (83%) are own smartphones or some form of cell phone, and for many these devices are a key entry point to the online world. Pew Research Center

!

2. Half of all adult cell owners (51%) had used their phone at least once to get information they needed right away.- Pew Research Center 3. Mobile digital media time in the US is now significantly higher at 51% compared to desktop (42%). - CMO Council 4. 65% of US smartphone users check their phones within 15 minutes of rising.

64% check their phones within 15 minutes of going to bed. - CMO Council

We live in a world where mobile device use has become one of, if not the primary resource for information. The world over relies heavily on mobile devices for a number of reasons, including but not limited to quick access to information, emergency situations, entertainment, etc.

!

With this in mind mobile marketing has also inclined. Entrepreneurs can now run effective marketing campaigns from a mobile device. As with any business marketing is instrumental to the success of the company. Being that we have come to rely on mobile devices, why not place a greater emphasis on mobile marketing.

!

“Mobile Marketing is broadly defined as including advertising, apps, messaging, mCommerce and CRM on all mobile devices including smartphones and tablets.” - Mobile Marketing Association

!

Here are a few statistics on the popularity of mobile phone use, which aids in reaching your mobile audience:

5. 87% of millennials always have their smartphone at their side, day and night. 78% of millennials spend over 2 hours a day using their smartphones.

68% of millennials consider their smartphone to be a personal device. CMO Council 6. 78% of Facebook users are mobile-only. CMO Council 7. 77% of the world’s population subscribes to mobile – 5.3 billion people - CMO Council

!

With these statistics in mind, plan your mobile marketing campaign and reach your target audience! If you need assistance, contact Vikki Hankins for your mobile marketing campaign.

! !

References: Mobile Marketing Association Pew Research Center CMO Council

Sage CEO

Stephen Kelly Champion for Small Business

Interview Conducted by !

Vikki Hankins!

Stephen Kelly is the CEO of one of the world’s largest technology company’s - Sage. Sage provides payment processing systems, accounting software and other small and medium enterprise needs. As former CEO of NASDAQ and COO in the UK government Mr. Kelly is at the forefront championing for entrepreneurs.

matter what is going on in the world around them. It’s this pluck and tenacity to just keep going that is essential to creating a really successful environment. They need to have no fear in failing fast and learn quickly – testing things out practically rather than waiting for the ‘perfect’ time, because that will never come.

who was a tea and coffee shop owner. Recently, Kelly ‘hit the state’ in Chicago, Illinois at one of the worlds largest summits for small and medium sized enterprises - Sage Summit. Sage Summit inspired entrepreneurs with cutting edge technology, new insights and words of wisdom from the likes of Sir Richard Branson (Virgin Group), Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress Zooey Deschanel and Investor Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank.

Where does SAGE Summit fit into exposure for entrepreneurs?

specifically for entrepreneurs. How can one use what they’ve learned and return home with what they need for the ‘next level’?

Vikki H.: You were the CEO of NASDQ, COO for UK Government why did you choose to become CEO of a global technology company? How has it been for you?

!His passion for business visionaries dates back to his father,

!Mr. Kelly took a moment to speak with me regarding his work, passion and giving back: !Vikki H.: Sage Summit is like a city in a city built !Stephen

Kelly: Sage Summit is the world’s largest gathering of entrepreneurs. Last week, we brought over 15,000 small businesses, partners, accountants and journalists to Chicago for four days of networking, education and inspiring technology. There was a packed agenda - some of the world’s most famous business leaders and stars of entertainment joined us – from Sir Richard Branson to Gwyneth Paltrow to the Killers. And the good news is that many of the sessions were recorded and are now available through the Virtual Summit website, so people can revisit their favourite moments. But the most important takeaway should always be the people you meet – with that many entrepreneurs in one place, I’m sure everyone met at least one inspiring or like-minded person to help them take their business to the next level.

Vikki H.: A number of entrepreneurs are rapidly taking matters into their own hands, using their vision and skills to bridge gaps and improve living conditions throughout the world. What are your thoughts on this? Any advice?

!A. I love doing business the right way and giving back, and

!Vikki H: How critical is ‘exposure’ is to business success? !Stephen Kelly: Exposure is critical to the success of small

businesses, and I believe that bigger organisations like Sage, and the government, really have a duty to shine a spotlight on their brilliant work. If people don’t know about your business, then there’s no way they can buy from you! In bringing over 15,000 entrepreneurs together, Sage Summit gave these people the opportunity to network and learn from one another, as well as from the speakers which is great for their exposure.

!Stephen Kelly: I love working with entrepreneurs and small business owners – they are the most passionate and gifted bunch of people I know, and they’re the powerhouse of the economy. My father was also a small business owner, he owned a tea and coffee shop, so from a young age I’ve understood what it looked like to put in the hard graft, and create something successful.

!My job is great, because I have the opportunity to give

entrepreneurs a voice during a time when big business owners are the ones getting all the media and government attention. I want to put pressure on politicians and business leaders to shake things up – and make sure that we can create the best environment for entrepreneurs to thrive and grow. Coming from working in government has put me in a strong platform to be able to do that.

!And so far it’s been brilliant – I love waking up in the morning knowing that I’m helping small businesses all over the world live out their dreams. What could be better?

technology has made this process so much easier.

Entrepreneurs the world over are using their skills, ideas and passion to change lives for the better. And what’s even more exciting is that the new generation of entrepreneurs are more passionate than ever about giving back – 69% of millennial entrepreneurs we surveyed recently from all over the world said that doing social good is an important part of what they do - long may that continue. My advice would be to keep doing what you’re doing – you are all amazing!

Vikki H.: SAGE assists small/medium sized businesses with technological fundamentals, in addition to these tools what do you feel entrepreneurs need at the ‘heart’ for sustainable growth?

!Stephen Kelly: Many entrepreneurs I speak to get up, go to work, add to the economy and create jobs every day, no

Photo Courtesy of SAGE

FULL COLOR! HARD BACK, WITH !

ILLUSTRATIONS & MORE!

der Preor Copy r u o Y !

Today

! !

"By 2020, customers will manage 85% of their of their relationship without talking to a human." - Garner Research

!

VISIT WWW.VIKKIHANKINS.NET AND INCREASE YOUR BOTTOM LINE!

SAGE SUMMIT IGNITES YOUR PASSION! The ‘Virtual’ Experience Written by Vikki Hankins|

!Sage Summit is an energetic, very exciting time for innovative ideas, new technology and inspiration for entrepreneurs around the world. I had the pleasure of attending Sage

!Summit

2016, virtually. What an experience! I’d purchased my ticket to fly into Chicago, made my sleeping arrangements for my stay and had to cancel at the last minute.

!Simply put, my toothache did not allow the travel. Flight

canceled and feeling undeterred I turned to the internet and technology used by Sage to bring the Sage Summit experience to an even broader audience. I am not in the least bit disappointed.

!In

person experiences has great advantages because you’re able to actually shake hands with people, take photos and simply enjoy the real-life experience. To my enjoyment, I met people through the sage app for the summit and actually exchanged business information through the virtual site; participants were given the opportunity to share their contact and business information, which allowed me to ‘meet’ more people.

!I was able to visit booths through the virtual platform,

learn of the latest in technology that sage offers small business and load my ‘briefcase’ with information to ‘take home’.

!A screenshot of my virtual experience:

Gwendolyn Paltrow and Robert Herjavec. Sage CEO, Stephen Kelly shared the ‘root’ of his passion for entrepreneur, small and medium sized businesses. Though I admire people that can relate to the plight of a small business owner, the ability to relate is not enough.

Entrepreneurs need the tools and ‘fire’ to keep going, scale and see their vision at it’s greatest heights.

!The below words from Stephen Kelly aided my ambition, my vision and set the tone for the speakers that followed: !“You (entrepreneurs) are the leaders; you are the dreamers; your are the doers. You are growing our economy.”

!People in the community are depending on you for jobs

and prosperity. Our goal is to ‘ignite your passion’, so that you can grow faster and further with Sage.”

!Richard Branson shared the importance of exceptional

customer service, using Virgin Airlines as an example and shared his greatest disappointment - Virgin Galactica.

Starting his first business at 16 years old, Richard Branson has provided the world with a wealth of insight, remains involved in global social-economic issues and has been a beacon of light for entrepreneurs.

!Said Branson on the exceptional customer service on Virgin Airlines, “If you can create a product that has every single little detail right then your staff are so proud of working the company that they can’t do anything but smile. If you give yourself…a big airline where everything is not working; the entertainment system is not working; you're not going to be able to smile.”

!“If you create anything make sure you get all of those

details right,” said Branson. When riding on his planes he always has a “notebook in my back pocket. I talk to the customers; scribble down ideas and feedback and make sure the action is in the next day.”

!Regarding giving back and humanitarian work, Branson

said, “If every single company in this world could just adopt one problem - a local company and a local problem; the bigger companies the national problems. If we as business communities could do that, we could get on top of every single problem in the world.”

!One of the new tech released during Sage summit that is The greatest motivation, inspiration and business tips for me came from speakers Richard Branson, Actress

rather impressive and simple was the release of Pegg.

Pegg is an administrative assistant that is as simple as a voice command in a text message. ‘Powered by Sage, Pegg is a smart assistant that helps to make your admin as simple as having a conversation.’ (cont. on next pg.)

Actress Gwendolyn Paltrow, CCO of Goop - a weekly lifestyle publication gave inspiration business tips. “One of the beauty’s of the internet is connectivity. 33% of our (customers) are outside of America,” said Gwyneth Paltrow on the power of the internet. She further shared an inspirational nugget on belief with the audience, “Self belief is everything (in entrepreneurship); unwavering self belief.”

!

Robert Herjavec Founder/CEO of Herjavec Group shared his journey into entrepreneurship and this, "You have one life....make the most of it. Don't be a spectator.”

!

A few other motivational points from Sage Summit speakers: “Social media is very valuable from a marketing perspective when used right.” - Ashton Kutcher; “Gather the knowledge before you expand. Observe the pattern of others.” - Mike Michalowicz; “You’re not selling products you’re solving problems.” - Susan Solovic

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I’d say Sage summit is a #mustattend! For more information about Sage Summit visit Twitter @Sage_Summit

Executives & Government on TransPacific Partnership (TPP) Benefit to Small and Medium Size Business

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Photography and Story by Vikki Hankins

Currently, there is a strong push to pass an agreement that affects small, medium-sized businesses and individual business owners; TransPacific Partnership, also known as TPP.

trade agreement has a a provision dealing with small and medium enterprises. It is designed to ensure that there's more transparency and access to these fast growing markets by our small and medium enterprises."

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Atlanta Mayor, !

Kasim Reed !

Addresses Audience

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According to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) website, “TPP will make it easier for American entrepreneurs, famres, and small business owners to sell Madein-America products abroad by eliminating more than 18,000 taxes and other trade barriers on American products across 11 other countries in the TPP-barriers that put American products at unfair disadvantage today.”

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In todays economy, the internet allows global access to business opportunities. Entry level clothing designers sell their products through such platforms as Etsy, Ebay, and Square. With that said, TPP is of particular interest for those in the digital and e-commerce arena. TPP says it will “allow…small businesses to reach new markets in the AsiaPacific region.”

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"So for a lot of US individuals who may have a home based or incubator based business this ensures that there's going to be access to use the digital platforms in those markets.

So if they are ran by Etsy or eBay or if they're trying as a small business to sell their goods with a company like UPS shipping; those in this market it makes it more transparent, it makes it more seamless and it ensures that all of these countries will have to regularly assess and make clear that this agreement is in fact working for their small and medium businesses.”

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"This has been a phase that will be helpful for everyone but is particularly important for the small and medium enterprises who know what they can do if the export know that opens up new markets, but for whom the current system prior to TPP its sometimes difficult and opaque…. this really is to help them.”

Ambassador Robert Holleyman

At a recent event held by World Affairs Council of Atlanta, UPS CEO, David Abney, Atlanta Mayor, Kasim Reed, U.S. Sen. Saxbly Chambliss and Deputy US Trade Representative Robert Holleymand shared their views and support of voting in favor of free trade.

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Said Atlanta’s Mayor Kasim Reed, “The data says that the 1% of US business that actually engage in global trade, pay their employees about 18% more.”

“It (TPP) will help keep the internet free and open for the growing number of entrepreneurs who do business online…” said Reed.

!

Ambassador Robert Holleyman had this to say on the subject, “TPP is really an Asian Pacific agreement. Its the first time any

David Abney (CEO UPS), US Senator Saxby Chambliss, Ambassador Robert Holleyman

For more information, transparency on TPP and how it can benefit your business, Ambassador Holleyman said, "these obligations (TPP) will be available on the web, there will be transparent portals and this will require us to continually get input from small businesses to say 'how's this working for you', 'what do we need to do better’.... "So it’s: transparency, access and its accountability. That's really what is different about this trade agreement. It will help small and medium enterprises.

!For more information visit http://wacatl.robinson.gsu.edu

For the love of nature

VMH: I see you have a love for gardening and natural herbs, how do this play a role in your products?

Huiles de Carla

The fragrances incorporated into our soy wax are all Phthalate free. When you receive one of our travel tin candles it is as if you are opening a jewelry box, once you reveal the beautiful embellishment hidden inside. Huiles de Carla Bath ‘n’ Body care line include my Vanilla, Mint, Honey Body scrub made with Mediterranean Sea salt for exfoliation to soften ad renew skin cells paired with her agave coconut facial scrub, incorporating organic liquid agave to hydrate the skin and coconut palm sugar, which is a gentle exfoliator for the face and neck. Huiles de Carla also carries a nourishing scalp oil and a moisturizing beard oil for the man in your life.

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Interview Conducted by Vikki Hankins|

Carla Simmons-Harris’ love for gardening, as well as her search for all natural sources of food and products for her husband and two sons (one of whom is autistic), led her to do an apprenticeship with local farmers.

Carla Simmins-Harris!

Photo Courtesy Carla Simmons-Harris

Let’s listen in to what she has to say about her incredible business Huiles de Carla:

VMH: So you are a nature lover that has incredible creative skills; tell me about your background in natural products.

Carla: I am a wife, daughter, mother of two teenage sons who is a nature lover with incredible creative skills. Just over nine years ago, I decided to begin an extensive garden restoration in my backyard that grew into a long life passion for all things natural. The moment my hands touched the soil, it ultimately created a whole new passion.

VMH: You started a company that caters to health, beauty and organic delights. I particularly enjoy your handcrafted latte (mug included) soy candles. At what point did you learn you had the ability to create such beautiful, healthy products?

Carla: The nourishing scalp oil is infused with the finest essential oils. I developed a special blend of peppermint for stimulation, tea tree for its anti-fungal properties to reduce the signs of dry scalp and psoriasis, which causes dandruff, rosemary provides strengthening and thickening properties blended with a sweet almond carrier oil for moisturizing the scalp to create a strong hair shaft, healthy root system which makes way for a healthy head of hair.

The moisturizing beard oil base is a sweet almond oil, known to be one of the closest oils to our skin types. It is very light, nonclogging and easily absorbed. Cedarwood and clove essential oils are two important ingredients used in the Beard Oil to help tame rough beards, seal split ends and thicken beards. Huiles de Carla’s nourishing oils are great for facial hair health, appearance and growth.

VMH: Any advice for those looking to create a brand in natural skin, beauty products?

My advice for someone looking to enter the world of entrepreneurship is to love what you do and let it be your passion. Believe in yourself, do not let anyone change who you are or tarnish your dreams.

To learn more about Carla and her natural products visit: www.oilsbycarla.com

Carla: I am a mother of two sons, one of whom has autism which has had a large impact in the way I needed to create an environment cohesive to his condition, which moved me to ultimately make the decision to homeschool Kamyrn and create my own business that is eco-friendly.

A few years later, I was granted the opportunity to volunteer at a local farm (Scharko Farms to be a helping hand on both the farm and their vending location at their local farmers market.

Through this journey, Huiles de Carla emerged, blossoming into a company that caters to health, beauty and organic delights.

VMH: Why start a company? Do share more information on the products your provide.

Carla: My company specializes in homemade Natural Soy Candles which of whom include my delectable line of Espresso, Cappuccino, and Mocha styled and scented candles that can almost fool you into drinking one. Vegetable-based dyes, herbs and spices are used to create a natural colorant for the unique embellishments exhibited on top of each of her candles.

Huiles de Carla WWW.OILSBYCARLA.COM

Where Nature Meets Beauty

Branding, Business & Social Media

by Vikki Hankins

Photo Credit: istock mattjeacock 33 | FINESUCCESSMAG.COM

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Branding is a necessary part of any business. It differentiates you, your products, and/or services from the next product or service. Branding builds a certain expectation of a company. If people know you are reliable, professional and punctual, generally they come to form an expectation; if you build a strong full-proof brand your service/products or even ‘you’ will be selected over the next. With that said branding ties directly into sales and digital marketing.

!

So how does a small business or person build a brand/business? This is how I’ve done it. I am a very, very tiny business owner in the big scope of things. However, I take great pride in my work. Below I’ve compiled my list of things I’ve done to build my brand.

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5

1

Care: I care about the well-being of any business owner that reaches out to me. I think genuine care is the catalyst to brand building. Usually people can discern whether you’re out for a quick buck or if you’re truly working to strengthen and maintain a company or product.

2

Love What You Do: I love my work! There are times when I’m completely consumed with my work because of my passion, joy, and fulfillment of a finished product. If you love what you do, everything that follows ‘flows’. There is no strain in what you do for others. There’s been several times when clients, or even strangers clearly see my love for my work.

3

Professionalism: I cannot emphasize this enough. I pride on professionalism; treating customers with dignity and respect. Old fashioned principles help in this area. If a customer only has $50 for a $5000 service, do not demoralize them. There is a way to share your price expectation without crushing self-esteem.

Such things as punctuality, returning phone calls, answering emails, interacting with people all play a role in professionalism. When answering phones or returning calls, put some ‘joy’ in your voice and pay attention to what’s being said. I am a talker so this is a challenge for me, but to offer a service, at some point I have to ‘be quiet’ and listen.

4

Quality: My skills have developed over the years and continue to develop as I learn more about me and my natural abilities, but each phase of my growth came with quality. I produce quality products for my level and my lane. I don’t place Sony, Lionsgate, or Warner Bros. expectations on myself; I work with what I have.

Graphics/Logos: It is important to identify yourself via graphics. One of the things that I found difficult over the years was for me to get to a place of one graphic/logo that identifies my work. This challenge stemmed from the never-ending development of my company name; I’ve went from one name to the next as I’ve included more services and met a few bumps about ‘names’.

6

!7

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8

Tenacity: I was once told that I am tenacious. Not exactly sure of the definition, I turned to Webster’s dictionary to understand the meaning - if you don’t know the meaning of certain words don’t be ashamed to look them up. The person that told me this was quite correct; I have never stopped in my belief for my business. When I started on this road, I continued to plow at it, even though I was discouraged at times, I never gave up.

Research: The very first thing I’ve always done for my business is research. Research allows a business owner to get ‘real’ expectations, understand cost, determine target markets, and understand the needs for services. It also allows you to learn from others who’ve come before you. Research, understanding analytics tis vital to the strength of your company.

Social Media: Strong social media presence is also critical to your branding. A few facts that helps us understand why it’s important to remain visible on social media: 1. “There are 2.3 billion active social media users.” 2. “Social media users have risen by 176 million in the last year.” 3.

“78% of people who complain to a brand via Twitter expect a response within an hour.” brand watch.com

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Repairing Trust !

Law Enforcement & Citizens

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Written by Garry Jones|

With all the tumultuous engagements going on surrounding Law Enforcement, I had a chance to experience the opposite an act of kindness from a police officer.

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In my hometown of Kinston, N.C we usually have a big community gathering called the Lincoln City Reunion that averages 2,500 to 3, 000 people. If you ever attended you are guaranteed to be served great food; especially barbecue some of the best on the country.

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This act of kindness from a police officer came during the Lincoln City Reunion. I was in the process of setting up my tent to join the festivities when an officer walked over to me and asked could he assist me with the tent. At that particular moment I decided this was opportunity to engage in a great conversation to allow the community to see law enforcement and a regular citizen in the community getting along.

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For the most part, this is not something you see very often in any community; the trust is not there. In order to restore trust, the interaction from the community and law enforcement had to start somewhere. As a former law enforcement Lieutenant I can assure you all law enforcement agents are not bad and vice versa everyone in the community is not bad either.

During the time that I worked in law enforcement I made sure my colleagues treated others with respect, this is something I didn't tolerate. Unfortunately, there are always going to be bad apples where ever you work; I don't condone any of the violence coming from Law Enforcement agents.

!

It is an atrocity to see unarmed citizens getting gunned down in the street like dogs, but I can't let the community off easy. If the community will stop committing acts of violence on their own; if the community will stop engaging in illegal activities and causing fear in the community you wouldn't see law enforcement as much. Most of the time when law enforcement comes in the community it is because they have received a call from someone in the community who is tired of people committing illegal acts.

rid of that God and John Wayne complex - thinking they can do what they want to without any repercussions.

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I'm hoping the act of kindness that was displayed between me and law enforcement will start the healing process that is needed in order for our nation to heal.

I also want to place emphasis on the people who apply for a law enforcement position. Do not apply if you are afraid.

People who are afraid normally won’t make wise decisions when a situation arises.

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Personally, I don’t think a person should join Law Enforcement just to receive paychecks and benefits; join because you want to protect and serve. If this is not the reason you are joining the force then don’t fill out the application. There is nothing like a scared Law Enforcement officer with a gun; they unload every bullet in their gun. When I was growing up I remember a police officer named Mr. Cliff in my neighborhood; he was one of the nicest police officers you would ever meet. He always engaged in conversation with people in the community and he received respect. This doesn’t happen as much anymore. I’m aware this is a different time era and people hearts have grown colder; the community doesn’t trust Law Enforcement.

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The community is tired of seeing their babies die by trigger happy, afraid officers. I was once a kid I did take a few things in the store that I didn’t pay for but, my punishment was getting my ass tore out the frame by uncle and grandmother. I’m glad I wasn’t gunned down in the street by Law Enforcement. So I pose the question.

Are there any good police officers remaining? I tend to believe there are, it’s unfortunate that so many bad officers are smothered out by the actions of the good.

Walker B. Morton "Failure is not an option.

Success is the only option."

!

In conclusion elders are tired of the foolishness that goes on in the community - the loud music; the violence being inflicted on women and children, and many other acts of violence.

Some people that work in enforcement need to get rid of that

Available Amazon.com WALKERBMORTON.COM

Oscar Bond, Global Stylist

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Unplug, Free Your Mind, Feel the Breeze

A Message from VMH Magazine

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CYBERSECURITY

‘Consumers globally lost $158 billion to cybercrime last year.’

Cause for real alarm?

Around the world bank accounts are hacked, websites are infected with malware and crimes are committed through the cyber world. Should everyday people take this as serious as someone running for president? Does it call for 24/7 online security? Or is it a matter of being proactive and learning how to recover?

!Because precautions seems to arise surrounding cyber security, I took the liberty of providing a few random facts and statistics from recent reports by Cybersecurity Ventures and Herjavec Group.

!Cybercrime cost estimates have risen from $400 billion in early 2015 to $6 trillion by 2021. !This year, the Microsoft Secure Blog reported that The World Economic Forum estimated the economic cost of cybercrime to be $3 trillion worldwide. That was a sixfold jump in cybercrime damage estimates in just one year.

!Cybersecurity Ventures predicts cybercrime will continue rising and cost businesses globally more than $6 trillion annually by 2021.

!“The biggest victims of (cyber) crime are in the most developed economies, including the U.S., China, and Germany,” says Adam Segal. “Indian companies are also highly victimized.”

!Herjavec

Group: the editors at Cybersecurity Ventures have compiled some of the most compelling cybercrime statistics from the past year, which help frame

the evolving threatscape faced by consumers, businesses, and governments globally:

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Every second, 12 people online become a victim of cybercrime, totalling more than 1 million victims around the world every day.

Identity theft is now the fastest growing crime in America.

Cybercriminals produced malware at a record rate of 230,000 new malware samples per day in 2015… and the 2016 figures are expected to be worse.

Consumers globally lost $158 billion to cybercrime last year.

75 percent of the top 20 US banks are infected with malware.

Ransomware attacks have risen an astonishing 300 percent in 2016.

85 percent of senior security pros believe that more than 50% of IoT products are insecure.

How does one protect themselves? Based on research Herjavec Group is a good start. The site also shared informational reads (books) from “the editors at Cybersecurity Ventures” that helps educate. Cyber security is a very serious topic; growing a lightning speed. Visit Herjavec Group and Cybersecurity Ventures’ to learn more.

A DREAM COME TRUE Talk Show Host, Henrietta Stewart

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Interview Conducted by by Vikki Hankins|

Her colorful personality leaves a lasting impression. In fact, it's these personal connections that fuel her seemingly endless supply of energy and ideas. Born and raised in a small city in Louisiana with just over 10,000 people, Henrietta Stewart is the perfect talk show host. Wait until you hear the back story on how it all happened!

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Vikki H.: You have such a winning personality and add life to The Chat, so tell me why talk show host versus a career in another field?

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Henrietta: Thank you Vikki!

I have the best story ever. I don’t take credit for ANY of this; it was 100% God! This career found me, literally. As an awesome News Room employee, I was approached by the Executive Producer of The Chat to audition as a “back up” host… to fill in if someone was out or in case they were in a “bind”.. After agreeing to the audition, I immediately closed the door to my office and began praying. I told God, I have never been anyones back up for ANYTHING and I won’t start now! If it is your will for me to have this, then let it be done….fast forward 2 years later, I am the ONLY host on 5 days a week with a big following and the most requested.

Look at God! Now how can I take credit for something this awesome!?

Now that I have been getting paid to run my mouth I can’t imagine doing anything else; I absolutely love, love it! The Chat has allowed me to meet some awesome people, interview celebrities I had been watching for years, and I have had life changing experiences.. I would not change one thing about this experience.

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I am so grateful that my employer, TEGNA allowed me to transition over to such an awesome career, that as well is a blessing, because they could have told me no, but they took a chance on me, so when the camera red light comes on everyday, I try not to let them down.

Vikki H.: For those looking to enter the field of televised communications, what is your best advice for them?

!

Well Vikki,I would not label it as “advice” but words of encouragement. They can get advice from Google honey.

1. Pray! often 2. Do a ton of networking, but with the right people.

3. If you stay ready, you wont have to get ready 4. Treat people with kindness and love 5. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want 6. Work hard and when you get tired, push yourself to work a little harder.. it will be worth it.

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Vikki H.: You look flawless on every episode; great makeup, hair, how do you keep up with this?

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Henrietta: I have always had a passion of looking nice Henrietta Stewart, ! because I love the way it Talk Show Host makes me feel ! I remember growing up as a little girl in Louisiana, I would just stand in my moms closet looking at her pretty clothes and shoes, trying on her jewelry and imagining when I get old enough to wear things like that.. and honey…

In 1996,the day my mom came home with a white Avon bag full of make up was the best day of my teenage life! I remember her words to me like it was 20 minutes ago.. she said “here, go play in the mirror with this”… baby, I had light blue frosted eye shadow all the way up to my eyebrows, bold red rouge all in my ears looking a HOT mess!!!! LLLOOLLLLLL and that is where the make up passion was born… I have not looked back since.

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My eye for fashion developed by me loving pretty things and experimenting with creating different looks for myself, not being afraid to step outside of the box and not having any rules to how I wanted to dress.I noticed how my attitude would change for the better when I looked nice... so, let’s have a transparent moment, true fact: people treat you according to how you look.. and I enjoy being treated with respect and kindness not to mention looking fabulous!

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Vikki H: You are already on a major network, so what’s the next level for you?

Henrietta: National TV! I know things happen in due season, when it’s my time, I know God will make it happen. But until then, I will continue to get better, study and work hard so when that moment presents itself, I am ready.

Vikki H.: Thank you, is there anything you’d like to share with our readers?

! !

Never stop praying and believing!

Follow Henrietta: @h3nnyontherocks (Twitter, Instagram) Facebook: hennyontherocks & thechatladies or visit her website at: hennyontherocks.com

Henrietta with Wendy Williams Talk Show Host

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