from a woman's perspective

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THEWOMEN’S EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROJECT, INC.weop

The idea for a “From A Woman’s Perspective” magazine was sparked after the last annual WEOP Women’s History Month event. I re-member standing in the room listening to some amazing speakers. The March 2009 event at The Atlanta Technical College featured a

host of amazing women speaking on a range of topics and issues important for women. This sparked the idea — what about a magazine called “From A Woman’s Perspective (FAWP).” The topics highlighted and discussed at the event would be the feature topics of the magazine articles. As I continue my commitment to “A circle of women helping other women,” I continually use different formats to share information and en-courage educational development. The idea for a quarterly magazine would serve the purpose of providing articles and a resource guide jam packed

with business and career information from amazing women. The contributing writers have all been featured as speakers during WEOP’s annual event. When I announced the magazine project, our circle of women responded with their commitment to submit articles and information. I extend a special thank you to all of the contributing writers that took time from their busy schedules to provide a submission. Also, I would like to thank Darla James, who eagerly stepped up and agreed to serve as Assistant Publisher for FAWP. She was instrumental in editing and helping to make this project a reality. I continue to be excited and inspired and I want to serve as an example to other women. I hope you enjoy this introductory issue and take away some valuable information or an inspirational message. Stay tuned for the next issue and we always welcome your input, ideas and suggestions. Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Antionette Ball

From a Circle of Women ... Helping Other Women

Words From the Publisher

JULY-SEPTEMBER 20091

Editor

Marionette Ball and Antionette Ball, WEOP founders.

Founding EditorAntionette Ball

Assitant EditorDarla James

Cover DesignerKaarin MacKinnon

Magazine DesignerSaria Canady

Marketing DirectorMarionette Ball

Contributing WritersDhana Blissett

Linda Chatmon Patricia Harris Tonya Hicks Darla James Clifton Lee

Paulette Norvell Lewis Shonda Y. Lewis

Kaarin MacKinnon Eboni N. Moss

Kathy-Ann Pegus Teri Thompson Zola Thurmond

Donna Paige Riley

PublisherWomen’s Employment Opportunity Project, Inc.

250 Georgia Ave., SE, Suite 206Atlanta, GA 30312

Contact UsPlease e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]

Copyright © 2009 by WEOP. All rights reserved.

A quarterly publication for the Women’s Employment Opportunity Project, Inc. (WEOP)

contentsJuly-September 2009FAWP

CAREER STRATEGIES4 Unemployment: Crisis or Opportunity?

5 Move Over Men

6 Treasure Hunt

BUSINESS FORWARD7 Business Success Strategies

9 Power Up Your Biz With Technology

10 Take Financial Control

UPLIFTED SPIRIT11 Finding Balance Through Self-Care

12 Turning Adversity Into Opportunity

13 All You Need is 15 Minutes to Change

MIND & BODY ZONE14 How to Present Yourself

15 Release Your Power

16 Walking By Faith

RETROSPECT17 Why Not Teach Leadership?

WEOP EXTRAS 18WEOP NewsMoney SmartsHot AdviceStyle NetworkingIn the MixCommon SenseWord of MouthResources

Volume 1

What a difference a day makes! Last year this time the unemployment rate was about 4.5 percent here in Georgia. Several weeks ago, the Atlanta Journal and Constitution

reported that the unemployment rate in Georgia is now 9.3 percent — the 4th highest in the nation and higher than the national unemployment rate of 8.1 percent. Unemployment rates are even higher in rural counties and among minority groups. But the news is not all bad — it seldom is. We just have to look at things with different eyes and think outside the

box. Someone once said that “women are like tea bags, you never know how strong they are until you put them in hot water.” Ladies, like it or not many of us are now “in hot water”— trying to make ends meet while dealing with layoffs, furloughs, and foreclosures. Now is the time to demonstrate and use our strength, our resilience, our innova-tive minds and survival instincts, and, most of all, our compassion and sup-port for one another as we look for jobs and wait for the economy to rebound. I hope that the fol-

lowing Transition Strategies will inspire you to “bloom where you are,” to create opportunities for yourself, and to effectively prospect for a new job.

VOLUNTEER. Through volunteering you will be able to meet and work with people who have connections or infor-mation that will be helpful to you. Most importantly, you have an opportunity to demonstrate your skills, the added-value that you bring to a situation, your “can do” attitude, and your willingness to get involved as a team player.

MOVE FROM NETWORKING TO CONNECTING. Take every opportunity to meet people. Let your friends who are employed know that you would like to accompany them, if possible, to social or networking events.

ENGAGE IN SOCIAL NETWORKING. Social-networking sites provide opportunities to hear about new ideas and learn what employment or business opportunities exist in various industries. Employers are now using these sites to recruit and also to screen potential applicants.

PLAN YOUR DAYS AND WEEKS. Each night when you go to bed, you should have a schedule for the next day or two. Will you make calls to companies, send out resumes, volunteer, or attend social events.

FIND A MENTOR FOR YOURSELF. Find someone who is or has been where you want to be. Ask them to be your mentor. Seek and heed their guidance, direction and feed-back on a regular basis. The Japanese symbol for crisis is two-sided: It is a combination of challenge and opportunity. I think this is a very appropriate symbol of the times we are experienc-ing now. It is truly a very challenging time for everyone but it is also a time full of opportunity for those who are innovative. In times like these, millionaires are made. Will you be one of them?

Helpful Resources

Georgia Department of Labor www.dol.state.ga.us/

U.S. Department of Labor www.dol.gov

Women’s Bureau — Department of Labor

www.dol.gov/wb

Career Strategies

Unemployment: Crisis or Opportunity?By Paulette Norvel Lewis

Paulette Norvell Lewis is the regional administrator for the Women’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor, Region IV.

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JULY-SEPTEMBER 2009 4

Ladies, like it or not many of us are now “in hot water”— trying to make ends meet while dealing with layoffs, furloughs, and foreclo-sures. Now is the time to use our strength, resilience, innovative minds, survival instincts, and most of all, our compassion and support for one another as we look for jobs and wait for the economy to rebound.

These are jobs that offer respect, opportunity, good pay and geographi-cal mobility. The new jobs that will be available under the new stimulus plan have been criticized as being male jobs only. Why is that so? In World War I and World War II, women took jobs that were not traditional in order to help with the war efforts. We can do the same things today. We’re no less intel-ligent or physically capable. I believe that women are in a better position today to make these career changes. Trade occupations fall within four areas: transportation, con-struction, service, and manufacturing. The physical demands of skilled trades vary greatly between pro-fessions. Some jobs require modest physical strength and endurance, but most do not. However, all of the trades require intelligence and/or creativity as well as good read-ing, mathematical, and analytical skills. Skilled trade jobs include: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, sheet metal workers, heavy equipment opera-

tors, welders, and dry wall installers; to name a few. Today, the line between “white-collar” and “blue-collar” is very faint. Technology has given the skilled trades a new reputation of respect. They are no longer the “dirty” jobs. Salaries range from $45,000 to $120,000 an-nually. Skilled trade jobs require some college and/or apprenticeship program certification. State licensing boards also

require certifications for some of these trades. Professional careers in construction and manufacturing are available. These jobs include: engineers, architects, interior designers, project managers, superin-tendents, and estima-tors. A college degree and various certifica-tions are required

for these careers. The opportunities are limitless. I am an electrician by trade. But as an owner of an electrical con-tracting company, since 2000, I have been an estimator, project manager, as well as superintendent. I am proof that a woman can do anything and every-thing she wants to.


Tonya is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers since 1994. She is the first woman journey-man electrician of Local 917 in Meridian, Miss. The founder of an electrical contracting and engineering firm in 2000 that focuses on commercial business.

For more information on nontraditional careers, check out these Web sites:National Association of Women in Construction www.nawic.org

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Apprentice Programwww.aejatc.org

Painters, Drywall Finishers, Floor Coverers, Sign and Display Workerswww.iupat.org The United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitterswww.ua.org Sheet Metal Workers International Associationwww.smwia.org International Association of Fire Fighterswww.iaff.org Society of Women Engineerswww.swe.orgInternational Association of Women Policewww.iawp.org Women in Technologywww.womenintechnology.orgBlog Dedicated to Women in Male Dominated Fieldswww.womendoeverything.com

With today’s job market and the new stimulus plan in place, there has never been a better time to consider a career in non-traditional occupations for women.

A multitude of career options for every interest and aptitude are available.

By Tonya Hicks

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Find out more

Move Over Men Women in Nontraditional Careers

Skilled trade jobs include: electricians, plumbers,

carpenters, painters, sheet metal workers, heavy equipment operators, welders, and dry wall

installers, to name a few. Today, the line between

“white-collar” and “blue-collar” is very faint.

One valuable skill that strong women learn to use early is their ability to look inside themselves and really appreciate and use their own God-given talents. A strong woman knows that her ability to last, comes from knowing who she is and the wealth of talents that she brings to the world around her. This process of discovery is what I call, the treasure hunt. The enterprising woman is able to reinvent herself when necessary and thrive where oth-ers simply give up and wither away to become victims. Most people think of working for an hourly pay rate like $7, $10, or $15 per hour. While these are honest and fair wages there are changes taking place in the job market. It may be healthier as you seek opportuni-ties to enter or re-enter the job market to consider applying for long-term or short-term projects and contracts. As we face tough economic times, com-panies are changing how they trade money and benefits for your skills. You see, gone are the 30-year commitments and gold watches that companies used to promise their most loyal workers. The 21st century worker will need faith, flexibility, computer skills, a social network, and a connection to a learning source in order to constantly upgrade and add skills that will be in demand. You will need to dig deep within your own treasure chest and discover talents you probably didn’t realize were packed neatly away for such a time as this. Make a decision

that you have the ability to get what you need to make it where you need to go. Now, the question is, where do you want to go? How about a trea-sure hunt? Never forget, the tools that we have as women are the gifts, tal-ents and skills that we have in our treasure chest. You have them, too! Because our world is constantly changing and needing different tools

to solve the same problems, you need to see the treasure hunt

as an ongoing learning experience. Don’t be afraid to learn new things, expand your social network, add new skills, and stop using tools that don’t work anymore.

Here’s a question: “How will you earn

your next $30K, $45K, $55K, or $100,000?” Have you ever asked yourself a question like that? Most of us are asked on a job applica-tion, “What is your desired hourly or annual salary?” Well, that’s Company ABC asking you how much your skills and talents are worth to them. Did you ever think of it that way? Well from now on, you should! It will help you to not take a current or future lay-off as a personal attack on your worth as a woman. It will also help you to get up and move on to the next opportunity faster. Determine if a new skill or tal-ent is needed in order for you to get back in the game and go for it! Now that’s being empowered! In the classroom, I try to make it a point to ask my students how much they plan to earn and follow it up with the chicken wing story. I

tell them that I am always amazed at how much money has been made with plain chicken wings, hot sauce, and oil, also known as Buffalo wings. They usually laugh but I know they begin to think that about a past or future wing experience. Can you imagine, how many chicken wings are ordered each week in the city of Atlanta or in the United States dur-ing a football or basketball game or just on a Friday or Saturday evening? Now think about this the next time you place your order, if you were in the wing business, how many wings would you need to sell and at what price in order to earn your next $100,000 within one year? Now I know this is a very simple way of looking at becoming a business owner. I have not addressed the taxes and licenses, the employees, the work hours, equipment or even the price of chicken wings per pound. I simply want you to begin thinking of owning your own business at a very simple level by meeting the wants and needs of a group of consumers. Imagine your wing franchise serving consumers across the U.S. Now imagine serving your famous chicken wings in Canada, London or Ghana? Where can chicken wings take you? Well let’s take a look at what you have in your treasure chest and take inventory. Take a pen and a journal and start by making a list of things that you know how to do. Write down everything that you can do now no matter how simple. What foods can you cook that leave your family and friends begging for more? When you clean your house, is it squeaky clean? Are you the party plan-ner for all of your family’s celebrations?


The Treasure HuntIdentifying Your Personal Talents in Pursuit of Your Goals

By Patricia Harris

continued on page 20

The enterprising

woman is able to reinvent herself when necessary and thrive

where others simply give up and wither away to

become victims.

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Business Forward

Business Success Strategies From an ExpertBy Linda Chatmon

SELF-EMPLOYED VS. ENTREPRENEUR If you bill for a project, based upon paying yourself enough to meet your

obligations; if you are dedicated to one cli-ent at a time; or you have no idea what your unit of measure is (how much you are worth per hour), you are self employed. If on the other hand, you are billed across multiple projects, you operate in the position of ex-ecutive oversight only, and your projects can end and begin without your input, you are an entrepreneur. Decide which you would like to be, then plan accordingly.

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BE CERTAIN YOUR BUSINESS NAME CORRELATES TO YOUR SERVICESThe name of your company should reflect

what you do. With so many “directories” out there, what you do should be clearly communicated by your name. For instance: “WalkYourDog.com” or “HealthyEatingCoach.org” both make it very clear what services these organizations provide.

MAINTAIN INTEGRITY In every situation, no matter what choices you confront, always act with

integrity. When acting with integrity, over the long haul, you will always win.

OFFER SUPPORT SERVICESIts great to have a Primary service offering; however, providing sup-

port services to your main product/service ensures that you have a constant work flow with existing customers.

KNOW YOUR VALUEYour value is determined by taking the total amount of income on any given project and dividing it by the number of hours you worked. Once you know this amount,

anytime you can outsource that same service for 50 percent of your value, it is in your best interest that you do so. As an entrepreneur, you should be spending time growing the com-pany, not simply working on billable projects.

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NEGOTIATION Whenever possible, meet your clients at the point of their needs. You will

have to learn to give and take and sometimes negotiate at a lower price point than you had originally planned. In the long run, you will get many more repeat opportunities for busi-ness and referrals from someone that is con-fident that you value them. There is a human element of obligation whereby we can con-stantly demonstrate our value even when we are unable to negotiate in the area of price.

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OFFER IN-KIND SERVICES Build in “in kind” services into your business development strategy. This

is the best way to showcase your services to YOUR targeted market by deciding which projects to accept (those that cater to your potential customers). 8 ELECTED OFFICIALS

Get to know your elected officials. They are an excellent source for referrals and introductions. Get involved with community

affairs and meet public servants which in many cases can be your biggest advocates.

SPONOSRHIPS Sponsorships come at all levels. In most cases, \for $250.00 you can

be included as a sponsor at a breakfast function hosted for elected officials or nonprofit associations. Target organiza-tions that have memberships of those who could utilize your services. Having your name in print and being introduced as a sponsor has a far greater value than you could imagine.

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UTILIZE SOCIAL-NETWORKING Take advantage of online relationships (facebook, myspace, blackplanet, etc). People generally do busi-ness with people that they like, so the more people that like you, the more referrals you will have. Just be

SURE that your online screen name represents who you are professionally. It is essentially personal branding so be careful to maintain a social, yet professional online presence. W

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Linda Chatmon has been successfully helping companies secure and maintain contracts and grants. She is the founder and Chief Operating Office of Contracts and Grants, LLC located in Atlanta, Georgia. With more than a decade of industry experience, Contracts & Grants has been responsible for securing more than $150 million in contracts and grant awards and managing billions in contracts. The company leverages an extensive background and knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) with key relationships to provide effective government contract support services. Contact her at www.contractsandgrantsservices.com.

Just think — with the click of the mouse you can connect with customers globally, launch creative

marketing strategies, conduct meetings and sell products. Technology provides unlimited opportunities to provide small business owners with a competi-tive edge. The Internet provides an opportu-nity for you to conduct business glob-ally, connect to anyone in the world. What you can sell on the Internet is unlimited, which includes a range of products such as clothes, shoes, jew-elry equipment books, products, etc. The benefit of an online business is that a physical location is not neces-sary — operate in a virtual world. Just think — work from the comfort of your home from the computer. Technology and the Internet provide you with an opportunity to develop, grow and promote your business. As you develop your business, I continue to emphasize the impor-tance of understanding what sources can help your business operate efficiently. Let me count the ways technology can grow, expand your reach, and benefit your business. In the long term, you have an efficiently running operation that can maximize your returns, reducing your overhead and expanding your reach. Here’s a sample list:

n Create correspondence

n Maintain a database of customers and contacts

n Conduct research

n Design business marketing materialsn Transmit and send e-mails to business contactsn Manage accounting and bookeeping recordsn Write checks and create invoices n Design/layout presentationsn Send and receive business faxes n Monitor and maintain appoint- ments with clients and prospects n Access online databases for researchn Setup an internal system to network your business computersn Process credit card paymentsn Connect with people from all over the world with similar business interestsn Get feedback from customers with online surveys — use as a tool to improve servicen Set up a virtual storefront with eBay, Amazon, and Yahoo

Over the years, I have designed numerous training classes to show-case the benefits of incorporating technology to support business growth. With support of a grant from the Hewlett Packard Foundation, WEOP continues to provide entrepre-neurs with training that encourages the use of technology resources to expand the scope of their business enterprise. The computer lab at The Women’s Employment Opportunity Project, Inc. has been the hub for women to acquire critical informa-tion and resources. Women like Marcel started generating profes-sional invoices and Lynette developed a brochure to market her business. The WEOP Business Innovation Technology Series (BITS) provides tools and resources to encourage women to launch online businesses. Also, entrepreneurs are encouraged

to incorporate strategies as a part of their business enterprise. What I discovered in workshops and classes is that entrepreneurs did not incorpo-rate strategies to match technology to drive their businesses. As you grow and expand your business, utilize technology as a prime resource. Here is a tip: Con-sider launching an online business — make money while you sleep. The following is a sample list of online businesses created by women:

www.ning.comGina Bianchini, co-founder and CEO

www.flickr.comCaterina Fake, co-founderThis company sold to Yahoo for $35 million.

www.blurb.comEileen Gittins, founder and CEO

www.slideshare.comRashmi Sinha, co-founder and CEO

www.myshape.comLouise Wannier, founder

The world as we once new it is changing. If you want to be a part of a world with global opportunities, then you have to adapt to the changes. As a business owner or aspiring entrepre-neur, the first step is to “POWER UP” with technology and online resources to build a successful business. The business world is filled with unlimited opportunities and technology provides you with the tools to take your busi-ness to the next level.

Antionette Ball is the co-founder of The Women’s Employment Oppor-tunity Project, Inc. (WEOP). She has designed and conducted numerous pro-grams for women in the community.


POWER UP YOUR BIZ!

By Antionette Ball

http://www.

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$ In this economy, jobs, retirements, and nest eggs are disappearing and many find themselves at the mercy of someone else (the employer) without a solid plan to take control of their lives and confidently move ahead. The current economy has created havoc in many families. People are getting laid off by the millions…the unemployment rate is at an all-time high…homes are being foreclosed and many find themselves living paycheck to paycheck just hoping that the axe does not fall on them. The reality is that many people are left without any savings and are one crisis away from disaster. Left with no alternative sources of income, they find themselves nervously saying, “Please, just don’t let the car break down” or, “Please, let me stay well until I can find my next job!” An even greater reality is that most of us rely on our income coming from just one job and being employed by someone else. If that one job suddenly goes away, we find ourselves panicked, without a plan, and on the edge of ruin. After dealing with unemployment, I knew I needed a definite plan for my future so that I could soar confidently no matter what turn the economy was taking and just in case I was ever laid off again. Sure enough, after finding my next job, another layoff came. My solution: create multiple streams of income. I realized that I needed to create both “active” and “passive” streams of income. An active stream of income is one in which you work in exchange for payment. A pas-sive stream of income allows you to earn money without having to actively work. By diversifying and creating

multiple income streams, it helps to insure against an uncertain economy or some other sudden crisis. How did I begin to create income from multiple sources and what can you do? Here is my four-step action plan:

1. List your top skills.Assess your skills and narrow the list down to areas that could be pos-sible active income streams. Based on this process, I determined that I am skilled at analyzing and synthesiz-ing information to develop strategy, consulting with organizations and individuals to develop leadership capabilities, and conducting training sessions with managers and staff. As you list your top skills, make sure that they are things that you know are your true skills. When making your list, write down some of your positive skills that others may have noticed you possess as well.

2. List things you enjoy doing.I also took a close look at other areas of my life to determine what was enjoyable for me. I determined that I enjoy interacting with others, having work that provides challenge and is not monotonous, speaking publicly in various settings, and being sought out to provide my recommendations or expertise on various topics.

3. List things you value the most.This list was one of the most eye opening and important lists for me. During the time that I was laid off of work, although I spent much of my time looking for my next “job”, I realized that I actually valued hav-ing a flexible schedule. This was my “Aha moment.” This was the point in which I realized that the path that I was on would not allow me the level of flexibility that I value.

4. Research opportunities that would allow you to generate income while doing what you value, are skilled at, and enjoy.For me, this was the point at which it all came together. I was able to look at my three lists of Skills, Enjoyable Things, and Values and come up with ideas for my “active” streams of in-come. Here’s what I decided. Based on my skills of consulting with organiza-tions and individuals in leadership and talent development issues, I decided to launch my own company, Ridgeway Lewis Consulting. My company will serve as one active income and will allow me to use my skills that I value and provide me with flexibility and the opportunity to consult in the areas of my expertise. We often have everything we need in order to get where we want to go. We simply have to learn to think dif-ferently! Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity is “Doing the same thing and expecting different results.” The truth is that in order to get a different result, you have got to do a different thing and look for ways to utilize the talents, skills and resources already within your reach. Make up your mind; write you vision, and step out to take posi-tive action to achieve your goals! Want to learn more? Find free news-letters and reports at multiplestreamso-fincome.com.

Shonda Y. Lewis is the owner and president of Ridgeway Lewis Consult-ing where she leads poistive individual and organizational transformation. She also is the owner of Figure8 Shape, a body reshaping and nutrition company. Reach her at www.figure8shape.drop3sizes.com.


Take Financial ControlCreate Multiple Streams of Income

By Shonda Lewis

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Today we live in a society where we are constantly required to multi-task. We are always trying to find a balance somewhere between managing our households, jobs, finances, and personal lives with all the other life stressors and pressures that are placed upon us. Unfortunately, for many of us, in the midst of all this taking care of everything and everyone else, we somehow forget to take care of ourselves. This lack of self-care typically begins with inadequate rest, little or no physical activity and nutri-tionally imbalanced meals. This results in fatigue, lack of concentration, headaches, stress and ultimately compromised immune systems lead-ing to illness. Just as we invest in property, stocks and bonds and expect a return on our investments, we must invest in self-care expecting a strong return. Indeed, self-care is one of the best investments that we can or will ever make in our lifetime. We all have heard the saying, “your health is your wealth.” Think about it, if we are broken down,

lacking energy, and sickly, we cannot enjoy the fruit of our labors now or in our golden years. But, with a little planning and organization, we all can do better to en-hance our physical, mental, and emotional well being. Check out my top three picks for creating a better return on this most precious investment: you!

1. Maximize your nutrition. By now we all know that the Standard American Diet (SAD) is comprised primarily of highly refined carbohy-drates, processed foods, and empty liquid calories. This diet

is also lacking in plant based foods such as fruit and vegetables which are generally high in fiber. One simple strategy that we can use to improve the nutrition of our body is to maximize our food choices.

2. Fit in physical activity. Many individuals are in the mindset that we only need to engage in physical fitness for weight reduction. Physical activity has many benefits including stress relief, strengthening the body and heart, and improving blood sugar levels in diabetics. Did you know that aerobic activity increases the levels of good cholesterol in the body and carries away the bad choles-

terol that contributes to heart disease?

3. Make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep.Have you noticed a difference in your mood when you re-ceive an adequate amount of sleep the night before? Rest is so essential for our health and well being. It is the time when the body repairs itself. How much sleep is enough? Well, everyone is unique. We should listen to our body as it will let us know if we are getting enough rest. Remember, you are the key to your health and well-

being. It all starts with you. When you start rattling off the excuses as to why you don’t eat properly, engage in regular physical fitness or get enough rest each night, re-member we either pay now or later. Make the investment in your health starting today and the returns will be well worth the effort.

Dhana Blissett is founder/CEO of Blissful Living. Reach her at [email protected].

Uplifted Spirit

Health & Wellness

Finding Balance Through Self-CareBy Dhana Blissett

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Just as we invest in property, stocks and bonds and expect a return on our investments, we must invest in self-care

expecting a strong return. Indeed, self-care is one of the best investments that we can or will ever make in our lifetime.

OpportunityTransforming Adversity Into

By Darla James


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You are drifting along blissfully through life. Your career is on track and your family is thriving. Sud-denly, you are blindsided by a bad hit. These “hits”

can come from any direction. It might be an injury that makes it difficult to work and care for your family. It could be the end of a romantic or marriage relationship, or worst of all, a personal tragedy. The fact is, adversity comes knock-ing at everyone’s door. You are not exempt. When adversity strikes, it can appear to bring your progress to a screeching halt. It can destroy your momentum, cripple your self-confidence and send you into an emotional tailspin – a situation where one thing after another, after another just doesn’t go your way. But remember, appearances are just that: appearances. What appears to be trouble is often an opportunity to make a much needed change. But we must be re-sourceful and clear-minded enough to steer our way through in order to transform our adversity into an opportunity. Although no one is immune from adversity, that does not mean there is nothing you can do about it. You can not always prevent misfortune, but what you can do is to expect adversity as an inevi-table part of life. In fact, you must expect trouble in order to properly deal with it. Remember, it’s not a matter of if adversity will come your way; but rather, when and how severely it will strike. We must all accept that ill fortune is an unavoidable part of life, and it because of, not in spite of, misfortune that we grow. You see, your character will never be fully tested until things are not going your way. Those who have the courage to succeed in spite of adversity become an inspiration. They contribute value to the lives of oth-ers. They make a difference. So, whenever something comes up that you believe

might prevent you for accomplishes your goals and dreams, both professionally and socially, ask yourself: “What can I do to turn this negative into a positive? How can I make this work for me rather than against me?”

When you approach obstacles this way, you will experience an immediate boost in confi-

dence and a willingness to face the challenge head on. By

learning how to trans-form obstacles into advantages you will not only continue to move forward, you

will gain the inner strength to deal with

anything life may bring your way.

When you look at adversi-ty this way, you will realize mis-

fortune is a bridge, not a barricade, to greater achievement. It can represent

the opening of doors, leaving the closed ones behind where they belong. When ad-

versity strikes, don’t let it stop you. Promise yourself in advance that you will transform

that negative into a positive. This will be the beginning of transforming your adversity into

opportunity. So lift your head up and go for it!

Darla James has worked in educational leadership for over 11 years. She was the founder and administrator of a private school in inner-city Philadelphia, Pa. James re-ceived a Bachelor of Arts in Labor Relations from Rut-gers University. Additionally, she has a broad background that includes real estate sales and investment and business development. Having recently relocated to Atlanta, Ga., James is currently the director of business administration at Cornerstone Leadership Academy in Lithonia, Ga., and the executive administrative assistant at Foundation Christian Academy in Fairburn, Ga. James also volunteers as a Technical Writer for the Women’s Employment Op-portunity Project.

How many excuses have you made in the last week? The last month? Excuses for NOT doing something you

know is good for you? Or for some-thing you really want to do? How many times have you blamed any and all of the problems in your life on having no time? How often have you thought “my life would be so much better if only I had time to do this or that”? How many times have you watched an extra hour of TV one night instead of doing one small task that would make your life easier to-morrow? How many times have you blamed daily life for getting in the way of your progress? And, most im-portantly, how many DREAMS have fallen by the wayside simply because you didn’t give them any attention? So many things can be accom-plished in such a short span of time. And, be honest, the hard part is not DOING these things but GETTING STARTED! You won’t lose 50 lbs. in one week but, really, isn’t the initial commitment to START the diet just as hard, if not harder, than following through with it? You probably won’t write the great American novel in half an hour. But getting the first couple of paragraphs down on paper will get you moving in the right direction. One hour of financial planning may not make you a millionaire but it’s the first step towards financial security. In the long run, the greatest failure is not doing something and then watching it fall apart. The greatest failure is never getting started! So here’s a challenge for you — or, rather, a challenge for your happi-ness: 15 MINUTES FOR THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS. List four to five things

that you really, really want or need to do but haven’t. Put the list by your bed. Every morning pick ONE item from your list and do it! But only for 15 minutes! No more, no less. It can be the same thing every day or a different item each day. But you have to do one thing from your list for 15 minutes, for seven days straight! After seven days, take a look back at your week. Do you feel bet-ter yourself or your situation? Have you seen any results from your 15 minutes? Do you feel as if you’ve “started” something? If you have, then continue with your 15 minutes a day— or maybe even up it to 30 minutes! And pass the challenge on to

someone else. If you are no better off, then for the next week you can spend 15 minutes a day cursing my very existence. Remember, you don’t have to spend this time curing cancer or solv-ing global warming (unless you want to!). Your 15 minutes can be as simple and as important as repeating to yourself how wonderful, talented and deserving you are — every day!


All You Need is 15 MinutesBy Kaarin MacKinnon

Kaarin is the founder of Create Expectations a creative consulting company that focuses on production services, a/v equipment, and event planning to clients worldwide.

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How many times have you blamed daily life for getting in the way of your progress? And, most importantly, how many

DREAMS have fallen by the wayside simply because you didn’t give them any attention?

Many people ask, “Is it really possible to be com-fortable and confident in any setting?” The answer is a resounding YES! Unfortunately it is not done by osmosis,

like any other attribute, you must work at develop-ing it.

First, you must build your self-esteem. This is done by

learning what is appropriate to do and say in any setting. This

is called etiquette. If you are not quite sure of where you stand with

regard to your etiquette skills (and don’t feel bad, many of us aren’t),

you should consider taking a profes-sional development etiquette class,

signing up for a workshop/seminar, consulting with an etiquette coach, or

purchasing an etiquette book that’s easy to read and comprehend.

Why is proper business etiquette essential? Statistics have shown that proper business etiquette can be the determining factor between you and your competi-tion when interviewing for a job. In fact, several CEOs and human resource managers give similar answers when asked, “What is the deciding factor on selecting one candi-date over another when both candidates have similar work experience and similar educational backgrounds?” The resounding answers were:

The winning candidate: n Was refined and polished n Had great people skills n Was polite n Sent a thank-you note after the interview

The above answers fall under the category of “etiquette.” Second, you must affirm yourself. Speaking positive daily thoughts over yourself will almost immediately

increase your self-confidence. Here is one of my personal affirmations. Please feel free to use it, and in time, you will develop your own:

I am special. I am unique. I have my own special gifts and talents. There is no one else in the world like me. God cre-ated me just to be me!

And by all means, limit your time with negative people. Negativity is a toxic spirit that will transfer itself onto you if you are in its company long enough. Finally, we must remember that proper social etiquette skills are not an option, they are a necessity. No matter how busy we are, we must take the time to be courteous. Good manners make working (and living) together a much more pleasant experience. Want to hear more? Listen to my weekly radio program at: www.blogtalkradio.com/etiquette-lady.

Be Comfortable and Confident in Any Setting

Mind & Body Zone

How to Present YourselfBy Donna Paige Riley


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Donna Paige Riley also known as the “Etiquette Lady” is the founder of Paige’s Etiquette Seminars, LLC, a com-pany specializing in business etiquette, school etiquette, image consulting, and personal and professional develop-ment training. Reach her at www.paigesetiquette.com.

If you are not quite sure of where you stand with regard to your eti-quette skills (and don’t feel bad, many of us aren’t), you should

consider taking a professional de-velopment etiquette class, signing up for a workshop/seminar, con-

sulting with an etiquette coach, or purchasing an etiquette book that’s

easy to read and comprehend.


Whenever I’m asked to lead a discussion on the topic of becoming an en-trepreneur, I immediately

accept the challenge. The acceptance comes not out of any need to be on a stage nor do I accept it for the oppor-tunity to meet new people. My desire to engage in such conversations is born from the desire to simply see others realize that the power to create one’s future is already in place in each one of us. Becoming an entrepreneur begins with understand-ing that the power is within. Many of us have felt the pull to follow our dreams. We spend hours, if not months, creating in our minds what it would be like to own a business, start a nonprofit, to finally leave behind the constraints of a job that we do not like. But rather than follow our dreams, we fall into the trap of believing that there’s no safety net if we leave our 9-to-5 job. We are re-minded that there’s no back-up plan in place if you leave the cushion of a guaranteed paycheck. This pattern of thinking can never satisfy nor quiet the desire to create our own future. The reality is clear: No longer can we base our success on where we fall on the company pay scale or the artificial titles that are attached to our names by those in charge. Stories of unprec-edented job losses and failed banks are pasted in every newspaper and commented on by every newscaster on every channel. Clearly, job security is a misnomer indeed. When all you have in your heart calling you to a different place, no Plan B is necessary. The power to cre-ate is inherent within each of us. One

needs no special instructions to access it; no tutorial is necessary. Unfortu-nately, it is the lack of awareness that limits this power and returns us to the negative images of illusory job security. As with any new task that awaits us, we must have a plan, a roadmap, a clear vision. Thousands of people start a business or a nonprofit each week. Most fail. Consider how common it is to drive through our neighborhoods and see yet another

closed business, the empty shell of an abandoned dream. Without the proper planning, the vision always fails.

One must engage in careful, methodical planning. One does not slip into a successful business ven-ture. Simply hanging a placard on your door, slapping a magnetic sign on your car, or passing out busi-ness cards does not create a business owner. To achieve success, financial or otherwise, take the time to care-fully plan your goals. In speaking to a number of inquis-itive ladies at the Women’s Employ-ment Opportunity Project’s (WEOP) third annual conference, “From A Woman’s Perspective,” a couple of ladies had the vision but needed the encouragement to shape their dreams into a concrete business venture. The sole advice I provided, as I do to all who are just beginning, is to take the time to think the venture through to its completion before ordering the inventory and opening the doors for business. Creating your own business or nonprofit is undoubtedly a daunting experience. I do not underestimate the challenges. Questions fill our minds: How will I know whether

this will work? With the economy in turmoil, how will I sustain my non-profit? How do I get customers? To determine these answers and more, one must engage in purposeful and deliberate planning. It’s the pre-business plan,” if you will. Below are the necessary steps to releasing your power to become a successful entre-preneur: The first step in any successful en-deavor is self-analysis. Why? Starting a business or nonprofit takes more than desire. An intentional self-anal-ysis regarding your venture forces you to not only examine the specific goal you are seeking, but will also require you to address your personal acumen for the rigors and challenges of entrepreneurship. Futhermore, self-analysis helps you fully under-stand and prepare for the financial and funding requirements of starting a business. Time is your friend. Spend quality intentional time to examine your needs and your goals. Only after spending time to shape your vision are you prepared to reap the rewards of successful entrepreneurship. The next step toward starting your venture is acquiring knowl-edge — as much as you possibly can. Knowledge is and always will be a source of power. In times where information is literally a click away, there is absolutely no excuse for not acquiring knowledge. Knowledge has little to do with getting a degree and a title, and more to do with taking the extra effort to learn any and everything about your business venture. There is no substi-tute for reading and learning your craft. Collect articles from magazines and newspapers about your field. Sign up for evening and weekend classes at local colleges. Many in-

Release Your PowerBy Teri Thompson, Esq.

Becoming an entrepreneur begins with understanding that the power is within.


And so if you had to rewrite the New Testament of the Bible today to offer a world of encouragement or hope to those who may likely

see tomorrow as bleak, what would you say? Would you give them the seven steps or keys to surviving the great recession at a time when the economy is down and the unemploy-ment rate is up? Would you purchase time on QVC or the Home Shopping Net-work to make it a bestseller? Although the media remind us daily that the economy is down and the unemployment rate is up, what if we made a conscious decision to begin listening more to words of encourage-ment and inspiration instead. What if we reminded one another that God delivered Daniel from the lion’s den, or how he raised Lazarus from the dead, and what about how he fed more than 5,000 people who followed him with a few loaves of bread and fish? The same God who performed miracles for Daniel, Lazarus, and his followers, is the same God who will show you how to walk out of your own lion’s den, or how he can raise you up to a new level of understanding about where you can go from here. One place you can consider going from

here is back to school for additional educa-tion or training to upgrade your skills. Let’s face it, the job you had will likely never return. This is the perfect time during this economic downturn for you to learn some-

thing new. Continuing your education or retraining in fields that are growing rap-idly over the next 10 years is part of the answer. For example, healthcare and al-lied healthcare, technology and education are demand-ing fields. You can use the Hope Grant, not the Hope Scholarship, to earn a di-ploma, certificate or degree in any of those areas and

your grade point average is not a factor. I know going back to school can be chal-lenging, especially if you didn’t like school while you were there before. But school has changed and so have you. I spent 15 years trying to earn my undergraduate degree. It was only supposed to take a year. But I started with one class at a time and persevered. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but oh how sweet it was when I walked across the stage with my family right there. What a feeling to know I finished what I started. The point I’m trying to make is this: Use this down time from working to make yourself better.

Walk By Faith


By Zola Thurmond


Although the media remind us daily that the economy is down and the unemployment rate is up, what if we made a conscious decision to begin listening more to

words of encouragement and inspiration instead.

If you have ever been with a group of kids for very long, then you have seen this scenario play out over and over again: One child starts an activity, and the others follow. Or, if you are lucky enough to be a teacher, and you

prompted brainstorming, one child gives the first answer and all of the other students “piggy-back” on that first answer. Even in very young children, we can see societal roles playing out. As children develop their social skill set, leadership, like any other skill has to be nurtured and taught. So, why is it that leadership is not a common subject in our schools? As parents, in the hopes that our child may be the next Mozart or Anna Pavlov, we enroll them in music or ballet classes. Some parents can see even before kindergarten that math will not be their child’s strong subject and at once, hasty preparations are made to ensure extra math is avail-able for that child. Additionally, many of us would enroll our child into a school because of its strong science curriculum. Like art, music, math, and sci-ence, leadership should be at the forefront of any cur-riculum in schools. Leadership is a skill that would prove useful in anyone’s life. Plus, there are many global and en-vironmental issues ahead for the next generation to solve. Every child should be given the opportunity to learn how to be a leader and every child should be shown examples of leadership. This especially applies for our new genera-tion of African Americans. Previous generations have benefited from a connection to the Civil Rights Move-ment for role models and leadership. People like Mal-colm X, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., and many local leaders gave previous generations clear ideas and a

tangible look at what it takes to lead. Today, we have our President Barack Obama, but one example is not enough to provide our students with adequate exposure to the role of leadership. Schools must do their part. Schools must take the position of teaching children to take risks in doing what they believe is right. The best way to do this is, like any other subject, 1) teaching the theories, 2) allowing practices, and 3) showing examples. There is

an art to public speaking and that must be taught at an early age. Written and oral commu-nications and their forms must also be rigorously taught. Body language, hand gestures, and articulation must be stressed. Classrooms should be set up as project-based, where stu-dents are given ample oppor-tunities to work on projects collaboratively to produce measurable outcomes. Even as important, local community leaders should be invited into the classrooms for students to model after and thrive to emulate. A caution must be taken how-ever, when teaching leader-

ship. As a society, we must teach character development and an appreciation for others and their cultures even as we teach leadership. If we teach children leadership without addressing character and culture, we will leave our next generation unprepared for the global challenges ahead. We have an obligation to mold every child into a leader so that he is prepared to offer his skills for tomor-row’s future.

We Teach Math, Science, Art, Music: Why Not Teach Leadership in Schools?

Retrospect

By Kathy-Ann Pegues


Kathy-Ann Pegues is the founder and executive director of Cornerstone Leadership Academy in Lithonia, Ga.

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Like art, music, math and science, leadership should be at the forefront of any

curriculum in schools. Leadership is a skill that

would prove useful in anyone’s life. Plus, there

are many global and environmental issues ahead for the next generation to solve.

Money SmartsCreating a Financial Plan With the current economy, there is no time like the present to come up with a solid financial plan. An accurate and realistic budget coupled with long and short-term financial goals are a good place to start. Trimming non-necessities and reprioritizing spending habits is the path to save money and pay down outstanding debt. A few sites that I find helpful with my ongoing financial planning include:

www.bankrate.comwww.money.cnn.com/pfwww.finance.yahoo.com/personal-financewww.smartmoney.com/personal-finance

— Eboni N. Moss, Moss Solutions Group, LLC

Hot Advice We have all heard a lot of talk lately about “green.” This is probably the hottest and most important new job area. Green jobs are any jobs related to preserving and-

protecting our environment. “Green jobs” include things that we are already doing such as landscaping and manufacturing new technology but it also include new jobs such as retrofitting water and energy systems for conservation purposes as well as the installa-tion of solar panels and new electrical grids. Those who are entrepreneurial will create “green” businesses such as cleaning services featuring environmentally friendly products, in-terior decorating with environmentally friendly products, and recycling or composting services. There will be many “green” opportunities associated with President Obama’s American Renewal and Recovery Act as well as jobs with the 2010 census. Keep you eyes and ears open for opportunities, search the inter-net, read the newspaper, inquire at energy-related businesses, and ask counselors at the One Stop Career Centers (see the Georgia Department of Labor website). In tough economic times like these, we often have to create our own opportunities.

— Paulette Lewis, Department of Labor

WEOP Extras

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Antionette Ball was a single mother

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“I saw so many women just have

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“I told myself that I was not going to

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Today Ball is an administrator

at Morehouse College, where

she has worked for 20 years

And to disadvantaged women in

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occupational training and educational

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acts as a central resource and advocate

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Ball and her twin sister, Marionette,

founded the organization in 1999.

“We made a vow that when we got

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WEOP News Antionette Ball, WEOP founder, was featured in the June issue of Essence Magazine. If you subscribe to Essence, please read the article on page 128.



Word of Mouth Networking is a great way to make contacts for great jobs or business opportunities. You have prob-ably heard the phrase “It is who you know” that can make or break an opportunity. Use networking as a “word of mouth” way to land a great employ-ment opportunity or business contract. Strategically position yourself to develop mutually beneficial relationships when you network. Incorporate social networking tools such as facebook or linked in as networking tools.

ResourcesSmall Business Administrationwww.sba.gov The Small Business Administration is a phenom-enal resource of information. The SBA is an indepen-dent federal agency committed to providing assis-tance to small businesses. Here is a great resource for financial education: www.wiseupwomen.org. Wi$eUp is a financial education program developed by the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau.

— Antionette Ball

Style Networking Want to advance your career or are you in the process of seeking employment. Dress codes for corporate and work environments are changing. In this day of casual business wear, your business image is still very important. You can follow some simple rules for dressing which includes a very basic long sleeve blouse paired up with a pair of slacks and nice pumps. You no longer have to wear business suits to look professional. Keep in mind, you want to look very professional in business and networking environments. First impressions are always important and people will judge you by the way you look and present yourself. When trying to take care of business, take extra time to select attire that projects a professional and serious image.


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In The Mix Are you LinkedIn? (www.LinkedIn.com)While I have been a member on LinkedIn for some time now, it is only recently that I have taken an active interest in using it to its full-est potential. “Are you on LinkedIn?” is a new closing line that I use to stay connected to potential employers or resources. The site has also allowed my contacts to connect me with others that they think would be a good resource for me. Additionally, LinkedIn is a great way to profile your business to potential customers or investors. Unlike other social-networking sites, LinkedIn focuses more on business networking and in this day in age networking can bring you one step closer to your business goals.

— Eboni N. Moss, Moss Solutions Group, LLC

Common Sense People are seeking opportunities during this difficult economic time. All things may not be as they seem, a great opportunity could be a scam. If you are thinking about work-ing from home or looking for the next hot business opportunity — be aware. Do your research and use some common sense. Ac-cording to the National Fraud Information Center, word at home scams rank high in the number of complaints. People also are enticed by marketing companies that try to sell over-price equipment or software packages. Use you common sense and due extensive research before you sign on the dotted line. Here is a great site for information on telemarketing, internet fraud and scams against businesses: www.fraud.org.

Are your closets organized neatly with everything in its proper place? In other words, Lady, are you a neat freak? Can you IM and Twitter? Can you braid hair? Can you sing? Is your poetry better than Hallmark’s prose? How would you redesign the outfit you are wearing now? Turn the paper on the other side and sketch out a new outfit that you think Michelle Obama would wear to her next gala? Are you smiling? I am. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? I’m thinking that you might be the next ( fill in the blank) business owner. It starts with a treasure hunt. So let’s get started!

Continued from page 6

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Patricia Harris is the President of Marketing 121 Consulting Group. Pat is a Leadership & Pro-fessional Development Consultant and Adjunct Business Professor. Pat is also an Ordained Minister. Contact: www.linkedin.com/in/patharris121


THE TREASURE HUNT

stitutions, including WEOP, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and even places of wor-ship offer computer classes for little to no money. Some organizations offer childcare while you at-tend classes. There are no excuses for not taking advantage of today’s Internet, libraries, and other local venues of knowledge. Again, knowledge is power. There is no substitute for it. Lastly, be open to the possibilities that will come your way. Once you create the mental en-vironment through self-examination and acquir-ing knowledge about every aspect of your busi-ness, you open the doors to receiving unlimited rewards in the form of people and connections that would not normally exist. It is your job to invest in your business with time and effort. Use the power that is already within you to get your business venture off the ground. In return, your Creator will continue to endow you with every-thing you need that will cause your territory to be increased and enlarged. Release your power. Begin today.

Teri Thompson has practiced law for more than 17 years in the Atlanta area. She is the owner of the Law Office of Teri Thompson, LLC and is also president of Cutting Edge Mediaworks, LLC.


RELEASE YOUR POWER

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Another thing you can do that will help you is to do volunteer work. There is a need for volunteers everywhere you turn, and it’s important that we give in order to receive. I had friend who volunteered at a nursing home. She worked hard and they really liked her. As soon as an opening became available, she was of-fered the job. Consider volunteering in areas where you have an interest. Whether it’s cooking, sewing, doing mechanical work, landscaping, or working with children or senior citizens, make someone else’s day. The world needs your talents and gifts. Your gift is yours. God only gave it to you, so use it before you lose it. I’m writing this article for the sole purpose of en-couraging you and reminding you of who you are. You have a date with your destiny today, and instead of seeing the dark days ahead, use the light that’s on the inside of you to guide you. God who sits high and looks low is still on His throne. He doesn’t need a bailout from the government. He hasn’t been downsized, laid off, or ever filed for unemployment, which means He’s still on the job. This is not the end for you, but rather a new begin-ning. I travel and speak all across Georgia and my message is basi-cally the same, to motivate and inspire people. Your life may appear to be out of control but we have to trust that God knows what He’s doing. He’s got your back. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding.” So today, as you go about your daily business, try something new. Try walking by faith and not by what you see during these challeng-ing times. You will survive this crisis.

Zola Thurmond graduated with a bachelor’s degree in com-munications, public relations. She has more than 15 years experience working with all branches of government. She has lived in Atlanta for more than 30 years and has more than 20 years experience in event planning and management services. Zola knows the importance of giving back to her community. She is a volunteer and spokesperson for the American Cancer Society and also volunteers with Hands On Atlanta.


WALK BY FAITH

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Try walking by faith ... not by what you see during these challenging times. You will

survive this crisis.

About WEOP

Since 1999, WEOP has launched a range of programs and services for women

and girls. The organization has been acknowledged with the following recognitions:

n Recognized by the Atlanta Business League in the non-traditional business category

n Proclamations from the City of East Point and Fulton County Board of Commissioners

n Awarded a Proclamation from the Fulton County Board of Commissioners for

outstanding use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds

n Received statewide recognition as a Turner Broadcasting Pathfinder organization

n Awarded the Audrey Nelson Community Achievement Award from the National

Community Development Association (NCDA)

n Article featured in Essence Magazine, June 2009

WEOP Future Future WEOP strategies focus on activities that promote green jobs and businesses;

providing resources and information with web-based projects and forging partnerships

that create opportunities for women.

Supporting WEOP Success The success of WEOP is a result of a committed Board of Director’s, hundreds of

volunteers and strategic partnerships with other organizations. For additional information,

call 404-681-2497, or visit WEOP online at: www.weop.org.

WEOP History

The Women’s Employment Opportunity Project, Inc.

(WEOP), is a non profit organization located in the

heart of the community. WEOP serves as a resource to

promote the economic self-sufficiency and the advancement

of women with technology training, educational workshops,

entrepreneurial ventures and special projects.

Printing courtesy of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta

from a woman's perspective

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