August 2011

Are Leaders Born or Made? Whats the Outlook for Social Security?

Small Business Administration-District Director North Carolina District Office

Lynn Douthett

Mimi Zelman
PUBLISHER

From the publisher

Dear Readers, This months cover story is a truly remarkable woman, Lynn Douthett, Regional Director of the North Carolina Small Business Administration.What she says is so true, that many of us in business under utilize the SBA.I hope this article will help you better understand all the wonderful resources available to you at the SBA! This is also the launch of our new logo and new design of our magazine. Please email me your comments at mimi@womenwithknowhow.com. I welcome your feedback!! Thank you to Moonlight Creative for designing our new logo and to Christina de Castro and Dustin Shores for great design and photography. I am thrilled to be working with such a dynamic team!! Like our facebook fan page, WWKH, and we will give two Charlotte Seen Fashion Week VIP tickets to a new fan drawn randomly for the Month of August. Have a great month. Mimi

Contents
Publisher/President

Mimi L. Zelman

mimi@womenwithknowhow.com Vice President Marketing

4 8 10 12 16 18 20 24 34 36
COVER

PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Joy Campbell

Owner of Natures Spa

Wendy Whitehurst

wendy@womenwithknowhow.com Design and Page Production

Be Cautious Hiring Contracted Help Tastes So Good.Hurts So Bad Are Leaders Born or Made? Whats the Outlook for Social Security? Has your Career Stalled? Feng Shui The New Workplace:
Tomorrows Future

Dustin Shores Christina de Castro of eSplash Marketing

Contributing Writers

Mary Elizabeth Murphy Robyn Crigger Amy Whathman April Oliver

Cover Photography by Dustin Shores Photography For more advertising information call Mimi at 704-491-1207 or email her at: Copyright 2011

mimi@womenwithknowhow.com

Every Dream Requires A Team! Savor the Season

28 Lynn Douthett
Small Business Administration-District Director North Carolina District Office
www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Joy Campbell
By Mimi Zelman How did you get started in this business?

Owner of Natures Spa

It was kind of luck I guess. I have a friend Brad Cain, who runs a personal training facility called Your Flex Appeal. He originally opened his studio up here in Charlotte in 2004 and had asked me if I was interested in renting a room from him. I was ready to venture on my own right at that time, so I took him up on his offer. After about 2 years at our original location, we were forced to relocate in a short time due to new ownership of our building we were renting. We were limited on the right location to move to and moved into a space much larger than either one of us needed. Brad had decided to sublease some of his space out to an individual who at last minute backed out. I saw that as an opportunity to expand my business and make my little massage studio into a massage and skin care spa. Construction lasted about 5 months and our grand opening was on December 17, 2007. I worked all day and

stayed until 1 in the morning after construction was done to prime and painting the walls, stain all the wood in the spa and then the fun partdecorating. I built this place from nothing, and it has been so rewarding to watch it grow like it has.

What is your background? What were you doing before this business?

I did a few things before Natures Spa, but everything I did was based around some of my personal experiences that changed my life in some way or another and I wanted to help those with some of the same issues I had. I was over weight in my younger years. When I lost all my weight, I became a group fitness instructor and a personal trainer in Florida where I am originally from. I did that on and off for several years along with working in the restaurant industry. In 1997 I was involved in an automobile accident that left me with a lot of pain and dysfunction that was unexplained in the

medical field. Thats when I was introduced to Neuromuscular Therapy. Within 6 months I was back to normal and decided then that I wanted to become a massage therapist so I can help others who are frustrated and not sure if they can live a normal, pain free life. This has been an incredible experience for me as I have helped many people regain their life back through massage and some personal training to educate them on how to maintain that state of health.

What are some interesting statistics about your business?

Wella few months after our grand opening, the economy had crashed. Not expecting to make my original goals, the spa has continuously made about a 30% gain each year. I attribute that to the expertise of my incredible staff. They are hard workers and as passionate about their field of work as I am and I feel truly blessed every day to work with them.

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

What is unusual or unique about your business, in comparison to your competitors or similar businesses?

I think the fact that we are small, we can tailor each session to each individuals needs. Our staff is highly trained in many modalities and comfortable in speaking with the person they are working with to offer a better suited treatment for them if thats what they need. It is not unusual for us to throw in an extra add on service or some extra time if we have it. By being a small spa, its nice to have that luxury to be able to do that for our clients. The other big thing that sets apart is our Charlottes exclusive 38 jet spa tub. This is included in our entire award winning body wraps and can be added onto any massage treatment as well. 20 minutes in this tub and a massage, and you are in total bliss.

information out of him. After the first session, he reluctantly said that there was some relief. After the second session, I think he cracked a smile. Now he is a massage junkie and one of my very dear friends.

story I am about to tell is the one I am most proud of, but definitely the most memorable for me.

I wont say that this

to an organization they are a part of, or just to give back for a good cause. We can usually donate more money by working at the event than we can by donating monetarily. Were also able to help out more organizations this way as well.

Who are some of your most notable clients?

Do you do any charity or non profit work?

I can honestly say that we have some of the best clients around. Most everyone has been so supportive in so many ways; I cant even begin to explain my gratitude for them. Our clients range from young children to seniors, from stay at home moms to professionals to pro sport athletes. The feedback and referrals they give us keeps our passion alive.

Is there a customer experience you are most proud of?

I wont say that this story I am about to tell is the one I am most proud of, but definitely the most memorable for me. I had an older gentleman come in about 5 years ago with a sour look on his face, folded arms and you could just tell that he did not want to be here. He even said that he was here to appease his wife, whom I had worked with at my last job, and nothing has worked yet, so why would this? He was complaining of chronic back pain and headaches which nothing had relieved his discomfort. He has seen doctors, taken over the counter and prescription pain relievers as well as done physical therapy. I could not get him to relax, and had to pull

Most definitely. My goal has been to try to volunteer our services to some organization once every quarter. We will usually set up our chair massages and offer $1 a minute massages, and then donate the money earned to the organization. We work with so many individuals who are not as fortunate as we are in our physical health and it is nice to give back

What are some of your greatest challenges in your business?

The biggest challenge for me was to try and compete in this crashed economy. It was only a few months after our grand opening that the economy fell and the struggle has been very hard, yet rewarding. Although I do not have

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

TM

any kind of business background, I do have management experience and learned a lot from past jobs to help me get through. My goal was to operate a spa as I thought it should be ranwith the customer first, the best staff that I could find, to use the best products and offer treatments that would surpass the bigger, more well known spa names around. With the help of my spa director Corie Rae, we have accomplished that.

What would you most like our readers to know about your journey in business?

Before I became a business owner, I had a different thought process about other business owners. I truly thought that they made their own schedules, had time to do what they wanted and enjoyed life.

WOW this was an eye opener. Its quite the opposite. The hard work, the time it consumes, the financial requirement it takes to keep things going smoothly, is not was I had in mind for me. I knew if was going to take some time to build things up, but had no idea to the extent of it. My journey has been a great one though. I have grown in so many ways as a person, manager and friend. Although it can be overwhelming at times, it has been a wonderful journey with so much love and support from family, friends and clients that I am thrilled to have been lucky enough to experience this in my lifetime. W

www.natures-spa.com
6311 Carmel Rd, Suite B Charlotte NC 28226

704-542-7306

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

637 McNinch Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28208 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 704.492.9846 704.372.2911 fax IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE: CHARLOTTE FASHION WEEK 2011 May 25, 2011

Its time to Rock Charlotte...Lets go fashionable people! Charlotte Fashion Week is

the event of the year presenting the latest collections of exceptional couture and luxury designers from around the area and abroad, as well as a showcase of local emergent fashion designers from Charlotte. Stunning models working with amazing local makeup artists and salons not to mention appearances by world-class personalities and displays of fine art, luxury products, and services. The latest edition of this prestigious event will be held over five days September 19-24, 2011 in the beautiful Center City area of Uptown Charlotte. This week long event will be held at various locations in Charlotte and each night will be a celebration showcase of talent. Monday evening will be the kickoff event, Tuesday evening Meet the Designers, Wednesday evening A Soiree of Style, Thursday begins the start of the three day event which will focus on three local designers, three emerging designers and local upscale boutiques on the runway. Thursday is deemed The Peoples Choice Awards giving power to the people to vote in the best of the best emerging designer of that evening. Friday is a fabulous night of creativity where interior design and construction meet the body. The RE-MODEL Show will feature four local fashion designers, local boutiques, twenty local artists and business creating reinvention couture pieces from recyclable interior design and construction items. Saturday is the finale show labelled Miles of Impact This particular evening brings it all together for an amazing conclusion with local celebrities and personalities taking the runway to benefit a local charity and non-profit. Saturdays collection will be as unique as its designers and styles will range from avant-garde to classic. Many of the ensembles shown at CFW are typical of those seen at the Oscars, Emmys and other red carpet events in Hollywood, New York, Palm Beach, Monte Carlo and Cannes. Many are well within the reach of the well-heeled fashion maven. Charlotte Fashion Week, launched in 2010, is held once a year in Uptown Charlotte. Put on by Charlotte Seen, they also bring Passport for Fashion annually in springtime. Passport for Fashion is a one night event that focuses on the local emergent designers and also brings an element of green to the runway. Passport offers the designers and local Charlotte businesses an opportunity to show off their creativity and passion for earth consciences by designing pieces to walk the runway made solely from recyclable materials. Both continue to grow steadily each season attracting participants and visitors from around the world to the Queen City. It is the only major event held in Charlotte that is exclusively dedicated and mandated by the Mayor as the official Charlotte Fashion Week to couture and luxury fashion both locally and worldwide. Charlotte Fashion Week offers a delightful spectacle of high fashion, theatrics and high-profile guests to over 9,000 attendees over three days.

For tickets and more information visit: CharlotteSeen.com and charlottefashionweek.com

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011
TM

CAREER

Be Cautious Hiring Contracted Help

By Kim Fewell

11 Checks to Avoid Getting Scammed

can take to avoid being ripped off from an illegitimate contractor. Applying some quick research with the Better Business Bureau and trusting your instincts can help save some problems. Also, try these 11 points to avoid getting scammed.

Has your home been damaged during a recent storm, or do you just need to have general repairs made? There are simple effective steps that a person

Follow local building codes and inspection procedures. If anyone performs work on your house or property without your permission, dont pay them, and contact your local authorities. Avoid signing over an insurance settlement check to a contractor. Immediately report any suspicious behavior to your local police, sheriffs department and Allstate agent.W

Take your time in choosing true professionals to

repair your home.

contractors.

Get estimates from several licensed, bonded Check their credentials with your local Better
Business Bureau or Home Builders Association. For more information on insurance topics, post-storm home recovery, or other safety topics, contact Allstate agent Kim Fewell at (980) 875-9385 or kimfewell@ allstate.com Kim Fewell Agency Owner Charlottetowne Insurance Group Allstate Insurance 1230 Charlottetowne Ave Charlotte, NC 28204 Ph: 980-875-9385 Fax: 980-875-9802 Email: KimFewell@allstate.com www.charlottetowne.com

Ask your neighbors what theyre paying for similar work. Inspect contractors licenses and proof of liability insurance. Get a contract in writing. Avoid paying money up-front. Some reputable
contractors will require partial, up-front payment, but these pre-work payments shouldnt exceed the costs of materials or 20 percent of the total estimate.

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

WELLNESS

By Vickie Bunzey

Tastes So Good. Hurts So Bad

The list is long of what we should be watching for, but there are some that are very common that you can pick out right away. Learning to identify these ingredients and knowing what they do will help you start cleaning out your pantry today. W

If you have listened to any of my workshops or been around me for much time at all, you know that I do not encourage processed foods at all. I admit, I am not pure when it comes to processed foods. I have had plenty and it has taken a few years to clean them out of my familys diet. We still are not perfect and have some minimally processed foods around. After all, I do have teenagers in the house. Having said that, there are going to be times that we all resort to packaged foods. Some of these foods are better than others. Reading labels is very important in purchasing the most healthful. Many packaged foods that seem healthy often contain fillers, preservatives and other ingredients you really dont want in your diet. Try to choose products that have only a handful of ingredients, all of which you know what they are. One test to know whether an ingredient is healthy is to ask yourself whether your grandmother would recognize it. If not, there is a good chance the ingredient is less natural food and more man-made chemical. Another good test is whether or not you can easily pronounce the ingredient. If you cant pronounce it or dont know what it is, chances are you should avoid it. When I shop, I read labels. Being a health and nutrition coach, I also do research on ingredients that I dont know what they are. I have a little book that is a couple of inches think and lists thousands and thousands of ingredients that are allowed in our food, our skin care products and our household cleaners. That little book is enough to scare me when it comes to discovering what ingredients are and what I have eaten over my lifetime that I was fully unaware of.

For more dietary consultation, Vickie may be contacted at www.YourBalancedHealthStyle.com 704-995-1951. Vickie Bunzey Certified Holistic Health Coach Director, Renew Weight Loss www.RenewWeightLoss.com www.YourBalancedHealthstyle.com www.SimpleWholeFoodNutrition.com 704-708-4437 704-995-1951 Cell

10

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

11

CAREER

Are Leaders Born or Made?

By Amy Wartham
Director of Corporate Training

This age-old question has been debated with strong advocacies on each side. Many believe that a true leader has to be born with certain innate capabilities; that they inherently possess the right skills to lead others. Weve all seen the child that takes the lead and tells the other children that he/she is playing with what to do. Theres no training involved its their instinct to take the lead when they see the need. On the flip side, many believe that leaders can be made. They can be developed by providing individuals with a certain set of skills that produce results. One theory by leadership thinker Bernard Bass indicates that leadership is merely a function of the situation, and that anyone could be a leader in the right conditions. Weve all seen examples of this scenario too. American Football Coach Vince Lombardi said, Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile. Truth be told, not everyone is a leader and thats okay too. I personally believe that its a combination of the two. I think that individuals need to have some natural abilities such as intelligence and the desire (passion) to be a leader. I also strongly

think that leaders can be made given the right resources. To expect a person be born with all the tools needed to lead just doesnt make sense based on what we know about the complexity of leading others and organizations. By best estimates offered by research is that leadership is about one-third born and two-thirds made. The question that we really should be focusing on is not if leaders are born or made but rather can individuals learn leadership. Yes, leadership can be learned. The evidence that supports development as the pathway to leadership is substantial, and it is nothing new. Some of the most respected institutions in the U.S. are based on the principle that by reflective practice, people can be developed into leaders. All three of the nations military academies and all four branches of military service subscribe to the principle that almost anyone who possesses a desire to lead can become a fundamentally competent leader. So what skills are most often needed as a leader? Studies indicate that great communication skills are a must. This fundamental skill surpasses all others and ranks as the most needed skill among leaders. Other skills of importance include critical thinking and problem solving, innovation, strategic planning, collaboration,

12

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

influencing and motivating others, effective presentation skills, self-awareness, and business acumen, to name a few. Im sure each of you have at least 5 other skills that you could add to this list. These skills can be learned through leadership training programs.

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

13

LEADERSHIP

Leadership development is an effort to enhance the learners capacity to lead oneself, other individuals, groups and organizations. This leadership training can also improve their proficiencies in variety ways from an operational and strategic standpoint. Furthermore, it can also assist them with the development of a set of values which may help him/her to make more confident and solid business decisions. Marshall Goldsmith and Howard Morgan studied the progress of 88,000 managers who had been to leadership development training. The people who returned from the training, talked about it, and did deliberate work to apply their learning were judged as becoming more effective leaders. The ones who didnt showed no improvement. If youre responsible for the development of leaders (or high potentials) in your organization, you should structure your support for your leaders to recognize that most leadership learning happens on the job. Help individuals develop leadership

development plans. Help them select specific skills training and then find work on transferring skills from the training room to the job. Help them find role models, mentors, and colleagues who will discuss leadership issues with them. A true leader understands that they simply cannot rest on their laurels. Theyll never be done because theres always more to learn. Their journey is one of continuous improvement. W

Amy Wartham Director of Corporate Training UNC Charlotte Extended Academic Programs 8701 Mallard Creek Road Charlotte, NC 28262 Office: 704-687-8723 Cell: 704-345-8253 awartham@uncc.edu http://continuinged.uncc.edu/corporate

14

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

13

FINANCE

Whats the Outlook for Social Security?

CFP CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER

By April M. Oliver

Will Social Security be available for you when you retire?

Based on how much chatter and misinformation surrounds the subject, you may be surprised by the answer. Barring dramatic changes, Social Security will continue to provide benefits for all future retirees, including you. The real question is how much you will receive in benefits.

has become increasingly dependent on a trust fund that has been building for decades. The trust fund is a pool of money that represents the excess of tax receipts generated over the years beyond what was needed to pay current benefits. As the large baby boomer population begins to retire, the trust fund will slowly be depleted in order to fulfill all promised benefits to retirees.

A pay as you go program

It is important to understand just how Social Security is structured. While the system faces financial challenges due in large part to demographic trends of a large baby boomer population retiring, it is not going broke as many have stated. The primary source of benefits for current retirees is the Social Security (FICA) tax paid by working Americans. This is an ongoing source of revenue for the program. Therefore, benefits will be available indefinitely assuming the FICA tax remains in place. What concerns forecasters is that, along with ongoing tax receipts, the Social Security program

Life after the trust fund

The only part of Social Security that is going broke is the trust fund. It is projected that if no changes to benefits or the tax structure occur, the trust fund will be depleted by about 2037. The trust fund has faced challenges before. In the 1980s, changes to the tax rate and benefits eligibility were put in place in order to delay the potential depletion of the trust fund. It is possible that additional changes will be implemented at some point in the future to extend the life of the trust fund and maintain benefit levels that are close to what future retirees expect to receive. But even if the trust fund is exhausted, benefits should continue. The Social Security Administration estimates that ongoing revenues to the program (through the FICA tax) will generate

16

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

sufficient dollars to provide benefits equal to at least 75% of what future retirees would expect to receive based on the current structure after 2037.

April Oliver, CFP CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of CA, CO, FL, IA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NY, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA.

Planning ahead
The ongoing uncertainty about funding for Social Security creates issues for those who are trying to plan for their needs in retirement. While you should be able to count on some form of Social Security well into the future, it is prudent to use conservative estimates. Assume that monthly payments will be only about 75% of what you may have previously anticipated, and plan on overcoming the gap with dollars generated by personal savings. This may require you to commit more dollars toward your retirement, even though some form of Social Security will most likely be around for you when you retire. W Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. 2011 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

17

BUSINESS

Has your Career Stalled?

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

climate has caused many in the working world to be in a lull. However, if you believe your situation is beyond stagnant, what can you do?

If you have found yourself feeling adrift, like Tom Hanks in the middle of the ocean in the movie Castaway, not knowing where you are or where you are going, it may be time to re-evaluate your career path. The sluggish business

What are you doing personally to develop your full potential? Though it is good to build solid relationships with higher executives within your company, it would also be helpful to reach outside of your firm and seek strong professionals in your field, who can stretch your skills even further maybe take on a community project to challenge yourself. Dont forget to consider taking additional educational classes and seminars to keep you current and well informed. Some of these educational venues may even provide you with additional certifications. Another way to energize your career is by reading books, business publications, and white pages to see what others in your field are doing and exploring. In order to move up that ladder, you need to be current and possibly be a part of that cutting edge. Dont forget to get out and network with both professional organizations and individual professionals, who are in-the-know. Personal exchanges with high profile business leaders are great ways to keep you informed, challenged,

The recession has caused many to become disillusioned and frustrated. This is normal, and you can be rejuvenated with some fresh ideas, interaction with respected colleagues, and developing strategic steps to move you toward your career goals. How would you respond if asked where you want to be in three years? What will it take to get you there? Are you competing with other co-workers for in-house opportunities? It is good to know exactly where you stand. Ask some of your good supporters or fellow company associates to coach or mentor you with constructive direction.

18

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

and updated. Or it may be time to meet with a Career Coach, who can help you evaluate what career is better suited for you. A Career Coach can recognize signs that determine if you are just in a rut; need some motivational support in getting yourself back on track, or make a major change. Bottom line In order to reach your full potential and grow professionally you need to take initiatives yourself. Be responsible for your own welfare. Invest in yourself!!! It is easy to get caught up with your daily work routine and forget to take the time and effort to grow your natural abilities. Mix with other professionals and exchange intellectual ideas and questions. You can learn so much from each other. Otherwise, the routine of sitting at your job and going home will definitely put your career path to sleep. Light your own fire and stimulate your career! W

Robyn Crigger has owned a human resourceconsulting firm for over 17 years and provides career counseling and job transition assistance to individuals and company employees. This line of work is a true passion for Robyn and a form of contribution to the community.
Robyn A. Crigger, CEO/Owner OI Partners Inc.-Compass Career Management Solutions www.compasscareer.com VISIT ROBYNS BLOG -http://transitionalbusinessconcerns.blogspot.com 704) 849-2500; FAX (704) 845-2420

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

19

REAL ESTATE

Feng Shui
By Carol Schulenberg
Owner & Principal Stager Ballantyne Home Staging ASP

Feng Shui is a practice used to create spaces that are attractive, comfortable, and harmonious with their environment. Translated, Feng Shui means wind and water, and the principles provide practical guidelines for Home Staging and decorating. I run into a lot of people who are interested in the practice which is often referred to as acupuncture for the house or the art of placement. Conversely, Ive met a few people who dont believe in it at all. Feng Shui is not an ethereal idea. It is rooted in thousands of years of history, and has evolved through the years to provide practical applications of principals in todays housing environments.

The philosophy is simple: everything is alive, interconnected and changing. It is about achieving balance and success in all areas of life. The most commonly used principals of Feng Shui when Staging or decorating a house are the command position and armchair arrangements for furniture placement; the Five Elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood - which are represented by colors, shapes & materials that must be balanced; and the positive, free flow of Chi (energy). Ancient Feng Shui masters studied the land, the slopes of mountain ranges and curves of rivers to identify what they then referred to as dragon veins. They used this technique to identify auspicious sites for emperors tombs believing that future generations would prosper. Certain configurations of hills, valleys and rivers were considered fortunate, others were considered unlucky. Over time, these principals were applied to housing sites and eventually to interior spaces. The command position refers to an area in a

They cannot exist

without the other and must be in balance.

20

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

room that has a commanding view of the space. Look around and determine where in a room you would be able to see everything going on people coming in or leaving, all activity this is your command position. Generally, this will be along a solid wall and/or the tallest wall. The armchair arrangement refers to having your largest piece of furniture in a room such as a sofa or bed in the command position. The piece is then balanced on each side with similarly sized and shaped items that are slightly taller than your primary piece of furniture, such as end tables or night stands with lamps. The final touch is to hang wall art above the furniture. The overall result of this arrangement is an outline similar to the shape of an armchair. By combining the command position and armchair arrangement, which are both based upon the ideas of those ancient Feng Shui masters seeking auspicious burial sites for

their emperors, is to provide balance and protection.

The five elements are water, wood, fire, earth, metal.

Each element creates or enhances another and each element can destroy another. This is why balancing these elements through the use of shapes, materials and colors are a practical application of Feng Shui in todays world. Energy: Chi is considered good energy represented in all things. It flows freely meandering like a river, flows down hill, and can sometimes be directed. Sha Chi is negative or harmful energy caused by blocked, constricted, improperly directed, or too much & too forceful energy. Yin represents the passive principals in nature and is associated with femininity, while Yang repre-

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

21

sents the active principals in nature and is associated with masculinity. They cannot exist without the other and must be in balance. There are a variety of tools available for those who want to incorporate Feng Shui into their lives:

Mirrors and crystals

Used to attract, slow down and redirect Chi. Be careful to not place a mirror incorrectly as this will have the opposite effect of attracting negative energy.

Color

Mixed materials

Used to create balance and is brought into a room with wall art, accessories, area rugs, and lamps.

By mixing woods, metal, ceramic, and glass you can create both balance and an impressive room! W

Live plants and flowers

represent life and abundance. From a practical viewpoint, live plants can also absorb moisture in areas such as the kitchen and bathroom. The best plants to use in these areas are upright growing.

Carol Schulenberg Owner & Principal Stager Ballantyne Home Staging ASP,CfYH Color Consultant,Certified Decorating Professional Phone: 980-322-5825 www.ballantynehomestaging.com

Water

features are used for their calming effect, and the moving water attracts Chi. Water features represent wealth and prosperity, and are often used in an entrance area, a home office or outside near the front door.

22

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

21

BUSINESS

The New Workplace:

Tomorrows Future
By Judy White
Several key trends in technology, globalization, workforce demographics and societal shifts have caused todays workplace to undergo massive shifts in the midst of lingering fundamental reform and continued economic uncertainty. For the first time in our nations history women represent nearly half of the U.S. workplace. According to the Center for American Progress, working mothers have become key breadwinners or co-breadwinners in nearly two-thirds of American families.1 As CEOs and workplace leaders we must consider how these trends and other fundamental shifts will impact our companies going forward. Have you given thought to the following? How will we work and live in the future? What critical talent capabilities exist in your organization now? How compelling is your workplace in attracting, developing and retaining leading talent? What it the strength of your workplace brand? How agile is your workplace culture in redeploying talent to execute strategy effectively? While each warrants our consideration we must not neglect the anticipated impact of other workforce trends; each adding another level of complexity while also presenting new opportunities to increase our respective organizations future competitiveness. age population is expected to see slower growth rates of 1% through 2015. The working age population in countries such as France, Russia, Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea and Spain continue to decline. According to the United Nations World/ Population Prospects database Japan and Germany are expected to drop by 14% and 7% respectively by 2025. While some baby boomers are expected to delay retirement, an estimated skills gap shortfall in excess of 30 million U.S. workers will still exist. Competition for highly skilled talent is only going to increase. As CEOs and business leaders we need to adapt to the changing environment and have several scenarios in place. We need to plan ahead and design a talent management blueprint that infuses our business strategies while leveraging adaptable scenarios, all while prioritizing investments and exceeding

When the Boom Hits

Your company may currently be benefiting from the explosion of mobile technologies and the expertise that the culmination of four diverse generations brings to your workplace. Yet according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Labor the domestic working

24

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

customer needs. We need to re-evaluate how we define value, how we approach talent.

ent that each individual brings to the workplace community.

Critical Talent Segments

Companies continue to rely on temporary workers and freelancers for flexibility in managing work volumes and efficiencies in an uncertain economic environment. The USA Today2 released data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that of the 593,000 jobs added by private employers between September and October 2010, 68% were filled by workers placed by temporary-staffing agencies; this constitutes an increase of 404,000 workers. With these shifts, loyalty can become a serious concern among existing workers who

Understand and Strengthen

Rather than focusing on age gaps within our workforces, we need to think through the various strengths and capabilities that each generation has to offer. We must first seek to understand our people and design a workplace culture that encourages people from various generations to work and adapt together, each bringing a unique way of thinking and doing. The result will be fresh ideas and a greater appreciation for the knowledge and tal-

Changing with the Times

The information era has created new opportunities and forever changed the way in which we view and do work. The new workplace is less about a physical location, and more about the ability to connect with colleagues and leading experts around the globe from virtually anywhere. Face-to-face interaction is not going to fade away. However executives and front-line managers must effectively build and manage teams comprised of various cultures and even native languages.

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

25

may view their positions in jeopardy of being outsourced or eliminated. Leaders need to exercise caution and focus on existing workers as well as not to alienate critical staff members who may be keeping their options open with the anticipated improvement of the economy.

Management Roadmap -Create a strategic overview and design of your companys people management discipline and workplace architecture.

rigor as other financial considerations can help you prioritize the necessary investments needed to achieve your business strategy now and in the future.W Judy White, SPHR, GPHR, HCS is the founder and president of The Infusion Group LLC, a trusted partner in helping people and leaders create thriving workplaces fit for the future. The Infusion Group brings new possibilities in workplace services and talent management solutions to achieve personalized business strategies that connect people to what matters most.Whites global expertise with award-winning organizations expands across a number of industry sectors including health insurance, health care and Fortune 500 global manufacturing. She is an author of numerous articles and a member of several global professional associations.

Conduct a Strategic Talent Inventory and Workforce Plan

What Next?
Weve read the statistics. Weve seen and heard the market trends. What can we do as CEOs, as business leaders, to prepare our companies for the future?

-Provide holistic insight into your actual capabilities through analysis of internal vs. external supply and demand, engagement, performance and needed skill mix to make the company adaptable for the future.

Revisit Your Company Values & Make Any Necessary Adjustments

- Are the company values relevant to the future you envision? - Do our leaders reflect these values in their behaviors, communication, and leadership? - How does our workforce perceive these values? Create an Integrated Talent-

actively addressing the strategic and broader implications of these trends can secure a structural and communication pipeline of capabilities, fuel performance improvements, and attain desired results.

A flexible workplace culture that can enable performance potential to execute business objectives goes far beyond flex-arrangements, job sharing and telecommunicating. Pro-

Every investment into your business matters. Treating

talent and culture with the same

26

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

 2011 All rights reserved. Judy White, SPHR, GPHR, HCS is the President of The Infusion Group LLC, a next generation strategic people management consulting and executive coaching firm based in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area. Partnering with leaders and organizations in designing the new workplace to have meaningful impact on people, businesses and society. More information about The Infusion Group is available at www.theinfusiongroupllc.com .

Notes: 1Center For American Progress, The Shriver Report, A Womans Nation Changes Everything, October 16, 2009. 2 The USA Today, Freelance Workers Reshape Companies Jobs, Paul Davidson, October 13, 2010.

Judy White, SPHR, GPHR, HCS Founder The Infusion Group, LLC Infuse. Excel. Thrive. T-Free: 877.628.FUSE (3873) Fax: 877.628.3873 Mail:P.O. Box 233 Apex, NC 27502 Email: judy@theinfusiongroupllc.com Blog: The Future Workplace Visit Website: The Infusion Group LLC

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

27

Lynn Douthett
By Vilma Betancourt-Oday
As a young woman, Lynn Douthett watched with intensity as her mother managed and grew her successful dry cleaning business. She learned about having tenacity, one of many important character traits one must possess in order to become a successful entrepreneur. As a result of her observations and work experiences beginning at a young age, a strong ethical compass was born and today it continues to grow and strengthen. Life experiences often provide a

Small Business Administration-District Director North Carolina District Office

Masters in Business without the formal academic program, Lynn mentioned as we discussed that women must be prepared and how we should all continue educating ourselves along the way. Staying informed of market trends and the economic challenges small businesses are facing requires reading recent business publications, magazines, and newspapers satisfying her constant thirst as the proverbial student. Lynn suggests that prior to opening your first

28

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

small business, individuals do their homework and ask themselves some of the following questions: 1) Do I have the support (financial and emotional) to run a business? 2) Am I passionate about the products or services I will be providing to my clients? (This is a compelling piece of the puzzle) 3) What differentiates my business from my competitors?; 4) What are the costs and benefits of starting a business? 4) Is there a demand for my products and/or services in the current market to create a sustainable business? Q: What other advice would you give to women who are considering entering the world of entrepreneurship? A:Take advantage of the local resources available in your community to help support you in the journey. SCORE, the Small Business Technology and Development Center and the Womens Business Centers are SBA partners who offer free and confidential one-on-one counseling. They can help an entrepreneur navigate getting started, developing a business plan, reviewing marketing strategies and evaluating financial projections that a banker would consider if a loan is needed in their future. The North Carolina Community College system has Small Business Centers at 58 campuses statewide. Classes and counseling are available for women in all stages of the journey. The NC Department of Commerce has a service called Business Link North Carolina, BLINC (www.blnc.gov) which helps businesses throughout the state get connected with local resources in their area. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Lynn worked in the banking industry. Q:You worked in the banking industry for 15 years. As a female banker, what are some of the challenges you had to face and how did you overcome them?

leader. This sends a signal that your work product and your commitment are to be respected. Consistency in this approach over time will pay dividends especially if you are willing to take on assignments that are challenging with some visibility. Identifying a mentor who can assist with securing these types of work assignments is helpful. Remaining flexible, adaptable with a positive approach in an ever changing environment is essential. After exiting from the banking world, in 1991 Lynn started a small decorative painting business.

Q:As a Small Business owner providing spe-

cialty painting services, you marketed your services to residential and commercial clients. What are some of the lessons you learned as an entrepreneur? How do these experiences affect decisions you, as the North Carolina District Director for the Small Business Administration (SBA), make that affect businesses, small and large? A: Many lessons as an entrepreneur hold true for the work I do today. Understanding the needs of the customer is number one. This requires effective communication skills in order to accomplish their goals and objectives. In addition following through on what I have committed to do and completing my projects on time. Attention to detail. Having a vision for where the business is going and plan outlining the strategies to get there reduced the risk of failure. These simple lessons translate at SBA. Putting our small business customer first and understanding what they need is essential. Each year the SBA District Office executes a plan to leverage our resources in order to help small business start, grow and succeed. We work with our partners such as lenders, Federal, State, and local agencies, chambers and trade associations/organizations throughout the state to deliver access to capital, government contracting opportunities and counseling/training events that support the our small business community throughout the state. In 1997 you joined the Small Business Administration Charlotte office and managed the SBAs National Call Center.

A: The challenges I faced are the same as many women doing business in a male dominated world. Building ones credibility and brand can be a hurdle depending on your position and network within the organization. It requires being prepared, going the extra mile, and working at a high level as a team player as well as team

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

29

Q: How did you transition from a specialty painting business to joining the SBAs National Call Center as the Manager? A: The SBA National Call Center located in Charlotte is responsible for answering entrepreneurs questions in various stages of their business journey. Whether it is obtaining a business license, learning how to do business with the government or how to secure financing SBA provides many programs and services to meet these needs. My banking background and my business experience had laid a good foundation of knowledge to build on when I joined SBA. Transitioning into this role took six months as I was on a steep learning curve becoming familiar with how the SBA lending programs and government contracting programs worked. The big challenge was moving from the mindset of being your own boss, responsible for how you allocate your time and resources to answering to a boss who was responsible for making the decisions I previously made. Being a team player and recognizing that it is just important to be a follower as it is to be the leader was the approach I took

in handling this mindset change. You bring corporate and small business experience to your position as the SBAs District Director for the State of North Carolina. Q: Has your diverse background in the banking and entrepreneurship prepared you for this leadership role? A: It has taught me that it is important to ask key questions in order to bring people together, fill gaps, and get them the resources they need to create a win-win situation. For example when financing a small business, an entrepreneur needs to step into the shoes of the banker and entrepreneur. Being able to understand and speak the language of credit enables me understand the requirements the lender needs fulfilled and explain that easily to a small business. Collaborating and building strong relationships with partners creates a network for small business to tap into that can provide them valuable expertise and knowledge. Using the network is an important tool that we strategically work to enhance. Finding good mentors or working with our network of partners helps a business face

30

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

the many challenges with valuable support. Q: In facilitating loans and its particular terms with each lender, how have your banking skills helped you in the negotiation process? Please share a success story with us. SBA does not negotiate with lenders directly for a small business if they need financing. We can recommend three or four bankers for the owner to talk to about a loan. The bank and the entrepreneur will decide together if the financing terms and conditions are the right fit for the business. A good example of this is Leonard Building . Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories in Mount Airy, NC took advantage of SBTDC counseling and an SBA loan. In 2009, after a 30% drop in sales at their retail outlets, they turned to the SBTDC to examine their situation and work with the management team to create a plan. The firm concentrated on online marketing, explored government contracting, and started a brand new Rent-To-Own business model. To support this new effort, they obtained a $1,000,000 SBA loan from Surrey Bank & Trust in 2011. These

A:

changes helped Leonard to increase sales dramatically, and hire 57 additional employees. The SBAs website has been updated and is now very user-friendly. A wealth of information can be found at www.sba.gov. One of the many resources available includes online training and other business tools, including evaluating your business skills: strengths and weaknesses. Q: You are passionate about working behind the scenes creating change and streamlining processes. What changes, if any, can we expect from the SBA in reference to the certification process?

A:

Our financing products are continually being evaluated as to how we can reduce the paperwork and processing time for a loan to be approved. SBA is working with our lenders today to improve our contract lines of credit. We want to increase the use of this program by our lending community so that they have another resource to use if they customer needs a loan guaranty to get the deal done. This is also true for our government contracting and business development programs. The

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

31

new womens certification process established in February 2011 will continue to have enhancements and upgrades added as we see how process is working. In North Carolina over 400 WOSB have submitted certification documents into the repository for contracting specialists to access. This certification has established new benefits and opportunities for women in business sectors that have been underserved. These are two examples of how SBA works to respond to the changing market conditions faced by small business. The SBA has a network of resource partners that can assist business owners with marketing their products or services, obtain loans and managing their business along with many other services. The greatest part? Most of their services are free of charge all you have to do is ask!! SBA Programs SBA offers programs to support the diverse needs of small business owners. From this page you can access information on programs related to technical, financial, contracting, education and disaster assistance, as well as special interests, advocacy and civil rights compliance. Financial Assistance All businesses require money to get off the ground and to continue to grow. SBAs resources help you research loan programs, explore options around export financing, learn more about Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs), and determine ...

Small Business Audiences SBA has programs and resources for everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, and financial status. Explore the options to find out how SBA can help you turn your business idea into a viable enterprise or expand your current business for ... Counseling & Training Every business owner needs guidance during the start up and running of their business. SBAs Office of Entrepreneurial Development helps businesses start, grow and compete in global markets by providing quality training, counseling and ... Contracting Working with the federal government can provide many opportunities to small businesses. To help business owners work effectively with government, the Office of Government and General Contracting works with Government Contracting and Business ... Disaster Assistance Disasters can wipe out a small business in seconds. To help protect small business owners, SBAs Office of Disaster Assistance (ODA) provides affordable, timely and accessible financial assistance to homeowners, renters, and businesses. ...

32

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

Advocacy, Laws & Regulations Giving small business owners a voice early in the legislative process is key to reducing the negative impact of regulations on small businesses, increasing the level of regulatory compliance, and passing on cost savings to state economies. ... Initiatives SBA is committed tohelping small businesses in the US succeed. As such, several programs and laws have been sponsored that directly affect small business owners. Here, you can learn more about how legislation such as the Small Business Jobs ... Civil Rights Compliance - CRC The Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC) works to ensure compliance with nondiscrimination rules and regulations by SBA recipients of general financial assistance and, with regard to individuals with disabilities, SBA programs and program ... Womens Business Ownership: Starting, Financing and Growing the Right Way Contact Ana Harvey, Assistant Administrator of SBAs Office of Womens Business Ownership Nearly 104 million businesses are majority owned by women. They provide 12 million jobs and generate more than a trillion dollars in sales. This discussion provides guidance for women in how to get off to the right start in building, financing and growing their small businesses. U.S. Small Business Administration Winning Federal Contracts: A Guide for Women Entrepreneurs. You can find it on there Website at www. sba.gov/women. You can learn more about SBAs Office of Womens Business Ownership and other SBA resources at www.sba.gov and www.sba.gov/women. W

North Carolina District Office 6302 Fairview Road Suite 300 Charlotte , NC 28210 United States Phone: 704-344-6563 Fax: 704-344-6769 See map: Google Maps Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Toll Free: 800-827-5722

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

33

BUSINESS

By Mary Elizabeth Murphy Lets make a plan!

Every Dream Requires A Team!

your co-workers, your colleagues and counterparts in the field. Who would you put on your dream team? What kind of a support group would you need in order to succeed on the level youd like? The people on your list must be supportive, they must be driven, and they must be as gung-ho as you are to achieve your goals. Remember, if your friends cannot be supportive in these ways, then do not include them on your team. Get yourself a Dream Team with specific abilities. In superhero lingo, wed call these special powers. Have one of your heroes be a member who is very organized and knows how to create a functional, comprehensive and easy-to-follow timeline. Without organization and discipline, your team will not succeed. Second, find a hero with the contacts and connections necessary to achieve your goals. Business or personal success is not only about who you know; anyone on LinkedIn will tell you that its also about who knows the people that you know. One of your team members must be a cheerleader of the highest order. He or she must be a like-minded individual who sees the value of your dream and wants it realized. Dont mistake

Whether youre single or just starting out in the working world, a stayat-home mom or mompreneur, a working mother or considering your next chapter, its still important to keep everything on track. Time management, activity coordination and planning are the keys to a successful plan. So first, get a pad of paper and a pen. Have a seat. Pour yourself a nice glass of tea, water or wine. On the first piece of paper, please write the following: I cannot do everything by myself. The successful women of the world are seen as bootstrappers, women who had a dream and muscled their way through glass ceilings to build multi-million dollar empires. What they dont show you on TV is what happens behind the scenes. Successful women are headstrong, yes; they are innovative, creative people, certainly; they are do-it-her-selfersto a point. But at some moment in time, all of these women figured out that one simple credo: I cannot do everything by myself. Tear that first piece of paper off the pad, but dont put it too far out of sight. Youll need it as we move along. Next, think about your friends,

34

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

this cheerleader for a yes-man, however. His or her job is to call you to task. Too tired? Too distracted? You need a team member who will not let you off the hook. When things just arent working out, that cheerleader also needs to be a good set of ears for you. Lets face it when you need to vent, you need to vent! Now that you have your dream team laid out on your pad of paper, send out a few emails or text messages. Invite them to your office or out to lunch for an initial meeting, and share your goals with each of them. For those willing to join your team, determine which person demonstrates which special power and assign roles. You will want to schedule regular meetings so that each one of you can stay on task and on track. Most importantly, be respectful of time, both your teams and your own. Show up when you say you will and be done on time. Arrive early and leave late. Dont expect them to dedicate themselves to a goal you havent demonstrated dedication to. When you have found and formed your dream team, your focus should remain on the goal youve set for yourself. If someone isnt working out as a team member even if that someone is yourself its time to reevaluate both your team and your goal. Maintain your focus and focus

those around you. Frustration, anxiety and angst are all allowed. Excuses are not. Nothing kills a dream faster or more assuredly than trying to achieve it on your own. Build your dreams and goals as high as you dare; build your Dream Team before you begin your pursuit of them. W Mary Elizabeth Murphy is Managing Director of S.T.A.R. Resources, a performance management consulting, coaching and education firm that specializes in creating environments in which people want to work. An expert at helping individuals and organizations to earn more, produce more and achieve more, she is the author of RESET Your Buttons. You can reach Mary Elizabeth at 704-535-5610 or info@starresources.biz.

Mary Elizabeth Murphy, CPCC, ORSCC Managing Director S.T.A.R. Resources - Strategic Teams Achieving Results Creating Environments in which People Want to Work Since 1993

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

35

Family Features

Grilling can bring so much more to the table than basic brats and burgers. In these recipes, cookbook author and celebrity

chef Nick Stellino uses a few key ingredients that add new dimensions of flavor to seafood, steak and even salad. He calls on olive oil and vinegars from Pompeian to make savory marinades and zesty seasonings that will make you truly savor the grilling season. Olive oil, a key component of the Mediterranean Diet, is a great way to follow the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which urge people to cut back on saturated fats and recommend an increase in monounsaturated fats. For more of Chef Stellinos recipes, as well as how-to videos, visit www. pompeian.com and Like Pompeian on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Pompeian.

36

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

Savor the Season

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

37

Skewered Shrimp with Black Bean-Lemon Rice

Serves 4

Marinade/Dressing:
3/4 1/4 3 2 1 1/2 3/4 24 24 24 2 8

cup Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil cup Pompeian Red Wine Vinegar tablespoons lemon juice medium garlic cloves, minced teaspoons salt teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper large raw, headless, peeled shrimp, with tails on (about 1 pound) whole green onions, trimmed to 6 inches in length cherry tomatoes poblano chili peppers, seeded and cut into 24 pieces 12-inch bamboo skewers, soaked in water cups hot cooked brown rice ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained cup chopped cilantro teaspoons grated lemon zest

Skewers:

Rice:

3 15 1/4 3

Whisk marinade ingredients in small bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup mixture in separate bowl and set aside. Place shrimp in a resealable plastic bag, pour marinade over shrimp, seal tightly and coat well. Refrigerate 30 minutes, turning frequently. Remove shrimp from marinade (reserving marinade). Place shrimp on skewers, alternating with tomatoes, chilies and onions (folded in half). Preheat grill on high heat. Brush skewers with reserved marinade and cook 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until shrimp are opaque in center. Place remaining marinade in a small saucepan on the grill to heat slightly. Toss rice with black beans, cilantro and lemon zest. To serve: Top rice with skewers and spoon remaining marinade over skewers.

38

Connect and Grow With Women In Our Community

4th Annual North Carolina

Fashion Week

The Queen City gears up once again for the 4th Annual Charlotte North Carolina Fashion Week with an impressive line-up of talented designers from around the region. This year the show will take place at the Pavilion in the Epicentre Entertainment complex in Uptown Charlotte September 21-24, 2011 and will feature more than 20 unique designers and several local boutiques. Designs featured in the show will include everything from high-end denim jeans, elegant cocktail dresses and evening gowns, to wedding dresses and hand-detailed couture dresses and green designs. The American Cancer Society will kick-off the event on Wednesday night with a fundraiser benefiting their Cure by Design initiative, an event in which the local fashion, design, and retail communities join forces with the corporate community to benefit the American Cancer Society. The goal of Charlotte NC Fashion Week is to provide local, regional, and national designers as well as models, stylists, and makeup artists an opportunity to present their talent and reach a broader market of fashion consumers and the media states Anthony Simons, the events director. Tickets range between $25 and $75 and can be purchased for each day or as a three day package. For more information visit www.CharlotteNCFashionWeek.com

www.womenwithknowhow.com AUGUST 2011

39