the imprint magazine biz, career & tech issue
DESCRIPTION
The lifestyle magazine for young, forward thinking men and women!TRANSCRIPT
‣ Haute Looks For Fall
‣ Talking Technology
‣ 10 New Resume Rules
‣ Family Planning
‣ Work/Life Balance
‣ Soul Artist Karmella Daniel
SPECIAL FEATURES
+
Young & Relentless!
The Great Progression:
Keeping Your Mind Right In
Challenging Times
》
Meet 4 Inspiring Young ProfessionalsChris Cooper ▪ Amy Cooper
Anoop Desai ▪ Chris Golden
BUSINESS, CAREER & TECHNOLOGY ISSUE
theimprintmag.com
NOW AVAILABLE IN DIGITAL! $10 for 6 issues.
theiMPRiNTEnhancing Your Knowledge. Ref in ing Your L i festy le. Volume 2┊Issue 3
IMPRINT“An indelible,
distinguishing effect or inf luence.”
(noun)
EDITORIAL
N. Renee Webb Executive Editor
Avis FoleyAssociate Editor
Jay YoungDirector, Photography & Video
Britt Hutchinson ● PhotojournalistChannessa Roundtree ● Assistant Photographer
Bobby Quinn ● Assistant PhotographerNahdej Williams ● Assistant Photographer
Cydney Nunn ● Staff WriterJack McCallion ● Staff WriterLondon Whitson ● Staff Writer
Sherrell Dorsey ● Contributing WriterPaula McCollum ● Contributing Writer
Sylvia “Secret” Mikell ● Contributing WriterKarissa J. Parker ● Creative Assistant
LaDetra Robinson ● Creative AssistantGabrielle Thomas ● Administrative Assistant
BRAND MARKETINGRachel McDonald ● Promotions Assistant
OPERATIONS & DISTRIBUTIONEric Webb ● Manager
CONTACTOffice ● 1.877.574.3844
Career Opportunities ● [email protected] To The Editor ● [email protected]
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Aspire Online Media
@AspireOnline
Aspire Online Media
Copyright © 2012 Aspire Online Media LLC. | All Rights Reserved.No part of this magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole
without the express written consent of the Publisher.
Enhancing Your Knowledge. Refining Your Lifestyle.
Connect With Us!*Photo by Jay Young during Brandi D.’s Single Release Party &
Birthday Bash @ Vanquish Lounge.
STYLE.
The HIGH UP.comA blog by Aspire Online Media
theiMPRiNT
NEWS.ENTERTAINMENT.
Itʼs My Hair! Magazine Launch at Jennifer Schwartz Gallery. Photos by Nahdej Williams.
C O N T E N T SFeatures
biz SAVVY EXCLUSIVE! Young & Relentless:
4 Professionals Who Are Making It Happen
Cool Businesses To Invest5 Powerful Ways To
Advertise Your Website Standing The Heat Of The
Entrepreneurial Fire
career HUB10 New Resume Rules
The Planning Game Work/Life Balance For College
Students & Career ProfessionalsIs Your Image Holding You Back?
tech DECK Talking Technology
Quiz: Are You A Tech Junkie?
Avoiding A Tech Fall
fashion BRIEFHaute Looks To
Flaunt For Fall
health WISEThe Great Progression:
Keeping Your Mind Right In Challenging Times
money MOVESWhat Does A Luxury Vehicle
Really Cost?
legal FACTORThe Gift Of Life:
Legacy Planning
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CONTENTS ║ 5
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LIVING A SUCCESSFUL LIFE THE BUSINESS, CAREER & TECHNOLOGY ISSUE!
theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
Win a Swag Bag featuring some of your favorite brands! See page 42!
LOOK!
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14EXCLUSIVE!
EDITOR’S NOTERags To Riches
IN THE MIXAOM Was In The Mix With Urban Professionals and the2nd Annual Cocktails For Camp
ON THE BRINKKarmella Daniel
WHERE’S THE LOVELife, Love & Other Stuff
I ASPIREWord Is Bond
IMPRINT BULLETINNews, Events & Career Listings
EDITOR’S PICKSBag & Swag ItBooks, Movies & MusicCuisine Quest
CONTENTSSubscribe to The Imprint Magazine ‐ $10 For 6 Digital Issues!
Log on to www.theimprintmag.com.
Visit us online at Aspire Online Media.com for what’s haute in fashion, business and entertainment (and everything in between)! Oh, and don’t forget to keep it plugged each
week to win cool stuff during Modish Mondays!Refining Young Lifestyles
In Every Issue
TWEET TALKWe want to know your favorite article in the issue!
Tweet us @TheImprintMag.
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UP NEXT! October 2012 College, Community &
Political Issue!
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Social Rave!Weʼve got people talking about
The IMPRINT Magazine! See what theyʼre saying...
Magazine is #topshelf and #quality too!
@urbanprofessionals
“Check out this exciting, new and innovative
magazine!” Debra Curry
“Just took a browse through your digital
publication. Itʼs beautifully done!” Danielle Shapira
- Intern Sushi“I just started reading the magazine. I havenʼt
finished it yet, but I already love it and I plan to
subscribe!” Marcus Cobb
Theproductionofthisissuewassuperfunfromthecreativepowwowswithmyeditorialteamtoresearchingfeaturedtopicstotheupliftinginterviews.Sowhythecombinationofbusiness,careerandtechnology?Well,tomeitisobviousthattheygohandinhand- you can’t have one without all three - typically. I’m not quite sure how I couldsuccessfully run my company without my computer and phone. Hmmmm...I guessthat’swheremycreativitywouldhavetokickinoverdrive.:-)
Oneofthemoststandoutthings formewasselectingand interviewingtheYoung&Relentless. Now, I had to search high and low for the most aspiring of youngprofessionalsouthere.While onmyquest,Icouldn’thelpbuttoberemindedofmyownstory.You’veheardtherags to riches talesaboutpeoplestartingoutinthemailroomandtheneventually running thecompany, right?Well, that wasmeexcept Iwasn’tvyingfor thePresident’s leather,highbackexecutiveseat. I justwantedtoprogress.So,Istartedoutall gonghoafteracceptingapositionasamailroomclerkataFortune500bankinginstitution.Myco-workerswouldoftenteasemeabout“dressingup” everydayonly to bedecoratedindustandpaperparticlesbeforelunchtime.(NOTE:Ifanyoneever tellsyouthattheyhaveworkedinamailroom,pleasetrustthat theyarededicated,determinedanddependable.) Throughoutthesufferingofpapercuts,pilesofbankstatementsand30lbcourierbags,IstillshowedupeverydaydressedinAnnTaylorwith myheadheldhighknowing that someday I would havemy own office, and in it, I would spendhours designingmarketingmaterialsandcampaignsforthebank.Well,guesswhat??Ittookmelessthantwoyearstoworkmywayintothat dreamposition.Not to mentionthat Iwasactuallylaidoff fromthebank for 6months duringthis timeperiod.Ibetyou’re wonderingthesecretto mysuccess.Well,eachdaywhileIwaspreparingforwork,Iwouldstareatmyreflectioninthebathroommirrorandsayboldly“IAMSUCCESSFUL”.Ievensaiditwhenevertheworkloadwouldstarttostressmeout.IliterallyconditionedmyselftobelievethatthemailroomwasmyofficeandthatIwasalready inmydesiredposition.Iwentto workeverydaywithapositiveattitudeandmotivatedeveryonearoundme.Totop itall off,Imusteredupthegutstorequesta heftypayincreaseanditwasactuallyhonored(tomysurprise)duetomyproventalentandtenaciousspirit.
Thisissueisdedicatedtoallthecollegestudents,entrepreneursandcareerprofessionalsouttherewhoeat,sleepandbleedsuccess.Ihavenever consideredmyselfaverage.Instead,IhavechosentobelievethatifIcanthinkit,itwillmanifestthroughmyactionsandthenIcanencourageotherstobegreat.
AsIclosethisout,Iwouldliketosharesomethingveryimportantwithyou.IwasrecentlymovedtotearsbyoneoftheExecutivesofBronner Brothers,Inc.duringa pressconferenceinAtlanta.Nathaniel Bronner,Jr.saidsomanythingsthatwereencouragingtomyself.Heexplainedtheimportanceofmaintainingagoodspiritthroughgoodtimesandtoughtimesaswell astakingcareofourhealthandhouseholds.Asanentrepreneur,itisnevereasytostepoutonwhatIliketocall “crazyfaith”topursueyourdreams.There’ssomuchsacrificethat goes into manifesting a vision. It is something deep down that makes me feel that throughall theadversity,speedbumpsandroadblocks,everythingthatIam doingisworthit.Theyounger generationsofBronnerBrothers havecontinuedalegacybycarryingout their father’sanduncle’sdreambirthed65yearsagoatanAtlantaYMCA.Todate,theextravaganthairshowisknownworldwidewhilethecompanycontinuestoproduceeverythingfromaprintpublicationtohairproductstomovies.Amazing!
Ihopeyouenjoythefeaturesin theissueandcontinuetobeinspiredbyawesomepeoplewhoare provingeverydaythatsomewhere,afterthestormandovertherainbow,dreamsreallydocometrue!-
FROM RAGS TO RICHES F R O
M T H
E E D I T O
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EXECUTIVE EDITOR
N.Renee Webb
POSITIONING YOURSELF FOR GREATNESS
EDITOR’S NOTE ║ 9
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theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
As an entrepreneur, it is never easy to step out on what I like to call “crazy faith” to pursue your dreams. There’s so much sacrifice that goes into manifesting a vision.
COCKTAILS&CONNECTIONS@ TONGUE & GROOVE ON 6.25.12
Photographed by Channessa Roundtree.
IN THE MIX IN THE MIX IN THE MIX IN THE MIX IN
1 EmCee Christopher “Cocktails” Cornell & CEO of EPeriod LLC 2 Avis Foley (The Imprint Magazine’s Associate Editor) Talking With A Guest 3 Guests Speed Networking 4 Tipsy Treats, One of Several Vendors At The Event 5 Jerome “JayDee” Davis, Founder of Urban Professionals 6 A Primerica Representative and Sylvia “Secret” Mikell7 Jerome Davis Talking With Urban Professional Members
urbanprofessionals.com
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COCKTAILSFORCAMP @ AJA RESTAURANT ON 7.25.12
Photographed by Jay Young & Bobby Quinn.
IN THE MIX IN THE MIX IN THE MIX IN THE MIX IN
1 EmCee Jessica Black - Miss United States 2010 & Member JCI Atlanta 2 Guests of Event 3 Phil Minnes, Co-Founder Philip Michael PR & Renee Knorr, Fashion Editor for 19th Hole Magazine 4 Cocktails For Camp Committee Member Jaimie Eissler with Guest 5 Gary Marshall - President of JCI Atlanta and N. Renee Webb 6 Guests Enjoying The Event On Aja’s Patio
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Young
&Relent
less
The Imprint Magazine is honored to introduce you to 4 of America’s most driven young professionals in various industries. They don’t fear failure, obstacles or rejection. They
consistently press forward to manifest their dreams. Their accomplishments will undoubtedly encourage and inspire you to step outside of your comfort zone to become
the person you were always meant to be.
EXCLUSIVE!
By N. Renee
Chris Cooper-Author & Motivational Speaker
BIZ SAVVY14 ║
HisOccupa*on:Chris is Founder of Execute Your Passion, a full service coaching, training and speaking firm, and The Cooper InternaTonal Group, a telecom and energy business.
HisAlmaMaters: Morehouse College, The Georgia InsTtute of Technology and New York University
HisHobbies: “I enjoy spending Tme with my family, traveling, personal development, reading and surrounding myself with good people. I’ve recently goZen into this daredevil spirit. I’ve walked on fire, run with the bulls in Spain and now I want to go skydiving!”
HowHeStaysMo*vated: “I pray o\en. My relaTonship with God is paramount. I also rely on my awesome coaches and mentors who push and inspire me.”
HisNewBookGet Sh*t Done!: “I prayed about what it is that I do best. I’ve been blessed in many areas but I realized that when something needed to get done, people could always call on me. Releasing the book with such a provocaTve Ttle took guts. Through my research on human behavior, I’ve learned that the Western culture is filled with professional quiZers. We come up with a ton of excuses and never follow through. I don’t quit. I won’t stop no maZer what the circumstance. So with the book, I wanted something impac`ul. I wanted to create the “WOW” factor to drive people to acTon.”
WhatHeFeelsItTakesToBeAnEntrepreneur: “You must possess vision and be tenacious. You have to understand that entrepreneurship is the hardest thing you will ever do. You have to have the guts, the grit, the grind and the hustle. And excellent communicaTon and interpersonal skills are extremely important.”
HisRoleModels: “I admire President Barack Obama because of his leadership and charisma and my great Aunt Mary. She went back to college when she was 60 and finished with a 3.9 GPA!”
SomethingHeCan’tLeaveHomeWithout: “My iPad and iPhone. They stay aZached to me.”
WhatMakesHimRelentless:“My desire to change the world and wanTng my sons (ages 2 and 6) to not have to look past the front door for a role model makes me relentless.”
HisAdviceToYoungAdults: “There are three things that are important to me: learning, growing and being challenged consistently. If you experience these in your career, spirituality, relaTonships and business, you will grow as an individual and create incremental and exponenTal change across the world. I’ve learned that progress is the only thing that equals happiness.” ‐
@CJCoop
theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
Anoop Desai-Entertainer
BIZ SAVVY ║ 15theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
HisOccupa*on: Anoop is currently an independent musical arTst whose claim to fame was Season 8 of American Idol.
HisAlmaMater: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
HisPursuitofMusicAsAnIndependentAr*st: “I am able to have ownership of everything I do. From the creaTve to the financial aspects I am responsible for everything. It’s all a learning experience while coming away each day as a beZer writer and musician. I also get first‐hand knowledge of the business side of things along with what goes into wriTng and producing. I’m glad to be a part of the whole process...I’m really enjoying my success.”
HowHeStaysMo*vated: “The entertainment industry isn’t instantly graTfying, so I have to be extremely diligent about maintaining a posiTve state of mind.”
HisCurrentSingleOooWee!: “I wrote the song close to two years ago. It’s actually featured on my last record. It’s a fun, pop dance song.”
HisNewAlbumWithDJADHD: “I’ve been working with him for about a year now. The sound we have together is electronic and really fun. It’s all about being young forever. The sound is different from what I’ve done in the past. I’m really excited about it and can’t wait unTl people hear it!”
HisUpcomingCollegeTourWithPHIVE: “We’ll be hihng the college campuses in September and performing a lot of new stuff. It’s high energy so look out!”
WhatMakesHimRelentless: “My work ethic. I treat everything that I’m doing like it’s class work or a job even though it’s creaTve. I pay aZenTon to detail and paZern myself behind the people who’ve come before me.” ‐
FOLLOW ANOOP! @AnoopDoggDesaiwww.anoopdesai.com
Amy Cooper aka “Lady C”
-Couture Designer
BIZ SAVVY16 ║theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
HerFaves: “Well, I must admit that I have a handbag and shoe feTsh. I love dancing, pizza, playing with my kids and spending Tme with my friends. Aside from that, I’m a workaholic!”
HerPetPeeves: “I don’t like when people don’t follow through. They would rather spend all this Tme talking about what they’re going to do and they never actually do it.”
WhenSheDecidedToGoIntoBusinessForHerself: “It was literally a year ago. There was this ValenTno bag that I really wanted and I have kids so I didn’t feel right spending that kind of money on a bag. I have a huge shoe and handbag collecTon and I was sick of spending so much money on them because it was never quite what I wanted. So one day I started drawing out some designs and called on a few of my contacts in the industry. I secured a distributor and manufacturer and then decided to just do it! I didn’t sleep for two weeks but I made it happen.”
AHighlightofHerCareer: “The moment that a celebrity reached out to me expressing how much they liked my product. That person was Mya (the singer) via TwiZer. It was like the most random thing. Hours later I was in the hotel room with her and her stylist. It was confirmaTon that I was really meant to be a designer. Mya is someone who I’ve admired since she first started. I read an arTcle about her designing her own clothes and I thought it was so amazing ‐ and then to think she’s now wearing my designs. It’s so cool!
WhatMakesHerRelentless: “I think it’s in my DNA. I am programmed to be determined and ambiTous. My parents pushed me when I was younger. I had to do 30 hours a week of dance and go to school while maintaining good grades. I was in compeTTons and always in extracurricular acTviTes. My parents encouraged me to succeed at whatever I set my mind to.
SomethingSheCan’tLeaveHomeWithout: “My iPad, iPhone and lipgloss! I’m a tech freak so when I’m in between meeTngs I’m always walking and TweeTng or Facebooking. It’s crazy!”
HerAdviceToYoungAdults: “Work hard and don’t turn down good opportuniTes. Go to school and conTnue your educaTon unTl you figure out what it is that you really want to do. I’m an example of this. If you desire to have your own business, make sure you have the security of a job and a back up plan. Follow your passion. You hear it so many Tmes, but if you’re doing something you’re extremely passionate about, no maZer how much money you make, you’re going to be happy.” ‐
HerOccupa*on:
Amy is Founder and CreaTve Director of a chic and affordable custom handbag line called Ms Lady Couture. Not only does she design these fabulous staples for the most fashionable of women, but she’s recently ventured into men’s custom bags and MAN, are they haute!
Amy’s company is only a year young and she’s already managed to snag over 21,000 followers on TwiZer. WOW. The die‐hard entrepreneur holds five degrees to her name to include fashion, paralegal, business, poliTcal science and IT project management. Why so many? Because she prefers to be in the know. All this knowledge has garnered her the ability to start and run a successful business while being a wife and mother of two. This young woman is awesome...to say the least. She’s pictured here with her Lady Jessica Bag priced at $160.
@MsLadyCouture
Photo by Max Eremine
Chris Golden-Social Media Strategist & Visionary
BIZ SAVVY ║ 17
HisAlmaMater:American University
HisHobbies:“I am a poliTcal and news junkie though I don't read enough non ficTon and rarely read any ficTon. I also love traveling. I love learning new things ‐ especially when it answers the quesTon "how does this work?".
HisRoleModels: “People who have given a voice to those who’ve needed it and whom understood that every person has the capacity to give back and help others. Former Pennsylvania Senator Harris Wofford, a former advisor to MarTn Luther King Jr., is an excellent example.”
SomethingHeCan’tLeaveHomeWithout:“My iPad ‐ it’s definitely a game changer!”
WhatMakesHimRelentless: “The Tmes we live in are so exciTng, but also very serious. The moment that I become complacent, or think that I’ve figured it out, somebody else is doing it beZer or gehng ahead. Not that everything has to be a compeTTon, but when we're talking about solving the most pressing problems our country and our generaTon face, there's really no Tme to lose. This is the challenge but also the promise of our Tme. I am eager to see how our world will evolve.”
HisAdviceToYoungAdults: “When somebody tells you “no” or “you can't”, don't consider it to be the end, but rather the beginning of the next step. Don't dwell on mistakes. We all make them, but where people usually make the worst mistakes is when they dwell on something that doesn't work out. It's just not worth it. If it can be fixed, fix it. If it can't, find out what else you can do. But don't stop. Don't commiserate. There's just not enough Tme.” ‐
HisOccupa*on:
Chris is currently an associate at Trippi and Associates, a full‐service media firm based in Washington D.C. He manages non‐profit, corporate and poliTcal clients, developing creaTve messages and expanding communicaTon strategies into new media in order to effecTvely communicate with supporters and customers.
He is also ExecuTve Director and Co‐Founder of myImpact.org, a TwiZer‐based applicaTon for engaged ciTzens to track their civic acTviTes online. myImpact.org was built on the premise of a “Millennial Model of Engagement,” emphasizing the contribuTons of individuals over Tme and pioneering an approach that is simple, scalable and social.
@ChrisGolden
theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
COOL Businesses To Invest
Have you been thinking about starting a business but don’t want to tackle it solo? Well you just might want to consider a joint venture. Joint ventures are defined as “business agreements in which parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new entity and new assets by contributing equity. They exercise control over the enterprise and consequently share revenues, expenses and assets.” One of the major factors in considering a joint venture is ensuring that all parties involved are trustworthy and willing to put in 200% whether it’s marketing and sales expertise or management. To get things going, look into new and successful franchise opportunities. If you’d rather try running a business on your own, consider common services like personal assistance, event planning and social media marketing. You’d be surprised who’s looking to contract someone with your savvy!
By Brent Gordon
HealthyYouVending.com
GiGisCupcakesUSA.com
UniquelyCoordinated.com
KumonFranchise.com
5Powerful Ways
ToAdvertiseyourWebsite
Directory Linking
Create a directory of web sites on a specific topic. Give people the option of adding the directory to their web site by linking to it. Put your business advertisement at the top of the director’s home page. This technique will get lots of people to link to your web site and give you free advertising.
Bonus Advertising
Do you have a product or service that doesn’t sell good? Offer it as a free bonus for someone else’s product or service. Get free advertising by placing your web site or business ad on the product or in the product package.
Auto-Responder Trade
Trade auto-responder ads with other businesses. If both of you send out information with auto-responders just exchange a small classified ad to put at the bottom or top of each other’s auto-responder message.
Tip Line
Start a free tip line. Offer a free daily, weekly, or monthly tip recorded on your voice mail. The tipsshould be related to your business. Include your ad for your web site or business at the beginning or end of your message.
Content Swap
Exchange content with other web sites and e-zines. You could trade articles, top ten lists, etc. Both parties could include a resource box at the end of the content.
BIZ SAVVY18 ║
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*Findmorebusiness*psbyCharloSeatWorkHomeWithMe.com.
By Charlotte Howard
theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
STANDING THE HEAT OF THE ENTREPRENEURIAL FIRE
Ifyouwantacomplicatedlife,becomeanentrepreneur. There’s no dream more complex and unpredictable as choosing your own path and seeing your plan through. Not everyone is up for the challenge, so once you begin this journey, you're already ahead of the rest.I made my journey from the plows of the tradiTonal 9 to 5 when my fashion markeTng job turned awry and my spirit could no longer be enamored with meeTngs, complaining bosses and a culture that suppressed creaTvity and rewarded complacency. Suffice it to say, I was forced into designing the career that I wanted while forsaking the tried‐and‐true path of employment, medical benefits and that over‐rated “job security”. In a tough economy, it was a gamble to strike out on my own. There were nights I didn’t sleep as the pile of bills became too many to count. Clients became a nuisance who wanted the best but paid as though they wanted the bargain basement service. My family wasn’t sure where I was headed and o\en no help in providing moTvaTon for those days of depression when seeing the light in my path was near impossible.
As an entrepreneur, you'll face your fair share of challenges and stresses. Deny defeat and shuffle along this arduous but worthwhile journey with the following ways to deal with the inevitable obstacles you will encounter:
1.Don’tPartnerWithoutAPlan. You’re ready to get going. You have a million dollar idea in the works and you have a close friend/family member/ significant other that wants to help you bring your dream to fruiTon. Pause immediately. Many entrepreneurs can face false starts especially when there has been no strategic planning around choosing the right partner. I made the mistake years ago of going into business with a partner that not only didn’t know how to execute, but also devalued my contribuTon to the business. We spent more Tme fighTng and arguing than making smart business decisions.
Avoid the avalanche before it begins to rumble by creaTng a plan for your partnership. Make sure that you and your partner (or partners) are on the same path, bring something unique to the table and have a mutual vision for where you want to take your business. Without a plan, you could potenTally be sehng up your business for failure.
2.NoCashFlow?ItMayBeTimeToChangeYourLifestyle. Not everyone has thousands of dollars to invest in their dream. SomeTmes all we have as entrepreneurs is a whole lot of ambiTon and a dream. Author Chris Guillebeau travels the world showing people how to reinvent the way they make a living with just $100 in startup money and a goal to live on their own terms while doing what they love. The point is, be ready to make sacrifices for your dream. You may not be able to live a lavish lifestyle, nor enjoy the pleasures of good wine and fancy steaks each night, but these are small sacrifices for pursuing your passions.
OperaTng on no cash can be a blessing, pulling out of you what you didn’t realize was there. This is called being “hungry”. When you’re hungry to make your business profitable, you find the money, learn how to negoTate and use your skills and talents to get what you want. I was hungry but I was also stupid. I financed my enTre first business on a credit card (bad move) without thinking about what I would do if my plans didn’t pan out.
The lesson here is to start your journey with a plan about how you will survive, provide for yourself and sustain the needs for your business. Will debt be an opTon? Will you borrow? Will you save and then launch? These criTcal quesTons are essenTal for avoiding some of the same mistakes I made and conTnue to pay for.
3.RedefineFailureAndMoveOn. When my first business could no longer sustain itself in a lagging economy where businesses were slashing their outside spending budgets, I had to re‐think my business strategy in order to survive. My business was no longer selling what people wanted to buy. It was Tme to let it go and move on to something else, discover my new passions and use what I learned to build a pla`orm to a new enTty. It was unseZling. It was uncomfortable. It was great.
Many of us want to hold on to our businesses Tghtly, not seeing that they are sinking in their own mess. A\er all, they are our babies. We’ve worked hard to raise them, watch them grow and prayed that they would become successful. But to let go or re‐think your strategy does not mean that you are failing. Don’t waste your Tme when your business shows signs of failing. It’s going to be ok. In fact, knowing that you are failing is probably the best news you ever want to hear. Failing means that you have to develop a new plan. Failure makes you step back and learn from your mistakes. Failure makes you go back to the creaTve space and re‐energize your spirit. Failure allows you to start from scratch a\er you’ve been knocked down. Every entrepreneur must embrace failure to reach their true potenTal as a visionary, business person and leader. ‐
By Sherrell Dorsey
BIZ SAVVY ║ 19theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
Sherrell Dorsey, a native of Seattle, Washington, is Founder of Organic Beauty Vixen Media. Visit her websites at sherrelldorsey.com and organicbeautyvixen.com.
JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES CHANGE OVER TIME. WHAT WAS AN ACCEPTABLE RESUME IN THE 90′S IS NO LONGER CONSIDERED VIABLE TODAY. SO … WHAT EXACTLY ARE THESE CHANGES AND WHAT SHOULD YOU ADJUST ON YOUR RESUME TO MAKE YOUR 2012 JOB SEARCH MORE PRODUCTIVE? HERE ARE SOME CHANGES YOU SHOULD CONSIDER:
1.Putyourcontactinforma*onatthetopoftheresume. If you are looking for a new opportunity, you want hiring managers to be able to reach you. How they reach you is your choice, but you also want to make it easy for them to reach you. Voice mail should be listed as precisely that, and cell numbers should also be likewise idenTfied. If you can take calls at work, make sure you idenTfy that it is your work number, just in case someone else should pick up your line.2. Social media addresses should be noted. If you want to be contacted through social media or if you are highlighTng your social media skills, list your social media addresses on the top of your resume. However, if you are listed on LinkedIn, for example, and do not check your LinkedIn mailbox daily, do not list it. In fact, if you do not check your listed sites daily, you should opt out of being contacted through those sites. Answering someone’s on‐site inquiry weeks later only shows your disinterest in the job and in social media in general.3. Objec*vesarepasse.The objecTve of a resume is to find a new posiTon, so there is no need to state that you are looking for an opportunity in a parTcular field. This field is now considered a waste of space.4.Objec*vesareout,sellingisin. Instead of an “ObjecTve,” use this space to “sell” yourself. This is your wriZen elevator speech, i.e, what you can offer the hiring company.5. Keywordswin. Search engine opTmizaTon rules the job search world. Long descripTons lose and keywords win. Keywords will pull your resume out of the pile and into the hands of the hiring
manager. Make sure to use the same keywords you see in the parTcular job posTng you’re responding to.6.Showyourjobprogression.If you have had a few posiTons at one employer, show them. Don’t lump them all together. Job progression shows that you were able to provide many skills and adapt to new situaTons ‐‐ a big selling point for a new employer.7.Onlineprofiles andresumes.Employers do go online to check out potenTal candidates. Make sure the same informaTon on your resume is also online. We live in a Tme when it’s very easy to check out candidate backgrounds, so don’t have two different ones out there.8. Your resume is not a job descrip*on. No longer do resumes list your job duTes. Resumes explain what you do/did. A good resume shows a potenTal employer the value you bring to the table. That value is not how many newsleZers you write, for example.9.Awardsarenotequal.If you won a Pulitzer, tell the world upfront. If you won in‐house and/or associate awards, list them on an addendum page. Awards are important, but they are not all equal in an employer’s mind. Don’t cluZer your resume with them, unless you know they will be meaningful to a parTcular reader.10. Referencesprovidedonrequest. If a potenTal employer wants references, they will ask for them. If you don’t provide them, you won’t be considered for the posiTon. There is no need to put this statement on your resume.
New styles and new preferences make the marketplace interesTng. They also provide a reason to review your resume with a criTcal 2012 eye! ‐
Source: CommPro.Biz
10 New Resume Rules
CAREER HUB20 ║theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
THE PLANNING GAME: What’s Your Position?By Jay Young
e push ourselves day in and day out to reach our goals. A degree, another
degree, a career, a promotion and a relationship are just the short list we typically work through. At some point, whether intentional or not, family creeps (or leaps) into the picture. We’re not talking parents and siblings… oh no! We’re talking children and spouses. With all that goes on in the early career of a young professional, family is often in the far reaches of the mind.
The Imprint Magazine has determined that there are four types of young professionals among us. Take a look at the list to see where you fall. Whether children are involved or not, family development is the most serious project you’ll ever take on – EVER. Mix in your career and you’re on the eternal quest for Life/Work Balance. In the end, you can be guaranteed one constant – IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL!
THE LONE RANGER // This is the young, single male/female that plans, evaluates, modifies and plans (again) EVERY aspect of their personal life. Great consideration is given to:
• who the partner will be • how much they should have saved
before planning for kids• when the kid(s) will be born• how many kids they’ll have• what schools the kid(s) will attend• what university the kid(s) will attend
Sometimes too much “consideration” leaves the Lone Ranger partnerless. But, on the brighter side, they have a ton of money saved up!
THE DUO // This is the young couple that plans for children and performs continuous research related to the topic. They sometimes delay conception by trying to plan the “perfect” child: Great consideration is given to:
• where they should live• private school or public school• where in the career should they
have the kid(s)• who’s career MAY take the “back
seat” to raise the kid(s)
The Duo enjoys their private time and spontaneous vacations so much to the point that having a baby sort of fades into the background. One day, their biological clock alarm goes off and suddenly they jump into panic mode…
THE DYNAMIC DUO // This is the young couple that is equally successful in their career and has started a family, only to find they have to constantly remain flexible. They generally plan ahead, but have to give special consideration to:
• where they should live in the best interest of both career and family
• travel for both work and leisure• childcare options for two working
parents• healthcare options for family (i.e. ER,
braces, etc.)• make last minute plans for when the
spouse is sick, working late, etc.
The Dynamic Duo can seem a little high strung at times - they are always on 3000 watts of energy with two kids and Benji (the dog) in tow…
THE GAMBLER // This is the single male/female or couple that doesn’t plan for much of anything. He/She/ has unprotected sex, which may result in unplanned pregnancies. He/She doesn’t consider long-term relationships in their partners. He/She “lives for the moment”, “lives life to the fullest” and by a dozen more clichés.
The Gamblers typically find themselves behind the eight ball instead of moving forward in life due to a severe lack of planning and preparation. Maybe they just need a new set of friends…or a reality check.
W
DID YOU KNOW? Family planning is a serious matter. How serious? There is a Federal Administration for Children & Families whose sole purpose is to provide research and programs for the promotion of the economic social well being of families, individuals and communities. This includes an entire initiative to promote healthy marriages. In fact, The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 provides funding of $150 million each year for healthy marriage promotion and fatherhood. For more information, go to www.acf.hhs.gov. -
CAREER HUB ║ 21theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
urprisinglyenough,for college students, stress cannot always be pinpointed to one thing. There are so many factors that influence college students that it is very easy to get overwhelmed. As I enter my senior year of college, I feel like I have seen, heard, and experienced it all. From academics, to
social life, to finances, and not to menTon unexpected mishaps ‐ stress is always looming overhead. It is important to know how to deal so you can be successful in college, and later a\er graduaTon. The first thing I learned when I got to college was that things were drasTcally different from high school. There wasn’t a daily reminder of due dates for projects and papers, no abundance of assignments to help you out where you fell short—I was on my own; I had to handle my own business because no one was going to do it for me. That adjustment alone is enough to stress you out, not to menTon all the other things that come with college life.
I’ve personally always been a social person, so the thought of leaving all my friends and family back home and making new friends at school didn’t seem too frightening. But when you actually get out on
your own, it’s a hard realizaTon that your new friends barely know you, so you have to look out for yourself. Then factor in all the things that come with living independently from your family, and living with a stranger in a dorm, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
I’d say one of the biggest stresses in college is finances and poor money management. This was probably one of the greatest stress factors in my early years of college because I was very unaware of what I needed to do in order to make my money last. I also had a very skewed idea of what kinds of things I’d need to buy. AddiTonally, I had to fund my social life, which was far more expensive than I had ever anTcipated.
People experience similar stresses when beginning a new job, or looking for a job a\er graduaTon. Just the idea of figuring out what to do a\er you graduate can be enough to make you exhausted. Students turned professionals have to make that transiTon from the freedom and structure free schedules of college to the 9‐5 mindset. SomeTmes gehng on a real schedule is hard to adjust to. Young entrepreneurs struggle in the beginning of their careers have the hard task of trying to create something that will have longevity for
potenTally their whole lives. This can be a very daunTng and overwhelming undertaking.
So stress is everywhere in college and even a\er graduaTon. But fortunately, there are things that can be done to alleviate some of the overwhelming feelings many college students have.
Many people talk about the importance of Tme management to help relieve stress levels. This is absolutely key. ProcrasTnaTon is a killer when it comes to feeling overwhelmed, but when you really take the Tme to put yourself on a schedule and get things completed in a Tmely manner, everything else around you goes so much more smoothly.
Don’tbogyourselfdownwithtoomanyac*vi*esandcommitments. Life is like a teacup. There’s only so much “stuff” that will fit into it. If you fill your cup with the wrong things and the wrong people, you won’t have Tme for the right things and the right people. The wrong things and people bring unnecessary stress. Choose wisely as to who and what deserves your Tme and aZenTon.
Giveyourselfabudget. Calculate what money you’re going to receive bi‐ weekly or monthly. Decide what things are most important for you to spend your money on. (I know, it’s a hard decision between groceries and concert Tckets, but learn your prioriTes.) Once you make a budget, sTck to it! It’s important to make a commitment to yourself and keep it!
Keepyourhealthinmind. Stress can really affect you in ways more than how you feel emoTonally but also physically. EaTng habits in college can be more than strange because of late night snacking and buffet style dinners but gehng some physical acTvity can really help relieve extra stress. Many people say while exercising they actually feel beZer because of the increased blood flow and endorphins released to the brain.
Don'tbetoohardonyourself.SomeTmes you can be your own worst enemy. Even when things may be going awry, acknowledge the small victories and the large ones will surely follow. Live in the moment, not dwelling on the mistakes of the past. You can only learn from your acTons and move forward, otherwise you will drive yourself crazy thinking of every "shoulda, coulda, woulda".
Giveyourself*metorest!You need sleep! You will never be able to perform at your best if you exhausted. Separate your work space from your sleeping / relaxing space. When the two are combined something is sure to be slighted. Naps are cool, but giving yourself real sleep at night is important for your body to recharge. (Yes, this is next to impossible around exam Tme, but your efforts won't be in vain!)
Mostimportantly,enjoyeachandeveryday! Laughter is the best medicine and personally, I don't let a day go by that I don't at least crack a smile. Have fun with your friends, in your classes, and your organizaTons. Don't take things too seriously, because even when today seems absolutely hopeless, tomorrow gives you a fresh start. ‐
Work/Life Balance & The College Student
S
By Cydney Nunn ■ ■
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy.”
CAREER HUB22 ║theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
The Career Professional
oday’s fast paced world is driven by technology that is available at our fingertips. So how challenging is it for career professionals to maintain a work/life balance? It’s very challenging, but not hopeless. Expectations are very high for career professionals in the workplace with staff reduction trends being at an all time high. Although career professionals tend to pack their day with a variety of activities, there are ways to de-stress and retain harmony in your life.T
WORK/LIFE BALANCE &
By Paula McCollum ■ ■
CAREER HUB ║ 23
• Set realistic goals and clear parameters at work and at home. • Perform at your maximum level at work, but switch gears once you are off the clock.
• Improve your time management skills, delegate some tasks to others when appropriate and prioritize your day without over obligating yourself.
• Give attention to what really matters. Let your employer know that your personal days and vacations are off-limits for work. Time is our greatest asset and once time has expired you cannot get it back. It’s very important to avoid fatigue, burnout or lost time.
• Make an effort to find employers, who encourage job sharing, telecommuting or flexibility with your work hours.
Many employers are reducing the cost of operations and office rental costs by encouraging employees to work from home more frequently. Inquire about worker expectations and benefits to find the job that’s right for you. And don’t forget to schedule free time for yourself each day. You’ll be happier and healthier! -
theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
Is Your Image Holding You Back From
Believe it or not, your image is a crucial component of whether you are successful in business. While it may seem that some people are naturals at "working the room" or have "the gift of gab", everyone has an equal opportunity to make a great impression in business. Here are four questions to consider when it comes to improving your business image.
HowdoIlook?Whether you like it or not, first impressions are formed within the first 7 seconds of meeTng someone; whether negaTve or posiTve and 57% of that impression is based on how you look.
Be authenTc; your style should be fresh and modern, yet age appropriate. You should own your look and be very comfortable in your skin. If you are not, it will be painfully obvious, thus making your prospect or partner uncomfortable as well.
Now, while makeup is a great beauty enhancer; it's all about looking great for your age. Too much makeup may give the impression that you are trying to hide something, while wearing too liZle makeup will seem as if you haven't invested much Tme into your looks. It's all about balance.
Your apparel should be in alignment with the occasion. It's totally understandable if you want to stand out from the crowd with your own signature style, just be sure that you dress for your shape and body type; remember, size doesn't maZer, shape does.
Isit*meforanupgrade? At Tmes, it is criTcal to the lifeline of your business to upgrade. Growth is imperaTve for successful businesses. Going to the next level isn't always easy, so remember, you can only grow when you are uncomfortable. SomeTmes you just outgrow old habits and when you do, its Tme to expand your mindset. Do some brainstorming with a mastermind group and think outside of the box, and you'll open yourself up to a whole new world. You may need to upgrade your circle of associates to move to the next level. Be sure to do this next step before you branch out, you'll feel a lot more comfortable and confident when you do. Upgrade your image, if you've been wearing the same hairstyle, makeup and clothes for the past five years or more; It's Tme for a makeover. This can be drasTc; however it doesn't have to be. It's just Tme to change up the energy. Last but not least, you may need to shi\ your environment. Are you happy with where you spend the majority of your Tme or do you love the atmosphere you're in? If not, start making some changes and I guarantee you'll get some new results.
AmImindingmymanners?ETqueZe will take you a long way in business. I know that showing up should be a given; however you wouldn't believe how many "professionals" and "business owners" fall short in this area from Tme to Tme. Being organized will help you to be on Tme and prepared when you do meet with your client or prospect. If you are not going to make it to a meeTng or if you are running behind schedule, always be courteous and call ahead of Tme to inform the other party; however, habitual behavior will send signs of disrespect for the other person's Tme and may be held against you in the future.
HowwelldoIcommunicate?Be posiTve and upbeat, no one wants to do business with a Debbie Downer. Leave the sarcasm at home, many prospects are turned off by it and may not consider you a good fit. Always make really good eye contact, smile and be mindful of the unspoken language your body is speaking, a firm (not crushing) handshake is very important regardless of the other parTes posiTon, trust me, this speaks volumes. Listen and probe. You can only be a resource to your prospects if you are aware of their problems; thus you must probe and be interested in providing a soluTon to their challenges. What's your follow up strategy? Always leave the lines of communicaTon open by taking the iniTaTve to follow up with a phone call or an email.
Secret is an Eco-Chic Image Strategist who equips women with the branding solutions they need to create a highly marketable and polished personal and professional presence. Unlike other image consultants who solely focus on "sprucing up" the outside, Secret provides a complete step- by- step proprietary system designed to inspire clients to be bold and beautiful from the inside out. Through her signature program, The Elite Lady Journey, Secret focuses on strategic image solutions that empower women in business with the tools and techniques necessary to maximize their visibility to their target audience.
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By Sylvia “Secret” Mikell
Success?
As technology con*nues to evolve quicker than we can say “smart phone”, it’s important to stay abreast on emerging innovaTons and how they impact our lives. Have you been looking for a technology home to keep you up to date on everything newly released and newly improved? Well, don’t make it technical! Here are 5 of our favorite go‐to blogs for all the latest news in technology...
TALKING TECHNOLOGY
Website: www.redmondpie.com
Founder: Taimur Asad (2008)
Features: Highlights the latest technology news with a focus on product/service reviews from Microso\, Apple, Google, Windows, Macs, Xbox, Windows Live, iPhone, Android and more!
Specialty: Developing and reviewing mobile based so\ware
Traffic:10 million page views per month/ 100,000+ subscribers
Website: www.gizmodo.com
Founder: Gawker Media (2002)
Features: Highlights latest consumer electronics and gadgets
Specialty: Gadget news and digital culture
Traffic: 20 million page views per month
Website: www.mashable.com
Founder: Pete Cashmore (2005)
Features: Highlights digital innovaTon and the change it creates around the world.
Specialty: Digital culture, social media, and technology
Traffic: 20 million page views per month
Website: www.techcrunch.com
Founder: Michael Arrington (2005)
Features: Highlights leading technology, products, and websites
Specialty: Profiling startup companies
Traffic: 37 million page views per month
Website: www.gigaom.com
Founder: Om Malik (2006)
Features: Highlights emerging technology and the disrupTon of media
Specialty: DefiniTve coverage of cloud, mobile, cleantech, consumer web and media
Traffic:5.5 million page views per month
Compiled By Avis Foley //
Are You A Tech Junkie?
Take the quiz!
1 2 3 4
5
TECH DECK ║ 25
1. Do you check your Facebook and Twitter feeds before you get out of bed in the mornings? (15 pts)
2. Do you Tweet or post Facebook updates while you’re in a meeting? (20 pts)
3. Do you Tweet or post Facebook updates during your favorite shows? (5 pts)
4. Do you share good news via Facebook and Twitter (i.e. new job, pregnancy, wedding announcement) before you pick up the phone and call your parent or best friend? (15 pts)
5. Whenever a new app comes out, are you one of the first to try it? (5 pts)
6. Do your family and friends call on you before they purchase a new product? (10 pts)
7. Do you feel like you’re on vacation while browsing your favorite technology store and tend to lose all track of time? (10 pts).
8. When you introduce yourself, do you automatically let the other person know where they can find you on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter? (20 pts)
If you scored more than 75 points, you are officially a TECH JUNKIE!! :-)
theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
My Fall From Tech Grace: Careless Antics That Nearly Ruined My Entire Life (In 1 Week)
TosaythatIamhighlydisappointedinmyselfwouldbeanunderstatement.As a professional, I can appreciate the change and convenience that technology and social media have brought to my life. What I don’t appreciate is my lack of ability to control how much and when I uTlize it. It’s something that I’ve been struggling with for some Tme now. Hello readers. My name is Todd Techie and I have been a vicTm of a tech‐fall. What’s a tech‐fall you ask? TheImprintMagazinedefinesatech‐fallasthemisuseoftechnologyandsocialmediathatmayresultincompromisingsitua*ons,unpleasantoutcomes,andCOSTLYENDRESULTS. Recovery from a tech‐fall? Indefinite. A\er an adverse week of a series of unfortunate technology related events, I decided that I was in need of a tech‐check and sat down to re‐evaluate the way I use web and mobile based technologies. In order to prevent you from making the same mistakes, I wish to share with you a synopsis of my tech‐fall week (but this must stay between us). Pay close aZenTon...because even if you happen to be a recent vicTm of a tech‐fall, this arTcle will enlighten you on what NOT to do the next Tme!
todd techie
MONDAY
Now I know why I hate Mondays. After waking up 45 minutes late for work, I realized that I was too lazy to put gas in my car on Sunday night & would now have to stop before heading to school. Why me??? I finally arrived to find that I have missed a parent teacher conference and then to make matters worse, my boss gives me the look of death when I make it to my classroom already filled with 18 rowdy kids. While checking my email I came across a hilarious forward that I thought my co-workers would find humorous. Although considered Not Safe For Work, I went against my better judgment and sent it to a few colleagues on my distribution list. As the day went on, I had several of them tell me they found it to be very amusing. As I sat in the mandatory faculty meeting at the end of the day, the principal referred the staff back to the faculty guidelines and pointed out why inappropriate emails are really not safe for work. After the meeting I was summoned to his office and reprimanded accordingly. Only in my world...
TUESDAY
I made it through yet another day in the classroom. Today was extremely frustrating as I spent most of it yelling and not teaching. I am glad that I am finally able to get a little time to update my FaceBook page advertising my web and graphics design services. I even posted a video of some of my clients and their testimonials. It’s only been up for a month and I’m pretty glad to say that my business is growing….or was. A week ago FaceBook Web administration contacted me and stated that the only way to advertise would be to produce a fan page. I ignored it only today to find that as I try to log in, I am shocked to see that my page has been dissolved. Why do I suddenly feel sick? All that work for nothing!!
WEDNESDAY
Hump day has FINALLY arrived and all I could think about was my date with Karla. We hadn’t talked on the phone much but still, I was excited about the possibility of us becoming exclusive (fingers crossed). I rushed home from work to prepare her a tasty italian dinner. I often bragged about my cooking skills and wanted to know her thoughts. As we ate, I had to practically beg her for conversation. I know first dates are awkward but this was ridiculous. To save myself from dying of boredom, I casually picked up my phone and tweeted “First dates suck” #life. And then I continued to Tweet for about 20 more minutes between the lackluster conversation. I thought it was no big deal, but Karla certainly did. She told me that I was immature and maybe the date would have gone smoother if I would’ve stopped tweeting and warmed up to her like normal human beings do on first dates. #And then it was over as quickly as it started. (sigh) #life
❯ A fictitious depiction by Avis Foley.
TECH DECK26 ║
Atech‐fallisthemisuseoftechnologyandsocialmediathatmayresultincompromisingsitua*ons,unpleasantoutcomes,andCOSTLYENDRESULTS.
THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
SUNDAY
This has got to be the worst day ever. For the past few months I have been applying to editorial internships only to be denied over and over again. I decided to take a more pro-active approach and show up at one of the businesses during my lunch hour. When I arrived, the hiring manager had just gone into a meeting so the receptionist took my information. I actually received a call back and of course my good luck allowed me to miss the phone call - but the hiring manager kindly left a message. I returned the call and left a message stating how much I was looking forward to the opportunity and wanted to schedule an interview. After hanging up, I then called my friend, pressed # to bypass the greeting and began ranting on his voicemail about how I got a call back though I really wasn’t too thrilled about the position. Two hours later the hiring manager returned my call. He stated that he was ready to set up an interview time until he heard the second voicemail. OMG! I’m so mad at myself!!! How could I have been so careless? I’m taking off from work tomorrow. I deserve it after the week I’ve had.
Everything is ALL GOOD!!! I successfully called in sick and planned on relaxing all day. And that’s exactly what I did. I felt so good that I updated my Facebook status to “Sick days = Fun, fun, & more fun”. After catching up on my favorite movies, spending hours on the Internet, and taking several power naps, I made plans with the fellas to hang out at our favorite hot spot known to host one of the best bars in town. Good times were definitely in store! During the ride home and after having one too many drinks, my friends decided it would be funny to take pictures of me passed out in the backseat drooling with alcohol in my hand. But before all this took place, I sent a text message to my ex saying how much i missed her and how I often dream of kissing her soft lips again. My mom replied with ten question marks. GREAT. All in all we had an awesome time, though I don’t remember much. Enjoying my 3 day weekend already!
I know, all this seems unreal, doesn’t it? How could one person have such bad luck? It is this very week that has forced me to rouTnely tech‐check myself before fleeing to any form of technology and social media for immediate self‐expression. I suggest you do the same. Just in case you need a reminder, check out these Tps on how to avoid a tech‐fall:
• WATCHYOURWORDS ‐ When uTlizing technology and social media, it’s important to think about what you say before you say it. Your words are a representaTon of who you are and first impressions are lasTng impressions.
• SHAREWITHCARE ‐ While everyone loves to upload photos, you have to be mindful that there is someone always out there watching you. Never post photos that have the potenTal to have detrimental effects on your personal and professional life.
• LEARNFROMOTHER’SMISTAKES ‐ In recent months, numerous illustraTons of tech‐falls have been placed in the media for the world to see. PoliTcal leaders, athletes, and musical arTsts are just a few who have had to suffer consequences as a result of their careless technology related acts. Avoid these same calamiTes to ensure that you bypass a terrible tech‐fall. ‐
Not only did I wake up with a hangover, but I missed yet another phone call from an intern prospect. It went something like this: Mr. Todd, this is Angela Dixon with Worthy Editorials Social Media Company. After reviewing your resume we’ve determined that you are highly qualified for the position but have decided to decline your application based on questionable pictures posted to one of your social media accounts. Thanks for your interest in our company and good luck on your job search! I was devastated!
Public Service Announcement:
I AM GOING TO CHOKE MY FRIENDS!!!!
For years one of my worst fears has been being acknowledged by the pastor during church service for being late. After driving around for what seemed like months to find a parking space, I finally made my way in and was ushered all the way down to the front row. The preacher and I made eye contact and I quickly lowered my head as I took my seat. I found it ironic that today’s message was “Choices-Thinking Before Doing”. HE WAS TALKING ABOUT ME AND THE CRAZY WEEK I’VE HAD! As the congregation gave a moment of silence in honor of an ailing church member, my phone rang blaring a ringtone of what I’ll just say was TOTALLY inappropriate for this venue. The pastor stared at me as I fumbled to shut it off. Then he went on to say, “He made a choice to not shut his phone off before entering the Lord’s house.” Absolutely mortified, I made my way to the restroom then out the door. Definitely not looking forward to Monday...
TECK DECK ║ 27theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
HIPAPPEAL
Thoughs*llquitewarmoutside,the fall and winter seasons are definitely upon us. Most people are just catching up on the plethora of summer trends and now it’s already Tme to switch gears. In this issue, we’re featuring some of the hautest looks from runways across the globe to get you in “fashion mode” for the cooler temperatures ahead. Leather jackets and vests fused with the militant look (like the one featured here) will be seen from red carpet premieres to rock concerts to a\er‐parTes. Other fall must‐haves include hats, furs, patchwork, sheath dresses, mulT colors, whites and dark reds. Check out our mini selecTon to get an idea of what you might want to add to your line‐up this season.
HAUTE LOOKS TO FLAUNT FOR FALL
THE LOOKS!
This Page: Andrew Nunez (Ruckage Design Co.)
Next Page Clockwise: Willow (Jacket - ANAM Clothing Co., Pants - Belasse Women’s Wear Collection)
Aneesah Hanan (Belasse)
Eli Kharlamini (Suit - ANAM Clothing Co.)
Ruta Degutyte (Belasse)
Sidney B. (Future Pop Artist Wearing Ruckage Design Co.)
Images By Jay Young
CHIC
CLASSY
SEXY
DEBONAIR
BOLD
FASHION BRIEF ║ 29
Karmella DanielAs Real As She Gets...Interview By N. Renee
recently had the pleasure of talking with one of music’s rising stars about her new single The World Is Yours featuring B.O.B. and life itself. Karmella Daniel is an outspoken young
woman who is true to what she believes while blessing the world with her beauTful voice. Hailing most recently from Washington D.C., the Italian born songstress has resided across the states from Detroit to Nashville. She came to Atlanta to work alongside some of the best talent in the industry. As a child, Karmella dreamed of becoming one of the first women to play professional basketball but never strayed away from her love for music. InteresTngly enough, when I asked her what her favorite things are, she excitedly stated french fries, The Velvet Rope CD by Janet Jackson and the movies Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men. Too funny! What I didn’t expect to learn is that her favorite colors are inspired by her music. She explained that it’s even kind of weird to her, though currently she’s working on a song where she sees a collage of purple, pink and blue. Karmella’s spirit is equally as colorful as she opens up about what moTvates her, what sets her apart and why young people should never give up on their dreams.
I
TheImprintMagazine:What moTvates you?Karmella: I like to keep it spiritual. I feel that work done in the spiritual realm translates to the physical. I try to make sure I meditate and then pray. Every now and then I’ll throw in a fast. I read and listen to things that enlighten me. And then I am about acTon. Gehng up and doing what I need to do to get myself right. The spiritual element ignites the flame to get things going.
TIM: What are some of your pet peeves?Karmella: I can’t tolerate liars and people who are afraid to be themselves and don’t allow others to be themselves. I find this very frustraTng.
TIM:What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Karmella: Most people don’t know that I like to crack my thumbs. Not sure what that’s all about!
TIM: Describe your music style.Karmella:My music is described as rhythmic. It’s a fusion of jazz, pop and R&B. I have a degree in jazz but it’s something about dance music right now. I am crazy about it!
TIM: Describe your fashion sense.Karmella: I have a stylist, Olori Swank, who takes care of my look though my sense of fashion is whatever looks good on me. If it’s funky and it makes me feel awesome, then I’m going to rock it.
TIM: Who are your role models?
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Karmella: Well, I would have to say Oprah because she is a giver. I would love to be in the posiTon to give so much love, inspiraTon and knowledge to other people. Second would be my mom because she’s always been a very strong person while taking care of me and my younger sister. Third would be my Aunt Evelyn because she has always been a forward thinker in my family. We call her space cadet because she’s extremely smart and is always researching things that the average person wouldn’t care to know. This is how I am as well. I can call on her to discuss quesTons I have about anything.
TIM: What would you say sets you apart?Karmella: I think that I am uniquely made. I truly feel that I am a special person as we all are. We each have something about us that makes us our own individual. Through my music I want to express myself. I don’t care about what Beyonce or Rihanna are doing. I love their music and I think they’re hot but they already have their musical element covered. I do what I enjoy.
TIM:What inspired your new single The World Is Yours with B.o.B?Karmella:The World Is Yours is more of a reflecTve piece. It was a co‐write for me. Someone else had the idea and I thought it was great. When we think back to our childhoods, we remember our mothers having the ability to see our potenTal before we could. The first person to recognize that is typically your mother. I feel that it’s incredibly relatable. Mothers should encourage their children to
do great things ‐ hence, the world is yours. President Barack Obama would not be who he is had his mother not moTvated him to become something special.
TIM:What was it like working with B.O.B.?Karmella:B.O.B. is a big supporter of fresh talent. He really liked me and what I was doing. I appreciate someone of his stature and arTst pedigree wanTng to support me.
TIM:What do you love most about your musical career?Karmella: I get to do what I love every single day. I don’t have to go to a crazy job and deal with crazy people. I can get up, shower, head to the studio and make some bomb music! Also, I get to be around a lot of people all the Tme. I love people and good conversaTon. People are actually willing to listen to what I have to say! Lastly, if I do this right, I get to go anywhere in the whole wide world which has always been a dream of mine.
TIM: What challenges have you faced?Karmella:Just gehng into the industry is challenging. I’m sTll what the industry considers “new”. Another challenge is being myself. In the beginning I was told what to do, how I should look and how I should dress. Or that I couldn’t leave the house without wearing acrylic nails. Honestly, I have never been the type of girl to care about that type of stuff. It’s not me. I’ll throw on a liZle make‐up and something fly and I’m out. So I had to figure out the balance of what the industry says I should be versus who I actually am. I feel that no one will buy into my image if I can’t even buy into it. I think everyone goes through that at some point in their life. You just have to be okay with who you are.
TIM:What social issue concerns you most?Karmella:Obesity. I don’t think we realize how serious this is. We talk about it but I don’t think we really get it. Every other commercial is promoTng some weight loss product but then a commercial is thrown in with the new bacon sundae at Burger King. Seriously? Who would want something faZening like that if you’re really conscious about your health? In college, I used to live in a low income neighborhood and one of the things I noTced was that there was a fried chicken spot and liquor store on every corner. All the grocery stores sold food that was low in quality. I also noTced in this same neighborhood that there was extreme obesity. I really think it’s important that we make a lifestyle change because we are killing ourselves with food. First Lady Michelle Obama’s iniTaTve is very important. I think it’s Tme we all took an acTve role in the issue.
TIM:What is something that you can’t leave home without?Karmella:My MacBook! But I really need something smaller so I think I’m going to get an iPad real soon.
TIM:What are some of your upcoming projects?Karmella:Right now I’m in the studio recording. I think this is the Tme. I’ve brought in a couple of songwriters and producTon ears and we’re creaTng really good stuff. I’m allowing my music to dictate how the rest of this year and 2013 will look. All I can say is that it’s about to be electric!
TIM:What advice would you like to leave with our readers?Karmella:Understand that paTence is a virtue. Don’t get caught up in the “you goZa be a millionaire by the Tme you’re 30” hype. Because most o\en, it won’t happen within that Tme frame, though it can. If it happens ‐ great. If it doesn’t ‐ great. Just conTnue to do what you love and understand that your journey and path is uniquely designed for you. Whatever it is that you desire to do, go a\er it. No one else’s journey has to do with the success or failure of your own. If you do fail at something, take it as a learning experience and conTnue to move forward. I pracTce this with my own life. ‐
FOLLOW KARMELLA Karmella Daniel@KarmellaDaniel
www.karmelladaniel.com
“I’m allowing my music to dictate how the rest of this year and 2013 will look. All I can say is that it’s about to be electric!”
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The Great Progression:
KEEPING YOUR MIND RIGHT
IN CHALLENGING TIMES
By Avis Foley
I’m sihng at the park reading a book by one of my favorite authors. I’m admiring the beauTful sun peeking through the trees as birds chirp in sort of an o}eat melody. A family is having a
picnic nearby while their toddler is squealing from being pushed too high on the swings. I’m thinking to myself, “life is good”. The average person wouldn’t know that I got laid off seven months ago and had to move back in with my parents. While I am acTvely seeking a new job, the media has made me quite aware of the infinite number of unfortunate situaTons that people are finding themselves in from job loss to foreclosures to repossessions and low credit scores. I am not alone. Yes, I can admit that I get down someTmes, but gehng out of the house and away from my rigorous job search has helped to keep me sane.
Most of us know of a family member or friend who is currently weathering the economic storm with nothing more than hope for a brighter tomorrow. With all this being said, it’s not surprising that a staggering 1in10adultsintheUnitedStateshavebeendiagnosedwithdepression. According to WebMD, that is an esTmated 15 million people! Surely happiness is always within reach, but someTmes life’s adversiTes creates dilemma’s that are seemingly unmanageable. When not handled with the proper care, these quandaries may lead one to travel down the weary road of isolaTon. Stress, herediTes, hormonal changes, afflicTons, emoTonal hindrances, and even gender can someTmes contribute to depression. It is a disease that requires one to obtain proper treatment to begin the healing process. This life experience is a disTncTve process for each individual and detecTng the signs early will ensure a more producTve life. Are you suffering from depression? Take a look at the symptoms below to see if you (or someone you know) may idenTfy:
HEALTH WISE32 ║
SO
EXTREME SADNESS // Do you find yourself in a down mood all the time? Does it seem as if nothing will lift your spirits? Is there a feeling of emptiness?
DEPLETED AN EXCESSIVE REPOSE // Do your thoughts overwhelm you so much that you can’t sleep? Do you find comfort in going to sleep for lengthy periods of time?
ABSTINENCE FROM LEISURE ACTIVITIES // Have you given up on your hobbies? Do you still take the time to do the things you love to do (i.e. sports, sewing, dance, music etc.)?
INABILITY TO DECIDE // Do you have difficulty thinking or making decisions? Does it always lead to frustration?
NEGATIVE THOUGHTS // Do you have thoughts of harming yourself? Have you devised a plan to do so?
RASH BEHAVIOR // Do you currently abuse drugs or alcohol to
mask your pain?
What you must realize is that you possess the ability to counter this distressing disease.《 》
theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
A\er idenTfying symptoms that may exist, it’s also important to understand the various types of depression. Honing in on what specific type of depression you have will aid in recognizing what steps to take to gain controlofyourlife. Always consult a health professional for proper diagnosis. WebMD lists the following as the most common forms of depression:
MAJOR
A depression that evokes a
constant sense of hopelessness and despair.
SEASONAL
A type of depression that
affects a person during the same season each year.
BIPOLAR
A mental illness in which
intense mood swings occur with remissions and re-
occurrences.
CHRONIC (DYSTHYMIA)
A depression that occurs when
one’s sadness lasts a long time and symptoms subside only to
resurface again.
PSYCHOTIC
A depression that occurs
when a severe depressive illness has a co-existing form
of psychosis (i.e. hallucinations, delusions).
POSTPARTUM
A depression that occurs in
the first few months after childbirth.
SECONDARY
A depression that develops
after one is diagnosed with a medical condition.
MASKED
A depression that is hidden
behind physical pain for which no organic cause can be
found.
While depression can someTmes enervate the sufferer, the good news is that there are ways to gain your resilience back! Some forms of severe depression require medicaTon and others can be cured through therapy and lifestyle changes. What you must realize is that you possess the ability to counter this distressing disease. Try these suggesTons to combat earlysigns of depression:
• SET GOALS Continuing to aim for what you want in life will allow you to adjust your current focus. This will help boost your self-esteem and give you the confidence to succeed.
• EAT HEALTHY/EXERCISE Believe it or not certain foods will increase your energy level and exercising will serve as a stress reliever. When the right endorphins are released your mood level will become more balanced.
• LIVE OUT LOUD Do things that you wouldn’t normally do and learn from the experience! Try picnics in the park, learn how to play an instrument, go skydiving, rock climbing, etc. Experiencing new things in life will transform you from afraid to FEARLESS!
• ASSOCIATE YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE We all know that negativity can easily result in one’s demise. Surround yourself with positive and motivating people that serve as an influence in your life.
• CREATE A HOPE KIT Keep a box filled with your favorite inspirational songs, books, and movies. Whenever you are feeling down grab your hope kit and get back to being hopeful!
• ENCOURAGE YOURSELF AND EXERCISE PATIENCE While preparing for your day, look in the mirror and say “I have purpose.” Each moment you begin to feel defeated, state it yourself. We all have the ability to condition ourselves to think only positive thoughts. Add a little patience to the mix, and soon you will begin to see things unfold for the better.
At the end of the day, TAKE CONTROL! If you think you may be suffering from depression, know that you are not alone. Contact a professional to guarantee the proper diagnosis. The sooner you begin to idenTfy symptoms, the sooner they can be combaZed. You decide which road to take to acquire and maintain your peace of mind. Live life! ‐
Need to talk with someone? Try these support groups to help provide the proper support for your blues.
Postpartum Depression: Support Group: 1-800-PPD-MOMS NDMDA Depression Hotline – Support Group: 1-800-826-3632
Depression and Bipolar-Support Group: 1-800-273-8255Crisis Help Line-For Any Kind of Crisis: 1-800-233-4357
HEALTH WISE ║ 33
rian Martin purchased a brand new Mercedes Benz S400 once he landed a job as a Senior Pharmacist with Walgreens earlier this year. The adventurous 29 year old loved everything about it - the plush interior, sound system, Bluetooth, satellite controlled navigation system and more. In fact, Brian likes NICE things in general! He drove it everywhere and had already
taken two road trips within a month’s time. On his most recent trip back home, a service light came on – indicating a service interval, such as an oil change. No big deal. Or so he thought. What Brian didn't expect was a $1,300 maintenance bill that nearly wiped out his emergency budget. Ouch.
Here’s the thing…Brian makes a high five-digit salary, but he also spends cash quicker than the Kardashians. Remember, he likes nice things! When not working, he keeps his debit card on 'swipe' due to his immense urges to dress in the latest fashion trends, flaunt the latest technology and dine at the finest of eateries. We won’t even go in on the ever present student loans. His total expenses, including his pricey high rise loft in the city, utilities, miscellaneous living expenses, peak at over $5,000 a month. Brian purchased his dream car knowing how much his monthly note would be, but failed to research how much it might actually cost him to maintenance a luxury vehicle. You see, Brian's story is like many. You fall in love with the car. Crunch a few numbers. Determine that you can handle the payment. Drive off the lot. And then that's when the real fun starts.
Everyone desires to own a luxury automobile and many of us have our “dream car” selected well before we can afford it. We will often work tirelessly to obtain either the capital or position to acquire our dream vehicle; however, once the purchase is made, is that all there is to automobile ownership? Not even close. The Imprint Magazine took a look at the REAL cost of ownership after you’ve purchased that “dream car”. See our chart on the next page.
The Price You Pay:Dream Car RealitiesBy Jay Young ■ ■
B
MONEY MOVES34 ║
”Whilealloftheselectedfineautomobilesareuniqueintheirownway,theonefactorthatdoesnotchangeisthateachisadepreciatingasset...”
MSRP $88,200 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 5 Yr Total Depreciation $23,847 $12,267 $10,792 $9,565 $8,586 $65,057 Taxes & Fees $7,541 $846 $699 $570 $455 $10,111 Financing $3,695 $2,944 $2,158 $1,338 $480 $10,615 Fuel $3,352 $3,452 $3,556 $3,662 $3,772 $17,794 Insurance $1,319 $1,365 $1,413 $1,462 $1,514 $7,073 Maintenance $0 $0 $0 $3,610 $1,148 $4,758 Repairs $0 $0 $0 $955 $1,462 $2,417
MSRP $67,630 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 5 Yr Total Depreciation $16,200 $8,985 $7,904 $7,008 $6,287 $46,384 Taxes & Fees $5,204 $719 $611 $516 $432 $7,482 Financing $2,935 $2,339 $1,715 $1,063 $381 $8,433 Fuel $2,998 $3,088 $3,181 $3,276 $3,375 $15,918 Insurance $1,421 $1,471 $1,522 $1,575 $1,631 $7,620 Maintenance $427 $927 $952 $1,502 $2,312 $6,120 Repairs $0 $0 $0 $348 $531 $879
MSRP $79,425 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 5 Yr Total Depreciation $19,884 $10,382 $9,135 $8,098 $7,271 $54,770 Taxes & Fees $6,067 $824 $699 $590 $492 $8,672 Financing $3,425 $2,729 $2,002 $1,240 $445 $9,841 Fuel $4,070 $4,192 $4,318 $4,447 $4,581 $21,608 Insurance $1,557 $1,611 $1,668 $1,726 $1,787 $8,349 Maintenance $424 $820 $774 $3,060 $1,348 $6,426 Repairs $0 $0 $0 $1,600 $2,448 $4,048
MSRP $94,500 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 5 Yr Total Depreciation $19,772 $13,873 $12,208 $10,825 $9,712 $66,390 Taxes & Fees $6,786 $949 $783 $637 $507 $9,662 Financing $3,834 $3,054 $2,240 $1,388 $498 $11,014 Fuel $2,713 $2,795 $2,878 $2,965 $3,054 $14,405 Insurance $1,398 $1,447 $1,498 $1,550 $1,604 $7,497 Maintenance $240 $621 $554 $3,614 $2,447 $7,476 Repairs $0 $0 $0 $878 $1,345 $2,223
MSRP $63,170 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 5 Yr Total Depreciation $14,705 $6,807 $5,990 $5,312 $4,766 $37,580 Taxes & Fees $4,301 $581 $499 $427 $363 $6,171 Financing $2,422 $1,930 $1,416 $877 $314 $6,959 Fuel $3,564 $3,671 $3,781 $3,895 $4,012 $18,923 Insurance $1,486 $1,538 $1,592 $1,648 $1,705 $7,969 Maintenance $43 $354 $119 $2,248 $887 $3,651 Repairs $0 $0 $0 $624 $956 $1,580
MONEY MOVES ║ 35
2012 BMW 750Li
2012 Lexus L5460
2012 Range Rover
2012 Mercedes S550
2012 Cadillac Escalade SUV
While all of the selected fine automobiles are unique in their own way, the one factor that does not change is that each is a depreciating asset which means they all lose value as soon as they leave the dealership. Additionally, each cost is the national average and could vary depending on regional or age related factors.
* Data & Images provided by Edmunds Inc.
☛theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
Keep The Conversation Stimulating!
Life, Love & Other StuffTHE IMPRINT MAGAZINE ASKED 5 GUYS IF THEY KEEP THEIR PARTNERS LAUGHING WHEN OUT ON A DATE. 3 OUT OF 5 SAID THEIR LADIES HAVE ALREADY FALLEN FOR THEM BECAUSE OF THEIR COMEDIC PERSONALITIES. :-)
For a few people, going out on a first date can be pretty threatening. Just the thought of going out with somebody new for the first time joined with the phobia of rejection can be enough to leave a lot of individuals dumb or at a total loss for words. To stop such forbidding eventualities, you need to have some very interesting first date questions to help you break that icy silence that may ruin the chance of finding a long-lasting relationship.
So, what makes a good first question on a date? Well, anything that will keep the conversation rolling can be considered as such. However, it could be better to ask questions that will not only keep her inquisitive about you, but give you some crucial information regarding her personality, her dislikes and likes, and her dreams and desires as well. Rather than asking her about the weather, why don't you try these instead:
• Ask her if she’s willing to try some exotic delicacies – be it frogs, snails, crocodile meat or anything else that might be in the menu. Unless she’s allergic to such foods, her reply will definitely give you a more in-depth look into her personality. Her reaction to your proposal can tell you if she’s daring enough to try a new tack and how she deals with things that might be way out of her comfort zone.
• Ask her what she would do if she suddenly finds herself with a million bucks – does this sound childish? Well, it could be but her answer can tell you a lot about her? Including what her interests and priorities are.
• Ask her about the most scary and most daring things she had ever done. Just like the earlier question, this will come across as a fun topic and will put her at ease. By throwing this query at her, you’ll start to know whether she’s an outdoorsy person or not and just how venturesome she is.
Without a doubt, these first date questions can help you gauge whether you would like to know your date slightly better or if this first date will serve as the last. And if you decide that it’s worth a second, a third, and even a fourth date, these excellent conversation starters will interest your date enough to make her go out with you again.
By Billy BakerLoveCoachOnline.com
WHERE’S THE LOVE36 ║theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
LEGAL FACTOR ║ 37
The Gift Of Life:
Likemostofus,ifyouareworkingafull*mejob,payingtaxesandnolongerlivingwithyourparents, then you know that insurance is a preZy serious maZer. When you purchase a home, you’re required to have homeowner’s insurance. When you rent from a landlord, many of them require that you have renter’s insurance. If you own and operate a vehicle, you are required to have car insurance. But there’s one parTcular form of insurance that people (especially young people) tend to push to the back of their minds and goes without noTce unTl we experience a close brush with the a\erlife. Are you ready???LIFEINSURANCE. Why do we purchase every other type of insurance in the world besides this one? Because we don’t want to think about our futures being cut short.
So let’s talk about the reasons you should have insurance ‐ period. First, having the proper coverage for your home, business, health and automobile, gives you a piece of mind. Isn’t it nice knowing that if anything happens to your assets or health that there’s protecTon in place? Believe it or not, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY are precious assets. Your life cannot be replaced once it’s gone, but you do have the opTon of leaving
a monetary gi\ to your family to ease the pain of them no longer having you there to share in the good Tmes. Second, if you purchase more than what you need outside of burial expenses, your beneficiaries may use the remaining cash to pay off debt, donate it to your favorite charity, create a scholarship in your honor, or place it in an emergency savings account. Just take a few minutes and sit. Think about your family’s emoTonal reacTon to your unTmely death. Then think about how you would want to be celebrated. During your life you were a role model, were known to be the life of everyone’s party and you gave as much as you could to those less fortunate than yourself. Instead of having your family stress over burial costs, a $10,000 life insurance policy will leave them free to plan the homegoing service that you deserve. Below we list two different types of life insurance for you to consider:
5YearAnd10YearTermPolicies◀
These types of life insurance policies maintain a level death benefit for 5 or 10 years...depending on which policy you choose. These policies are also used to take care of fairly short‐term life insurance needs. You will find these level premiums to be quite inexpensive.
WholeLife,UniversalLife,VariableUniversalLifeAndVariableLifePolicies◀
The premiums for these types of policies are much higher than those of the term policies...but they can fulfill an important need. If you have a desire to accumulate some cash through your life insurance policy these are the policies designed for that. You can use the whole life policy and the universal life policies as vehicles through which you can save money. The returns are not very high on these types of life insurance policies though you have a beZer chance gehng a high return on your money if you invested in a variable universal life insurance policy or a variable life policy. These types of life insurance policies are sold by prospectus only and your insurance agent needs a NASD license before he can discus them with you.
LetYourWillBeDone
A\er you’ve purchased life insurance, consider creaTng a last will and testament generally referred to as a “will”. This is the formal instrucTon of your distribuTon of assets. Please don’t think that wills are only for the rich, famous and elderly. You may only be 27 years old and currently have a 32 piece art collecTon that you’d like to divide among your siblings in the event of your death. You might even have $8,000 in a 401k that you’d like to leave to your best friend. And of course if you have a ton of friends and family, you would certainly want to make it easy for everyone by staTng what gets divided amongst each of them in your will. The document does not have to be dra\ed by an aZorney, but it does have to be duly witnessed by a non‐beneficiary or notarized, to be considered legally binding.
While we all want to enjoy a full life, we must keep in mind that we will not live forever. Time is of the essence, therefore preparing now to leave your legacy is probably one of the most graTfying things you will ever do. ‐
*Insurance Types Source: LifeInsuranceHub.net | Last Wills & Testament Source: eHow.com
Legacy Planning
“Please don’t think that wills are only for the rich, famous and elderly.”
By Dana Adams
theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
Say Word??By Avis Foley
WORD IS BOND…or at least it should be. After sitting down to analyze this insightful idiom, it became evident that one’s word serves as a medium through which we develop and sustain relationships. Derived from the Latin phrase Dictum Meum Pactum meaning “My Word is My Bond”, this expression embodies an important role of trust and professionalism. In 1923 the slogan became the coat of arms motto for the London Stock Exchange since bargains were made with no document exchanges or written pledges. Whether you realize it or not, part of establishing your brand rests upon your ability to keep your word. Let’s be frank: It speaks volumes about your character, morals, and integrity. These tools are vital to your brand survival and when damaged, can disempower you. Your words serve as a contract and the foundation to lasting relationships (personal/professional) and favorable opportunities. Let me go deeper. Think about how you feel when you disappoint yourself. Is it easier to overlook the significance of your word then? Just as keeping our promises to ourselves will enable us to transform and grow, it will influence others to do the same. Check out the tips below on how to effectively keep your word.
WHEN KEEPING YOUR WORD POSES A CHALLENGE . . .
ONE’S CREDIBILITY IS ESTABLISHED THROUGH ACTIONS AND WORDS. THE EFFORT OF MAKING GOOD ON WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO IS PRICELESS. KEEPING YOUR WORD SHOULD BE A MOTTO YOU CHOOSE TO LIVE BY. BESIDES, THERE MAY COME A TIME WHEN YOUR WORD IS THE ONLY THING OF VALUE THAT YOU’LL POSSESS. WORD UP!
I ASPIRE38 ║
BECAUTIOUSTOCOMMIT: Know that it’s okay to say no. The truth is that someTmes you will find yourself unwilling or unable to commit. Backing out on your word may bring unwanted strife. Get behind your decision to keep your word or walk the other way.
BEPREPARED: If you do make a commitment, deliver on your word exceedingly. Plan ahead to avoid any mishaps that may interfere with you carrying out any promises.
ELIMINATEEXCUSES&LIES: Don’t jusTfy breaking your word because circumstances change. Covering up why you couldn’t deliver with fabricated stories will create a downward spiral of unfortunate outcomes and will eventually put a strain on your relaTonships. Honesty remains the best policy.
UTILIZEMANAGEMENTTOOLS: Admit it, the world moves at a face pace and someTmes it’s challenging to remember when specific commitments are made. Keep track of what you intend to do by wriTng your obligaTons down (think Post It Notes) and /or syncing them to electronic calendars.
BEACCOUNTABLE:SomeTmes life will bring challenges that will force us to have to break commitments. If this is the case, inform the person immediately and apologize. True leaders understand the importance of being trustworthy and reliable.
theiMPRiNT● theimprintmag.com
Social Media For Customer Service SummitNew Yorker HotelNew York, NYOctober 23rd - 24th
• Pricing: Standard Pass $1,400/Premium Pass $1,600• Overview: A practical and interactive business
conference that will teach you how to deliver better customer service for brand loyalty, customer acquisition and reputation management. Join 20+ leading brands like Best Buy, Citi, Whole Foods and JetBlue.
• Highlights: Learning to use customer social data to inform future brand strategy to stay one step ahead of the competition.
• More Info: usefulsocialmedia.com
CATALYST Conference 2012Atlanta, GA October 5th - 7th
• Early Bird Pricing: $119 - $289• Regular Pricing: $129 - $319• Student Discounts Available • Overview: A leadership conference attended by over
13, 000 leaders across the U.S. and around the world. The conference is known to inspire the masses through workshops, performances and motivational speakers.
• Highlights: Meet guest speakers Dr. Cornel West and the Honorable Lisa Borders.
• More Info: catalystconference.com
➲BIZ OWNERS
➲LEADERS
Crossroads Writers Conference 2012Macon, GAWilson Convention Center & Marriott City Center HotelOctober 5th - 7th➲WRI T ERS
• Pricing: Super Early Bird $149 (Members) $249 (Non-Members)
• Overview: Network with fellow college and university SG leaders and advisors. You'll strategize with peers, interact with respected speakers, and learn how to maximize the productivity of your organization.
• Highlights: How to improve voter turnout in your SG elections and how to make your meetings more effective.
• asgaonline.org
➲ST UDENTS
Advertise your business or event in The IMPRINT Magazine!
Contact us at [email protected]
or call 1.877.574.3844 ext 1.
ASGA Student Government Training ConferenceMt. Saint Maryʼs College/ChalonLos Angeles, CaliforniaNovember 17th
IMPRINT BULLETIN ║ 39
• Pricing: Packages are $135, $225 and $395• Overview: Writers workshops for fiction,
screenwriting, creative non-fiction, poetry, comics/graphics, novels & freelance writing
• Highlights: Chris Baty is Keynote Speaker - Founder of National Novel Writing Month.
• More Info: crossroadswriters.org
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