Grow Through It & Lead is an inspirational/motivational book, which was written to remind people that just because they are experiencing a little turbulence in their lives, it is not the time to give up or lose hope. A little turbulence is always good when you see it for what it is … an opportunity to grow.

The most important thing to remember is to not lose your head. If you keep looking on the sunny side of life, keep trying to figure out what you can learn from your situation, and take measures to flip the script, you can come out a winner every single time.

At the time that I wrote this book, I never knew that my own simple words would prove to be so soothing to my soul after my only brother passed away. But that’s the power of inspiration, it does not discriminate when it comes to healing or comforting a hurting heart. Inspiration is never complicated, it comes in like a refreshing breeze and does a great work that the limited hands of humans can never do.

So now, I’m on this journey to remind people, through my book and inspirational interviews with others, that they are stronger and more talented than they think they are. I want to remind them that they already have what it takes to succeed. I want to remind them that they don’t have to be famous in order to be a great leader, they can be a leader within their own circles.

The goal of Grow Though It & Lead is to encourage people to share their wisdom with others. If you have gained victory in a difficult situation, share it with other people so they can possibly avoid the same pitfall. For many of us, I believe a number of our major obstacles could have been avoided if we had a mentor who was committed to guiding us through this journey. But maybe because of their selfishness or shame, they decided to keep their experiences to themselves.

I’m not promoting this book because I want you to buy it. Sure, purchasing it would be great. But I’m promoting this book because many people need encouragement … daily. Millions are feeling a financial pinch like they’ve never felt before. I want to remind you that there IS a way out, there is still a clear path to freedom.

If you’d like to read the first chapter of Grow Through It & Lead, visit my publisher’s site at Possibility Press. Vince Dooley, Dr. Ben Carson, and Tiffany Cochran are just a few wonderful people who were kind enough to give me an endorsement that I believe was truly heartfelt.

I wish you well, and I know you can prevail if you believe in yourself and always move forward. But remember to reach back and share your experience so that you can possibly save someone else from a gloomy situation.

Challenges will come when you try to succeed, but remember that you can ALWAYS . . . Grow Through It & Lead ~ Spark Plug (404) 451-4589

Alretha Thomas, the author of Dancing Her Dreams Away, dreamed of being the next Barbara Walters while majoring in journalism at USC. However, upon graduating, she realized her interest in journalism was not heartfelt. She then ventured into acting, which led to an NAACP Theatre Award Nomination (1993) for best actress. However, it was her church that helped her discover her true passion in life through its Liturgical Fine Arts Department where Alretha began writing a series of plays including the NAACP Theatre Award winning play, Civil Rites (2004) and A Shrine to Junior (2002) that was presented at the Stella Adler Theatre and was nominated for an NAACP Theatre Award as well.

Alretha’s play, Grandpa’s Truth (2006) ran at the Inglewood Playhouse in Inglewood, California, and notables like Mayor Roosevelt Dorn and music legends Freda Payne and Stevie Wonder had critical acclaim for Grandpa’s Truth. Additionally, the play was covered by Channel 5 Entertainment Reporter Sam Rubin. In 2007, her play, Sacrificing Simone, was called an “Inspirational crowd-pleaser” by the Los Angeles Times and in 2009 her ground breaking play, One, Woman Two Lives, which starred Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by Denise Dowse, was a favorite among audiences and critics. In between plays, Alretha’s first novel Daughter Denied was launched in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and books clubs across the country. Dancing Her Dreams Away is her second book.

Shelia King, a fun-loving grandma’s girl, needs to keep her days open for auditions in the hope of landing a role that will catapult her to stardom. With the threat of eviction looming, she scrambles to find a night job and convinces the owner of a hostess club to hire her. Now she’s a dance-partner-for-hire by night and struggling thespian by day. When her agent pitches a topless role, fearing her grandmother’s disapproval, Shelia declines. But after setbacks and considerable thought, she agrees to meet the producer.

Gregory Livingston III is rich, suave, ridiculously fine, and the panacea for Shelia’s career woes. At first sight, she shapes plans to win the role and his heart. She gets both and works hard to give an Oscar worthy performance. However, when the movie wraps, nothing can prepare her for the startling revelations about Greg’s past and the aftermath of a dream gone awry.

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How often have you felt powerless after hearing the sad and tragic news of another woman being abducted or gone missing? There’s always something we can do to empower ourselves and others.

Atlanta’s best-selling author, D.L. Sparks, has decided to dedicate her novels to the scores of missing women across the country. After dealing with the blow of her friend Monica Bowie being abducted, she felt that she had to do something. Each book will be dedicated to a different woman, with information for others listed in the acknowledgments. This is one way she wants to keep hope alive for these beautiful women’s families.

D.L. is also a staunch advocate for uplifting our youth. She enjoys mentoring and speaking to young girls — helping to mold their minds through positive reinforcement.

D.L.Sparks is currently working on her next novel. You can visit her online at www.dlsparks.com.

I often receive books in the mail from authors who want to share their work for media purposes. I feel honored to receive them and I take the time to read many.

Recently, I received a book entitled, The Triangle of Truth, written by Lisa Earle McLeod. This particular book really caught my attention because not only was the press letter poignant and hard-hitting; for me … the powerful message was timely. The Triangle of Truth concept is not brand new. In fact, it’s simple. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to exercise because many times we are ruled by our emotions.

In one of Lisa’s articles on The Huffington Post’s website entitled, The Triangle of Truth: Just Because I’m Right, Doesn’t Mean You’re Wrong, she explains the model …

Here’s how it works: when faced with an issue, instead of taking a straight-line approach, think of it like a triangle.

The line at the bottom represents the problem, where you are today. The two potential solutions are the right and left corners. Instead of wasting time moving back and forth along the bottom, trying to convince people that your side is the real truth; look for the ultimate solution at the top of the triangle, the pinnacle, the part that’s supported by both sides.

It’s not a compromised point, it’s a higher level solution that honors you both. The faster you acknowledge the other person’s truth, the quicker you’ll get there. Because validating another’s truth doesn’t make you weaker; it makes you stronger.

In The Triangle of Truth, Lisa candidly talks about how we as human beings are often quick to close and lock the door on people because we are only willing to see our side of what we call the truth. There is no negotiating. There is usually no empathy, or sympathy shown for the other person. Only utter disregard is displayed toward them. Quite honestly, this happens because we are narrow-minded and selfish. Even if we do meet in the middle, which is the ultimate goal, we see our side as “right” and their side as “wrong” whether it’s regarding religion, politics, immigration or something as simple as how hand towels should hang in the bathroom.

Simply stated, the Triangle of Truth requires us to be honest with ourselves and with the person we are considering banishing into the abyss. Since honesty requires us to be selfless, in a world where individuality is promoted with reckless abandon, the completion of the “Triangle” is often never completed. So relationships, personal and/or business related are lost, sometimes forever.

There are also instances where people have wronged us, or we believe they have wronged us and we can’t see or move beyond the stinging hurt. Quite frankly, many of us have no problem accepting the duality (what Lisa calls the Flawed and Fabulous) within ourselves; however, most of us cannot or will not accept the duality in other people. In other words, we treat the other person as if they are flawed, with no goodness in them. Deep down, we literally say to ourselves, “There will be no reconciliation.” We exercise the of gift of “goodbye.” The door is slammed, locked, and the key is often discarded. This is our way of saying good riddance.

If we must progress as human beings and begin to see the entire planet as a community, we must get down to the heart of the matter and concentrate on embracing the Triangle of Truth model by figuring out how to meet on middle ground so we can move forward together.

I’m still in the first chapter but I look forward to reading more of what Lisa has to say in her book, The Triangle of Truth … The Surprisingly Simple Secret to Resolving Conflicts Large and Small. Thanks Lisa.

~Jacqueline

Bernadette Johnson-Hairl, MBA, signs new book on November 9th at 7:00 pm.

Join Bernadette Johnson-Hairl and a host of business associates, family and friends at Tavern 99, 128 East Andrews Drive, Atlanta, GA, and help her celebrate her first book signing of Business Blueprint, A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Starting & Running A Business THE RIGHT WAY! For directions go to: www.tavern99.com or call 404-835-8311.

Bernadette Johnson-Hairl, President of By The Book Accounting says, “The most popular question I have been getting lately is: WHEN DID YOU HAVE TIME TO WRITE A BOOK? After being asked that question multiple times, I began to really give it some thought. My realization is, I simply made time to get it done. It’s been my desire to write this book for three years and all I had were excuses (not reasons).

Then one day, someone asked me a few questions: He said, “Do you really care about small business owners?” I said “YES!” Then he said, “Do you believe your book will change lives?” I said, “Yes.” Then he said, “Well why haven’t you written it?” That last question hit me like a ton of bricks. It was at that moment that I realized I could continue to make excuses or I could make progress. I knew I could not make both.  So I “scheduled” time to write.  I invested six weekends of my time and I got it done.”

by Bernadette Johnson-Hairl
(Excerpt from Business Blueprint: A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Starting & Running A Business THE RIGHT WAY!)

Setting internal controls is often overlooked by small business owners because of the mistaken perception that they are only for large corporations. In your personal life, it is often the people in your inner circle who you need to watch closely. The same is true in business when it comes down to your employees. Fraud prevention starts with creating policies that specify monitoring procedures as well as checks and balances. You should never give any employee too much control or access. An accountant or auditor can help you build the control system you need.

Fraud comes in a variety of forms, ranging from credit card and check fraud to employee theft. Examples include: stealing assets directly or through fraudulent billing or check tampering, paying fictitious vendors, skimming petty cash, claiming unearned overtime, stealing inventory, or embellishing an expense report. Regardless of the specific form it takes, the potential for financial losses is tremendous, and fraud can threaten the overall stability of your business. I would like to point out some key habits you should have (or start making). These practices are crucial to developing and instituting strong and effective internal controls for your business:

Manage your business.
Sounds self-explanatory, but keep in mind that if you are not vigilant, undesirable activity is more likely to occur. Do not let your guard down and get so busy that you do not keep a sharp eye on your employees.

Be present.
Be aware of what is unfolding in your office on a day-to-day basis. Many business owners are tempted to go to the golf course instead of the office. Now please do not misunderstand me — I believe in letting the business work for you, but I just do not believe in absentee business owners. It’s like allowing your child to raise himself because he seems to be responsible. Just as that responsible child still needs structure and nurturing, so does your business and your employees.

Keep an organized office.
This facilitates your management efforts immeasurably. I cannot stress how important it is to operate in order. I have seen and known of business owners who are by nature, unorganized. If organization is a challenge, then this is a skill you must work on. It might be necessary to hire a professional organizer (I have a client who’s an excellent organizer, if you need a referral!) Fraudulent activity thrives in a chaotic environment.

Guard sensitive information.
Have account statements and other financial information sent to your home address or a P.O. Box. Sensitive information should not be mailed to your business address, especially if your employees are charged with opening incoming mail. A post office box is the better option because of the restricted access factor, but in a pinch, your home address is an acceptable interim solution.

These are just a few simple tips you can implement today. Read my book for additional tips to help you formulate your internal control procedures.

_________________________

Bernadette Johnson Hairl of www.BernadetteSpeaks.com is an accountant, author, business consultant, professional speaker, and trainer committed to “Keeping Small Business in Business.” She currently owns four successful companies, and has helped hundreds of small business owners across the country start, run and grow thriving enterprises. She has conducted training sessions for the U.S. Small Business Administration, and leads small business seminars year-round. Bernadette has helped workshop participants and clients alike avoid costly mistakes and save thousands of dollars in taxes.

Nobody recommends a bad movie, a bad restaurant or a bad accountant. Since 2001, over 90 percent of my new clients are referrals. People are recommending me, so I guess that means I’m doing something right.

I have diverse analytical skills, proven business sense and an innate ability to maximize an organization’s performance. I’m a skilled facilitator and financial consultant, and a multifaceted resource for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and women in the workplace. But my clients really appreciate the fact that I can explain the books in PLAIN ENGLISH! That plays an integral part in the operational success of my clients’ organizations.

Many people think I’m strange because I like accounting so much. I’ve always loved numbers and have always been very analytical. Growing up, I’ve always struggled with the objective subjects. One thing I like about Accounting is there’s only one answer! Although, I have a creative flair, in my industry…. creativity can send you to jail. I am a honors graduate of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, earning a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. While at Cheyney, I played on the Women’s Basketball Team, was a peer tutor and resident advisor.

I completed my MBA at the Keller Graduate School of Management. I am a certified QuickBooks training specialist and a part-time adjunct Accounting professor.

Prior to launching By The Book Accounting, I worked for public and private organizations to increase profitability and financial accuracy. I’ve supervised large and small accounting departments and have extensive experience in managing payables and receivables, cost accounting, corporate and individual tax preparation, and fiscal management strategies. One of my most notable accomplishments includes spearheading the restructuring of county government’s accounts payable department that resulted in the diversion of a potential 8.5 million dollar loss.

I brand my accounting practice – and myself as a speaker – as being different. Not only am I a good accountant, but I’m a good accountant with a personality and sense of humor. My colleagues tend to be so stiff and rigid that when I tell a joke, they don’t get it. Don’t get me wrong, I have square tendencies and my analytical side shines when it comes to business but, I have what I call ’rounded edges.’

I love building relationships with my clients so I can get to know them as an individual and them as business owners. By making sure my clients are more than just a folder or a tax return, I can advise them year round on business and accounting practices that can improve their bottom line and their tax returns.

Next to accounting, I love speaking and holding workshops. Part of that ‘personality’ is that I’m a ham and always have been. When I get the attention of an audience, I am in business. Speaking engagements and workshops are my opportunity to distinguish myself from all the other accountants in the phone book. It also addresses a third passion, which is teaching. When I see that “AHA” on a person’s face it’s golden for me. When I held my first workshop in 2003, there were three people in attendance and two of those were relatives. But that one other person is still my client today.

People You Need to Know Magazine proudly welcomes Ms. Wendy Williams-Lovejoy to the Network. Ms. Lovejoy joins other successful women who are making things happen in metro Atlanta. Look for her in our Business Superstars Edition.

Wendy Williams-Lovejoy is a native of Durban, South Africa. Lovejoy was born to a Zulu father and a mother of Zulu, as well as East Indian descent, in the midst of apartheid. The setting of her upbringing was Brooklyn, New York, where she fostered a love of fashion and merchandise. Lovejoy’s personal experiences eventually lead her down a difficult and lonely road.

Using her personal experiences, Lovejoy founded a ministry catering to the needs of women entitled, Durban’s Daughters. The mission of this endeavor is to increase the awareness of possessing a successful lifestyle among women around the world through ministry, counseling and coaching on financial principles that will lead to a favorable business direction as she as done for herself.

Lovejoy is also a successful author and her book, Money Answers All, teaches each reader through a step-by-step approach, the manner in which to take control of one’s finances. Her sophomore literary work entitled, From the Journals of Wendy Lovejoy – the Story of Lola, expresses her life story, in which Ralph Tresvant wrote a song called, “Yesterday is Gone”.

Aside from writing, Lovejoy is an entrepreneur with a collection of businesses, including an International Telecommunications Company. As a motivational speaker, she has spoken in Holland, Spain and other various countries, touching many lives along the way.

Her greatest love is her aforementioned Durban’s Daughters ministry – the focus of teaching women to go from where they are to living the best life possible by making better choices. Through her life and testimony, she truly is the epitome of such a mission.

To reach out to Ms. Lovejoy, call 770-621-2678 or Email: ownhomes03@yahoo.com. You can also visit her websites at www.moneyanswersallnow.com, and www.5linx.net/joycomm.

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Elizabeth Williams Bushey is a freelance journalist, illustrator, photographer, musician and web developer. She is an associate member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and a former trustee of the Southeastern New York Library Resource Council.

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InklessTales.com may not make a million dollars, but it touches millions of lives, and it only took one person to do it. THAT’S why the big yellow banner across the top of the site emphasizes: “YOU can do it” — because every kid, every person, can do what I did — fulfill their dream. Even on their own, with no fancy equipment, and no assistants. I create all the text, images, video, and music, and I own nothing particularly out-of-the-ordinary. I use nothing that’s ludicrously expensive, and I make a point of using nothing most families don’t have at home.

In fact, the only thing I might have that most people don’t have is audacity. It never occurs to me I can’t do something. Even when I don’t get it right the first, second, or seventeenth time, I just figure I’m practicing.

Now that the site gets two million hits a month, and my Google Analytics map of the world is solid green with visits, you can see how a little perseverance pays off.

::-::-::

When my literary agent and I parted ways after my first daughter was born, I had stories, poems and pictures piling up.

I also had this nifty new digital medium, having been asked to become the local community college’s webmaster. (“You know I’ve never done this before, right?” I asked them in 1999. By 2000, I liked it so well I’d co-founded a state-wide organization for higher ed web professionals, and was giving presentations on how to do it right.)

So I pondered.

After all, I wasn’t getting paid for these piles of creativity.

After all, there wasn’t anything out there for kids on the Web like I envisioned.

After all: it sounded like fun.

So I did it. I registered the domain name: inklesstales, because of course, they were pixels, not paint.

I started posting. People started visiting. I’ll never forget the day the hit count reached 200,000 – all without a single word of advertising.

I created the whole thing all by myself, all while I was working full-time, and freelancing, and mothering. No mean feat.

Of course, if you visit the site, you’ll see my daughters collaborated: not only do they provide some of the voices, but they also do testing of the games. As a usability expert – usability is a term web folks use when they talk about how people use web sites, and how hard or easy it is to do – I want to make absolutely sure the games aren’t just fun and educational (in that order), but also easy and workable.

Many is the time I’ve sat next to one of my daughters or her friends, simply watching them play one of my games. “What should I do next?” they’ll ask.

“What do you THINK you should do?” I’ll ask. Then I think to myself: “back to the drawing board.”

No matter how talented you are, no matter how persistent you are, it’s difficult to get a children’s book published, which has been the dream of my life since I was a child myself. The standards are far higher than that of adult literature, as they ought to be, and there are far fewer published.

Creating InklessTales.com, for me, has been a way to deliver my work to kids everywhere, and create something beautiful and useful that will last: for my kids, for educators, and even for me.

Now I have a new literary agent, a poetry book due out soon, and more and more content on InklessTales.com all the time.

What fun.

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Academic by mind and fashionista by heart, Chastity Garner is originally from Brunswick, Georgia, and has spent just under a decade in Atlanta, Georgia. She gained a Master of Public Administration degree from Kennesaw State University. During graduate school, she became a signature model for Jibri plus sizes in 2005. That experience opened up a world of garments and pieces beyond her imagination. By the misfortune of a knee injury, her days with the runway ended, but this opened up a new opportunity – wardrobe styling. Modeling was more about the clothes than actually modeling in her eyes.

Chastity opened up Garner Style to not only offer image consulting services to plus size women, but to the boutiques that serve them. After styling woman after woman, who had mountains of questions about style for the full-figured woman, this lead to the start of “The Curvy Girl’s Guide to Style,” a blog that reviews plus size fashion, gives the curvy girl style advice, and actively interacts with its readers to answer questions on fashion and style.

Recognition that this blog has a credible and solid place in plus size fashion came as increasing guest writer requests were sent from companies such as Dorothy Perkins and Skorch Magazine. Interviews from plus size fashion’s most recognizable fashion mavens, Ashley Falcon of Marie Claire Magazine and famed model, Velvet D’Amour, were granted for this blog as well. In addition, Chastity has more recently started writing for The Examiner, The Dallas Plus Size Fashion Edition.

Chastity currently resides in Dallas, Texas, with fiancé, Brian Valentine, and wonder dog, Sugarsnap, where she is continually writing on plus size fashion and the Curvy Girl Book Series.