women with know how january 2013 issue

Family

JANUARY 2013

Top Stories

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO

PREPARE FOR YOUR

PROFESSIONAL FUTURE?

REBRANDING THE AUTHENTIC

YOU IN 2013!

PREPARING FOR ONE OF

RETIREMENT’S MAJOR EXPENSES

– TAXES

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

WINTER WORKOUT TIPS

Janet C. Hart

and

VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC

RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

FOR THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community2

D

Mimi ZelmanPublisher

Dear Readers,

I am very excited about 2013!As we all start the New Year, don’t forget to follow your dreams and your passion!

Set realistic goals, if you haven’t done so already.Mark your calendars for March 19, 2013 for our 2nd an-nual Making An Impact Conference For Women! The three amazing speakers will make on impact on your life and world!

Our mobile website is live and compatible with all smart phone and tablet devices! You can read the full maga-zine in the pdf format any time now!!!Lets us all remember to support each other and make 2013 the year for small businesses to make it big!

Have a great month,

Mimi

www.womanwithknowhow.com JANUARY 2013 3

Con

tent

s

Publisher/President Mimi L. Zelman

[email protected]

Events PartnerWendy Whitehurst

[email protected]

Creative Director Juliana Lievano

www.JulianaCreativeDesigns.com

Contributing Writers Terri Bennett Elyshia Brook

Robyn Crigger

Cover Photography by Cover Photoghraphy by Benny Dawkins of New Day Productions

For more advertising information call Mimi at 704-491-1207

or email her at: [email protected]

Copyright © 2012

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10Rebranding The Authentic You in 2013!

20What Are You Doing To Prepare For Your Professional Future?

22What’s in a Name? An Explanation of Trademarks

24New Year’s Resolutions

40How to Create Less Trash in the Kitchen

46Preparing for One of Retirement’s Major Expenses – Taxes

On the cover

Janet C.Hart

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44


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How did you get started in this business? I came to the US nine years ago; I am from Colombia, South America.Thinking back to my life there, I al-ways enjoyed my art and music classes, and I was one of the few with the highest scores. I know it sounds funny, but believe or not you need to have a passion for it.

After graduating from High School in Colombia, and only being sixteen years old, I decided to repeat 12th grade here, and learn the language. I did really well for one year, and after

graduating again, I decided to go for my Degree in Advertising and Graphic Design. I met wonderful teachers, who taught me so many things and added to my life the kind of person and designer I am today. I also had the opportunity to do my intern-ship with The Charlotte Observer in the magazine department, and met amazing mentors for my life.

I always had the passion for editorial design, so being part of this company was a wonderful experience. I was also doing some freelancing work, designing a local magazine for a Latin

JulianaLiévanoBy Mimi Zelman


Store. After graduating, I was able to start working for a great company in the Charlotte area doing what I love the most: designing magazines. They opened the doors for me and made me part of their family. I would say my experience there was a big challenge. Not only because it was my first real job, but because I wanted to learn so many things. At this point of my life, I really became a Graphic Designer. I thanked God for the opportunity he gave me to be part of it, and meet so talented men-tors; they made me stronger.

A year I later, I got pregnant and decided to start my own business: JULIANA CREATIVE DESIGNS.I was blessed to have the opportunity to be with my baby at home, and at the same time doing what I love. It’s been 2 and a half years, and I feel very happy of all the achievements I have made until this day. I have met won-derful people that not only are my cli-ents but friends. I had the opportunity to work with Mimi Zelman, and start a new journey in my life.

She has been an extraordinary per-son, and has helped my business grow in many different ways. Every time I design something I learn so many things, not only for my design experience, but for my personal life. I

think God knows us individually, and he always places people in our lives for a reason. What is a good early story about your business? About a month ago, I received an e-mail from a new client about an ex-traordinary project: An ipad magazine. I have worked doing many print and online projects, but I didn’t have the opportunity to design an ipad maga-zine, and I was excited for this new experience. After finishing my project, I felt very proud of my work. My cli-ent was very happy with the results, and after posting my work online, this lead me to find more clients under this field. I believe there is nothing you cannot do, if you really want to achieve it. There are no limits in life; you choose them. I am choosing to keep learning every day, and to continue meeting amazing new people.

What is unusual or unique about your business, in comparison to your Com-petitors or similar businesses? I approach my designs, not only as art, but also a purposeful way to bettercommunicate an idea. In today’s life design refers mostly to style or fash-ion, to the superficial, to decorative elements that are just employed at


the end of the design process. Richard Seymord wrote: “Design is making things better for people”.He emphasizes that the most impor-tant thing about design and the one we should focus on is human behav-ior, and quality of life. I think that we as designers are here to make things easier for people, not more complicat-ed. Any product without and specific purpose, may be art, but is definitely not design.

Is there a customer experience you are most proud of? I feel proud of all of them. Each one has taught me good or bad things.At the end, both are learning experi-ences. They teach me what not to do again, or maybe what I should keep doing. Every customer adds some-thing special to my career, and this will always continue.

Do you do any charity or nonprofit work? I have done a couple of charity servic-es for some schools and academies.I had to opportunity to help them with their website design. I also did a lot of charity work in college.I actually had the opportunity to de-sign a Teen Pregnancy campaign for my last year of college, and I felt very

happy with the results. REAL TEENS was the name of it. It helped kids to text questions about sex. Sometimes,this a very hard topic to talk at home, and this was one of the reasons so many young kids were having ba-bies as such a young age. Here’s the video I did for the campaign: HY-PERLINK “http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVPNCI4_OCE” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVPNCI4_OCE

What are some of your greatest challenges in your business? As a working mother of two, I strive to find the right work/life balance. When I’m designing I always give 100% to my clients, but I also work to ensure I dedicate time to my kids each day.

What would you most like the reader to know about your journey in business? For me it was about finding something that I love to do, gaining experience and exposure in the field, and then developing a business plan to be able to work independently and fit my family-focused lifestyle.●

Juliana Creative DesignsJuliana Lievanojulianacreativedesigns@gmail.comwww.JulianaCreativeDesigns.com980.322.8881


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by Terri Bennett

mar

ketin

g

Rebranding The Authentic You in 2013!

Your brand is the image and the face that you present to the world and how you do just that is all about how

you position yourself and the message that you want to share. With the New Year now here, you can be more in-tentional about how you brand your-self and your business. I say “you and your business” because in all actuality, you and your business are ‘one’. As a woman entrepreneur and business owner you own your brand and how you have designed your business is centered around you, your thoughts, desires and passion. Therefore, it should speak to your true authentic self and how want to serve the world. It is time to own who you are and your own unique way of doing business.

Your brand incorporates who you are, how you are called to serve, your per-sonality, your heart’s desires and your soul’s message to your divine clients that you serve. I speak of “Divine Cli-ents” as those clients that are supposed

to do business with you, they appreci-ate the value you bring to their life or business, your values, purpose vision and goals to achieve results in some area are in sync. Additionally, they have no problem paying you what you are worth because they recognize and value what you offer. Divine clients are called to you and your souls connect because ‘you get each other’.

I had the opportunity to experience this again and most recently, as I was preparing my forth coming book “Branding the Authentic You” (releas-ing this month), as I was excited to meet my graphic designer whom I was seeking to design my book cover. I did meet with many as I do with anything that I am putting my name to because I do value what I do. I had the pleasure of meeting Leah Ponds one morn-ing and asked questions, shared my desires and it was amazing how our souls just synced because she caught what was in my heart and soul were saying and did a beautiful job from the

by Elysha Brooks


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initial start. When you find and work with your divine clients, there are no questions or any doubts about how you serve them and them serving you because it just happens. When a divine relationship begins, it blossoms from possibility into something that is un-explainable. All of your divine business relationships with your clients should be that way.

Divine client relationships should satisfy your soul and you should feel it because it feels right. When you are working with your divine clients you are excited to do the work, it speaks to your spirit and you are able to do

your very best work because you en-joy doing it. On the other hand, they are pleased and don’t have to worry and call you to see if you are doing what you are supposed to be enjoying doing. They value you and how you serve them because they are able and willing to pay you what you are worth without any problems.

You know when you meet with a new client and you get a feeling in the pit of your stomach that just does not feel right but you take on that client any-way, only to find out that you dread taking them on? Have you done that or it is only me that can relate? I admit


I can sit with potential clients who may or may not be excited about what they do and all of the time I am sitting there knowing in my soul that this business relationship will not work out. This could stem from several reasons such as: Their passion is not present and for me to do the work, I have to see the commitment. They are not commit-ted to the mission, vision and don’t see the value in working with a marketing and branding coach. They come with asking so many questions to get out paying for the service and therefore, devaluing the service and what I came to do in this world.

As a business owner, you value you, your intellectual properties, gifts, tal-ents and when someone tries to talk you down or devalue you, at some point you have to step back and com-mand your worth. That is what I do when I encounter others who seek to go down that road. However, it comes down to what you stand for and what your brand means, in addition, to how your brand is perceived. If you begin to settle your brand, other will sense that and then you will begin to attract those types of potential clients and that is not what you want to do. When you devalue your brand, you are giving others to do the same and it becomes hard to bounce back from.

So when you are redesigning or re-branding you or your business, you need to do a few things so that you are in alignment with what you envi-sioned. Your vision and your branding message comes from your soul and should resonate with what you have to give to the world. A few things to really think about would include: Write your brand’s mission, purpose, and the meaningful vision around what your brand is to bring into the world. This means journaling your thoughts and make sure you are in alignment.

What are your brand new color schemes, fonts, and meaning behind them all. Once you are in alignment with your mission, what is your market-ing and branding message that will sum up what you offer and how you offer it? Design your 30 second market-ing message that speaks boldness so others will remember your immedi-ately. Know the top 3-5 products and services that you will be known for and craft it so that it speaks exactly who you are and your uniqueness.

Speak, live and “BE” your brand daily. In other words, design your brand lifestyle because you and your brand are one. These are only the tip of the iceberg of actions steps to do because there are several other action items

that need to be completed. Once you begin with these action items, keep in mind that your brand needs to be owned by you; therefore, bring your authenticity out so that others can connect with you and your brand. When you take total control of your brand, others will notice and appreci-ate you and your business. So own what you have and all that is within you. When you know what you know and you are able to understand your divine clients and what they will per-ceive of you and it is aligned, then you are are on the right path to building a bigger conscious-centered brand that speaks exactly who you are. ●

For More Information: Exerts from Ely-shia’s new book. Elyshia Brooks is the new author of “Branding The Authentic You”: Building a Conscious-Centered Brand & Lifestyle that Speaks to Your Extraordinary Self.” releases this month, January 2013! www.ElyshiaBrooks or email to [email protected]

Elyshia Brooks-CarrConsulting, coaching and training company that works with heart-felt, conscious entrepre-neurs and service-based [email protected] / 800.511.5410www.ElyshiaBrooks.com www.KreativeGroupInc.com

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TipsWinterWorkout

Just because the season has changed, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your workout routine. Here are a few winter workout tips from Aaron Ruth, strength and condition-ing coach at St. Vincent’s Sports Performance in Indianapolis, which works with more than 300 professional and amateur athletes. You can stay fit no matter what the temperature is outside.


Don’t Skip the Warm Up – In colder weather, your muscles are tighter, making them more prone to muscle pulls and strains. Spend a little more time warming up your body to help you avoid injury.

Stay Hydrated – When it’s cooler outside, you generally drink less water – but when you exercise, you still sweat and lose fluids and electrolytes. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and dur-ing your workout to avoid dehydration.

Dress in Layers – Exercising gener-ates body heat and sweat, and when sweat starts to dry in cold weather you can get chilled. Dress in layers that can be removed when you start to sweat. Start with a thin layer of synthetic ma-terial which will draw sweat away from your body. Then add a layer of fleece or wool, and top it all off with a water-proof and breathable outer layer.

Protect Your Extremities – When it’s cold outside, the body tends to con-centrate blood flow to the core, which can leave your hands, feet and ears susceptible to frostbite. Wear gloves, warm socks and a hat or headband.

Have a Post-Workout Refueling Plan – What you put in your body

after you work out is just as important, if not more, than what you put in it be-fore. After exercising, refuel and rebuild your muscles with essential carbs and protein by drinking great tasting Rockin’ Refuel® Intense Recovery protein forti-fied milk. Made with 100 percent real milk, Intense Recovery is packed with 20 grams of natural protein and features a 2:1 carb to protein ratio, which is ideal for optimal muscle recovery.

Wear Sunscreen – It might be cooler outside, but you can still get sunburned. Choose sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and has an SPF of at least 30. Don’t forget to protect your lips with a lip balm that has sunscreen.

Vary Your Routine – Beat the winter workout blues by changing up your rou-tine – and by having fun. Get the whole family moving by doing things together such as building a snowman, going ice skating or sledding, making snow angels, and having a snowball fight.

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If this current economic situa-tion has taught us anything, it is to stay better informed and to keep our professional lives

healthy. For so long we have depend-ed on big businesses to “take care of us”, but as we have seen, many of them can’t seem to take care of themselves! Instead, we have seen much irrespon-sibility of prominent businesses and decision makers. How discouraging! Instead of admitting irresponsible behavior, they are looking to all other Americans to bail them out. Do you think that any of us would be bailed out if we mishandled our business? Don’t hold your breath!

However it is time for us to look at our own situations. We could whine and complain about our tough lives, but I’d rather see we women professionals take a more adult, responsible ap-proach. Let’s learn from others. How can we avoid such catastrophes, and keep our professional futures healthy?We need a focused, solid plan to keep

our careers and/or businesses on a proactive path. How are you and your work doing? Like an annual physical, how healthy is your career and/or busi-ness? Are you financially healthy? What do you need to do to stay that way?

Take time to review your past year. Did you business dwindle toward the end of 2008? From where does most of your business come? Referrals, web-site, ads, sponsorships, direct mailings, cold calls, special promotions…? What works for you? Be sure to utilize those efforts that produce the best results.Also, give your work some fresh air! Take some classes or workshops that will strengthen your own skills and grow business. Look for a challenge to wake up your brain and stir up creativity.

Develop your own “Board of Advi-sors” to include people in industries who are not competitors, but target similar areas/industries, etc. Exchange ideas or combine efforts to stir activity.Experiment by visiting new network

What Are You Doing To Prepare For Your Professional Future?

busi

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groups, who might broaden your contact base and open your eyes to new perspec-tives. Be selective. This could grow your own network. Consider being a speaker to other groups, who could benefit from your experiences, while making them aware of you and your expertise.

Each month be sure to have a new goal or project for yourself. Some may not work out well, but others will. Ex-plore but wise. Have a great 2013! ●

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Clients ask me every day about trademarks and how to get them so I thought I would explain some basics

to familiarize you with the trademark process. My law firm regularly files trade-marks for clients and it typically takes six to nine months to complete registration so it is best to start the process sooner rather than later.

A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol or design, or a combination of words, phrases, symbols or designs, that identi-fies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of oth-ers. Coca Cola®, “Just Do It®” and Dunkin’ Doughnuts® are a few examples of fa-mous trademarks. A service mark is the same as a trademark, except that it iden-tifies and distinguishes the source of a service rather than a product. BellSouth®, Roto Rooter® and Terminix® are some examples of service marks.

For the purpose of this article, trademarks and service marks are going to be re-

ferred to as trademarks because they are obtained in the same manner through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

If you think of a catchy name (not merely a descriptive one) for your business or a catchy phrase for your products or services, you can claim the name or phrase without registering the mark with the USPTO, but beware, like all things in life you get what you pay for. If you simply use the name and do not register your name or phrase or check to see if your name or phrase infringes on someone else’s name or phrase you could be in for legal trouble down the road.

Registering your name, phrase or logo provides notice to the public of your claim of ownership of the mark; a legal presumption of your ownership of the mark and your exclusive right to use the mark nationwide on or in connec-tion with the goods and/or services listed in the registration. You do not

What’s in a Name?An Explanation of Trademarks

by Mitzi Kincaid


have to be an attorney to file and register a trademark but it is best to use an expe-rienced attorney because the USPTO uses strict guidelines and a language all their own that is difficult to understand if you are not an intellectual property attorney.

Registration of your mark usually takes six to nine months. It is also possible to file for a trademark before you actually start sell-ing your goods and services to ensure you protect your name, phrase or logo. Once you receive your registration certificate you can renew your mark by periodically filing statements of use with the USPTO.

Trademarks are actually intangible prop-erty that you own, can transfer, assign and sell. Once you own the trademark you can usually prohibit your competitors from getting a similar mark for similar goods and/or services which can give your busi-ness a tremendous advantage. Registra-tions for marks last ten years so long as the mark is being used in commerce and the owner files an affidavit of use between the fifth and sixth year of use. Additional ten year periods are also granted so long as the mark is still used in commerce.

Have you registered your business name, catch phrase or logo yet? Call an expe-rienced intellectual property attorney today to protect your most important asset, your name.

Do you have a business legal question you would like for me to answer? Submit it to HYPERLINK “mailto:[email protected]”[email protected]. Each month I will answer a reader or client question so that our entire busi-ness community can benefit from quality information to help your business become and maintain its profitability. ●

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w by Rebecca K. Watts

New Year’s Resolutions

On the subject of New Year’s resolutions, Wiki-pedia has this to say: “A New Year’s resolution is

a “Promise” commitment that a person makes to one or more personal “Goal” goals, projects, or the reforming of a “Habit (psychology)” habit. A key ele-ment to a New Year’s Resolution that sets it apart from other HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resolu-tion” \o “Resolution” resolutions is that it is made in anticipation of the New Year and new beginnings. People com-mitting themselves to a New Year’s resolution generally plan to do so for the whole following year. This “Lifestyle (sociology)” lifestyle change is generally interpreted as advantageous.”

While many of us will make New Year’s resolutions regarding physical health (exercise more, eat better), despite our best intentions, those resolutions are often short-lived and so do not have a long lasting positive effect on our lives. So, I suggest that perhaps a reso-lution regarding financial health may

be in order; specifically, a resolution to become more financially savvy. By that I do not mean that we should all take an economics class or study the work-ings of the New York Stock Exchange; I am talking about something much closer to home. If you are married or are contemplating marriage, you do not want to think about the possibility of your marriage ending, but the reality is that many marriages end in divorce and those that do not end in divorce end in death. If you divorce or if your spouse predeceases you, you need to know more than just enough to handle your day to day financial issues.

I cannot tell you how many women I see who do not have a good under-standing of the combined household income, the monthly expenses, the debt service, and the savings and in-vestment portfolios. Sometimes the lack of knowledge is a result of a divi-sion of household labor (one spouse handles the finances), sometimes it is a result of active concealment (one spouse does not want the other to


know what is going on), and sometimes it is the result of a conscious decision to maintain separate bank accounts and to have each spouse take responsibility for certain expenses. If you and your spouse separate or if your spouse dies, you will need to know details about your income, his income, tax filings, mortgages, bank accounts, credit cards, IRAs, 401(k)s, mutual funds, etc. You do not want to walk into a domestic or estate attorney’s office and not have a good idea of who the mortgage is with, what is owed, what the monthly pay-ment is, where the bank accounts are, what is invested, where the retirement accounts are, etc. and as difficult as it may be to have a conversation with your spouse now about disclosure and information, it will be more difficult to try to pull that information out of him in the midst of a heated divorce or to locate that information after he dies.

So, go ahead and make those resolu-tions about going to the gym and giving up sweets, but then after you come back from the gym and have your healthy salad for dinner, sit down and work on your financial health for a healthier, happier 2013. ●

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Janet C. Hart


JJanet is Vice President of Public Rela-tions and Communications for the Better Business Bureau of the Southern Piedmont of North and South Carolina. In this role, she:

•�Increased Charlotte BBB’s national media ranking to #1 out of 145 BBBs nationwide. •�Serves�as�a�nationwide�BBB�media�expert for BBB public relations profes-sionals. Serves on national BBB Com-munications Task Force. •�Serves�as�an�“Expert�on�Call”�for�The�Charlotte Business Journal.•�Secured�1,500�interviews�and�placed�more than 24,000 local and national me-dia stories in print, broadcast and digital media outlets including NBC’s Today Show, USA Today, CBS Early Show, Busi-ness Week, ESPN, MSNBC, FOX National News, AOL and NPR. Secured recurring local television segments.•�Serves�on�BBB’s�leadership�team,�re-porting directly to the President/CEO.•�Provides�counsel�and�media�training�to�CEO, senior staff and Board. Serves as the BBB’s media contact and spokes-woman for local and national media.•�Develops�and�disseminates�internal,�external and digital communications to key publics.•�Develop�and�writes�executive�commu-nications for CEO and Board of Directors.

•�Manages�BBB’s�reputation�as�a�trusted�expert and consumer resource.•�Serves�as�brand�champion,�insuring�compliance with national brand stan-dards and developing opportunities to elevate and enhance the brand with key publics.•�Coordinates�speaker’s�bureau�for�com-munity events and trade shows.•�Conducts�research�to�support�inter-nal and external communications and media releases. •�Developed�quantitative�tracking�sys-tem to measure media activity and to gauge effectiveness of media relations.

Janet’s career in public relations spans 25 years and includes extensive experi-ence in communications, media rela-tions and external relations Janet joined the Better Business Bureau as Director of Public Relations in 2007. In 2009, she was promoted to Vice President of Pub-lic Relations and Communications.Prior to working with the Better Busi-ness Bureau, Janet served as:

•�President�&�CEO�of�The�Lupus�Founda-tion of America’s Piedmont Chapter•�Vice�President�of�Marketing�and�Fund�Development for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont•�Executive�Director�of�the�Bank�of�Ameri-

30 Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community

ca Coconut Grove Arts Festival in Miami•�Director�of�Fund�Development�for�Spirit�Square Center for Arts & Education•�Volunteer�Coordinator�for�The�Mint�Museum of Art’s ‘Ramesses The Great’ Art Exhibit.

The impact of Janet’s work as Vice Presi-dent of Public Relations and Commu-nications for the Better Business Bureau of Southern Piedmont is tremendously important to the Southern Piedmont community. Simply put, Janet prevents consumers from becoming victims.The messages that she develops and disseminates to consumers via media relations and social media channels are designed to increase consumer awareness about scams and bad busi-

nesses. Each year, Janet researches and writes 80 to 100 news releases that are distributed to the media. These news releases generate more than 300 media interviews and more than 6,000 media hits per year in print, broadcast and digital media.

She has developed excellent relation-ships with the media and is well-re-spected as a trusted resource. Through Janet’s comprehensive com-munications efforts, she has been in-strumental in influencing consumers to check with the BBB before they contract with businesses. When Janet began work with the BBB in 2007, less than a half million people per year checked out local businesses with the BBB. In


2012, the BBB projects that nearly two million people will check on local busi-nesses. By increasing consumer aware-ness, especially with vulnerable popula-tions such as older adults and Latinos, fewer people will become victims of bad businesses, frauds and scams.

Janet’s work has been directly respon-sible for exposing mortgage fore-closure rescue scams which began with the downturn in the economy. In 2007, she brought national media attention to the issue of mortgage foreclosure rescue scams.

Another issue that Janet has been responsible for bringing public at-tention to is ‘predatory towing’ in and around uptown Charlotte. Janet’s work to increase awareness about the problem generated substantial media attention which influenced City lead-ers to study the issue and to adopt new rules for towing companies.

Through Janet’s work with the Better Business Bureau, she has influenced people to be savvy consumers and to make careful pre-purchase decisions. Most importantly, she has prevented people from becoming victims.As Vice President of Marketing and Fund Development for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont from 1999 to

2006, Janet’s work changed lives by put-ting people to work. In this position, she:

•�Managed�Goodwill’s�reputation�as�a�good steward of the public’s trust. •�Developed�and�implemented�branding�campaign to increase awareness about Goodwill’s mission from 15% to 52%.•�Managed�Goodwill’s�volunteer�and�community service program involving 8,000 volunteers.•�Managed�Goodwill’s�Cars�for�Work�car�donation program to provide more than 700 donated vehicles to low income individuals who needed trans-portation to work. •�Coordinated�Vice�President�Al�Gore’s�visit to Goodwill to spotlight the orga-nization’s job training programs.

Janet is very involved in the business community The Better Business Bureau of Southern Piedmont has 4,000 Accredited Business members and has information on more than 70,000 businesses in the Southern Piedmont area.

The BBB’s mission is to create an ethi-cal marketplace where consumers and businesses trust each other. Janet’s helps accomplish the BBB’s mission by publicizing bad businesses that don’t respond to or resolve consumer complaints. By holding bad businesses

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accountable, she effectively promotes good business practices.

She also serves on:Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Charlotte Chapter - Janet has dedicated her time and expertise to the PRSA Charlotte in multiple volun-teer capacities including:Member – 1999 to presentBoard of Directors - 2009 to presentPresident - 2010-2011President-elect - 2010-2011Treasurer 2009–2010Recipient of the PRSA Infinity Award in 2012 – the highest honor given to a practicing public relations professional.National Leadership Rally - 2010National Leadership Assembly, Char-lotte Chapter Delegate - 2009, 2010 and 2011; National Delegate At Large – 2012Annual Awards Dinner Committee - 2007, 2008, Chair - 2011 and 2012Accreditation – Mentor to five APR candidates, Served on three APR Readi-ness Review Panels Career Mentor to 18 public relations professionals Taught four sessions on “Public Relations Ethics and Law” at PRSA Charlotte – 2011, 2012Taught “Media Relations for Nonprofits” at PRSA Charlotte meeting - 2011“Master the Six R’s of Media Relations” at PRSA Charlotte Young Professionals Meeting – 2011

Member – 1999 to present

Democratic National Convention – Janet is currently serving as PRSA Char-lotte liaison to the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) to coordinate public relations and com-munications professionals to work with the international media contingent dur-ing the Convention - 2012

Charlotte Ethics in Business Awards – Janet served as a committee member for the annual awards event in 2008, 2009, 2010 Charlotte Regional Emergency Preparedness (READY) Coalition - Janet served on the READY Coalition from 2007 through 2011 to bring attention to the importance of disaster planning.

Hurricane Katrina Emergency Re-sponse - Janet coordinated services provided by Goodwill Industries to Hurri-cane Katrina evacuees who were relocat-ed to Charlotte in 2003. She was respon-sible for coordinating the donation and distribution of critically-needed clothing, shoes, furniture, cars and bottled water.

WSOC-TV’s Nine Who Care Awards – Janet served on the awards commit-tee from 2002 through 2006 as a judge

www.womanwithknowhow.com JANUARY 2013

to select the individuals and organiza-tions that were recognized for their con-tributions to the community.

International Festivals & Events Association member (IFEA) – Janet was actively involved in IFEA activities from 1991 to 2011. She:Spoke on “Mastering the Six R’s of Media Relations” at IFEA’s NC/SC Conference – 2012Spoke on “Maximizing Public Relations through Media Sponsorships” at IFEA’s Southeastern Conference, 2008Spoke on “Selling Title Sponsorships for Festivals and Events” at IFEA’s Interna-tional Conference – 1998Spoke on “Selling Exclusive vs. Non-Ex-clusive Media Sponsorships” at the IEG’s International Conference – 1996

Janet has received many awards because of her service to ourcommunity. They include:Janet has earned outstanding educa-tional and professional credentials. She is highly regarded as a media relations expert and has been invited to speak at local, national and international meet-ings and conferences.PRSA Universal Accreditation Board, Accreditation in Public Relations(APR) – 2009, reaccreditation – 2012

PRSA Charlotte Infinity Award – the

highest honor given to a practicingpublic relations professional.

The Charlotte Business Journal – Asked to participate as a media relations“Expert on Call” – 2012

The Mecklenburg Times - Named one of the “50 Most Influential Women inCharlotte” - 2011

University of North Carolina at Cha-pel Hill, Bachelor of Science in BusinessAdministration - 1983

Duke University, Certificate in Non-profit Management – 2001

International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA):•�Certificate�in�Festivals�and�Events�Man-agement (CFEE) – 1999, recertification – 2008, a credential earned by fewer than 300 people worldwide•�Nominated�for�IFEA’s�Hall�of�Fame�in�2007, 2008, 2009•�Won�the�IFEA’s�Grand�Pinnacle�Award�for the best public relationc campaign in the world for a festival or event in 1996

Better Business Bureau:Invited to speak at BBB International Communications Conference – 2012Invited to present during national BBB Media Relations webinar – 2011

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Asked to serve on BBB National Communications Task Force – 2012Recognized as BBB National Media Relations Expert on Call - 2011Leadership Training Programs Completed:PRSA National Leadership Rally, 2010PRSA Southeast District Leadership Rally, 2010Leadership Charlotte, 1999Leadership Lake Norman, 2000Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Leadership Training Program, 1997

WLNK 107.9 The Link - Selected as “Leading Lady” for outstanding community work – 2006

Women With Know How – Most Impactful Women Award, 2012

How did you get started? My mother worked very hard to sup-port our family on a small salary, but money was tight. So, I learned at an early age that I had to work and earn money to have or do the extra things in life that I wanted. I began working when I was 11 years old. I sold tomatoes in my front yard for 10% commission each summer.

The fall was pecan season and I had a similar commission arrangement with my mother. We had 21 pecan trees

in our yard and my job was to pick up pecans – 500 pounds per year. I supple-mented my tomato and pecan commis-sions with babysitting money.When I was old enough to get a real job, I worked at restaurants to earn money after school and on weekends.I am very proud of the fact that I had a checking account by age 12 and I paid for my own car, car insurance, clothes and braces for my teeth. I also had a work study job while I was in school at UNC Chapel Hill. For four years, I worked with two of the most wonderful people who ran the Upward Bound program for at-risk high school students.

After Carolina, I sold advertising for trade publications for 3 yrs., and volun-teered for political candidates. While volunteering, I got to plan and promote events and news conferences which I really liked. So, I began working in non-profit organizations planning and pro-moting events and festivals and that is how I got into public relations.

How has your prior career experiences prepared you for your journey in life?I had job opportunities which involved living in other cities. I lived in Houston, San Diego and Miami – each city for two years. What I learned about leaving N.C. was how much I longed for N.C.


This will always be my home. I moved back to N.C. in 1997 and there is noth-ing that could ever lure me away again.

What would you like for people to know about your Journey In life?My journey is life has been difficult and filled with tragedy. My only grandpar-ent died when I was 13, my father died when I was 17, two of my close friends were killed by drunk drivers when I was 19 and 20, and then, my mother died when I was 21.

Going through these sad experiences has made me a person who is compas-sionate, independent, serious, driven, strong and resilient. I have succeeded against tremendous odds and I am stronger than I ever thought I could be.

Who would you describe as your mentor(s) and why?My primary mentor and hero was my mother. She worked very hard all of her life and was devoted to me and my sister. She died from suddenly from a cerebral aneurysm when I was a junior at Carolina. I wish she would have lived long enough to see me graduate from college because I was the first person in my family to achieve that goal. Two other people had an impact on my life as well:1) When I was 16 years old, I won the

William H. Danforth Leadership

Award. The prize was his book filled with inspirational messages. I have kept that little book for 35 years and often refer back to it.

2) My other mentor was Dr. Ronald Hoag who taught English at Carolina. He was my professor for English Com-position during my freshman year and he really taught me how to write. “Subject, verb, object,” he would say. “Writing doesn’t have to be compli-cated, but it does have to be logical.” I felt like a light bulb went off and sud-denly, I got it. I took two more English courses that he taught and I credit him with me being a writer today.

What’s on your bucket list and why?There are several items on my bucket list:1) I write first-person anecdotal humor.

So, I would love to write a book, and go on a book tour with book sign-ings in major cities.

2) I studied French in high school and college, and now I want to learn to speak Italian because I want to travel more extensively in Europe and be able to speak other languages.

Any difficult times you’d care to share with our readers?? And if so what lesson have you learned?Growing up in rural N.C., I was active in the 4-H program and it had a profound

35


impact on my life. When I was 16, I received the William H. Danforth; “I Dare You” leadership award through 4-H and the prize was Danforth’s book. In his book of inspirational messages, Dan-forth urges you to, “DARE to live in the presence of the BEST!”

He wrote - “Launching your ship is a gala occasion, but the storms and the waves are the tests.” With an absen-tee father and a mother who earned minimum wage, I was determined from an early age to have a better life. Little did I know that the obstacles I would encounter - “the storms and the waves” - would be so great. My father died when I was 17, and then, my mother died unexpectedly during my junior year at Carolina when I was just 21. A few days later, I took the family cat and went back to school in Chapel Hill as an orphan with no home and no money. It wasn’t easy, but through it all, I succeeded.

It means so much to me because it is validation of how far the little girl from Boiling Springs -- who launched “her ship” and survived through “the storms and the waves” to “dare to be in the presence of the BEST” -- has come.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

People would be surprised to know that I have had so many unique experi-ences. I have hiked up Diamond Head in Hawaii. I have ridden in an off-shore hydroplane race boat at 160 mph. I have been to a glitzy Hollywood movie premiere complete with red carpet and mega stars. I have sung on-stage with Barry Manilow. I have swam with dolphins and fed stingrays.

What inspires you? I am inspired by people who have persevered against tremendous odds like Aimee Copeland from Georgia. In May, 2012, she contracted a flesh-eating virus after a zip line accident.

As the bacteria ravaged her body, Ai-mee had to have both hands, both feet, and her left leg amputated. She lived when she should have died and is now a shining example to other people who are facing what seem like insurmount-able obstacles.

What makes you laugh? There are several things that make me laugh. I love really well-written satire. I also can’t help but laugh at some of the things that my dog, Spotsy, has figured out how to do. He barks when I talk on the phone because he knows that I will give him treats to shut him up. So now, when he wants treats, he will bark and


nudge the phone with his nose as if he is telling me, “call someone, I’m hungry!”

If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would that be? I wish I had gone to graduate school immediately after college to earn an MBA degree. After I had graduated, I was working two jobs and volunteer-ing for various causes. So, I found it more difficult to find a way to afford, or to make the time to work on earning a Master’s degree.

If you could stand up and de-fend anything, what would it be? Equality. I believe that people should be treated equally and fairly. Discrimi-nation, in any form that it may occur, is simply unacceptable. I was once told that “fair does not mean equal, it means equitable.” I found that hard to accept because “equitable” is subject to inter-pretation. The gray area of interpreta-tion is where the perception of unfair-ness or inequality lies and feelings of anger and discrimination exists.

Janet really shows through her life’s journey, despite tragedy and obstacles, we can accomplish anything we set out to do. I am thankful for the opportunity to have gotten to know her though our awards dinner and grateful she was

nominated and won our Most Impact-ful Women Award this year.

Janet will also be speaking at our 2nd annual Making An Impact Conference For Women on March 19, 2013 at the Blake Hotel. I know she will inspire all who attend! ●

For More information or to receive a Media Kit

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by Terri Bennett

L et’s face it – the kitchen is one trashy place. In fact, each person in your home creates about 4 pounds of trash each

day and most of it comes out of this room! So, Do Your Part and trash less.

Let’s start with what you bring into the kitchen. Reusable bags are a must. Get yourself a bunch of different sizes and you’re set for any shopping trip. But, you also need to think about waste as you shop.

Anything individual sized flat out costs more so opt for buying in bulk when you can. You can make your own in-dividual portions by using reusable containers. Also, buy items that come in easy to recycle packaging that you can toss into the recycling bin.

Now, the absolute biggest source of trash is food! 30% of the food we buy, we throw away. The easiest thing to do is to save those leftovers! Keep-ing them for a snack, freezing larger

portions, or using them in a different recipe is the way to go. And compost-ing leftovers will create a valuable fertilizer for your lawn and garden.

Then, there are the one-use items that get trashed. Save money by us-ing reusable rags and clothes instead of pricey paper towels. Choose cloth napkins instead of paper ones. Put an end to plastic water bottles and invest in a few reusable ones.

And these reusable plastic covers are good alternatives to one-use plas-tic wrap or foil. Adding a few simple changes to your kitchen routine will help you Do Your Part to create less trash and keep more money in your pocket. ●

Terri Bennett A veteran TV meteorologist, eco-expert and author of Do Your Part: A practical guide for everyday green living available at:DoYourPart.com. Send questions to [email protected]

How to Create Less Trash in the Kitchengr

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WWith so much of daily life connected to smart phones, the thought of being with-out one worries a lot of people. Unfortu-nately, loss, damage and theft do occur – and more often than you might think.According to the Federal Communications Commission, 1 in 3 robberies nationwide involve cell phones. And, according to mobile phone insurance company Asu-rion, 36.5 percent of customers filing claims cited loss or theft as the reason for filing a claim. This number jumps to an alarming 54 percent for iPhone customers. Asurion also reported that across all mobile phones, 53 percent of claims involved damage. Break-ing out just iPhones, 42 percent of custom-ers filing claims do so for damage. Many people don’t realize that replacing their lost, stolen or damaged phone will most likely cost more than what they paid up front. For example, an Asurion consumer survey showed that 43.5 percent of parents and 50.5 percent of students believe it costs less than $200 to replace a mobile phone. However, if your iPhone 4S or 5 is lost, stolen or damaged, you will be required to pay the full retail price of the mobile phone to replace it, not the discounted price you might have paid when signing up with the wireless provider or upgrading your phone. And that can be as much as $650.

Insurance vs. WarrantyThere are several protection options in the

market. However, you need to understand the difference between insurance and war-ranties. The difference between insurance and a warranty is that a warranty covers hardware issues and accidental damage. You usually have to purchase a warranty at the time you buy the phone.

Warranties, such as AppleCare, do not cover loss or theft of a phone. Cell phone insurance is an insurance product, just like your home or auto insurance. It is regulated by insurance laws in each state. You pay a monthly fee for the insurance (typically between $5 and $7 for the basic insurance coverage). When you file a claim, you pay a deductible, typically $50 to $200, depending on the phone. With Asurion, for example, the iPhone deductible ranges from $169 to $199.

When choosing cell phone insurance, look for:�•�Warranties�for�replacement�devices.•�Comprehensive�coverage�that�covers�loss,�theft and out-of-warranty damage (such as liquid�damage).�•�Convenient�claims�filing�and rapid replacement service. No one ever really wants to need insurance, because that usually means something unfortunate has happened. But, just like insurance for your home or car, if something does hap-pen to your cell phone, you’ll be glad to have a plan in place to quickly reconnect with family, friends and work. Learn more at www.asurion.com

The Importance of Cell Phone Insurance

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NNo matter what the score is, give game day fans something to cheer about with great food, and plenty of it. These simple, delicious recipes from Johnsonville are easy for you to make, which means you can sit back and enjoy the game with everybody else.

For more flavorful recipe ideas to make your game day party a winner, visit www.johnsonville.com

Great Game Day Eats


Easy Sausage Roll-ups Yield: 14 servings

1 package (12 ounces) Johnsonville Breakfast Sausage Links2 containers (16 rolls) refrigerated crescent rolls1/2 teaspoon cinnamon2 tablespoons sugar Optional: Warm maple syrup, honey, jam and preserves

•�Prepare�sausage�according�to�package�directions.� Drain and set aside.•�Unroll�crescent�roll�dough.�Place�one�cooked�sausage�on wide end of a dough triangle. Roll dough around sausage and place on baking pan with the seam side down. Repeat with remaining sausages and dough. (You will have two extra rolls to bake and enjoy with your favorite topping.)•�Mix�cinnamon�and�sugar�together�and�sprinkle�evenly�over roll-ups.•��Bake�according�to�directions�on�crescent�roll�package.�•�Serve�hot.�If�desired,�warm�maple�syrup,�honey,�jams�and�preserves for delicious dipping.

Italian Sausage Lollipops Yield: 20 lollipops

1 package (19 ounces) Johnsonville Hot Italian Sausage Links

20 10- to 12-inch bamboo skewers Oil for deep frying (vegetable, peanut or canola)Corn Batter1 cup cornmeal1 cup flour1/4 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon black pepper1/4 cup sugar4 teaspoons baking powder1 large egg, lightly beaten1 cup milk (preferably not skim)

Remoulade Dipping Sauce2 tablespoons mayonnaise2 tablespoons Dijon mustard2 tablespoons whole grain mustard1 tablespoon lemon juice1 teaspoon wine vinegar2 tablespoons pickle relish2 tablespoons capers, chopped1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper1/4 teaspoon salt Dash Tabasco sauce1 cup canola oil

•�Cook�sausages�according�to�package�directions.�Allow�to�cool slightly and cut each sausage into 4 pieces.•�In�a�medium�bowl,�mix�all�dry�ingredients�for�the�corn�batter then mix in wet ingredients.•�Pour�oil�2�to�3�inches�deep�and�bring�to�medium�heat or about 350°F. Place one sausage piece on the end of each skewer. Dip into the batter and coat the sausage completely.•�Carefully�submerge�the�sausage�into�the�hot�oil�while�holding the end of the stick. Fry each sausage for about 1 minute, until the batter is a deep golden brown.•��Serve�with�Remoulade�Dipping�Sauce�or�your� favorite mustard.•�Remoulade�Dipping�Sauce•�Combine�all�ingredients�except�oil�in�a�food�processor�and process for 30 seconds. With the motor running, slowly add the oil through the feed tube and process until thickened.•�Transfer�the�sauce�to�a�bowl,�cover�and�refrigerate�for�at�least one hour before serving.


Preparing for One of Retirement’s Major Expenses – Taxes

A s you plan for retirement, you’re likely considering the major expenses you may encounter, such as housing

and health care. But are you overlooking something that may have a significantimpact on your ability to achieve a finan-cially secure retirement?

If the bulk of your retirement savings are in tax-deferred accounts (workplace plans and traditional IRAs), most or all of your distributions will be subject to ordinary income tax rates. This may leave you with less cash flow than you expect, which could impact your ability to meetyour day-to-day expenses.

A starting point – Spread your savings outSo how can you reduce the impact of taxes on your retirement portfolio? Just as portfolio diversification is recognized as a good approach to investing, tax diversification can play an important role in helping you potentially enhance your retirement savings when the time comes

to withdraw money from your accounts. You may have the ability to stretch your retirement dollars further if you can manage retirement distributions in a tax efficient way. Consider diversifying your savings into three different tax “buckets”:

•��Tax-deferred�accounts�–�workplace�savings programs (including 401(k) and 403(b) plans), traditional IRAs and annuities.•��Tax-free�accounts�–�Roth�IRAs,�cash�value life insurance, municipal bonds, if appropriate•��Taxable�accounts�–�savings�and�invest-ments outside of tax-advantaged ve-hicles. The biggest challenge is often directing enough money into tax-free accounts such as Roth IRAs. Because there can be tax consequences in that event, Roth conversion is not always a viable option for investors to consider – so keep in mind that if you choose this process, the earlier you begin the better. Also be aware that you are not able to deduct any contributions to a Roth, as they are after tax dollars.

finance By Diane Davis


In retirement – Manage your distributionsEfficiently managing distributions from your tax-deferred accounts is important because most distributions from 401(k) plans and traditional IRAs are subject to ordinary income tax rates, and will increase your taxable income. Investors with a tax-diversified portfolio, com-prised of assets in taxable, tax-deferred and tax-free accounts, are often best positioned to manage cash flowduring retirement.

For example, let’s assume you expect to use your 401(k) plan to meet your annual income requirements. You will need to pull out more than what you need as an-nual income from your plan – or tap your bank account – to cover the taxes you’ll owe on this income. (The actual amount depends on your income tax rate.) If you didn’t account for this in advance, your savings may be depleted more quickly than you planned. And depending upon where you are in the tax brackets, the actual amount you withdraw may push

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some of your income into a higher taxbracket, making it more important to manage your distributions.

If you have the ability to pull part of your necessary cash flow from a tax-free ac-count, such as a Roth IRA, you may be able to reduce the amount of taxes you pay throughout your retirement, stretch out your qualified plan distributions and still meet your income needs. (Remem-ber of course that you did pay tax on the money that’s saved in your Roth account. You simply paid it before you invested it for retirement or at the time you convert-

ed it from a traditional retirementsavings plan.)

Also keep in mind that there’s a common assumption that your income tax rate in retirement will be lower than it was during your working years. While that is true for some retirees, it is not true for all. Your individual retirement savings and distribution strategy needs to be based on how you intend to spend your retire-ment years, with the potential impact of taxes only being one piece of the puzzle.Consider working with a financial advisor who can help you to plan for retirement and other long-term financial goals while keeping tax expenses in mind. Though your financial planner will not be able to give you direct tax advice, he or she will work with you and your tax advisor. By being proactive in the years when you are still accumulating wealth for retire-ment, you can achieve greater tax-diver-sification in your overall portfolio by the time retirement begins, giving you more flexibility with the money you’ve saved.●

Diane S. Davis, CFP®, CLU® is a Financial Advisor CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, with Ameriprise FinancialServices, Inc. in Charlotte, NC. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in prac-tice for 20 years. © 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. To contact 704-522-6565 5200 Park Road, Ste 117, Charlotte, NC 28209.

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Around TownMaking An Impact

News about Awards, Events, Promotions and Business Meetings

Metropolitan BPW Donates Scholar-ship Money at UNC-CharlotteLocal Metropolitan Business Professional Women funds $1,000 scholarship at UNC-Charlotte through their OASIS (Office of Adult Students & Evening Services) department. This year’s recipient, Elizabeth Hurtado-Esco-bar from Colombia, South America, is a trans-fer student majoring in Computer Engineering and will graduate in 2015.

About MBPW: Metropolitan BPW has power-ful members representing a variety of busi-nesses and professions. Monthly HYPERLINK “http://www.mbpw.org/monthly-meeting-information”meetings focus on topics of interest to working women -- topics that promote both the personal and professional development of our members. Additional networking and learning opportunities are available at www.mbpw.org/mbpw-overview/26””After Five” events. Membership in Metropolitan BPW isn’t just about Char-

lotte -- it includes regional and state levels. We offer www.mbpw.org/scholarships-a-philanthropy”scholarships, professional recog-nitions and conferences to provide opportu-nities for business and professional women. Since 1919, BPW/USA has been the voice of working women through legislative advocacy. A powerful network of members pursues the issues that matter most to working women. www.mbpw.org

Jules Moss, Hospital Administrator

North Mecklenburg Animal Hospital, has been named to the Alumnae/i Associa-

tion Board of Mary Baldwin Col-

lege, a private, indepen-dent and comprehensive four-year liberal arts women’s college in Staunton, Virginia.In her leadership role at the college, she will

Send us your announcements that you would like to make or if you are an organizationthat focuses on business women send info to:

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be involved in engaging alumnae, fund-raising and supporting the college’s new development strategies. “My involvement in the growth of the college and develop-ment of students did not end the day I graduated from Mary Baldwin College,” said Moss. “I have served on event com-mittees in California, Alabama and North Carolina, and now have the opportunity to lend more assistance by contributing my marketing and fundraising experience as an alumnae/I Board member.” Moss will serve a three-year term as a Board member, starting October, 2012. Prior to graduating from Mary Baldwin College, she graduated from The Donoho School in her hometown of Anniston, AL.

GREAT NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES!!!

Metropolitan Business and Professional Women3rd Wednesday of every monthCity Tavern South Park11:30 amFor more information and to register visit:www.mbpw.org

Charlotte Women with Know How Elite4th Tuesday of every monthLocation VariesTo find out more visit:www.womenwithknowhow.com

Send us your announcements that you would like to make or if you are an organizationthat focuses on business women send info to:

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Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. © 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Will your money last?With a retirement plan it can.Having a plan and the right financial solutions can help you put a confident retirement within reach.

As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I’ll work with you to define your retirement dreams. Then, I’ll apply our disciplined financial planning approach, considering all aspects of your finances. And together, we’ll create a plan that works for you — with the products and strategies that are right for your goals.

Learn how you can put your confident retirement more within reach.

Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH®

Call me today at (704) 522.6565

Diane S. Davis, CFP®, CLU®Financial AdvisorCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner

5200 Park RdSte 117Charlotte, NC 28209

704-522-6565

[email protected]

www.ameripriseadvisors.com/diane.s.davis

http://http://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/diane.s.davis