After 10 years of working continuously, I am looking at a layoff from next week onwards. I am worried but things are not bad for me like other folks, thanks to my wife and her expert running of our family within means for the past ten years. The irony of the situation is, this is also the 10th anniversary of our marriage. My layoff has become kind of an anniversary present.
Nevertheless I have not lost hope. I witnessed the greatest thing in my adult life of how hope can energize people. Last year I had the wonderful experience of campaigning for Barack. It was an eye opener for me. I was involved so much in it I must have knocked couple of hundred doors during the campaign. The best part was, I was able to meet so many dedicated citizens looking for change and challenging the status quo.
This layoff is a surprise to me, a little bit scary but I am viewing this as an opportunity to reinvent myself. I have a Engineering Degree, and two Masters, one in Business Administration and another in Information Systems. Even with all that and my 15 plus years of experience in High Tech, I still think it is going to be tough to find a suitable job, so I am looking finally to work on my long held dream of starting my own company.
The President has inspired a lot of people and you can court me as one of them. I am optimistic about my chances but at the same times like millions of American look for the helping hand of the federal, state and local agencies amid this economic chaos. To quote the President from his inaugual speech
"In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom."
I am hoping that the stimulus plan of the President has enough teeth to jump start American Entrepreneurship.
For the past eight years American Capitalism symbolized corporate ownership instead of the story about inventors and their garage. I hope with the new change we get back to our roots of true entrepreneurship which symbolizes American ingenuity.
I can remember growing up in the 50’s, when our communities were more self-sufficient. To me, Affirmative Action divided and destroyed what semblance of togetherness we had as a people. Affirmative Action was designed to Window Dress, creating a crabs in the barrel black society.
Affirmative Action is kinda like the Pyramid schemes. Most of those educated and skilled, who understood the scam, took advantage of the opportunity. They were the ones, who were serving as role models, that began moving on up and out of the neighborhoods.
When Malcolm talked of self-sufficiency, he was accused of separatism. The reality is that within the 50 states we are many nations in one nation. During this presidential campaign it was made clear that family and social values were paramount in connecting with candidates. We African Americans are a family and it is time that we begin working toward our own families’ interests. “Charity begins at home”, is not separatism nor selfishness. The neglecting of ourselves and relying on others to provide for us, nurtures that negative perception other families have of our community.
Until we as a people take ownership of our own financial, political and social destiny we will be seen as not deserving of others’ respect. Today it is not a whole lot about fighting for our rights: it is more of how we should exercise our rights. For one, making sure that we are being treated fairly with the allocation of government contracts, loans, grants, scholarships, etc. and with the contracting of capital improvement projects. With a unified voice some of these infrastructure projects will be developed and buil[t]d by us in our communities.
This new world market, which can only expand, provides opportunities that abound; we have family and in-laws around the world, and when the companies and industries begin finding that potential clients and customers are looking to patronize businesses that are more reflective of their family members, those qualified will be in high demand and will be represented from the top executives to the receptionist.
Those of us who are more fortunate should become entrepreneurs in revitalizing our communities. We as a family need to get out of debt and pool our resources, and make our children, our elders and the legacy of our Ancestors, Proud!
Ivan Butcher II
Ed Note: PoliceOne has just launched a unique new product area focused specifically on companies that are run by cops, for cops. Check it out and let us know what you think.
By Hannah Simon PoliceOne staff writer
Working as an inner-city patrol officer in Columbus, Ohio, Officer Kareem Kashmiry realized that he was at a disadvantage with his radio mic. Wrapped around his shoulder and clipped to the front of his shirt, he found it difficult to use when faced with foot chases and arrests. Most officers wear a shoulder mic over their back, but tactically it’s not safe, Kashmiry explains.
“My philosophy is that our eyes need to be on the situation at all times. If you’re looking down to talk, you aren’t watching what’s in front of you,” Kashmiry says. “That’s when I thought of developing something to help officers communicate better.”
Not only can mics prevent police officers from keeping their eyes on their subject, but mics with long nylon cords can be easily grabbed and used as a weapon by an attacker.
Kashmiry’s idea gave birth to WalkieClip, an accessory to wearing a shoulder mic that makes communication faster and more efficient.
With WalkieClip, you can pull the mic up to your mouth with your eyes on the situation at hand at all times.
“I started making WalkieClip not to get rich, but because I knew it was something that would help me and my fellow officers,” Kashmiry says.
Like Kashmiry, many police officers who recognize obstacles and challenges on duty are beginning to take action by starting their own companies to develop products and services that help other cops.
Steve Russ, a retired police officer from the City of Troy Police Department, became the president of Russ Innovations, Inc. after receiving the patent for the Flak Vest Hanger™ in 2003. Working as an officer eight years earlier, he noticed that there was a lack of equipment to safely store body armor. “Using my background in engineering, I started to work on developing a product to solve the problem of maintaining body armor,” Russ says. “I tested the product myself along with five other officers in my department, using their feedback to make adjustments.”
Russ says that he has encountered many officers who are more likely to trust products when they are developed and sold by other law enforcement officials.
“Cops are used to being sold items that are supposed to work but turn out to be a piece of junk,” Russ says. “With the Flak Vest Hanger™, officers are more open to the concept because I come from a law enforcement background.”
Officer John Johnson has also found that officers are more likely to work with him after they discover that he’s a cop. A full-time officer in Suffolk County, New York, Johnson also runs his own insurance company called Balanced Financial Solutions. After his wife got cancer and passed away, Johnson was faced with the cruel reality of being without insurance.
“When I started as an officer, my department did not educate me about insurance,” Johnson says. “I was only 23, and never thought I needed it.”
Johnson began Balanced Financial Solutions five years ago, helping families of survivors and officers who were also without insurance. He has found that officers are more likely to work with him after they find out he’s an officer, too.
“I only allow police officers to work with other police officers,” Johnson says. “It’s such a tight knit group … customers know that fellow officers will tell the truth.”
At Balanced Financial Solutions, Johnson offers life, health, disability, and long term care insurance. He has come to realize that police departments don’t thoroughly explain the importance of insurance, deferred compensation or retirement planning to their employees.
In fact, cops are more likely to become disabled during their earning years than other jobs. Johnson believes that it’s important for cops to understand safety in terms of financial livelihood.
“We have dangerous jobs, and we need to protect our families,” Johnson says. “If we can’t help each other, who else will?”
Whether they are developing a product or providing a service, police officers who run their own business face constant demands and challenges. It’s not easy to balance a career in law enforcement and run a private business with the little free time available.
“If a cop is thinking of starting his own company, my warning to him would be that you’re going to put in an awful lot of hours and work harder than you ever thought,” Russ says.
Steve Russ, showing off his design for the Flak Vest Hanger.
Running a company that deals with law enforcement products and services can be a powerful networking tool as well. When Kashmiry developed the WalkieClip, it received a score of 4.85 out of 5 by the National Tactical Officer’s Association. Through websites, Kashmiry has been able to distribute the product nationwide.
“My whole thing is that I just want to get the product out there,” Kashmiry says. “Starting your own business helps you grow as a person, but it’s not easy, that’s for sure.”
In fact, Johnson knows many officers who started their own companies and failed.
“You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to make it work,” he explains. “I have plenty of 18 hour work days, but it’s rewarding because I really believe in what I do. In the end, I know that I’m helping fellow cops.”
http://www.policeone.com/police-products/for-cops-by-cops/articles/1704719-P1-Exclusive-Entrepreneurship-in-Blue/
[I agree police deserve all the assistance/protection they can get.
Even if it is coming from a source that is least likely, naming me. I advocate on behalf of law enforcement every chance I get. At times i might appear to be overly aggressive, but I mean well, I really do. So don't take it personal when i question individual behavior.
I am the kind of person who will do whatever it takes to get the job done even if that means stepping outside of the box. Stepping outside means influencing legislators, FBI, DCI, DOJ or any other influential partner that can make a difference in officers lives.
Kudo's to those who defend officers in the line of duty.]
Kade
First and foremost, everyone who reads thus must know that I'm an entrepreneur who works in the home based business industry and I do consulting for other business owners.
I've been watching what the Obama Campaign has been doing as it relates to internet marketing and social media from the perspective of a business owner and I have to say I am blown away by the sophistication and precision with which the campaign has employed these strategies online over the past 2 years.
It's beent ruly amazing and I'd like to share my perspective to this community, in hopes that maybe it offers value to other business owners who also supported Obama.
The other thing you must know is that I was a strong Clinton supporter during the primaries and was very close to the campaign through a very close friend, went to many Clinton events and got to meet Senator Clinton a few times.
From the eyes of an internet marketer, seeing how Obama organized people vs. how Clinton organized people was like night & day. New School vs. Old School campaign management.
I have a number of resources to share, starting with this article I wrote for a community I run and manage:
http://www.betternetworker.com/articles/view/tequila-tonics-presidential-politics-social-networking
I hope you enjoy it and there is more to come soon.
Peace,
Ferny Ceballos
For the last several months, I have taken an introspective look at why I vote, how I have voted previously and how I should vote this time. Now it's time for me to share a portion of my story:
I VOTE BECAUSE this is my country. As a citizen of the United States of America, my right to vote is guaranteed and protected by the 15th, 19th, 24th and 26th Amendments of the Constitution of the United State of America. I have a right and a responsibility. I have a voice and a choice. I am personally compelled to vote.
MY VOTE THEN in 1996, I voted as a Gen X-er. In 2000, I voted as a Christian. In 2004, I voted as an Independent and did not make my decision until I was literally standing in the voting booth.
MY VOTE NOW is a holistic vote based on who I am as a total person. I am not just an African-American or just a woman or just a Christian or just an entrepreneur. I am all of that and more.
I am an entrepreneur who wants an economic policy that best supports my small business.
I am a middle class family that embraces a tax plan that effectively and responsibly maximizes my income.
I am an educated professional who would love to see an intellectual in the White House for a change. Heck, what is wrong with being smart and being an expert in constitutional law and knowing how to effectively communicate and use words in a sentence that actually belong together?
I am a Gen X-er and would love to have a President who can not only inspire but translationally lead this country into greatness in the world and humbleness before God. I
am an African-American who wants a President who understands the need to embrace diversity of ethnic background, diversity of religion and most importantly diversity of thought in this country.
I am a woman who wants a President who displays respect, support and advocacy for women as smart, intelligent and equal citizens of this country.
I am a Christian who really wants to have a Christian in office who is compassionate and understands you are not effectively showing the love of Christ to this generation by throwing a Bible at them and condemning them all to hell.
I am an American who wants a President whose top priority is protecting America then restoring America in the eyes of itself and the world, making us the example that the world is compelled to follow.
All of these separate demographics together make up who I am, but most importantly, I am an individual. I am Christina and I chose to vote for Barack Obama. I encourage you to vote now.
To read the full exposition, you can email me.
PS. As I was posting this, I had just spoken with my mom on the phone with my mom, as I'm posting this and she said she is on a "voting" date with my dad right now....how sweet! They are in line at a early voting location in NC and my sister was on the way there to vote too.
June 12, 2008 Small-Business Agency’s Problems Linger as Leader
Moves on to HUD By ELIZABETH OLSON
WASHINGTON — Steven C. Preston’s signature accomplishment as head of the Small Business Administration was overhauling the agency’s disaster loan assistance program, a program that was foundering under the crush of Hurricane Katrina claims when he took over nearly two years ago.
Mr. Preston has now moved on. He started this week as secretary of Housing and Urban Development. While he streamlined the way the S.B.A. worked, he left behind various problems that critics and small-business groups say are particularly troublesome in a weakened economy. They cite the need for greater availability of loans in particular.
And because his departure comes in the waning months of the Bush administration, it is unlikely that a permanent leader for the S.B.A., with a mandate to make major changes, will arrive before next year.
“While they focused on disaster assistance, there has been criticism that the agency has ignored small-business concerns,” said Karen A. Kerrigan, president and chief executive of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, which represents 70,000 small businesses.
The agency’s difficulties in getting hurricane assistance to small businesses and homeowners showed how years of cuts by the Bush administration had taken a toll. The S.B.A.’s budget this year, $482 million, was less than half its budget in 2001.
Critics say the S.B.A. needs to broaden access to federally guaranteed loans, which carry lower interest rates and lower fees than their commercial counterparts, so that they are more attainable for entrepreneurs and small-enterprise owners.
Minority business owners also complain the agency is not doing enough to help them find financing and contracts. Female entrepreneurs are angry that the S.B.A. has not done more to help deliver a higher percentage of contracts, even though the agency was ordered to do so by Congress eight years ago.
While Mr. Preston faced no opposition at his confirmation hearing for the job at HUD, Representative Nydia M. Velázquez, Democrat of New York and head of the House Small Business Committee, gave his stewardship of the S.B.A. an incomplete. “Unfortunately, he was not at the agency long enough to have a lasting effect,” she said.
Jovita Carranza, now the acting administrator and a former executive of United Parcel Service, is likely to run the agency until a new administration arrives.
Even with Mr. Preston’s efforts to speed up disaster assistance, Congress recently pushed ahead with provisions, part of the farm bill, that amounted to its own overhaul of the S.B.A. disaster loan program.
The legislation’s provisions, said Senator John F. Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts and chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, would “cut through red tape, increase resources, bring private lenders into the response and help bridge that gap while disaster victims begin the process of building their lives.”
And last week, the Senate voted to add $101 million to the agency’s budget. The move was also supported by Senator Kerry’s Republican counterpart on the committee, Olympia J. Snowe of Maine. Both senators argue that the agency needs to step up its efforts since less capital is available elsewhere in the current sluggish economy.
“There is a contraction in the lending program, which I think is antithetical to what the S.B.A. is supposed to be doing,” Mr. Kerry said. “This is a moment where the credit crunch requires the S.B.A. to fill the gap.”
The number and amount of federal loans under the main loan guarantee program, called 7 (a), has fallen to 50,546 through the end of May this year, from 63,945 loan approvals through the end of May 2007. The loan amounts dropped as a well, to $8.24 billion from almost $9 billion.
“Our overall lending volume is down 8 percent,” Mr. Preston said in an interview last week. “And the dollar volume from the riskiest lenders is down 34 percent because they have pulled back the most.”
The agency, he said, has adopted procedures for greater automation, which should streamline lending and make it more attractive for banks to handle S.B.A. loans.
But small-business owners like Frances Richards, who heads Arlean & Company, a construction program management firm in Las Vegas, say they do not see any relief. Her efforts to tap into the area’s commercial expansion have been thwarted by difficulties in getting a $25,000 loan to hire the employees necessary to qualify for a subcontract.
“I’m in a Catch-22 because I’m not going to get a contract unless I have the capacity to handle it,” Ms. Richards said. “But that requires more money than I can get from my credit cards.”
The S.B.A. loan program is also contentious because of accusations of inadequate oversight of lending institutions. The agency’s inspector general found recently that flawed oversight had resulted in a $329 million loss in recent years. Mr. Kerry and Ms. Snowe this month asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate the S.B.A.’s system for monitoring lender portfolios and identifying risky lenders.
“The whole process of overseeing lenders is under review,” Mr. Preston said. “We’ll be putting clear rules in place to determine what we should do for lenders,” although he said he would not be around to see it through.
The most vociferous criticism has been about the S.B.A.’s handling of government contracts, about $400 billion yearly — 23 percent of that is supposed to be for small businesses. The American Small Business League, which sued and won release of S.B.A. data, maintains that large corporations are receiving contracts meant for small business.
Last year, the agency changed its rule to require businesses to certify their size every five years to prevent large corporations from winning contracts.
Female business owners are pursuing legal action to force agency compliance with Congress’s directive, passed in 2000, that they receive 5 percent of federal contracts. This year, the agency issued a regulation that included only four industries, infuriating female business groups.
If anything, minority small businesses are even more irate at the S.B.A., though the agency this year started an initiative aimed at helping inner-city enterprises. For minority businesses, “the S.B.A. isn’t even in the picture,” complained Harry C. Alford, president and chief executive of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. “We are not looking for giveaways, but in contracts and loans we are looking for them to loosen rules and make them more accessible.
“So right now, we’re not counting on the S.B.A.”
Ahat happened? Clinton during his presidency suggested that 5% of government contracts should go to women and minorities businesses. The SBA instead for the past 8 years at least or more put out misleading information and studies..........Chaina instead has encouraged entrepreneurship.
