Education: Florida State University, Finance and Real Estate, B.S., Florida State University College of Law, J.D.

Bar Admissions: The Florida Bar, State of Georgia Bar

Professional Memberships: American Bar Association, Phi Alpha Delta

Born in Pensacola, Florida, Attorney Wright received his education as follows:

• Florida State University, Accounting, B.S., 1996
• Florida Coastal School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2005
• University of Florida, LL.M. in Taxation, 2006

We’re proud to welcome Attorney Jermane Wright to the Network. Look for him in the next issue of People You Need to Know.

Atlanta Office 752 Moreland Ave. S.E., Suite 7 Atlanta, GA 30316 (Phone) 404-624-7447

Pensacola Office 301 North Barcelona Street Pensacola, FL 32501 (Phone) 850-380-2426

She is also a graduate of Life University Chiropractic College in Marietta, Georgia, where she received her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in 2008. Dr. Gore is the owner and Chiropractic physician at the New Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center, LLC of Marietta.

Currently, Dr. Gore is a member and associate minister at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. She is also the President and CEO of Larona Johnson Gore Ministries, a non-profit organization, and has produced various gospel music projects.

Dr. Gore has traveled throughout the country ministering the word of God in word and song. She produced and was featured in a 30 minute television show, the “Larona Gore Gospel Special” that aired on Fox Television in North and South Carolina in 2001 and 2002.

Other memberships include the Cobb County NAACP, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Cobb Executive Women, Georgia Chiropractic Association, and the International Chiropractic Association.

We proudly welcome Dr. Larona Gore to the Network. Look for her on the next cover of People You Need to Know! Her office can be reached at (770) 427-0044.

His company, Pristine Technology Solutions, Inc. is comprised of a group of Independent Consultants, that provide education on the HITECH Act, Electronic Medical Record implementations, and qualified and certified Electronic Medical Record affordable solutions.

Pristine Technology Solutions, Inc. offers a host of Health Care IT Services tailored to fit the needs of organizations. Their spectrum of IT Healthcare services range from day-to-day management to strategic long-term planning of IT infrastructures. They provide Pre-Implementation support, Training, and Post Installation support. Through their consultative processes and approach, they tailor their services to fit your unique needs.

Pristine will work with your practice to select an EMR solution that will give you the ability to manage patient flow, immediately access patient records in-house or remotely, electronically communicate with the referring physicians and securely send consultation notes and clinical data. They will also work with you to ensure your EMR application is compliant with the HITECH Act (aka Stimulus Bill).

Pristine’s range of consulting services are designed to help your organization maximize profits.

• Practice Assessment
• Hardware Setup and Installation
• Software Implementation
• Training - They spend time with every client understanding their learning needs such as computer skills, workflow, staffing levels, and overall objectives so they can provide a tailored training plan for each client.
• Lifecycle Support – They support you from start to finish and after.

Whether your healthcare practice is just getting off the ground, or if it’s been up-and-running for years, Pristine’s practice management services can help you with the business side of medicine, so you can focus on the business of patient care.

Their billing and coding offerings as well as guidance help eliminate unnecessary claim denials and delays through a complete integration of workflow, billing, coding and reimbursement management.

For a personal consultation, call their friendly Sales Team (Office) 770.602.1166 or (Cell) 770.307.8265

Look for Mr. Lenny Swinson in the next edition of People You Need to Know.

But where should you advertise and how much of it should you do? How much should you spend? How often should you advertise? What form should it take?

Lots of questions. Let’s look at some of the answers. And please note: Every advertising plan is unique, so these answers are just possibilities - suggestions - and should not be construed as YOUR plan. You will need to investigate the possibilities for your product and your target market and come up with your own plan before you begin.

Where you advertise depends on your type of business and the area you want to cover. You might choose local magazines and newspapers, or publications that are distributed free at local supermarkets and other retail and private outlets. You might also consider radio spots or press releases to augment print ads, try online videos, banners, etc., take the plunge into social media or sponsor events in your community.

We’ve already established that advertising is essential to identifying you as a player in your market. How much advertising you do depends on your budget. You must decide how much you can afford in order to get your name out. Since advertising is an investment, you will need to put a pencil to your finances to determine how much you can spend. Once you’ve established an advertising budget, begin by contacting potential advertising outlets. Ask what they charge for various ad sizes. Ask about circulation numbers and deadlines for placement. Print ads will be priced by ad size, circulation numbers and, sometimes, the location of the ad within the publication. Keep in mind that ads usually cost more if they run in color.

Radio ads are generally sold as packages - a certain number of ads of a certain length played in certain or various time slots - for a package amount. Because their advertising rates are audience driven, radio stations charge more for what is called “drive time” - the hours in the morning and afternoon when a lot of people are commuting to and from work.

Before you commit to a radio package, be sure to ask each station how many listeners they report for various times of day. Also, smaller stations charge less than larger ones because they generally have smaller audiences. Research the size of the stations and the audiences they tend to attract. For example, if your product is aimed at people between the ages of 15 and 24, you will want to choose stations with programming that attracts that age group.

You can also consider television advertising. However, television advertising is more expensive and requires you to produce a commercial. This production will add to your upfront cost. Like radio, television advertising is priced by ad length and the time of day the ads are played. In addition, it is vitally important that any ad you produce looks very professional. It is tempting to think you can reach a large audience through TV, but if you produce an unprofessional ad, the audience will know and the result will be negative rather than positive for you.

In all cases we’ve talked about, you will have to supply words that describe your product, business or offer. Of course you won’t need art for radio, but you will need top-notch professional art and/or video for print or television advertising. You will incur an additional cost to produce that art - either through the publication/TV station or another source.

The bottom line is getting other people to say your name in as many ways as possible to make your “Brand” stick and bring more business to your door! No advertising method is outdated. As long as you can capture the attention of an audience and get them to respond, you have succeeded. As a matter of fact, depending on the service offered, people are still able to get my business using flyers.

Marketing Cafe owner, Melanie Robinson, is a guiding light for small business owners, no matter their challenges, no matter their budget. With an MBA and a passion for entrepreneurship, this Atlanta Marketing guru, along with her team of professionals at Marketing Cafe bring over 40 years of experience from major corporations, ad agencies and marketing firms. Her team will put their years of corporate experience to work for your small business and help you move to the next level.

Ms. Robinson believes real marketing success requires that a company understand your company at its core; who you are, your core values, your company’s personality and your short and long-term goals and expectations. Her company does this through a unique set of activities that translate into a four-step approach:

1. Educate: arm entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge by constantly educating them on the many layers of marketing.

2. Strategize: plan for success by developing sound marketing strategies that meet the needs of the business and are flexible enough to accommodate marketplace shifts.

3. Systemize: develop a marketing system to support the strategic vision and goals that is easy to follow, understand and measure.

4. Support: provide needed support and guidance via coaching and mentoring along the way.

Look for Ms. Melanie Robinson in the next edition of People You Need to Know!

E-Bay and other online auction sites are still today’s hottest trends. And if you are like me and many other Americans, you may have caught the online auction bug. Whether you are posting unwanted items from your attic or basement or have intentions of becoming a virtual entrepreneur, you should be aware of the tax rules that apply to your sales proceeds.

So I’m sure you are asking, what’s the deal? Is it taxable or not? Well, the old baby furniture or the unused treadmill generally do not have any tax consequences. In these cases, the amounts you receive for these items are generally less than what you paid for them so there’s no gain on the sale. The most you get out of the sale is cash to buy more junk and a little more space in your garage. And that, my friend, is not taxable!

If the items you are unloading are considered an antique or collectible item, then a different set of rules are applicable. In this case, you generally will receive more for the item than what you paid for it, creating a gain on the sale. The tax treatment on this sale will depend on whether or not you’ve had the items for a year or more. The general rule of having the item for less than a year deems it as a short-term gain and is taxed at your ordinary income rate. However, if you’ve had the item for a year or more, then it’s considered a long-term gain and you may be eligible for favorable tax rates.

So if you have made any online sales or are considering such sales we will be happy to advise you on the proper handling of your transactions for tax purposes.

© Copyright 2006, By The Book Accounting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Bernadette Johnson-Hairl, MBA, speaker and author is the President of By The Book Accounting. Look for her in the next edition of People You Need to Know. Bernadette has a BS in Accounting and completed her MBA at the Keller Graduate School of Management. She is also a certified QuickBooks training specialist. Because she enjoys teaching, she is also a part-time Adjunct Accounting professor.

“The Pink Party: A Celebration of Survivorship,” hosted by former America’s Next Top Model winner, Eva Pigford, was created to enlighten, encourage, inspire and motivate men and women of all walks of life to take control of their health.

The event will focus on the significance of early detection, the critical importance of performing self-exams, and the need for preventative, routine check-ups. With a portion of the proceeds going to the Greater Atlanta Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure, Williams hopes that participants will find the courage to take on a more active role in the well-being and health of themselves and their loved ones.

“Breast cancer is a disease that has affected so many families including mine,” said Sophia Williams, owner of T&S Shoes. “I wanted to create an event to celebrate survivors and their families. Life can go on after a diagnosis with breast cancer.”

Fantasia Barrino, winner of American Idol, will be headlining the event by putting on a full show. There will also be performances by Day 26 of MTV’s Making the Band, William Murphy, the OMG Girls, the Shades of Pink Breast Cancer Survivors Mass Choir, and many others. With a multitude of vendors, free health screenings, a KangaZoom Kids Area and much more, “The Pink Party: A Celebration of Survivorship” is full of excitement for the whole family.

So. . .come out and participate in this worthwhile event. You’ll discover that we’re all in this together. What affects one of us, literally affects us all. We look forward to seeing you there.

Tickets are on sale now. Please go to ThePinkPartyATL.com or call 404-914-2241 for more information.

So who’s responsible for my new micro-blogging adventure? The credit goes to @AYellowHouse. I was very hesitant about joining, but Dori convinced me to jump in and give it a try. So…a couple of months later, I gathered up the courage to take the plunge and I’ve become a better person because of it. The people who have helped me grow are too numerous to mention and I’m very thankful for each and every one of them.

One of my favorite benefits is the fact that you can talk in real-time to anyone in the world. From authors, CEOs, activists, musicians, graphic designers, you name the profession, there’s someone you can talk to 24 hours a day and seek advice.

Another great benefit it offers is that it actually helps you with your writing skills. You’ve got to be clear about what you’re writing since you only have 140 characters to get your message across. I don’t have a big problem with that because I’m not a big talker so that part was rather easy.

To help us become more comfortable with Twitter, Corvida Raven (@corvida), was gracious enough to be our guest on Spark Plug Radio. She gave us the goods on Twitter basics. Her interview basically answered the question…What’s the Big Deal About Twitter? After her interview, it didn’t seem so overwhelming but a very simple concept indeed.

To me, Twitter is similar to a Lego brick. It starts out very simple. However, if you keep building and building, connecting and connecting, you just never know what’s possible, but it helps to have a plan. So far, I’ve been pleased with the rewards I’ve received from my experience. Keep in mind, if you’re self-centered, only wanting to push your own agenda, you’ll get turned off very quickly because it’s all about sharing in the community.

Feel free to follow us on Twitter. If you haven’t joined, at least give it a try. Have fun!

~ Jacqueline

Her seven-year-old daughter had chosen the Cracker Barrel Restaurant as a place for them to go and have a nice meal, but as most of us now know, they never even had a chance to sit down.

Edmund Burke once said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing!”

Anthony ‘Spark Plug’ Thomas, a local motivational speaker, and publisher of People You Need to Know, decided to do something and launch what he calls a day of Joy & Pampering for the mother and daughter. After hearing about this in the media, he believed that the metro Atlanta business community would want to do something collectively to reach out to Ms. Hill and her young daughter, who was also traumatized.

So, he contacted several local businesses and most were eager to donate their services because they wanted to show, especially the daughter, that she still lives in a world where strangers care.

Ms. Shamone Green, sales manager at MTI Limo & Shuttle Services didn’t hesitate to donate two days of limousine transportation for Ms. Hill and her daughter as well as offer additional assistance. Sweet Success Salon volunteered to style their hair, and Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, Atrice Baker will give the mother a complimentary facial and make-over. Spa Sydell in Buckhead donated a manicure and pedicure for them and the Atlanta Marriott Marquis has given them a night of luxurious accommodations at their hotel.

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History is giving them tickets to their IMAX® Theatre as well as two free passes to the Museum. Houston’s Midtown restaurant on Peachtree is providing complimentary lunch or dinner for the mother and daughter. Additionally, the Midtown Mediterranean Diner is offering breakfast, lunch or dinner. Mr. Patel with Bruster’s Real Ice Cream in Morrow, Georgia, is giving them a gift card for free ice cream.

Spark Plug says, “I’m getting tired of seeing crimes being committed against women in our country and around the world. They give birth to us all and spend most of their time nurturing us in our formative years, literally holding up the world without getting the credit they so richly deserve. As men, we need to do a better job of protecting them and not hurting them. Without women, where would this world be?”

“I hope this day of Joy & Pampering gives Ms. Hill and her daughter something more positive to focus on for a long time.”

“The Pink Party: A Celebration of Survivorship,” hosted by former America’s Next Top Model winner, Eva Pigford, was created to enlighten, encourage, inspire and motivate men and women of all walks of life to take control of their health.

The event will focus on the significance of early detection, the critical importance of performing self-exams, and the need for preventative, routine check-ups. With a portion of the proceeds going to the Greater Atlanta Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure, Williams hopes that participants will find the courage to take on a more active role in the well being and health of themselves and their loved ones.

“Breast cancer is a disease that has affected so many families including mine,” said Sophia Williams, owner of T&S Shoes. “I wanted to create an event to celebrate survivors and their families. Life can go on after a diagnosis with breast cancer.”

Fantasia Barrino, winner of American Idol, will be headlining the event by putting on a full show. There will also be performances by Day 26 of MTV’s Making the Band, William Murphy, the OMG Girls, the Shades of Pink Breast Cancer Survivors Mass Choir, and many others. With a multitude of vendors, free health screenings, a KangaZoom Kids Area and much more, “The Pink Party: A Celebration of Survivorship” is full of excitement for the whole family.

Tickets are on sale now. Please go to ThePinkPartyATL.com or call 404-914-2241 for more information.

She has worked with many people that you see on television each week in the areas of Etiquette, Public Speaking, Image Consulting, Media /Press Coaching and Life Skills. She often incorporates video into her training, affording a client the opportunity to view ‘befores’ and ‘afters’. Video, she says, is the only way for us to see ourselves as the world does.

Sherry believes that proper Etiquette in all areas of our lives is an integral part of how we’re perceived, thus affecting our advancement in the workplace and our overall well being. She has coined the phrase Public Persona Optimization, meaning that if you practice certain techniques long enough in order to maximize your public perception, eventually those techniques and changes become a natural part of who you are, thus optimizing your private persona.

Sherry’s clients include Corporations, new Socialites, Athletes, Children, Adults, new Graduates, people from all walks of life – all seeking to master the polish and skills required to ‘get ahead’, ’seal the deal’ or ‘make a favorable impression’. She has been featured in magazines and newspapers, on radio shows, and has had many etiquette articles published.

“Confidence without arrogance” is her favorite mantra.

Sherry loves children and can often be seen in the middle of the floor with kids and teens of all ages, participating with them, instead of staring down at them.

In addition to Etiquette, Sherry is a Writer and Video Producer, having produced Commercials, Infomercials, Corporate Video, and Elite Weddings. She is President of Breathless Video Productions. Based in South Florida, her international video company shoots anywhere in the world!

Having been a New York City actress, she can still be found, occasionally, on the stages of South Florida, performing . . . just to keep the acting blood warm.

Listen to her interview below and learn how etiquette can help as well as hinder your progress.

PowerfulLatinas.com launched its first project, an interview series, to compile a storehouse of wisdom from Latinas who have reached successful peaks in their lives. The project is an exciting one and geared to provide inspiration, personal growth and motivation for Latinas and others nationwide.

The goal is to motivate and inspire women – young, old, and everything in between– to learn from others’ life lessons.

Her own life story being one of inspiration, Aurelia understands what it means to overcome obstacles. After becoming pregnant at 15, she graduated from high school a year early and went immediately to college where she received her B.A. in Sociology. She received her law degree from Stanford Law School and then was awarded a post-graduate Fulbright Fellowship to study in Mexico City.

Aurelia has been practicing corporate law for the past ten years, first at a prominent law firm and now for a Fortune 300 company where she specializes in intellectual property.

As a young woman, Aurelia personally found a lack of positive role models in her life. The scope of possibilities and opportunities that were known to her was very narrow.

During the course of her own academic and professional life she found the lack of guidance and experience a hindrance to her at various points in her life. She believes it would have been great to have had role models to look up to.

Aurelia wants to offer a learning opportunity to other women who might find themselves in similar shoes. She strongly believes women can learn from other women, no matter where they are in their career or life path.

Aurelia volunteers for various non-profit organizations, and sits on the Board of the San Diego Museum of Art. She is a proud mother and her son now attends Georgetown University.

Tune in below to listen to Ms. Aurelia Flores. She will be sharing some benefits about her life-changing organization, PowerfulLatinas.com. Her office can be reached at (858) 569-0710.

Ingrid began her college career at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She completed her degree in Communications at Oglethorpe University.

A new business owner, and founder of The Party Makers, Ingrid Priscilla Wiggberg is quickly making a good name for herself and her company in the metro Atlanta area. Her future goal is to have event planning businesses in many other cities along the East Coast, including New York.

Her late mother who passed away about five years ago is her main inspiration for deciding to pursue the event planning business. Ingrid’s mother is sorely missed by her family and friends and she is most remembered for her talent as a great hostess and fabulous entertainer.

Excited about taking it to the next level, Ingrid plans to follow in her mother’s footsteps by making the most of the “gift” for event planning that her mother passed on to her.

People You Need to Know is proud to welcome Ms. Ingrid Priscilla Wiggberg to the Network!! Look for her in the next edition of PYNTK. She can be reached at 770-853-2069. Listen to her radio interview below.

The mission of Festival Peachtree Latino is to serve as an integrating path between Hispanic audiences and businesses, fostering development, strengthening commercial relationships, and culturally responding to the modern and traditional activities of their community.

The first thing that is evident when arriving at Festival Peachtree Latino is its sheer size! Although a majority of visitors are Hispanic, people of all cultures attend Underground Atlanta to watch or participate in the festivities. This demonstrates that the Festival is an excellent resource to reach out to new customers. It is a great opportunity to showcase your products or services to all who attend, while enjoying a cultural experience of music, food and other exciting activities that the Festival has to offer.

Two stages featuring international performances, a parade, exhibition booths and an arts & crafts showcase are held in the Underground Atlanta area. In only 5 years, Festival Peachtree Latino has become a long awaited and ever-expanding event not only for Hispanics, but for the rest of our diverse community as well. The attendance has tripled from its beginning in 2000, to the present with a record of over 80,000 visitors in 2004.

Join us as we participate in this festive event on Sunday, August 23rd. For more information visit the Festival Peachtree Latino website!

Even though we are literally wrapped up in the age of emails, blogs, video conferencing, streaming videos, podcasts, Twitter, Facebook, etc., there are still throngs of people who prefer basic face-to-face marketing or networking instead of online social networks.

For instance, your initial business contact with Spark Plug, publisher of People You Need to Know, would probably never be through an online social network, but on the phone or face-to-face. He prefers the old school way of communicating. He says it helps him get to the heart of the matter more quickly when it comes to doing business.

On the other hand, I’m ashamed to admit that I’m addicted to Twitter. Though I enjoy events, meeting face-to-face to do business is a last resort because I believe I can do everything I need to do online. So, considering the various habits and social preferences of people, there is still a large audience looking to meet primarily at Expos, conventions and other events. The spirit at these face-to-face gatherings is inspirational, uplifting and motivational, but more than anything else, the opportunities are endless.

As a matter of fact, we use face-to-face marketing frequently to promote the people in our network and to distribute our publications. We probably participate in events throughout each year totaling more than 1 million people in attendance. We have a chance to further strengthen the brand of our clients, give people a chance to ask questions, look into their eyes or invite them under the People You Need to Know tent for a chat.

Benefits of Face-to-Face Marketing:

• Meeting people who can use your product or service
• Generate new clients or get referrals
• It gives your business more credibility
• Become more than a voice, business card, flyer in the mail or Tweet
• A chance to really show just how professional your product is to those who are not familiar with it
• Distribute new and updated information via one-pagers, brochures, product samples, etc.
• Collect business cards from potential clients to contact after the event
• Run into old friends you haven’t seen in years because you’ve been too busy working
• And if you’re lucky, you can get your product photographed and placed in the local newspaper for even greater exposure or better yet, online!

I hope you consider doing more face-to-face marketing or networking. The experience can be priceless and the opportunities are endless. In addition, it will give you a chance to get out of the office and breathe some fresh air.

~ Jacqueline Benjamin-Thomas

I am often asked how to lose weight quickly and easily.

Of course no one wants to listen to a lecture on the importance of healthy eating coupled with a solid exercise routine. That would preclude the quick and easy part.

So in a world where two thirds of all adults are overweight or obese, and some doctors predict that we will soon see a generation with a lower life expectancy than their parents due to obesity related diseases, I’ve come up with a solution that is both quick and easy. (Drum roll, please.)

Stop eating fried foods. (Gasp!)

Fried foods, despite having little to no nutritional value and being loaded with fat and calories, have become an accepted indulgence in our society. So accepted that many restaurants serve fries or chips alongside every meal.

It’s no wonder that fried foods are the number one thing that most people crave – they are salty, addictive and plentiful.

Are Fried Foods Really That Bad?

In a nutshell, yes, fried foods really are that bad for you.

Take an average potato, bake it and you have 110 calories and 0 grams of fat. Take that same potato, turn it into French fries and you have 380 calories and 18 grams of fat.

Frying food is the easiest way to dramatically increase the calorie and fat content. And you know that extra calories and fat end up as extra body fat.

Other disasters that fried foods put you at risk for include: Heart Disease, Diabetes, Clogged Arteries, High Blood Pressure, Obesity and Acne.

Fried foods have also been known to trigger Acid Reflux and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Need I say more?

Going Fried-Free

Giving up fried food may not be easy, though it will arguably be one of the best things you do for your health and appearance. You will lose weight and improve your health by eliminating fried food from your life.

Keep in mind that, like all habits, the first thirty days will be the toughest. Make things easier by staying away from situations that place you in front of a big basket of fries or plate of donuts. Call now to get started on changing your eating habits and get fit in 90 Days. 770 719-8881

Due to their high accessibility and relative ease of use, more people began to utilize internet based sites to form relationships, not only for personal, but for political and business use as well. A shift was created in how people were locating, reading and sharing news, information and content. This union of sociology and technology has become known as social media. Facebook, one such social media site, has kept pace with and emerged as a global giant in this changing trend.

Facebook is free for individuals and businesses to join. The individual user sets up a “Profile” where they can share information about themselves, become “Friends” with other users, and there is even a chat feature for real-time communication. Each time a friend posts their status, new pictures, or an item of interest, it is visible to you through the news feed function.

Businesses can set up a Facebook “Page” which is publicly available and accessible for indexing by search engines. Businesses invite individuals to become a “Fan” of their page, and benefit from viral growth through the fan’s recommendation of the business to other friends. Through the news feed, businesses can push information out to their fan base. Any individual that is a friend of that fan, can also see the information the business distributes.

Other ways to form relationships and promote your business on Facebook include:

• Joining Networks which are based around a region, workplace or school;
• Joining or creating Groups relative to your industry or niche;
• Utilizing the Events application to broadcast an upcoming event or gathering;
• Creating your own fun Application that friends and fans can interact with, sponsored by your company;
• Purchasing targeted ads based on CPC or CPM basis (cost per clicks or impressions).

Like many, I originally joined Facebook to make connections with friends, past and present. I recently attended a cook out hosted by an old chum from my middle school days, and his wife. I had not seen them in 30 years! They are the people, along with another friend who I also reconnected with through Facebook, that you see with me in the picture featured at the top of this post.

I have also made many new friends by connecting with people who have similar interests or are looking to network or cross promote. You simply cannot place a value on the importance of this type of social interaction, both personally and professionally. People want to be known and appreciated, and tend do business with people they trust.

Companies worldwide are leveraging the power of social media sites to improve customer relationships, create interaction, and increase brand awareness. Skittles and Zappos.com are two examples of companies who use their Facebook pages to actively engage with consumers. By making it a more personal experience for the user instead of an outward marketing ploy, Skittles and Zappos have earned priceless credibility and gained a very loyal fan/customer base.

Regardless of a company’s size, product or service, creating or enhancing their online presence through social media should be an important component of their overall marketing strategy. With resounding statistics, such as the ones below, it is easy to see why Facebook has become an integral part of social media marketing campaigns for businesses large and small alike:

• More than 100 million users log on to Facebook each day;
• The fastest growing user demographic is those 35 years of age and older;
• More than 6 million users become fans of Pages each day;
• More than 1 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) are shared each week;
• More than 30 million active user groups exist on the site;
• More than 50 international translations available on the site, with more than 40 in development;
• More than 30 million users currently access Facebook through their mobile devices; *

Creative Options Social Media Management specializes in assisting individuals and small to mid-size business owners with profile and content creation, distribution, optimization, campaign and reputation management services.

Silver is a sought-after speaker and coach who combines her natural reporter’s curiosity with her desire to help others look and feel young. Her best-selling book is available at: Amazon.com and AgingBackwards.com.

Listen to Jackie Silver Live on Spark Plug Radio, August 7, 2009 at 9:00 am. She will be sharing her secrets, tips and shortcuts for staying young! You can also follow her on Twitter @agingbackwards.

What do you call a woman who owns the world records (women’s T44 classification) in the 100m, 200m and 400m dashes and runs her own non-profit organization for people with physical disabilities? U.S. Paralympian April Holmes. Tune in to hear her live; 7/31/09 9:00 am EST on our new Grow Through It & Lead inspirational/motivational radio show.

Since her career in Paralympic track & field began in 2002, Holmes has continued to succeed, improving each and every step of the way. Her latest feats include breaking her own world records in the 100m and 200m dashes at the 2006 U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships in Atlanta, GA. She then led a strong US delegation to the IPC World Championships in Assen, Netherlands where she excited the crowd with commanding gold winning performances in the 100 and 200 meter races.

It wasn’t until 2001 when Holmes was involved in a train accident that resulted in the loss her left leg below the knee. While she lay in her hospital bed, a doctor told her about the Paralympic Games and a new goal was firmly implanted in her mind.

Off the track, Holmes runs the April Holmes Foundation, a non-profit organization tasked with assisting people with physical and developmental disabilities in every day life. Having recently completed her MBA in Marketing, Holmes plans to use her education to improve the awareness of persons with disabilities while eventually testing her entrepreneurial skills in event planning.

She is also a graduate of Life University Chiropractic College in Marietta, Georgia, where she received her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in 2008. Dr. Gore is the owner and Chiropractic physician at the New Life Chiropractic & Wellness Center, LLC of Marietta.

Currently, Dr. Gore is a member and associate minister at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. She is also the President and CEO of Larona Johnson Gore Ministries, a non-profit organization, and has produced various gospel music projects. In addition, Dr. Gore has traveled throughout the country ministering the word of God in word and song. She produced and was featured in a 30 minute television show, the “Larona Gore Gospel Special” that aired on Fox Television in North and South Carolina in 2001 and 2002.

Other memberships include the Cobb County NAACP, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Cobb Executive Women, Georgia Chiropractic Association, and the International Chiropractic Association.

We proudly welcome Dr. Larona Gore to the Network. Look for her in the next edition of People You Need to Know! Her office can be reached at (770) 427-0044.

Before evacuating to Atlanta in 2005 from Katrina, Dr. Val lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband, Dr. Mike Acker and their 3 children. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology Pre-Med from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia. Dr. Val and Dr. Mike own College Optical Express on the campus of Georgia Tech in Midtown Atlanta. Dr. Val also sees patients at Super Target Optical in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Tune in and get the information you need regarding eye contacts.

Find out why it’s important to keep your eyes healthy. Our guest, Dr. Michael D. Acker, II is the Center Director/Owner of College Optical Express in Midtown Atlanta on the campus of GA Tech. He is a Residency trained Contact Lens Specialist and a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. Dr. Acker has a BS in Chemistry (Pre-Med) from Xavier University. He received a Doctor Of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College Of Optometry, Philadelphia.

Tune in and find out why you should see an eye doctor today!

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from Binghamton University in New York in 1998, and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2003 from Meharry Medical College. Dr. Hall was one of a few select students inducted into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon.

After graduation, she studied an additional two years and received her Certificate in Orthodontics from Columbia University in New York.

A National Dean’s List Scholar, Dr. Hall has received many awards, including the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Aptitude and Achievement Award and the United States Achievement Academy All-American Scholar Collegiate Award.

Dr. Hall is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association and the Georgia Dental Association.

The New York native now resides in Atlanta. She enjoys the theater, traveling and spending time with her family.

Look for Dr. Tameka Hall in the next edition of People You Need to Know. Her office can be reached 770.732.6008

The Nagger and the “Nagee”

We all know how nagging works. One person (the nagger) bugs the other person (the “naggee”) to do something. The “naggee” does not want to do this, but he/she eventually does it just to get the nagger off his/her back.

For the nagger, this seems like a good solution. After all, they got their way. However, the foundation of your marriage can be damaged if this happens frequently.

These Problems are Caused by “N.A.G.G.I.N.G.”

N: Nuisance You are a nuisance whenever you nag your mate. It is like the pesky mosquito that keeps buzzing around and will not leave you alone. It is very annoying. Is that the type of relationship that you want to have with your mate?

A: Anger and Resentment Frequent nagging can lead to anything from irritation to fury in your spouse. Over time, this leads to walls of resentment in your marriage.

G: Grow Apart from Each Other Your spouse may start avoiding you if you continue to nag them. This can create an emotional distance between the two of you.

G: Goes Where the Grass Looks Greener If constant nagging drives a wedge between you, then your spouse may become discontent with your marriage. It could even drive him/her into the arms of someone else.

I: Is Inconsiderate Nagging is a form of manipulation. You try to control your spouse’s behavior through constant complaining. It shows a lack of respect for their desires and feelings. Essentially you are demonstrating that your desires are more important than their desires.

N: Not Conducive to a Partnership Nagging is one-sided. Your partner only complies with your demands out of frustration and not based on an agreement between both of you.

G: Gets You Short-Term Results, But Long-Term Problems Is getting what you want in the short-term worth the problems caused by nagging? Before you start nagging, you might want to consider the long-term consequences. Nagging is just one common mistake that couples make.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurel_Barnet

Listen to the song below to hear Alabama Mike (The Blues Singer) break it all down!

A year out law school, Ms. Jean-Charles established Economic Legal Solutions to address the many questions of law and procedure for family and for those who would not ordinarily have access to an attorney. The business started with just performing basic legal research and grew from there. With Economic Legal Solutions, later renamed Lex Analytic Research Group in 2005, Ms. Jean-Charles, counsels small business owners in issues of corporate formation, intellectual property, taxation, and contracts.

In 2007, Ms. Jean-Charles founded Johnson Elliott Jean-Charles, LLC, named after her family, where she continued her extensive work in areas of real estate which is her family’s business, criminal and juvenile defense, juvenile deprivation proceedings and business litigation. She has served as lead counsel in state, superior and federal courts in Georgia. Ms. Jean-Charles is dedicated to pro bono work having recently been acknowledged in the Georgia Bar Journal for her pro bono efforts with the Gwinnett Pro Bono Project.

Ms. Jean-Charles received a Bachelor of Science degree from Morgan State University in 1998 and is a 2002 graduate of The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. She co-owns the law firm and research firm with her husband, Ben Jean-Charles. They have two children and reside in suburban Atlanta. Her office can be reached at (678) 343-9535.

Many things come to mind upon hearing Alabama Mike sing for the first time, but mostly it’s where has this guy been? With a soulful voice that brings such greats as Elmore James, Buddy Guy, Little Johnny Taylor and yes, even BB King to mind, you will be asking yourself, “Why haven’t I seen or heard of him before.”

Alabama Mike is a very unique talent, not only a gifted singer but also a very talented song writer, having penned over half of the tunes on this impressive debut.

Born in Talladega, Alabama, in 1964, “Alabama” was influenced by the Gospel singing of his father at an early age, as well as his love for Chicago Blues. Alabama Mike is embarking upon a bright future. He is an artist that anybody that has any interest in the Blues will soon notice.

The CD features the talents of Steve Freund; RJ Misho, John Nemeth; Charles Wheal, Chris Burns as well as members of his band, Third Degree.

Listen to Day to Day from his debut CD.

As a ‘voice’ for the organic evolution of our human expression, she has committed her life to sharing the powerful, healing truth of loving yourself with the world.

A lover of love, Melana is driven and destined to understand everything and all things related to this powerful and magnificent energy called love. Melana says, “I love human beings more than I can bear most times, and yet, it is that very love that touches my heart and moves my feet to continue on this path of healing and sharing love with the world.”

A spiritual leader and ‘keeper of the flame’ for The Path: A Journey Into the Light, a belief system and structure that teaches and supports the truth about love, from self-love to unconditional love for all human beings, Melana is dedicated to helping people understand how loving their body impacts their total health, mind, body and spirit.

Loving yourself will definitely give your entire life a brand new meaning and set your feet on a path which will open new doors and provide more opportunities for you to grow.

Tune in an be inspired by her insightful and heartfelt interview.

The audio book delivers motivation, inspiration and life skills to women working in the music industry. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Her mission is to concentrate on building strong communities by empowering women in the industry and networking to build sound partnerships while creating immeasurable concepts that will set the standard far above the competition.

Someone once said, a vacation is what you take when you cannot take what you have been taking any longer. When you live a very busy life, it is easy to find yourself out of fuel and feeling a little run-down. Anyway, you don’t always need a long vacation in order to renew your mind and give your brain some fresh air. Sometimes, you just need a day off.

Business owners often fool themselves into believing that their business cannot afford to lose them for even one day. Well, it can. Trust me, long after you’re gone, the world will continue to spin on its axis.

So…be kind to yourself. No one can do it better than you can. Put your feet up, relax your mind, get a massage, or go to a movie. For those of you who live in my neck of the woods, check out one of Georgia’s State Parks or mountains and enjoy the breathtaking view. Do something that will make you feel refreshed. Just make sure you add some FUN into your life.

Sometimes a day off can be your BEST reward for your overworked life.

~ jacqueline ]]> http://myideas1.podbean.com/2009/06/18/note-to-self-you-deserve-a-break/feed/ http://myideas1.podbean.com/2009/06/15/sixteen-years-with-pyntk-attorney-donald-p-edwards/ http://myideas1.podbean.com/2009/06/15/sixteen-years-with-pyntk-attorney-donald-p-edwards/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:59:22 +0000 myideas1 Attorneys http://myideas1.podbean.com/2009/06/15/sixteen-years-with-pyntk-attorney-donald-p-edwards/ Attorney Donald P. Edwards, known as the “Community-Minded Attorney” in metro Atlanta, has renewed his contract with People You Need to Know (PYNTK) for the sixteenth straight year.

Thank you Attorney Edwards for your confidence in our ability to promote you and your brand. Above all else, thank you for your sincere dedication and service to the community.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Attorney Don Edwards’ professional accomplishments reflect a distinguished career. He has for the past three decades served his clients, his profession and the African American community in Atlanta. He has fashioned legal cases and landmark million dollar verdicts for his clients. As a civil litigation specialist, his professional focus is on personal injury cases. His work has earned him the Martindale-Hubbell “AV” rating, the highest rating offered by this nationally recognized law directory.

An agent for social change, Edwards has an array of board affiliations with several major community and professional organizations. His personal commitment has been recognized with many awards and citations for leadership and service including the 2004 Inductee to the Gate City Bar Association’s “Hall of Fame”, and NAACP’s Thurgood Marshall Award “For Dedicated Service To The NAACP In The Fight For Freedom And Justice.” Recently, the State Bar of Georgia recognized Attorney Edwards during its Annual Meeting with the “Chief Justice Robert Benham Community Service Award” for exemplary community service as a legal professional.

Edwards is currently involved with organizations that address issues affecting family, community, church, health care and world peace. He is currently Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Ethics; Immediate past Chair of the South Atlanta District for the Boy Scouts of America, where he has received the 2002 Silver Beaver Award, the highest award issued by the Atlanta Area Council for volunteer service; Founding President of Southwest Hospital Foundation and a Trustee of Southwest Hospital; Past Board President of the Christian Council of Metropolitan Atlanta; founding president of the Association of Metro Atlanta DFACS Boards, and the past chairman of the Board of the Fulton County Department of Family and Children Services, where a dormitory for boys in foster care was named after Attorney Edwards. Edwards is a member of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and Leadership Atlanta. Edwards is also a past president of the Gate City Bar Association, and is a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and the National Bar Association, where he has served as a member of the Board of Governors.

An activist in pursuit of a more peaceful world, Don is the Southeast Coordinator of Every Church A Peace Church, and producer-host of the TV program, Every Church A Peace Church, which received the 2004 Allen Award presented by Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters for best continuous faith based program in 2004. Don’s peace work also earned him the World Council of Churches “Blessed Are The Peacemakers Award”, personally presented to him by the WCC General Secretary Samuel Kobia in October, 2004. Edwards is an active and long time member of Atlanta’s Hillside Chapel and Truth Center, where he had served as Chairman of the Trustee Board for several years.

“I am very much a beneficiary of the civil rights struggle of the 1950’s and 1960’s,” he says. “Not only did I learn the importance of people becoming active in social change, I also saw lawyers leading that change.” With that motivation, Edwards completed Boston University School of Law in 1973, after graduating with honors from Morehouse College to begin his legal career as a civil rights lawyer in the firm of well known former Atlanta attorney, Howard Moore, Jr.

A well-respected trial lawyer, Edwards’ firm specializes in serving clients involved in automobile accidents, medical negligence, wrongful death and personal injury claims. “Clients who are injured or killed because of someone else’s fault have the same civil rights to obtain full compensation for their losses as the civil right to vote and to work without being discriminated against. My three decades of experience tells me that it requires competent, ethical and aggressive legal representation to assert those rights on behalf of injured victims.”

Attorney Edwards resides in Southwest Atlanta with his wife, Jo Roberson Edwards, a businesswoman, and daughters, Nia and Domia. Edwards remarks: “My family is my most important accomplishment.”

Ms. Manns is an expert at developing multi-media marketing and advertising campaigns designed to produce a profitable return on investment. She is an accomplished and skilled sales professional known for building key strategic partnerships both locally and nationally.

Ms. Manns has extensive experience developing key strategic marketing and advertising campaigns for Fortune 100 Companies. Her experience in selling radio, print, events, internet and cable TV provides her a wealth of knowledge in various mediums. In addition, she also has freelance media buying experience for small and large businesses in the top 100 U.S. markets.

The beautiful thing about our BIG world is it’s never stagnant, but always flowing with power and unlimited possibilities.

Many times, in order for us to move forward, we’ve got to take a step back and reflect. I often find myself reflecting on my own posts and interestingly, this particular one was posted last June. I thought it was a good idea to freshen it up and re-post it. I hope you find a word or two that makes your day a little more pleasurable.

By the way, if you ever visit Niagara Falls, don’t leave without taking an unforgettable ride on the Maid of the Mist. It’s truly a breathtaking experience! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

~ Jacqueline

I will leave you with a wonderful quote by Susan Polis Shutz. “This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to make your life happy.”

He spent most of his time traveling, which took quality time away from his wife and kids. He is now happy to be at the next phase of his career and gets great satisfaction out of preparing breakfast for his kids each morning.

Tune in to Doug’s interview as he shares his journey of being one of 1,100 people laid off from Lithonia Lighting, and now he’s building a new career as his own boss.

If keeping your skin radiant and silky smooth is a priority, you’ve got to listen to this show! Dr. Gloria Campbell-D’Hue, affectionately known as Atlanta’s Dermatologist to the stars, is the founder of the Atlanta Center of Dermatology & MediSpa, P.C.

Dr. D’Hue has over 20 years of training and experience in the practice of Dermatology. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatologists. Tune in to hear SparK Plug interview this legendary Dermatologist as she shares secrets to beautiful, soft, healthy, and glowing skin.

When I received the news, I was determined not to believe it until I could see the evidence myself. This required my wife and me to fly all the way over to Dubai to see for ourselves. The minute I saw his passport and photo that listed him as a foreign national, a heaviness set in, which I’m still coping with today.

This has been one of the most difficult periods in my life because we were very close. I miss receiving my brother’s phone calls four or five times a day (sometimes more) from Savannah. Even when he was traveling around the world, I’d still hear from him whether he was in Greece, somewhere in Africa or the South of France.

Many years ago, my brother believed in my dream enough to loan me the money to start my publishing business and yes, I paid my brother back. For some reason, people always want to know the answer to the question regarding whether or not I gave him his money back. I dedicated my 2009 publication to him.

Anyway, on one of those days when I was feeling especially low, I came across my book, Grow Through It & Lead, which I’d written to encourage others and it became my own inspiration.

With the help of my beautiful and talented wife, I’m expanding my borders. Jacqueline, thanks so much! Now, I’ve started a new Podcast, I have a new Twitter page and a new Radio Show called, Grow Through It & Lead. I’m already lining up a couple of new guests who have some amazing stories to tell about their journey.

So. . . if you’re dealing with some issues that are weighing you down, try to figure out how to turn it inside out and look for the sunny side. There’s always a sunny side.

Challenges will come when you try to succeed, but just remember, (even though the situation may seem insurmountable) you can always Grow Through It & Lead!

~ Spark Plug

Kissable, a new toothpaste developed by Dr. Wilson, hit the marketplace in early 2009. It brings together natural ingredients and sensational taste for an experience that appeals to consumers’ growing desire to pair holistic health techniques with the best in beauty and cosmetic improvements.

Kissable contains the highest-quality of natural ingredients, chosen for their cleansing, restorative, and freshening properties. The most exciting of the natural ingredients used in Kissable is cranberry extract. Research has shown that cranberry acts like Teflon® for teeth, making it difficult for the bacteria that causes cavities to cling to tooth surfaces.

Aloe Vera, long known for its moisturizing effect on skin and its ability to help heal wounds, is also a key active ingredient in Kissable. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties combine with powerful antioxidant characteristics to boost health for gums and mouth tissues. Xylitol, a sweetener derived from fruits and vegetables, also offers an alternative to the artificial products often found in many toothpastes.

Dr. Wilson is the primary practitioner at Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta, based in Atlanta, GA. She distinguishes herself as one of the few private practitioners who provide personalized service and the level of expertise that comes from her education at Morgan State University, the University of Maryland Dental School, and the New Zealand University of Waikato, as a Fulbright Scholar.

Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta’s purpose is to educate the public about the importance of oral health and to provide cosmetic options that have an impact on general well-being and self-esteem. Dr. Danielle Wilson is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Georgia Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta is currently accepting new patients and is located at 1188 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd, Suite 101, Atlanta, 30310. Contact Dr. Wilson at 404-758-0770 or bekissable.com.

If you know someone who is excited about being offered a contract, PLEASE tell them to “slow their roll” and call an attorney first! Listen to Attorney Leron Rogers’ interview below.

_________________

Leron E. Rogers, is a partner in the law firm of Hewitt & Rogers in Atlanta, Georgia.

At Hewitt & Rogers, practice areas include business transactions, entertainment law, and business litigation, among other services. Leron heads up the firm’s entertainment, technology and media law practice group and is known throughout the country for representing high profile entertainers and athletes in their professional and business ventures. Leron represents successful artists, producers, management companies, songwriters, record labels and publishing companies.

Some of his entertainment clients include Grammy-nominated writers/producers Jason Rome (Luther Vandross, Jagged Edge, Blu Cantrell, Cassidy, Patty Labelle), Prentice Spry (Jamie Foxx), Cedric “Ced Keyz” Williams (Chris Brown, Ciara, Young Joc, Young Buck, LLoyd); Jonathan “Baby Jay” Williams (50, Lloyd Banks, Tyrese); and Trools & Rask (Akon).

In addition to representing individual entertainers, Leron represents successful corporations that conduct significant business within the technology, media and entertainment industry as well as professional athletes in their off the field business ventures.

Leron is also a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS/Grammy Foundation) and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is a frequent speaker and featured panelist at conferences and workshops and has been featured in local and national publications. Leron, a former draft pick of the Atlanta Braves, was recently honored as one of the Top Counselors-at-Law in “Who’s Who in Black Atlanta”.

Attorney Rogers received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Southwest Texas State University and obtained his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University’s Law School.

For more information about Attorney Leron E. Rogers, please call 770-447-4700.

The Cosmedics Medical Spa in metro Atlanta offers a solution to your problem with natural hormones which are available to restore what time has taken away.

Natural hormones or bioidentical hormones are the exact identical hormones your body makes to work together in order for your organ systems to function, and enable you to do your daily activities.

Dr. Cathy can replace your hormones after testing your blood, saliva, urine, etc., using natural hormones, herbs, vitamins and minerals, depending on your test results.

Dr. Catherine Emeruwa, owner of Cosmedics Medical Spa, received her Medical Degree in 1989. She specializes in Family Medicine in Riverdale, Georgia; Fayetteville, Georgia, and New York. She has also practiced internationally in North America, Jamaica, Africa and Europe. Dr. Cathy is skilled in the treatment of restoring what time has taken away without the use of surgery. She understands that each person is unique both inside and out and combines Nobel Prize winning glyconutrients along with the latest in non-surgical technology for a more youthful and healthier you.

Tune in to her interview and get the facts!

Ms. Robinson believes real marketing success requires that a company understand your company at its core; who you are, your core values, your company’s personality and your short and long-term goals and expectations. Her company does this through a unique set of activities that translate into a four-step approach:

1. Educate: arm entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge by constantly educating them on the many layers of marketing.

2. Strategize: plan for success by developing sound marketing strategies that meet the needs of the business and are flexible enough to accommodate marketplace shifts.

3. Systemize: develop a marketing system to support the strategic vision and goals that is easy to follow, understand and measure.

4. Support: provide needed support and guidance via coaching and mentoring along the way.

People You Need to Know proudly welcomes Ms. Melanie Robinson to the Network! Listen to her interview below.

Even people who do not come from a heritage of longevity can live to old age if they look after themselves and avoid the risk factors that cause poor physical and mental health, thus accelerating the aging process. Following a healthy diet, regular exercise, drinking in moderation, cutting out smoking, and following safe practices can all help to increase potential life span.

As we age, there are certain processes which cannot be avoided. This is particularly so of cell aging. As our body cells age, we are more likely to contract certain conditions because of the decline in strength and resistance to infection. Our bodies also begin to show signs of ‘wear and tear’. The skin loses its elasticity, thus resulting in the wrinkling we associate with old age.

As our body’s cells wear out, they are replaced by a process of cell division. The only cells which don’t replicate are those in the brain which cease to divide after birth.

It has been a philosophy that if you look after your body, particularly your body cells, then anti-aging should be smooth sailing. How? By nutrition - a balanced diet with associated exercise. The right and optimum balance of antioxidants and minerals daily is a great start.

Anti-aging health shouldn’t be something you decide is a good idea when it’s too late. Your body cells are constantly bombarded by those little attack armies called free radicals and if left unchecked, without the daily optimum replenishment of antioxidants and minerals, over time, they will kick-start a degeneration process that more often than not, can’t be reversed.

The good news is that this process usually occurs over an extended period of time. Antioxidants, like little body commandos, will seek out these free radicals and neutralize them. But, you need to keep them coming on a daily basis.

Healthy body cells means you are one step ahead of the anti-aging health game. So set the pace, and make sure you don’t slip back and become another aging statistic.

Contributing Writer: Dr. Nedra Dodds - a member of the People You Need to Know Network, top anti-aging physician in metro Atlanta, and president of Opulence Aesthetic Medicine. You can listen to Dr. Nedra Dodds’ Destined for Greatness interview below.

Ms. Gordon, also known as The Online Marketing Angel, coaches and trains individuals on how to grow their businesses online. She aims to place a smile on the face of each person she helps and strives to leave her clients motivated, knowledgeable, and focused on reaching their true potential! Follow Ms. Gordon on Twitter!

Have no fear. . .Ms. Danielle Coats, owner of Decor & You, helps residential and commercial clients alike love and brand the spaces they’re in by choosing designs that best fit their needs, lifestyles, environments and budgets. She received her certification through Certified Interior Decorators International.

As a United States Navy veteran with a B.S. in Technology, and M.S. in Business Management, Ms. Coats never knew she’d eventually venture into this wondrous world of creative expression. She has turned her passion for interior decorating into her own business and is happy with her line of work.

Ms. Coats says, “I am an entrepreneur at heart, and the key to my success is providing outstanding customer service by listening to my clients, and fulfilling their needs effectively and efficiently. Going above and beyond is the motto I live by.”

“I started my interior decorating career as a Realtor, understanding the value of a properly staged home and how that infused a sense of excitement for potential buyers, thereby expediting the sale of the home. When my buyers began to seek my advice on decorating their new homes, I realized I had a deep passion for creating art and beauty.

Tune in to Ms. Danielle Coats’ interview and discover how you can turn your decorating dreams into a beautiful reality! You can follow her on Twitter @ladydecor.

S. B. Lemons & Company is a marketing and international business strategy firm. Their company of experts can provide consulting services in the fields of marketing and international business strategy, marketing communications, website development, and language services. They are dedicated to helping their clients grow domestically or globally.

Does your marketing strategy need a boost? Tune in to Mr. Lemons’ interview and find out how you can polish up YOUR marketing strategy.

View the S.B. Lemons & Company website for a detailed overview of their consulting services and strategy training programs to grow your revenue and brand.

Mr. Johnson has a passion for Atlanta’s Auburn Avenue that began when he moved to the city in 1984 from Philadelphia. He didn’t know anything about Auburn Avenue or its “great history” at the time, he says, and walking the street was his introduction to the community.

“It’s been a love affair ever since,” says the founder of the Spirit of Sweet Auburn (formerly the Friends of Sweet Auburn). In the late 1980s, Johnson participated in the Sweet Auburn Festival as a vendor and in later years became involved in Sweet Auburn’s business association. In 1993, he spearheaded the production of the festival, he says, and has done it ever since.

Today his voice is vibrant while detailing Auburn’s expansions, developments and happenings on what he calls “the greatest street on the planet.” “We want to promote the spirit that makes Auburn Avenue great. It’s a universal spirit,” says the Stone Mountain resident. “The same spirit that the people of South Africa had to fight apartheid. . .that’s the spirit of Sweet Auburn. That’s what makes the spirit great. That’s why 350,000 to 500,000 people come to the Sweet Auburn Festival.”

“When I originally took over the festival, to some extent, it was a big flea market, says Johnson. What we’ve done over the years, we’ve developed various venues of the festival that include arts and literature, business and technology, a Dream Home Showcase, International Film Festival, Just For Women Expo, Car and Bike Show, the Fantastic Family Fun Zone, and last but not least, the Health and Fitness Fair. We want people to come to the festival to discover new stuff. We want them to see what folks are achieving. Those who come to the festival also have an opportunity to rediscover Auburn Avenue.”

“When I speak of Sweet Auburn, I’m not just speaking of Auburn Avenue, I’m speaking of Edgewood, JW Dobbs, Jesse Hill Jr., the community, Johnson says. And if you look on Edgewood, you’ll see there are a lot of new exciting businesses opening: young Black visionaries, entrepreneurs are opening businesses. And that is what we celebrate.”

“What’s great about the district is all of the major institutions have remained here, and they’re the ones who are supporting the resurgence of Sweet Auburn. Developments include the SCLC new National Headquarters; First Choice Credit Union Building; the restored Odd Fellows Buildings; Big Bethel AME, along with the Integral Group, an African American developer building Renaissance Walk; Wheat Street Baptist Church is planning major development; Butler CME; developing the Edge Lofts on Edgewood Avenue; First Congregational; the Historic District Development Corporation; Ebenezer Baptist Church; Butler Street Y; Prince Hall Masons also have projects in the works. These institutions are the ones that have maintained the street and are leading the redevelopment of the district. There is also great anticipation of the APEX Museum’s Phase 2, a $65 million plus Epcot type exhibit of the African American Panoramic Experience.”

“It’s wonderful when you can do something that you love to do and it’s successful. It’s a great satisfaction. It’s not a job,” he explains. “When you see people are pleased and people come out to the festival and the businesses on the street prosper, the vendors make money and the artists who entertain are discovered, that’s fantastic.”

“More important is that people rediscover Auburn Avenue and see it as a destination, a place to live, shop, dine, work, play and worship.” Johnson’s vision is to expand the festival to include Lucky Street (NW Auburn Avenue) and extend activities to Centennial Olympic Park, encompassing all of downtown, making the Sweet Auburn Springfest one of the largest street festivals in the world.

Complete information about the Sweet Auburn District may be found at www.sweetauburn.com.

The Spirit of Sweet Auburn is an organization that was founded in 2001 by Charles E. Johnson for the purpose of fostering the redevelopment, branding and quality of life of the Sweet Auburn District.

The vision of SOSA is to restore Auburn Avenue to its place of prominence as “the greatest street on the planet,” build the world’s greatest promenade linking the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and to transform the Sweet Auburn Viaduct into a world-class destination, attracting both tourists and residents.

SOSA promotes the idea that the Spirit that built Auburn Avenue is a universal spirit. It is the same spirit that ended apartheid in South Africa, bought down the Berlin Wall, was demonstrated in Tiananmen Square and resulted in the election of Barack Obama.

Anthony “Spark Plug” Thomas, publisher of People You Need to Know says, “We’re proud to partner with the Spirit of Sweet Auburn because the goal at PYNTK is to help business people make a BIG SPLASH in metro Atlanta by giving them world-class recognition, and I know of no other event where we have an opportunity to strengthen our brand on such a large scale. I believe any corporation or organization could benefit immensely from the exposure this event will generate. In addition, as a historian, I would love to see the restoration of Auburn Avenue to a place of prominence.”

He continues, “I’d like to commend Mr. Charles Johnson and his wonderful staff for doing another spectacular job in bringing people together on one of the most famous streets in America and I also want them to know that all of their hard work is greatly appreciated.”

PYNTK will be the Silver Sponsor of the Business & Technology Expo during this huge event.

I decided to start using Twitter to send out updates and breaking information about company news and events at People You Need to Know, Inc.

One of the things I love about blogging is that it creates an automatic historical timeline for a company’s business growth and development. Anyway, I’m posting my very last newsletter below…

______________

Greetings,

I just wanted to give everyone a brief update regarding what’s going on at PYNTK.

We’ve already participated in several events this year and we’ll be showcasing your business at the Synergy Business Expo on tomorrow sponsored by the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Tavis Smiley Group. If you happen to be there, please stop by our booth to say hello.

We’d like to give a special thanks to the new people who have joined the Network this year. We look forward to working with you to help you strengthen your brand in metro Atlanta.

In addition, we’d like to give a hearty thanks to Dr. Danielle Wilson, creator of Kissable toothpaste for renewing her partnership for the 10th straight year and Dr. Mark Walker, Medical Director of Surgical Health Collective for renewing 11 years in a row with People You Need to Know. Thanks for putting your trust in our services for all these years! We’ve enjoyed working with you.

Spark Plug Radio continues to be a huge success in terms of getting messages out, which help people become healthier, wealthier and wiser.

On May 8th - 10th we’ll have our People You Need to Know tent at the Auburn Avenue Springfest where crowds of 500,000 - 700,000 are expected to attend. We are the Silver Sponsor of the Business & Technology Expo.

In addition to our events, podcast, radio, audio introductions, and digital videos, we are now using Twitter as a means to further promote the people in our Network. We’ve only been using it for a few weeks and have found it to be much more useful than Facebook in terms of doing business. Feel free to Follow Us On Twitter.

Instead of sending out newsletters, we’ll be using Twitter as our primary method of sending out updates regarding news and events.

I would definitely like to thank all of you who sent emails, letters and made phone calls to let us know how much you appreciate the hard work we put into the publication this year and how well it’s been working for you. It was our pleasure and we’re happy that you’re getting a great response. If you haven’t seen the book online yet…here’s the link.

Once again, we’d like to thank the people who are helping to make our tour possible. This year’s PYNTK Celebrity Tour is presented by The Community-Minded Attorney, Donald P. Edwards; Kevin Turner, President of Peak Level Advisors (”Your Personal Wealth Navigator”) Dr. Dexter Page, CEO & Founder of the Institute of Medical Ultrasound, and Shirley Osborne Vanderbilt, President of The Osborne CPA Firm, PC.

All four of our headliners will have special signage at each event throughout the year.

Jacqueline Benjamin-Thomas, VP of ideas

Dr. Tongie Scott’s company, Me and My Nanna, LLC, was first established in Columbus, Mississippi, in 1995 and continues to be deeply committed to quality in-home skilled nursing and the supreme well-being of your loved ones.

During its infancy, her company was borne out of a need to desperately find a qualified caregiver for her own children. At that time, acquiring a sitter was difficult and because there were no other agencies located in Columbus or the surrounding towns or cities, the task was seemingly next to impossible. In addition, after a bout with malignant papillary carcinoma, which at the time was most frightening for Dr. Scott, she realized that there had to be something established in her area. A dream was thus envisioned, and within a few months, the dream became a reality.

Over the years, Me and My Nanna, LLC, quickly became quite popular in the area. Services were rendered from Mississippi to Delaware to Minnesota and as far as Hawaii. Since her agency is governed and guided by the simple principles of H.O.S. (Honesty, Openness and Sincerity) at its very core, they have had many repeat clients over the years.

Me and My Nanna, LLC continues to strive for excellence when providing a family with what the company likes to term as “an extension of the family.” They believe that if an atmosphere is created which is most conducive for the loved one being cared for (the family and the nanny), then all of the parameters for what could easily be a “perfect” match will evolve.

In 2005, Me and My Nanna, LLC, was licensed through the Department of Human Resources - Office of Regulatory Services. With this particular kind of licensure, they are allowed to provide Skilled Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistants and Companion Sitters in the homes of individuals who may find themselves needing assistance and who desire to remain in their homes for as long as they possibly can.

Although Tongie Scott is a medical doctor, she firmly believes that her sole purpose is to provide a warm and caring atmosphere in the homes of those individuals who find themselves needing premiere skilled and/or non-skilled services.

People You Need to Know proudly welcomes Dr. Tongie Scott to the Network! Listen to her interview and find out what you should know when it comes to choosing in-home care for your loved one.

The world is now driven by technology! Hear what one of Atlanta’s most in-demand technology writers has to say about Twitter and how you can get the most out of it.

Ms. Corvida Raven is definitely one of the People You Need to Know.

For those who follow this blog, you probably remember this post from a while back. Anyway, I thought it was time to drag it out, polish it up and add a little more zest to it. Sooo, let’s move forward with giving our brand a boost…

The more we’re able to separate ourselves from the crowd, the more memorable our brand will become, thereby making us the only solution for the people who need our product or service. Our website, writing skills, blog, business cards, our overall presentation speaks a certain language to others; we must strive to make it a positive one that’s power-packed with pizzazz and punch!

Our verbal communication skills can be the key to our success because most people are AFRAID to stand up and speak to a crowd. Get out into your community and speak as much as possible. Tell people about what you have to offer, in a subtle way of course. Give them information they can use. If you need to step-up your confidence, join a club that can help you improve your speaking skills.

Put Six Degrees of Separation to use. It works. Dr. Ben Carson, Johns Hopkins’ world-renowned surgeon and author of Think Big, was gracious enough to endorse my book, Grow Through It And Lead. I didn’t have to know Dr. Carson’s home telephone number, meet him at a cocktail party or fly to his office in order to get him to read my book and write an endorsement. His secretary was willing to help me achieve my goal after she visited my website. (Once again, Women Make Things Happen!)

Get out and do something. Help other people. Take the focus off yourself by making a contribution and watch your network grow. Someone once said, the real purpose of networking is to have no agenda.

Ultimately, YOU are the brand. What you create is just a by-product. So crank it up, be creative, be bold, have fun and always, always look for ways to improve!

- “The Spark Plug”

Internet advertising is extremely important today, so I was impressed when Verniesa with Metro Brokers featured my home on more than a dozen major real estate websites. I was impressed with her level of professionalism and her enthusiasm. I will continue to recommend her services to everyone I know. Thanks Verniesa! You made selling my old home & purchasing my new dream home a stress-free experience. ~ Carolyn Blakely

Verniesa made the entire home buying process both easy and enjoyable from start to finish. I now understand what ‘Premier Service’ truly means! ~Timothy Gains

Listen as Dr. Lynette T. Dandridge shares encouragement for those who may need to be reminded that they already have what it takes to succeed and reach their destiny!

Dr. Lynette T. Dandridge is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. A graduate of Dillard University and Life Christian University, Dr. Dandridge is a former University Dean and school Principal. She is also an ordained church elder and was recognized by Channel 5 Fox News as one of Atlanta’s “Unsung Heroes”.

Atlanta City Employees Credit Union (ACECU) originated in 1928 to serve the employees of the City of Atlanta. As with many Credit Unions, ACECU is a not-for-profit, not-for-charity, but for service cooperative owned by all of its members. They offer a wide range of products and services to meet the financial needs of their members.

Your savings are federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. government agency. In addition, your IRA funds are separately insured to $250,000 by the NCUA. The NCUA administers the National Credit Unions Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), which is similar to the banks´ FDIC.

Rest assured that there is no safer place for your money than a federally insured credit union. Since 1928, Atlanta City Employees Credit Union has been a safe and sound financial institution helping members achieve their financial dreams. Give them a call today at 404-658-6465 or visit their website to find out just how beneficial a membership with the ACECU can be!

With high adoration for children, Lewis dedicates much of her time to designing youth programs and writing children’s books. Her latest book, Let’s Potty, was released at the NAEYC Annual Conference in Atlanta in November 2006. She has published a number of articles, chapters in college-level textbooks, newsletters and more.

Lewis earned the Bachelor of Science and Master of Education Degrees in Early Childhood Education at Albany State University and is currently pursuing the Doctor of Education Degree in Adult Education at the University of Georgia in Athens. She serves on numerous state and local early learning boards, leadership councils, and committees.

Prior to becoming a full-time business owner, Lewis was the Director of Instruction at Albany Technical College where she supervised the Early Childhood Care and Education Division and Academic Programs. In addition to serving as an instructional dean, Bisa directed the child development demonstration centers leading the main campus program to Georgia Standards of Care Center of Distinction and national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Lewis’ classroom experience ranges from paraprofessional to university Instructor. In the Department of Teacher Education at Albany State University, she supervised student teachers and served as Project Director for its four professional development schools and two child development centers.

As a Get Ready to Read Training Manager for Smart Start Georgia and Ready to Learn Consultant for Georgia Public Broadcasting/PBS Kids, Lewis partners with community organizations in Southwest Georgia to offer complimentary workshops to parents, teachers and childcare providers on how to help children and their families get the most from appropriate use of educational tools and programming, while maximizing literacy-learning opportunities in preparation for school-readiness.

With high adoration for children, Lewis dedicates much of her time to presenting child development workshops to enlighten the minds of parents and educators in hopes that all children will have sufficient opportunities to learn.

Listen as she shares with us how you can help your child become a successful learner.