7 Face-to-Face Blunders

By Suzanne Vera

Online. We love being online. There are no set times, we come and go as we please and engage in conversations, find great articles to read and wonder what life was like before the internet. For some of us we hear stories of what life was like before TV and laugh. Our kids will laugh when we tell them that there was no cable, internet, iTunes, DVR and texting! I remember when cable was launched, VCR's, push button telephones, 8-tracks and vinyl albums.

Prior to the internet, the main source of communication was the telephone and the good ole face-to-face meetings. That was how business was done and how we built relationships. As a marketer there has to be a balance between social media marketing and face-to-face meetings.

For some it has been a while, for others we are wall flowers when we are not in our "element". So as you go and get back out there or continue to be out there, here are some blunders to avoid.

1. Business Card Shove. Please do not have your business card ready to hand out before you even say hello. Let them ask for it. I think of it this way - do I want this person to have my contact information before I even know their name? Do I want to be on their creepy email list so they can increase their numbers?

2. What you do in more than 10 words. So you meet someone and they say, So what do you do? If you have a "elevator speech" you go into that and you lost them. If you hesitate for a second you seem unsure and you lost them. My rule is 10 words or less. Why? Those 10 words tell the story if they are going to ask questions to allow you to embellish or if they see no value in talking further.

Ex: We make people look good and get them noticed.
Ambiguous - very but conversation opener.

Keep it simple and avoid: expert, guru, the man - the biggest names in social media are the simplest on what they do. One of the biggest, calls himself a typist. A typist? Really? Yes.

That begs people to say "how" or maybe think you are obnoxious. Keep in mind the delivery of your 10 words or less is part of the reaction. Exude confidence. 10 words or less easier to remember than the elevator speech.

3. Dominating the Conversation. Breathe! Let them do the talking so you can hear what they do and are about and how they fit into your life.

4. Playing with your Phone. Screams uninterested when really you just might be shy. It can be hard to walk into a room where it feels like everyone knows someone and you do not. Relax. Be confident.

5. Not Meeting Someone New. If you are attending a lot of events and you see the same people, go and find someone who you do not know and bring them with you.

6. Blank Stare. What says leave me alone more than the blank stare? Yes, some people are not ones that we wish to engage in conversation with - it happens, sometimes a lot but it is sending off a bad message.

7. One Foot In. You see someone you would rather be talking to and you have the one foot moving towards the other person and the lean. The person who is talking sees it, feels it and knows it. You are not listening to them. Take a minute to listen and then when the conversation ends, go to who you know.

Many of these "blunders" are body language which is another can of worms but as an overview avoiding these blunders will go a long way. Part of being a marketer is becoming a better one and the only way is to be out there. Show people what you got and why they should trust you and work with you.

What blunders have you noticed? What makes you a better marketer? How can we all be better marketers? What are your 10 words or less?

Off The Market: Attorney Phaedra Parks Ties The Knot
Posted by ATLien - November 4th, 2009 Published in "A" Town FavoritesTags: Atlanta, Dwight Eubanks, Phaedra Parks, Weddings

Super entertainment attorney and my personal hero Phaedra Parks got married last weekend in a private ceremony in Buckhead. Pictured above from right to left is Dwight Eubanks from The Real Housewives of Atlanta who served as Wedding planner/Director, the beautiful bride Phaedra Parks, Me (ATLien of StraightFromTheA.com), Tracey Baker-Simmon (TV producer-Welcome to Dreamland, Being Bobby Brown), and Ted Lucas (music mogul CEO and founder of Slip N’ Slide Records-Plies, Rick Ross, Trina & Trick Daddy).
Phaedra is very established and well-known in the industry and you may also recognize her from her many appearances on BET’s Tiny & Toya show, where she is executive producer. The wedding party consisted of Phaedra’s best friends Kysha Cameron (V-103’s Ryan Cameron’s wife) and video vixen/exotic dancer Whyte Chocolate were the matron and maid of honor. Grammy winning producer songwriter Manuel Seal (Usher, Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, TLC) and DJ Nabs provided the musical entertainment.
There were also judges from every court in the state of Georgia including Lt. Gov Mark Taylor, Supreme Ct Justices Robert Benham, Carol Hunstein and Court of Appeals Judge Anne Barnes. I also spotted Mz. Shynecka and model/actress Veronica Best. My personal highlight of the day, Mrs. Shaw, who noticed I was single and spoke highly of her 43 year old son. I was intrigued and ready to go on a blind date until she dropped the bomb that her son is rapper Too $hort! That’s a story for another day but needless to say, I politely declined.
It was a beautiful sunny day in Atlanta for a wedding and Phaedra looked AMAZING! The ceremony was dedicated to late music mogul and best friend of bride, Shakir Stewart.
Yeah fellas….if you snooze, you LOOSE! Yet another ATLien off the market. Congratulations Phaedra!

Multi-Cultural Gathering for Joe Bouchard

by: Eileen Levandoski

Sun Oct 25, 2009 at 16:10:44 PM EDT

Terrific event yesterday as 80+ folks turned out to support our Virginia Beach Delegate Joe Bouchard. The community effort pulled together last night was not only testimony of great regard for Joe but also builds our entire community's understanding of the importance to get Joe Bouchard re-elected on Nov. 3. Pictured here (L-R): Shewling Moy Wong, Amarjit Singh, Rita and Joe Bouchard and Beatriz Amberman.

Henri Parks hosts Del. Joe Bouchard Meet & Greet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 12, 2009
MULTI-CULTURAL COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER
Residents across Hampton Roads' Hispanic, Chinese, Asian Indian, Africa American, and Filipino communities are joining together to host a meet and greet reception for 83rd District House Delegate Joe Bouchard on Saturday, Oct 24th, 2009, from 5:30pm-7pm, at DanceSport VA, 5721 Arrowhead Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Everyone is invited. Admission is $25. Sponsorships are also still available: Host - $250, Sponsor - $100, Friend - $50.

Delegate Joe Bouchard has been reaching out to the multi-cultural communities since he won the election in 2007. Now, the communities unite to host this event. The objective is to provide an opportunity for residents in the Hampton Roads, to meet Delegate Bouchard, raise some funds and have some fun.

In the planning of this event is local NAACP Prez Georgia Allen; Beatriz Amberman who serves on Virginia's Latino Advisory Board; Louisa Strayhorn, the first African-American woman to serve on VB's City Council and School Board; Shewling Moy Wong who serves on Virginia's Asian Advisory Board; Henri L. Parks, CEO of marketing, advertising and PR firm, Titanium Productions, Inc.; artist Sylvia Nery Strickland whose work blends her Filipino, Cherokee and Caucasian heritage; Past President of Asian Indians of Hampton Roads' Association Jyoti Pal; Jenny Wong-Slaughter; and Joanne Truong.

An international smorgasbord of food delights is provided along with a ballroom dancing demonstration. Numerous area businesses are making donations for an exciting line up of Silent Auction items. And as these items are donated, 100% of your dollars spent at this event go to Joe Bouchard's re-election campaign. Many community leaders are expected to attend; some Republicans are supporting this event either with their attendance or with their donation. Congressman Glenn Nye will be the special guest. No small feat considering how busy our congressman is - a testament to Nye's regard of Joe Bouchard!

The Hampton Roads multi-cultural communities are excited to display their unity, stand up for a cause, network and have a good time.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy

By GLEN JOHNSON, Associated Press Writer Glen Johnson, Associated Press Writer – Wed Aug 26, 6:09 pm ET
CHILMARK, Mass. – President Barack Obama marked Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's death Wednesday by declaring his fellow Democrat "one of the single most effective senators" in U.S. history, praise that was hardly a shock to the partisan senses.
But Obama's predecessor, former President George W. Bush, also offered plaudits for Kennedy, leading a group of Republicans who exhibited bipartisan affection for a political figure loved by Democrats, reviled by some in the GOP, but missed by nearly all who knew and worked with him.
Bush was typical, noting that he and the 77-year-old Kennedy worked together on immigration, mental illness and public education issues, including joining forces on the "No Child Left Behind" law still derided by Democrats and their union allies.
"In a life filled with trials," Bush said, "Ted Kennedy never gave in to self-pity or despair."
His father, former President George H.W. Bush, echoed that thought.
"While we didn't see eye to eye on many political issues through the years, I always respected his steadfast public service," the elder Bush said.
The widow of another Republican president, Ronald Reagan, called Kennedy "an ally and a dear friend."
Nancy Reagan said: "Ronnie and Ted could always find common ground, and they had great respect for one another. In recent years, Ted and I found our common ground in stem cell research."
Obama led the nation in mourning, saying of Kennedy: "His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives — in seniors who know new dignity, in families that know new opportunity, in children who know education's promise, and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just — including myself."
Throughout Wednesday, the testimonials flowed from people and organizations whose causes Kennedy championed during a 47-year Senate career.
Kennedy "was simply the greatest champion American workers and the labor movement ever had in the U.S. Senate," said John Gage, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, the nation's largest federal employee union.
"He was a powerful voice and vote in the Senate during the development, debate and passage of every major piece of environmental legislation since the early 1960s," said the Conservation Law Foundation.
PETA, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said: "Animals — and the people who care about them — have lost an advocate and a friend."
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called Kennedy "a legislator without peer" who "inspired generation after generation of young Americans to enter public service, to stand up for justice and to fight for progress." Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, praised Kennedy's "big heart, sharp mind and boundless energy," which he called "gifts he gave to make our democracy a more perfect union."
During a visit Wednesday to the West Bank town of Ramallah, former President Jimmy Carter spoke of the man he beat for the 1980 Democratic presidential nomination. He said Kennedy's life was devoted to improving "the status of life of those who are poor and deprived and persecuted and ignored and in need."
For the governor of California, the loss was personal.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose wife, Maria Shriver, was Kennedy's niece, came to politics after careers as a bodybuilder and actor. He credited Kennedy with helping him as governor.
"Teddy taught us all that public service isn't a hobby or even an occupation, but a way of life, and his legacy will live on," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.
Kennedy's death came just two weeks after that of Shriver's mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, one of the senator's siblings.
Vice President Joe Biden fought tears as he spoke about his friend and colleague of many decades in the Senate.
"I truly, truly am distressed by his passing," Biden said. "Teddy spent a lifetime working for a fair and more just America. For 36 years, I had the privilege of going to work every day and sitting next to him and being witness to history. ... He restored my sense of idealism."
Former Vice President Al Gore called Kennedy "a champion for those Americans who had no voice — the sick, the disabled, the poor, the underprivileged."
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a 2008 GOP presidential contender, recalled losing to Kennedy in a Senate race. Nonetheless, the two joined forces in 2006 to help pass a universal health insurance law in Massachusetts.
"He was the kind of man you could like even if he was your adversary," Romney said.
The Senate's top Democrat, Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, promised that Congress, while mourning Kennedy's loss, would renew the push for the cause of Kennedy's life — health care reform.
"Ted Kennedy's dream was the one for which the founding fathers fought and for which his brothers sought to realize," Reid said in a statement. "The liberal lion's mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die."
Kennedy's junior colleague from Massachusetts, Sen. John Kerry, lauded him for his fight against cancer.
"He taught us how to fight, how to laugh, how to treat each other, and how to turn idealism into action. And in these last 14 months, he taught us much more about how to live life, sailing into the wind one last time," Kerry said.
"No words can ever do justice to this irrepressible, larger-than-life presence who was simply the best — the best senator, the best advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague and the best person to stand by your side in the toughest of times."

Tiny & Toya Reach Milestone at BET

By Tai Saint Louis
Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and Antonia “Toya” Carter have reached a milestone previously unattained by any reality show on the BET network.

According to Nielsen Media Research, Tiny & Toya, the show chronicling the two women’s lives, finished it’s eight-episode debut season with an average of 1.8 million viewers, more than any other original series in BET history.

The show debuted on June 28 with three million viewers.

Audiences continued to follow Toya’s attempt to evolve beyond her public persona as Lil’ Wayne’s ex-wife and Tiny’s pursuit of her entrepreneurial endeavors while coping with boyfriend T.I.’s incarceration.

One episode even brought the cameras along as Tiny drove T.I to prison through a mob of paparazzi, documenting the former Xscape singer-songwriter’s personal turmoil.

Despite pulling significantly less viewers than the first episode, the Tiny & Toya season finale on Tuesday (August 25) attracted over 1.9 million total views.

Those viewers all seemed to have remained glued to the TV for the premier of Frankie & ; Neffe, thus giving the spin-off series about singer Keyshia Cole’s mother and sister the #2 series debut in BET history.

"Tiny & Toya" Show Producer Phaedra Parks Talks Entertainment Law and Power Negotiations

Phaedra Parks isn’t your typical powerhouse entertainment attorney. Not only has she made an indelible impact on the careers of her clients, which include everyone from Jermaine Dupri to Bobby Brown, but she consistently breaks the mold for how lawyers are expected to think, look and act. “My practice is very different from most entertainment lawyers because I provide services beyond the four corners of the law” says Parks, who currently serves as a producer on BET’s hit series, "Tiny & Toya."

“We want to help our clients maintain a standard of living. We invest in their overall well being.”

In the 10 years that she’s been practicing law, Parks’ has maintained close relationships with her clients through her boutique law firm, The Parks Group, which focuses on litigation and contract negotiation. In fact, it is the genuine concern she has for her clients' careers — and more importantly their lives — that keeps her motivated.

“Many of my clients have become like family,” says Parks, who says she was lead to practice entertainment law through the encouragement and support of her good friends, the late Island Def Jam executive Shakir Stewart, and top Atlanta radio personality Ryan Cameron.

That said, Parks goes beyond her job duties. She is known for helping her clients develop and maintain responsible financial habits — even going as far as taking them to the bank and helping them establish checking and savings accounts. As a woman in a male dominated industry, Parks' diligence and dedication has helped her navigate her way to the top earning her numerous awards which include Super Lawyer, Attorney of the Year and Georgia's Rising Star, to name a few.

“Being a black woman you have to work twice as hard,” Parks says. “But, when you work hard and with integrity, everything else works itself out. I have never compromised and I will never compromise.”

Parks has some key points for artists to find success in a fickle industry.

1. Pay your taxes. What the industry does is give artists unbelievably large lump sums of money and then let them fend for themselves without giving them any fiscal advice.

2. Choose an attorney carefully. Attorneys are like shoes, some of them are too tight and some look good, but don't wear well. You want to get the perfect fit, someone who understands your vision and most all believes in you.

3. Read your contract and close the deal before you begin working.

Ne-Yo Falls ill...

Ne-Yo Falls Ill, Bursts into Tears During Performance
Posted Jul 17th 2009 11:30AM by Tracey FordFiled under: R'n'B News
Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Ne-Yo shocked fans last night when he began to cry while on stage during a concert in Manchester, UK. Apparently, the crooner had been onstage for about an hour and just completed his rendition of Michael Jackson's 'Off the Wall,' before calling it quits due to illness. The seemingly confused crowd cheered -- and some booed -- as the singer wept onstage and promised that he would make it up to them at a later date. "Trust me when I say 'I'll be back," Ne-Yo promised. "I will be back."

June: Black Music Month Celebration at Downing-Gross

Black Music Month was started in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter as a way to honor black musical contributions to America. African people have a rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. So powerful was the culture of Africa that one of the first things that the slave traders did was to take away the drums of the captive Africans. Scholars have suggested that "Black" music is the only truly American music. If not for the influence of Black entertainers there would have never been an Elvis, Madonna, Kenny G or a Britney Spears.

During this Month, Downing-Gross celebrated the culture and diversity of African-American music through an amazing lineup of artists, including: Frede Payne, PJ Morton, Nicole Henry, Queen Esther Marrow, Jean Carne, Maya Azucena and Teodross Avery. The month's celebration even spilled into July, with a performance by "Rising Icon," Chrisette Michele, as recently named by BET.

Tim Reid Celebrity Scholarship Weekend

For the past nineteen years, actors Tim and Daphne Reid have worked tirelessly with the Virginia Scholarship and Youth Development Foundation to raise funds for youth scholarships. The major fundraiser for the VSYDF is The Tim Reid Celebrity Weekend. Tim and Daphne Reid invite many of their friends to come to the Tidewater Area to participate in a weekend of events, attracting over 5,000 people annually.

This year Downing-Gross had the distinct pleasure of hosting the Gala, including the celebrity silent auction and banquet. Celebrities such as Kellie Williams (Laura from Family Matters); Charnelle Brown (Kim from "A Different World"); local congresswoman, Tina Vick; local playwright, Dana S. Hubbard and many more came out to show their support and take part in the weekend.

Every Dog Has His Day

Local Playwright Dana S. Hubbard brings Latest Play to Premier in Hometown ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A native of Newport News and another great product of Virginia's talent, Dana Hubbard returned to his hometown from New York to premier his latest project, "Every Dog Has His Day," a stage play based on his debut novel. The play illustrates the story of a man blessed with the God-given talent to sing, but who is caught up by living a life of greed and arrogance instead of faith and understanding. Downing-Gross was proud to be a part of this "homecoming" and was able to provide the cast with a place to convene, rehearse, and be inspired.

His film credits include "Mo Better Blues," "Will A Man Rob God?," "A Woman Like That," and his work with Spike Lee on "Do the Right Thing" among many others. What is truly unique, despite all of his accomplishments, is that Hubbard has never forgotten where he came from. "Every Dog Has His Day" was showcased at his old Alma-mater, Hampton University. Keep an eye out for this rising playwright and be sure to support his upcoming projects.

Positive PR/ Westin/Lucky Star

Been longing for some Lucky?
Last night a friend and I tooled on over to The Westin at Virginia Beach’s Town Center for the grand re-opening of the Lucky Star restaurant.
The restaurant, long located on Pleasure House Road, closed several months back, leaving loyalists craving signature dishes like blackened scallops and fresh-made goat cheese ravioli and the delectable crab cakes.
Well it’s all back.
Such a tasty affair the grand re-opening was. Waitresses circulated with trays filled with martini glasses filled with a big spicy shrimp and round of fried tomato sitting on a sea of boursin cheese and corn in a roasted tomato ancho cream sauce. I was wishing for a pointy spoon so that I could get every morsel out of the bottom of the martini glass!
Others came bearing skewers of Cajun fried oysters, wonderful with an unexpected taste of dill pickle and the heat of chipotle. While I was eating a tapas of the ravioli, we got steered over to a dessert tray.
Patrick Evans-Hylton – chef, teacher, food and wine writer, keeper of all local restaurant background info – noted one in particular, Mon Amour (my love in French). He said it’s a cake made with a layer of crepe for each year that Chef Bernheisel and his wife, Julie, have been married. I didn’t write down how many years that has been, but it’s something around 16. (Sorry, I was eating and did not want to stop!) But really, how sweet is that dessert? On so many levels. (It's there in the picture.)
Anyway, the restaurant is now owned by The Westin, which has hired Chef Bernheisel as the executive chef. All those old faves are on the menu. Plus, Chef B will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Can you imagine breakfast served here? Can’t wait to try that!
The sleek dining room has glass partitions, gleaming wood paneling and stylized fresh flowers on each table. There’s plenty of room between tables, and also a private dining room and comfortable couches to chill on while waiting for tables.
Dinner appetizers range from $7 to $9; entrees from $23 to $32. Julie Bernheisel also noted that they’ll be serving a $10 lunch.
Judging from the crowd, a lot of people feel lucky that the Lucky Star is back.

Michael Jackson Tribute at Downing-Gross

Join us at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center in Newport News, VA on Tuesday, July 7th at 7:00 pm as we celebrate the life and music of Michael Jackson. This will be a night to honor his legacy that is free and open to the public. There will be music, videos, live performances, dedications and positive dialogue. Come out for a night of celebration and fun. For more information, call the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center at 757.247.8950 or go to www.downing-gross.org.

The Tiny & Toya Show

Tiny and Toya reality show is on. Tameka Cottle “Tiny” and Antonia Carter “Toya” are set to debut in their first own reality TV show on BET starting on 30th June, 2009. Ex-Xscape group member, singer “Tiny,” who is T.I.’s fiancée, and “Toya,” the ex-wife of Lil Wayne are all set for their first reality show, based out of Atlanta, Georgia, the show will follow two hotties “Tiny and Toya” as they go through their dynamic journey through the diligent and turbulent ways of the record industry.

The show also features fascinating stories of parenting alongside two hip-hop stars.The Program will show Tiny and Toya independent according to the press realize. Every episode will give the viewers an inside view of Tiny and Toya’s lives. They take us on a thrilling rollercoaster trip in hunt of liberty and a pursuit to set the record straight. We watch them turn over the screenplay and produce new business project of their own. They will be facing actual choices that will likely modify their lives and the lives of those, who are among them forever. We find out why this attractive and compelling pair of women won the hearts of T.I. and Lil Wayne, as they win over ours.

A sneak peak was aired yesterday on 15th June, 2009; another preview is due on 28th June. The Reality show will hit TV screens, premiering on 30th June, 2009. Tune in for the next episode on Tuesday, July 7th at 10 pm.