Beyond “Waiting to Exhale” and “Soul Food”When Waiting to Exhale made a splash back in the 90s for being a romantic comedy/drama movie starring middle-class women of color, people took notice at how few and far between such movies were. While Hollywood still seems to shy away from such
vehicles, great movies about women of color, Black, Hispanic, Asian, what have you, are out there to find. Here’s a list of just some movies now on dvd which offer great characters and stories involving women of color.Real Women Have Curves American Ferrera plays a young, promising high school student who must battle her old-fashioned, appearance conscious mother and her own insecurities as she makes the move from high school to college. The film, based on a stage play, can be a little slow, but has some really fun moments, great character development, and offers a positive theme: stop worrying some much what other people think of you. Ferrera is an engaging star. George Lopez has a cameo. Down In The DeltaAlfre Woodard is one of America’s best actresses. In this film, directed by Maya Angelou, Woodard has a rare chance to be a film’s lead. She plays a single mother who’s struggle to break free of addiction leads her to the Delta south where she reconnects with family and deals with her personal demons. Entertaining and upbeat, with an independent movie feel; a great showcase for Woodard. GirlFightMichelle Rodriguez (Lost) stars as a hard-scrabble city girl looking for her place in the world. She finds it in the boxing ring, where she begins to excel and gain confidence and control over her own life. The movie precedes “Million Dollar Baby” by a few years and while it didn’t get half the notice, and has a kind of “movie of the week” production value thing going on, the script and acting are good and the sports movie clichés are kept to a minimum. What’s Love Got To Do With It?Angela Bassett was Oscar-nominated for her portrayal of rock icon Tina Turner. The movie traces Turner’s early years with abusive husband Ike, played by Laurence Fishburne who was also Oscar-nominated.
Developing Business Relationships with Corporate America to Win Contracts
Doing Business with CorporationsRelationships, relationships, relationships. Just as location is important in real estate, building relationships is essential in doing business with corporate America. It is, in fact the key dynamic in creating a successful
business enterprise. Building relationships affords you an opportunity to plant the seeds of growth in order for your business to survive and thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. Taking the time to build relationships is only one aspect of growing your business. There are several to consider when approaching corporate clients. The critical ingredients needed in winning corporate clients are; relationships, research, preparedness, patience, and delivery. It takes a mix of these five ingredients to create a successful recipe for your growing business. Relationships “People buy from people they like – who they feel comfortable with,” said Clifton Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of Logical Integrations. Incorporated in 2000, Logical Integrations is a minority-owned services firm that has successfully worked with several corporate clients over the years. Carroll understands that developing relationships is critical to the growth and success of his company. “Relationships are key – it takes a long time,” said Carroll. His first major client, AT&T was won through relationships he developed while doing training at Georgia Tech’s Incubator. Another corporate client he wanted to do business with was Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. (CCE). It took over two years of communication with them before he secured a contract. Logical Integrations was able to secure the CCE contract because of it’s “competitive pricing, exceptional service, quality products, and by providing CCE with innovation.”
Seven Steps to Starting Your Consulting Business
Use Your Resources to Build a Business Based on Knowledge You Already HaveThese days of downsizing and temporary staffing can work to your advantage and you can stay as busy as you would like if you treat your consulting business like the company you are building.Step One: Know Your Field.
If you have extended knowledge in any subject you are already on your way to consulting. Read new literature and research your subject. As a beginning consultant you will need to be better prepared. Step Two: Gather Essentials.There are a few things that no business can be without: A Phone: a cell phone or line that you alone answer is a must. Business Cards: include your name, your cell number, and a specialty statement. A Press Kit: As a consultant, you are a product. Advertise yourself! Quiet Work Area: This is not a “lifestyle”, it’s a career and should be treated as one. Transportation: A car or access to one is important if you don’t live in a city. Client Management Software: Track and bill clients quickly to save your time for projects. Step Three: Join Trade Organizations and Community Clubs This is not a luxury. Many proposals are made and accepted at mixers and tournaments sponsored by these organizations alone. To compete with those already in the business you must be where the jobs are being discussed. Step Four: Build a referral list.No one wants to hire a consultant who has never consulted. Use past experience to prove your worth. If you were an employee you can use your years with a corporation or even a temporary agency as long as you have a voice on the phone to back you up. Explain to potential references that you are now consulting and that when they refer to you they might remember that fact. Step Five: Ask for Advertising. When you finish a project to your client’s satisfaction ask them if they know of others that could use your expertise. Ask them to introduce you with a letter or phone call. More often than not they will oblige.