DIVERSITY NEWS November 2005
Welcome to the November Edition of Diversity
News.
Articles include:
* FREE Coffee Cake and Cheesecake from Coffeecakes.com This Month's Giveaway!
*Welcoming the Transgendered into the Workplace
*Frogs may prove to be
a new weapon in the battle against HIV
*Vivian Slade – Exclusive Artist
Interview
*Diversity Builder
Provider Discounts!
*How to Start a Small
Business
*Diversity Builder
Marketing – Free Consultation!
*Ask the Plate Spinner
*The Highlands Inn: Winner
Announced!
*National
GLBT Life and Business Expo in Nashville, November
19th!
Be sure to forward to your friends and
coworkers!
To forward this newsletter scroll to the bottom and type
in a friend's email address. Your comments and suggestions are always
welcome.
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Response is the premier newsletter and email marketing campaign site on
the internet. Receive a free test drive from Diversity Builder! Click
banner.
 
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Win a FREE coffee cake or cheesecake from
CoffeeCakes.com and Diversity
Builder
Finding the perfect gift used to be
hard.
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yummy...
The winner may select one of
the following delicious cakes: - Traditional Cinnamon Walnut
Coffeecake
- New York Style Cheesecake
- Low-Carb Cheesecake
Sampler
To enter the giveaway:Click here to participate in a three-minute survey,
telling us why you read the Diversity Builder News. Don’t forget to
add your email at the end of the survey to be entered.
*Participants in last month’s survey are not eligible for the November
Coffeecake Contest.
*Contest ends November 25,
2005.
Your holiday gift
giving couldn't be easier with over 80 delicious gourmet cakes, including
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off any item coupon from CoffeeCakes.com Call anytime
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"I can't decide what's better...your service or your coffee
cakes!" -- Joanie Parker - Boulder, CO
Click here to enter the contest to win a free coffee
cake or cheesecake from CoffeeCakes.com and Diversity
Builder!
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Welcoming Transgender
Employees
So your company just hired a transgender
employee seated in the cubicle next to you....now what? How should this
person be treated? How should the employees address the new employee, as
a he or she? Which restroom will he/she use? Should the dress code be
amended?
5 Priorities - Welcome the
Transgender Community at Work
1 - Change the
AA/EEO policies to include gender identity.
2 - Educate employees at
all levels in regards to gender identity.
3 - Support and respect
your employees’ decisions to change pronouns, dress appearances, names,
etc.
4 - Provide same benefits to all employees.
5 - Provide
equality at your organization by providing restrooms, locker rooms, etc.
that can reflect on the gender identity.
To help you
achieve these top five priorities, Diversity
Builder will provide custom training. Diversity Builder will help
educate employees, change policies, create gender neutral restrooms and
locker rooms, design memos to announce any transitions your employees wish
to make public, or work to resolve any issues that employees may face at
your organization. These changes will, in the long run, create a vast
difference to a prospective or current employee.
**
Request your free 'How to welcome the transgender community at work'
cards. You and your employees may display these at your desk or just keep
handy to reference. Write
info@diversitybuilder.com with your name, address, and number of cards
you'd like to receive.
Click here to learn more about Diversity Training in the
workplace!
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Exclusive Interview with
Artist Vivian Slade
Vivian Slade - on diversity, alternative fans,
jazz, and meditative singing
Vivian Slade was often compared to such
talents as Tori Amos, Joan Osborne, and other Lilith Fair artists upon the
release of her 1999 self-title hit alternative rock album. Since then,
Vivian has opted to chase different dreams. Hear what Vivian has to say
about diversity, her gay and lesbian following, and her new ventures.
Vivian Slade
Interview
What is your
reaction to having a strong gay and lesbian following?
Vivian: "As a solo artist in the alternative rock genre, I had a
significant gay and lesbian following. They're great music enthusiasts
and I was thankful for their support. I don't distinguish between 'gay'
or 'straight' - people are people and people love music.
What does diversity mean to you?
Vivian: "Diversity
is living with mutual respect. It takes all kinds to make a beautiful
world. If all I had in my life was my own narrow experience, how could I
be made better, wiser, and more peaceful?
I need other
perspectives, other points of view to broaden my world, to make it richer
and more fulfilling. Thais is what diversity does; it makes us better as
people."
Describe your new ventures, since your days of being
an alternative rock phenomenon. Are you now transitioning to a jazz
artist?
Vivian: "I grew up listening to jazz. My father
played a lot of jazz piano when I was young. I actually sing jazz better
than any other genre of music, so it seemed to be the right time to come
back to it. My favorite songs to perform include 'Don't Explain,'
'Summertime,' 'It Don't Mean a Thing,' 'Black Coffee,' .... I could go
on...."
As for my other new ventures, I am very excited about
teaching what I call, 'Meditative Singing,' where I help singers and
non-singers get in touch with the meditative nature of singing and their
voices. In finding their voice, their power, their center, they can bring
more joy, peace, and abundance in their lives.
Click here to learn about Vivian Slade, book a jazz
performance, and more!
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Frogs may prove
to be a new weapon in the battle against HIV
A new weapon in the battle against HIV may come
from an unusual source - a small tropic
From O&AN Staff ReportsNashville (Tenn.) - Investigators at Vanderbilt University
Medical Center reported this month in the Journal of Virology that
compounds secreted by frog skin are potent blockers of HIV
infection.
The findings could lead to topical treatments for
preventing HIV transmission, and they reinforce the value of preserving
the Earth's biodiversity.
"We need to protect these species
long enough for us to understand their medicinal cabinet," said Louise A.
Rollins-Smith, Ph.D., associate professor of Microbiology & Immunology,
who has been studying the antimicrobial defenses of frogs for about six
years.
Frogs, she explained, have specialized granular glands
in the skin that produce and store packets of peptides, small protein-like
molecules. In response to skin injury or alarm, the frog secretes large
amounts of these antimicrobial peptides onto the surface of the skin to
combat pathogens like bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Click here to read entire article from Out and
About!
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And the Winner
of the October Giveaway
is:
Mary Finch of
San Leandro, California!
She is the Fall/Spring 2005/2006
Vacation Getaway Winner and wins a 2 night stay at the Highlands
Inn!
The Highlands Inn, located in
Bethlehem, New Hampshire, is a country inn for women, with 19 romantic
guest rooms, some with a private deck, 2-person spa, or fireplace. On 100
private wooded acres the inn boasts a heated pool, indoor and outdoor
spas, hiking/skiing trails, fireplaced living room and library, and
delicious country breakfasts.
Congratulations to Mary
from everyone here at Diversity Builder!
Click here to visit the Highland's Inn Diversity Builder
Listing
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Check out these powerful marketing solutions
Diversity Builder now offers:
Email Marketing Campaigns
- let Diversity Builder create and manage your newsletters to stay in
'constant contact' with your customers.
Direct Mail - let Diversity Builder design
your direct mail advertisement and effectively reach your target
market.
Custom Web Sites
- yes, we offer flash, online brochures for your business, and much more
at affordable rates
Brochure and Logo
Design
Press
Releases - from creation to distribution, place your
business in the public's lap.
Free
Marketing Consultation - set up your free marketing
consultation with Diversity Builder to discover how you may improve in
reaching your customer and business goals.
Email info@diversitybuilder.com for
more information.
Click Here to Get Your Free Marketing
Consultation!
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Ask the Plate
Spinner
“I’ve been asked to help a friend throw a 40th
birthday bash for his partner in just under a month. Between catering, a
band, décor, and a dj…it’s starting to get overwhelming. Any tricks of the
trade to stop me from hyperventilating?!…”
Whether the
event is the Annual General Meeting for a Fortune 500 company, or an
intimate gathering at your house, it is extremely easy to become bogged
down in the details.
A trick we use every time, regardless of
the event, helps keep your focus on the big picture, yet builds in support
for filling in the specifics:
Your
Timeline:
Print yourself a blank calendar that covers
the entire time you have to work with – from now until the day of the
event. (Have a calendar devoted to your event; don’t scribble down
your notes on the one hanging in your kitchen.)
Then Work
Backwards!
Take some time to figure out how long you
will need to accomplish each task - multiply that time by 1.5! – Then plot it on your calendar. Be as
detailed as you can, to avoid unnecessary train wrecks.
To help
keep things organized, use a different color pen for each “category”
(i.e.: catering, décor, music, etc)
And don’t forget, with each
“category”; think about what parts you can out-source to a company, or
better yet, friends! Don’t try to do it all on your
own.
Stay tuned for future topics: “Mapping it!” &
“Budgeting your
Bash”
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After almost 5
years of Event Planning in Toronto, Ontario, Debra Hyslop has returned to
Nashville, TN – a place she holds dear and which she has considered home
since 1996. She and her talented team of event professionals enjoy
creating exciting events of any size, anywhere nationwide. Plate Spinning
Productions can be reached at 615-491-0305 or
platespinningproductions@yahoo.com.
Send your event,
party, catering, or production questions for possible inclusion in
upcoming editions of Diversity News to info@diversitybuilder.com
Click Here to Visit Plate Spinning
Productions
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The GLBT Community and Real
Estate
In a perfect world,
appreciating diversity would not have to be taught; rather it would be an
inherent part of our core as human beings. Each of us is unique and
special, each with wonderful, creative gifts to offer the world. Sadly,
there is still ignorance, prejudice and judgment, and the world-at-large
is not always a GLBT friendly place. In the real estate world, laws
prohibit prejudice and rightly so; however, tolerance and genuine respect
are two different animals. In our real estate business, we value every
client and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect
without any preconceived expectations. Every person should come away from
a real estate transaction, whether buying or selling, with the
satisfaction of knowing they have received the best possible advice,
support, education and value. We believe that the world shall change, one
person at a time, just as one candle lights the darkness. We are happy to
say that we consider every one of our clients a friend for life. Our
clients are a diverse mixture of fantastic people living a variety of
lifestyles. We are very proud supporters of Diversity Builder and we guarantee
the GLBT community our genuine respect and friendship.
Janet
& Jack Faubion
Real Estate of The Rockies
www.janetandjack.com
Click Here to Visit Real Estate of the
Rockies!
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Diversity Builder's November
Provider of the Month
Skyline Home
Inspection
Whether
you are buying or selling a home, Skyline Home Inspection could
save you thousands of dollars, plus provide contract negotiation
power!
Your Skyline Home Inspector will meet you or your
designated agent, on time, at the property. The Inspector will conduct a
visual examination of all of the major elements of the home including:
electical, heating and cooling systems, foundations, roofing, and much,
much more!
Serving Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill,
and the surrounding Tennessee areas.
Call 615-599-1552 or e-mail our office
at Customercare@SkylineHomeInspection.com
to see a sample report!
At Skyline Home Inspection, we
are looking out for YOUR best interest!
Click here to visit Skyline Home Inspection's Diversity
Builder Listing
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How to Start a Small
Business
Starting and
managing a business takes motivation, desire and talent. It also takes
research and planning.
Like a chess game, success in small business
starts with decisive and correct opening moves. And, although initial
mistakes are not fatal, it takes skill, discipline and hard work to regain
the advantage.
To increase your chance for success, take the time up
front to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals. Then use
this information to build a comprehensive and wellthoughtout business
plan that will help you reach these goals.
The process of developing
a business plan will help you think through some important issues that you
may not have considered yet. Your plan will become a valuable tool as you
set out to raise money for your business. It should also provide
milestones to gauge your success.
The SBA, through a relationship
with My Own Business, offers a special online course on how to
get started with a small business. Visit the Web site at http://www.myownbusiness.org/course_sba.html.
Before
starting out, list your reasons for wanting to go into business. Some of
the most common reasons for starting a business are wanting to be your own
boss, wanting to attain financial independence, wanting more creative
freedom and wanting to be able to fully exploit your talents and skills.
Next you need to determine what
business is “right for you.” Ask yourself a few questions, such
as:- What do I like to do with my time?
- What technical
skills have I learned or developed?
- What do others say I am good
at?
- How much time do I have to run a successful business?
| Then you should identify the niche your
business will fill. Conduct the necessary research to answer these
questions:
- Is my idea practical and will it fill a
need?
- What is my competition?
- What is my business
advantage over existing firms?
- Can I deliver a better quality
service?
- Can I create a demand for your
business?
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Your answers will help you create
focused, wellresearched business plan that should serve as a blueprint.
It should detail how the business will be operated, managed and
capitalized. For a broad discussion on start-up business topics, visit the
SBA Web site at http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html. For a
free online start-up guide, visit http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/startup/guide.html
Sign up for your Free Marketing
Analysis!
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Take Advantage of the Discounts
Offered by Diversity Builder
Providers
Attorney Services
Carpet
Cleaning
Chiropractic Services
Coaching
Graphic/Web
Design
Printing
Real Estate & Mortgage
And much
More!
To View Provider Discounts Click
Here
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In the Spotlight: November's Featured
Providers
GayWheels
It is the goal of Gaywheels.com to be THE
gay-friendly automotive resource. We will achieve that by providing
information about the gay-friendly automotive companies and facilitating
commerce with gay-friendly companies during the entire car-buying
process.
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Patrick Britt; Allstate
Insurance
Patrick Britt of Allstate Insurance is a GLBT
friendly insurance agent at a full service insurance company offering
competitive rates on homeowner's, condo, renter's, automotive, life and
commercial insurance. He is proud to assist the gay and lesbian
community in Tennessee for all of their insurance needs!
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Hillsboro Village Shell  |
Guaranteed Gas Savings - let the Hillsboro Village Shell station install
our latest fuel saving device, the Energy Cel, and receive a guaranteed
gas savings of at least 5%. Learn about the rewards of becoming an Energy
Cel distritutor, by calling 615 298-2079 - ask for Todd. Be sure to
mention Diversity Builder referred you. Clip the coupon for 10% on any
auto service! |
Click here to find more
gay-friendly businesses!
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Send us Your Business Cards to Display - National GLBT
Life and Business Expo in Nashville this
Month!
Nashville’s
GLBT Chamber of Commerce, will hold Nashville’s first ever National GLBT Life and Business Expo at the Cannery on
November 19.
Display your business cards
for FREE-
Diversity Builder wants to display business
cards of companies and small businesses who welcome all customers and
support diversity. Mail your business cards (100 maximum) to -
Diversity Builder Box 3614, Brentwood, TN 37024. Business cards must be
received by November 17th to be included in this prestigious
event.
The high energy, interactive event is attracting
lesbians and gay men across the nation. Vendors and attendees alike are
going to be really surprised with this event. This will not be your
typical sit-behind-a-table-in-a-booth business expo. It will be a
high-energy, on-your-feet, interactive event!
Expo
Schedule:
Noon - 5 pm: Exhibit Hall and Workshops FREE
and Open to the Public
1 p.m.Workshop - Gay and Lesbian
Health Issues presented by Vanderbilt Medical
Center.
2:30 p.m. Workshop - Success in Small
Business presented by Josh Estrin, Concepts in Success in
Miami, FL.
4 p.m. workshop - Home Renovations and
Expansions presented by Lynn Taylor of Taylor Made Plansin
Nashville, TN.
Justin Nelson, president of the National GLBT
Chamber of Commerce, will be the keynote speaker.
Nelson
co-founded the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce with Chance
Mitchell in November 2002. Based in Washington D.C., the NGLCC is a
national organization that gives a much-needed economic identity to the
GLBT community. Since its inception, the organization has grown to be the
largest GLBT economic advocacy and business development organization in
the world.
Josh Estrin, president and CEO of Concepts in
Success of Miami , Florida , will also lead one of the seminars.
Estrin is author of the book, "Shut Up and Listen to
Yourself."
Expo participants will also have the
opportunity to meet and greet Lady Chablis from the movie (and book), “
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
Sponsorship
opportunities are available as well.
Click
here for attendance, volunteer, donations, or sponsorship
information!
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Are you proudly displaying your "Tips On Making Your
Business Gay-Friendly" Reminder Cards? If not, email
info@diversitybuilder.com for a free supply- Be sure to include your
physical mailing address.
Thank you for
supporting www.diversitybuilder.com! Your comments and suggestions are
always welcome.
Your Diversity Builder Staff
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