PEOPLE WORKING TOWARDS A COMMON GOAL...

The July Meeting of the Novi Diversity Round table happened yesterday at Bonefish Grill in Novi. We were honored with representatives from many different industries looking to make diversity a priority in their businesses. I began this round table four months ago when I saw the need for additional training and conversation in regards to diversity and inclusion in our local businesses. Yesterday's topic was on disabilities and how we as businesses need to make sure that we are meeting the needs of all of our clients. We talked about accessibility and making accommodation's for those who may have restrictions and need to be served in a different way. The discussion also included important topics such as what is considered a disability, employment, tips on what to say and how to say it and more. I am honored and blessed to be the chair of this wonderful group of people and will continue to use my books and talent to advance the message of diversity and inclusion. If your organization needs a speaker or trainer on diversity and inclusion please email me at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com

Read something great!

NO MORE ROLLING EYES...

I learned to roll my eyes in the first grade. A girl with fluffy ponytails that sat at the desk next to me commented on my dark skin not being attractive and she dramatically made her eyes do a loop as she turned her head away. I felt bad about her comment but I was mesmerized by the way that she controlled her eyes. The next time someone said something mean to me I used the technique on them. Over the years and many eye rolls later I realized that women need to celebrate each other and not attack with eyes, words or other gestures. I was reading an article in Essence magazine while I was at the hair salon this weekend and I was encouraged by an article from the editor on making a pledge to be kind to other women. I thought back to a month earlier when I sat in the same salon chair and a lady told me that she noticed that I had gained a lot of weight. The lady offered a satisfied chuckle and quickly went back to her notebook as she sat under her dryer feeling accomplished that she had stung another woman with an insult that made others look in her direction. I tried to understand her mindset and decided not to respond right away when I focused on the fact that I had been running everyday and that I was smaller in size than I had been in a long time. The concept of playing nice is so funny because this basic principal should be common sense. Many people have heard it said when they are very young that we should play nice but somehow even as adults I notice cliques form at certain parties or events. I laughed out loud recently when I realized that I was being excluded from a conversation at a table of women and thought about the lunch table scenario that is present in so many schools around the world.

My books are meant to make people think and to make them embrace unity early in life. If a girl has a different family life from her peers this is not an opportunity for others to berate her but an opportunity for others to find out more about her and understand someone different than them. It is truly an educational moment when we meet someone who has a different background from our own. In this world their are so many problems that do need our attention...I plead with women from young to old to celebrate all women. If you have not read a copy of "Who I Am Not What I Am" it is a must read or a must read to...for all young girls! Janelle is the main character that faces obstacles when other children do not understand her bi-racial heritage. My new book is 100% Real a book that features Janelle's friend Zoey who has been adopted into her family and feels pressure from others who question her because to them she is not the real child of her parents. This book is available for pre-order and also is a must read or a must read to...

Celebrate someone that you know and remember

Read Something great!

NOTES FROM A BUSY WEEK...

Last week was very eventful and fun! I volunteered for my church's Vacation Bible School and worked closely with elementary aged children Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. It was lots of fun playing games, helping them to absorb the stories that were told and to assist them in being independent and to give them duties of their own. The kids took great initiative in making their crafts special and in making new friends. I always love to go to churches, schools, youth groups and more to be a part of the learning and entertainment process! Remember that you can email me at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com to request to have me for your special events! I was also fortunate to have our Black Women In Business Brainstorm on Saturday. The Black Women In Business Brainstorm is a group of professional African-American women that get together on a monthly basis for a meeting to share resources, referrals, networking and a featured speaking presentation. This past week we were honored to have Jocelyn Giangrande give a speech on career development/training from early career to executive career and everywhere in between. Jocelyn is the founder of her own online learning community for women of color, SASHE. On August 13th the BWBB will host a Networking/Business Card Exchange and After 5 for professionals at Sweet Lorraine's, Livonia, MI. This event is open to the public and can be registered for on this website using the pay pal option. The cost is $15/person and will include strolling appetizers, cash bar and raffles. I hope to network with you soon! Read something great!

Promote...Connect...Enhance!

NETWORKING NIGHT'S
SPONSORED BY THE BLACK WOMEN IN BUSINESS BRAINSTORM

Be our guest for a business card exchange, networking & appetizers at Sweet Lorraine's Livonia, in the Marriot hotel.
Network with other area professionals while enjoying an exclusive after five event.
Sweet Lorraine's has been rated four stars by The Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press. Voted “One of Michigan's Top Ten Favorite Restaurants” in the Zagat Guide for Michigan.

Sweet Lorraine's is Casual, Fun and Sophisticated, offering award-winning Chef Lorraine Platman's “World Beat” Cuisine since 1982. Conveniently located in the Livonia Marriott Laurel Park Place (Six Mile Rd.) and I-275) near Plymouth, Northville, Canton, Novi, Farmington and Farmington Hills.
$15 admission fee is due via paypal at

http://www.taramichener.com/ payment is due by August 10th.

STEPS TO AWARENESS

In October many people will be at the Palace of Auburn Hills. They will be their with friends and families. They will be there to make a difference. I plan on being a part of that number. In May I was asked to be the one of the featured speakers for The Autism Speaks Kick-off. I agreed to give a speech to encourage and motivate the walkers. As I prepared for the speech I realized that speaking to motivate others to walk is good but walking, raising money and asking others to do the same is great. I have gathered a small group of people who understand the importance of this cause that will be walking with me. I also have been fundraising through selling pens, t-shirts, puzzle pieces and more. It is hard work but it is worth it to see awareness and change for those affected by Autism and Aspergers. If you would like to donate to the cause of Walk Now For Autism Speaks please email me at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com
Read something great!

CHILDREN AND DIVERSITY...

Everyday children are bombarded with self-defeating messages about their appearance, social status, economic background and more. Bullying has been able to leave the school yard and fight its way into the home of those who are tortured by it through the Internet. I thought about this long and hard before I wrote any of my books. I remembered the days of my own torture and had chatted with many people that understand that due to these behaviors low self-esteem is rampant in our young people. When children understand diversity they understand acceptance. My books are on specific subject matters such as living in a multi-racial family or being adopted, but my books are for everyone. I have met many people who have children that do not have similar lives to the characters in my books that have said oh that's nice but my child has high self-esteem or my child is not adopted. Please understand the importance of your children...our children, reading about lives that reflect a different status as their own. When children understand each other they respect one another and hopefully this will be the beginning of the end for the urge to bully or taunt other children based on ignorance. If you have not ordered my books you can do so on my pay pal page to get your signed copy. I urge you that it is a gift worth the investment.
Read something great!

MORE ON 100% REAL...READY FOR PRE-ORDER

The second Book in the "Who I Am" Series... What does it mean to be real? Meet Zoey who wonders the same thing...at first. She has been adopted by a loving family that is everything that she ever wished for. Her first day at a new school makes her nervous until she meets Janelle who instantly becomes her new best friend. Everything is going great until the kids at school ask her questions about not being a real member of her family. Through friendship with Janelle and talking to her parents she learns that she is 100% real...This book is great for anyone who wants to know more about self-esteem and loving themselves and others for "Who They Are".

Pre-order your signed copy today using the paypal option on this page.

Read something great!

No one has ever become poor by giving-Anne Frank

I found myself in a Target this past weekend and between grabbing diet coke and pizza from the food court I was anxious to look at the clearance racks. I immediately noticed that the Back To School campaign was in full gear. Un sharpened pencils, crayons, glue sticks and more were on display taunting reluctant parents to purchase them. I have never noticed a Back to school campaign in early July before and I pondered why this year was different. It occurred to me that this year was different because many parents that once had stable homes no longer have their jobs. I realized that the unemployment rate has skyrocketed especially in my home state of Michigan. I felt a sinking feeling in my heart as I realized that some children would have to go without the staples needed to have a successful school year. I also realized that if parents were able to buy the necessary school supplies with a shortened budget this may take away from other needed household staples. I whizzed my shopping cart past my husband and began filling my cart with pencil boxes, crayons, glue, and pencils. Astonished, my husband looked at me with confusion since we have no kids and we ourselves are on a strict budget. I explained to him that I had a certain amount set aside for spending for myself on this shopping trip and that I felt the need to use that money to give to the kids that we would see the next day at our church picnic. It may not be much but some kids were ecstatic to see the little care packages of supplies to get them started. Some of the parents breathed sighs of relief and gave me hugs. I have plans to do more to give back this year and I'd love to hear suggestions from you. If you don't have much money to give back time can be just as precious...I hope that you are able to benefit from this blog post regardless if you are able to give to others or receive from them.

Read something great!

An Event to remember!

One part of my job that I absolutely adore is the opportunity to meet my readers personally. I enjoy going to schools, libraries and youth groups to help nurture self-esteem and diversity awareness in my young readers. The questions, interaction and comments that I receive help me to be a better author and speaker. Are you looking for a special program for an event that you are planning? I would happy to quote you on a Dream/Esteem workshop and/or a creative writing program. Email me with your interest at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com

Read something great!

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED...EVENTUALLY YOU WILL!

I am all about persistence and success being a couple! What I mean by that is hard work and perseverance brings forth true success. I don't believe that everyone is meant to get rich quick and I'm not sure if everyone will have riches...but success is attainable to all! In my life I hav known poverty and I have known great success. I am grateful for all that I have learned from both experiences. I think that they make me more relatable to my readers and those who I meet everyday. I never want to be so far detached from others that I forget the common bods that we all share. If you have goals that have not been met as of yet...they will! As long as you never give up and don't throw in the towel. I truly believe that perseverance brings opportunities of all kinds. Have a great week and don't give up!
-Read Something great!

TALES FROM MY LAPTOP...

This past week has been so much fun! The week began with the launch of my newest book: 100% Real...which can be pre-ordered on this site. I facilitated the Power of People Seminar on Thursday. This session was focused on the importance of referrals/social networking and how they can help with professional branding and business growth. I met with friends from my college days on Friday and this week also has been my focus on Tara search on Twitter. I have developed a fun experiment to find as many Twitter Users as possible that have the name Tara. It's been fun to see how much we all have in common. What has your week been like? What do you want to accomplish? I wish you a week full of happiness and productivity!
-Read something great!

MY SOCIAL EXPERIMENT ON TWITTER...

This world is always a better place when we make it smaller by making the right connections. This week I have began a search on Twitter for people that have a common bond with me...my name. I thought that it would be fun to meet as many Tara's as possible and connect with them through social networking. As an author this is the way that I keep in touch with many of my readers. I began my search yesterday and found so many great people! Tara's that are authors, PR people, coffee lovers, marathoners, and more! I will continue to keep you posted on my findings. If you are a Tara and you are reading this and you have not followed me yet please find me on Twitter and add me! If you are a Tara and you are following me...glad to be connected. This world is a great place for those who love to connect!
-Read something great!

How do you Network?

The power of referrals are under estimated on a daily basis. I have a running seminar series titled "The Power Of People". Every month I cover a different topic that deals with networking and accomplishing your business and professional goals to take your brand to the next level. Last night we had an amazing forum with a group of focused people that are ready to meet their goals with career and professional growth. Our next seminar will be August 27th. The next seminar will focus on using the blogosphere to up your professional brand and more! It will be held at The Hampton Inn, Northville and the cost is $15. The deadline for payment is August 20th. You can sign up today using the Pay pal buttons on this page. Hope to see you there!

-Read something great!

BIG NEWS...

The Wait is almost over! You can be among the first to pre-order your copies of my new book. 100% Real. This book is the second in the "Who I Am" series and will be great for those dedicated to improving the goal of self-esteem & diversity in children. You can get it ordered right from the pay pal buttons on this site. Buy one for all of the children in your life! Age group is recommended for those 0-10 years, but books that are this important are ageless!

-Read something great!

A BOOK THAT MATTERS....

I love to pay homage to those who are writing for a purpose. I had the pleasure of meeting a great author friend at an event in Plymouth last year. Eric Tomei wrote a book about the loss of his dad and his book treasures their relationship and his dad's commitment to charity. Eric's goal is to raise as much money as possible to donate a large amount to his dad's favorite charity Habitat For Humanity. His exact goal is to raise $1 million for this cause. He has taken a loss and something that can be perceived as challenging by making a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate and therefore making new memories with his dad. What inspires you? How are you taking the lemons in your life and making lemonade out of them? Eric's book is available at www.lostdadsclub.com; www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com

READ SOMETHING GREAT!

MY INSPIRATION...

I decided that every now and then I will pay homage on my blog to someone who has inspired me. When I was in junior high school I picked up a book by Judy Blume and I was never the same. Judy's style was easy to relate to and I felt that her characters were not only realistic but fun. They were far from perfect and had problems like everyone else...that's what I liked about them. Blume's books helped me to understand what an author must convey to captivate a reader's attention. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Are you There God It's me Margaret and more...have helped to shape me as a writer and to relate to my readers. Who has inspired you? Do they know it? Tell someone if they have had a hand in making you "Who you are." It might make their day!

Read Something Great!

THE NEXT LEVEL...

Please join me on July 9th at 5:30 p.m. for a seminar not to be missed! The Power of People Seminar series will be focusing on the 30 second elevator speech, The referral generation and how to give your brand and your business an online makeover! Have you used Twitter? Linked In? Facebook? Learn how to use it to take your brand and your career to the next level. In this economy it is relationships that make the difference! The cost is $15/person and is due by July 5th. Please use the Paypal buttons to reserve your spot! Give your professional life the boost it needs.
-Read something great!

Summer reading in Ann Arbor...

It was fun to meet young people in Ann Arbor at the Summer Reading Program! I was able to share my book "Who I Am Not What I Am." This book focuses on self-esteem and diversity. The Traverwood Library is one of the newest branches in the Ann Arbor District Library system. It was a pleasure to meet those who came out for the program. If you would like for me to visit your library, please email me at whoiamnotwhatiam@yahoo.com

Read something great!