Tamara Allen is “Your Advice Guru” bringing your REAL advice from REAL experience. A wife, mother of four, daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend, mentor, mentee, and entrepreneur, Tamara is not your average advice columnist. She doesn’t just shell out advice that she herself might not use. She openly shares her own opinions, testimony, life experiences, and lessons learned in an effort to impart wisdom and help others along the way! If you need advice and have a question for Tamara, email her at asktamara@tamararallen.com.

Visit the advice Archives at tamararallen.com

Follow Tamara on Twitter

Become a Fan on Facebook

Watch Tamara on YouTube

Subscribe to Tamara’s RSS Feeds

Have you spent time abroad? Do you speak at least two languages, fluently? Do you write and understand more than one language? If so, you could possibly make a good interpreter or translator. As the world becomes more global, there is a need for advanced communication skills. Companies are employing diverse employees and doing business in the global marketplace. A person who is fluent in more than one language can be a great access to the team. Not only in helping to communicate, but also helping to understand differences in body language and gestures.

For find out more about becoming an interpreter of translator, visit the following links:

http://www.translation-and-languages.com/become-a-translator.html

http://www.altalang.com/beyond-words/2008/05/09/5-steps-to-becoming-a-translator/

Globalization! As the world becomes flatter and globalization creates a world village, it is imperative that leaders have the cultural flexibility and adaptability to inspire and guide people from very distinct backgrounds that represents the whole rainbow of humanity. Salsa, Soul and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Nation puts forth a multicultural leadership model that integrates eight practices from African American, Indian and Latino communities. Using principles such as “Sankofa”: the ability to learn from the past, “I to We”: From Individualism to collective identity”, and “Mi casa es su casa”: Developing a generosity of spirit, this model offers leaders new approaches that will increase their interpersonal effectiveness with diverse populations by incorporating the influences, practices and values of a variety of cultures in a respectful and productive manner.

For more information about author Juana Bordus click here.

There is no denying that our world is becoming more global. With advanced technology and the use of the Internet, it is easier to communicate and share with people across the globe. And as the world becomes “global” there is a necessity for all of us to expand, grow, learn new cultures, and learn how to better communicate with one another. Brandi Young-Sharp has a passion for bridging the language gap between cultures and helping companies become more culturally aware and responsible. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Brandi is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Language Access, Inc. a firm that specializes in interpretation and translation services as well as multicultural training and education.

The Interview

What is your passion?

Advocating and getting involved with organizations that reach out to the new American community, building capacity and encouraging reading and education.

Are you living your dream?

I feel like I am still working towards that. Whenever I get the chance to be totally submersed in helping and not thinking about having to pay my bills, then I would be living my dream.

How do you balance family and career?

Balancing family and career is so tricky, especially if you are an extrovert who loves to socialize. I really have to be conscientious of my calendar and time to make sure I am making the most out of every hour I schedule. When I do not plan out my day, including lunches, and homework time with my kids, I find myself a little out of control and less productive.

How do you relax?

Spending time with my sister in law unwinding and acting “Girlie and  Feminine” (painting toe nails, etc.). I also like to have alone time in a quiet place (usually the bathroom) reading the Bible or a nonfiction book.

What 3 things can’t you live without?

I just couldn’t live without knowing that Jesus is my Savior and that I am saved because of Him dying on the cross for me. I could not live without my family and their support and love. Lastly I couldn’t live without my integrity and self worth.

What book are you reading?

Salsa, Soul and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age by Juana Bordas, the book before that was Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.

What is your main time management tool?

I wish I could say my mind but honestly it’s a combination of my husband, my mother (although she lives in California- I include her in my appointments so she can follow up with me and ask me if I met with my client or called them back after the appt.) and my Smartphone and its amazing apps!

To contact Brandi call 614 224-2524 office 614 224-2544 fax or visit Advanced Language Access at www.advancedlanguageaccess.com.

Previously I spotlighted The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. The Secret revealed the law of attraction and how we have the power to create our lives through our thoughts. Now Rhonda Byrne releases her second book which reveals the greatest power in the universe — LOVE and how to use the power of love to have anything you want. Author: Rhonda Byrne.  For more information about Rhonda or to purchase this book click here.

Keeping Central Ohioans up to date on news, entertainment and community, Sherry Lloyd is the Co-owner and VP of Operations of The Lloyds of Columbus, a marketing and advertising firm she runs with her husband and business partner, Kevin Lloyd. The Lloyds of Columbus maintains the popular website ColumbusBlack.com. and will soon launch the New York site so stay tuned.

A graduate of the University of North Alabama, Sherry is also a devoted wife and mother who is living her dreams through entrepreneurship!

The Interview

What is your passion?

Taking ownership in my part to make our communities/world a better place.

Are you living your dream?

I’m walking in the steps ordered for me. My dream is to continue to do this without question.

How do you balance family and career?

I balance family and career by stepping away from the computer and phone (cell) when it’s time to be focused on my household. I just need to do it more often!

How do you relax?

I relax the best when I’m vacationing on a sunny beach in front of blue waters. When I’m not able to do this I relax by watching movies with a love story theme i.e. P.S I Love You, Beaches, or The Bridges of Madison County

What 3 things can’t you live without?

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, My family, and Great Cake!

What book are you reading?

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston – It’s my third time reading it.

What is your main time management tool?

My phone & my Google Calendar

If you are pressed for time, what is your favorite recipe?

Spaghetti

To contact Sherry you can visit www.columbusblack.com or contact her via phone at 614-863-2472

Deciding to pursue my master’s degree in marketing and communication was a strategic decision. I chose this field of study because of its tremendous growth potential and the vast career opportunities available in this industry. I believe that all companies and organizations have a need for professionals in this industry and I knew that I would always have options. I am a creative professional with experience in branding, marketing, advertising, and public relations; all of which are utilized in marketing.

Marketing can be defined as the wide range of activities (promotion, pricing, placement, distribution) involved in getting products and services to customers and bringing value and revenue to the company. Its estimated that over thirty percent of all workers worldwide work in marketing. This includes professionals in advertising and promotion, marketing managers, retailers, salespeople, and many more. If you would like more information on pursuing a marketing career, click here.

It is not easy working with someone constantly looking over your shoulder! Check out this article on CareerBuilder.com featuring yours truly (Tamara Allen) as I share some of my experiences working with a micromanager and some of the  tips and techniques that helped me manage the situation and create a better working environment.

Okay, I had to write about this one! I don’t know about you, but I do not support “flirting” in the workplace. While I consider myself a sociable person and will generally talk and make conversation with anyone whether I am in a business setting, grocery store, or restaurant, I do not mix my “gift for gab” and the ability to make human connections with flirting! I don’t have to! And furthermore, you never know a person’s relationship status or their boundaries when it comes to communication. I would not put myself or anyone else in an uncomfortable or compromising position for the sake of moving up the corporate ladder or filling up my professional Rolodex.

I have a 19-year-old daughter who is in her second year of college.  She is looking to start interning and will soon be looking to start her career.  She is learning how to network, make contacts and increase her human capital. Flirting is definitely not a skill I will encourage her to use to make connections and get ahead.

Click here to read the full article.

I read an article outlining a recent study on social relationships and the importance of having friends and relationships.  It was found that social isolation may actually be one of the biggest risk factors for human mortality. Those with adequate or high social relationships–friends, family, neighbors or colleagues–were found to have a 50% greater likelihood of survival than their friendless counterparts. Well, I could have saved some organization or university a whole lot of money! I was always taught that no man is an island and neither is a woman. We all need other people to survive and yes, women need other women!

I am always saddened when I hear a woman say, “I don’t have any female friends.” “All of my friends are guys.” “I don’t get along with too many women.” I am even sadder when I witness the spirit of competition and jealousy among women. You’ve heard it too, “Who does she think she is?” “She thinks she’s cute.” “What is she looking at?” The reality is we as women really need to love and support one another. We need to glean from each other! If you see another sister that has it going on, instead of hating or throwing salt, glean from her. See how you can make some changes within yourself and have it going on too! If you know a woman who occupies that corner office that you wish to occupy one day, ask her to be your mentor, learn from her. Don’t be afraid to learn from another sister. If you occupy that corner office and have been blessed with opportunity and abundance, reach out and give another sister an opportunity. Don’t be threatened and afraid to share knowledge and information. There is enough success to go around!

I am blessed to have women in my life that I can share with, confide in, seek counsel from, and simply be myself in their presence. But in order for me to enjoy the blessings of my girlfriends, I had to let go of my FEARS! I had to stop acting like I was an island and that I could and had to handle everything on my own. Now I am not saying everyone on this earth needs to know all your personal business, but you should have a core group of sisterfriends that love and support you. I have found by sharing with other women that we all have many commonalities and experience similar situations in relationships, in corporate America, and raising our families. There is nothing like realizing that you ARE NOT crazy or the only person in the world going through a particular experience!

No woman is an island! If you have a group of of sisterfriends, love, cherish, and appreciate them! If you don’t have a core group, I challenge you to let down your guard and begin to share and build relationships with other women. And sisters, if you see or recognize another sister that needs help or friendship, don’t be afraid to be that help, mentor and friend!