Categories
Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses

The Power of Humility: Why Being Humble is Essential for Success and Fulfillment

The world we live in today is fast-paced and competitive. In such a world, it is easy to get carried away by our achievements and lose sight of the things that truly matter. Being humble is one of those things that matter, and it is an essential trait that we all should strive to cultivate. In this article, we will explore the importance of being humble and how it can impact our lives positively.

Being humble is an essential quality that we all should possess. It means having a modest opinion of oneself and being respectful of others. Humility allows us to acknowledge our limitations and weaknesses, which helps us to strive to improve and become better versions of ourselves. Moreover, it helps us to appreciate the contributions of others and value their opinions, leading to better teamwork and collaboration.

In his book, “The Art of Possibility,” Rosamund Stone Zander explores the concept of humility in depth. She argues that humility is not just about being modest; it is also about acknowledging that everyone has something to contribute. Zander writes that “when we are humble, we recognize that we are all in this together, and we can achieve more by working together than we can by working alone.”

Another book that highlights the importance of humility is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. Collins argues that one of the traits that separate great companies from average ones is the presence of a humble leader. He writes that “Level 5 leaders display a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will.” These leaders are willing to put the needs of the organization before their own and are willing to learn from others.

Being humble also means being open to learning and feedback. When we are humble, we are more likely to accept criticism and use it to improve ourselves. In his article, “The Power of Humility in Leadership,” John Baldoni writes that “leaders who are humble are not afraid to admit they don’t have all the answers.” They are willing to learn from their mistakes and those of others.

In his book, “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS,” Di Tran explores the concept of humility and how it can impact our lives positively. He argues that humility is essential in building strong relationships and creating a positive work environment. Tran writes that “when we focus on others and put their needs before our own, we create a culture of empathy and respect.”

Being humble is an essential quality that we all should strive to cultivate. It helps us to acknowledge our limitations and weaknesses, appreciate the contributions of others, and value their opinions. Humility also allows us to learn from others, accept feedback, and create a positive work environment. As Di Tran writes in his book, “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS,” when we focus on others, we create a culture of empathy and respect, leading to better relationships and a more fulfilling life.

Categories
Community Self-Improve Small Businesses

The Top Scams of 2022 and How to Protect Against Them: Insights from the FTC and Ethnic Media Services

Scammers have continued to evolve their tactics, and 2022 saw a rise in the total amount lost by consumers and small businesses. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) partnered with Ethnic Media Services to reveal the top five scams of 2022 and their economic impact, as well as how to spot and protect against them.

Scammer

According to the FTC, while there was a decrease in the number of fraud reports received in 2022, the total amount lost by consumers and small businesses rose to $8.8 billion, the most ever reported. The top two frauds were imposter fraud and online shopping scams. Consumers reported losing $660 million to business imposters compared to $450 million the year before.

Investor fraud was the most lucrative for scammers, with consumers reporting a loss of almost $3.8 billion, with the majority in cryptocurrency scams. Scammers often entice consumers to invest in cryptocurrency through social media, presenting fake websites that show the consumer’s money growing. Social media was the contact method that had the highest aggregated dollar loss, with $1.2 billion.

The FTC experts also highlighted that scammers are targeting ethnic communities and speaking their language. For example, the Latino community filed a higher percentage of reports relating to problems with banks and lenders, related to debt collection, auto issues, and also business opportunities. Scammers also targeted Latinos with bogus business opportunities and work-at-home schemes. In contrast, the black community reported the largest number of reports about payday loan applications and student debt relief programs.

Scammer

To help people spot and avoid scams, the FTC provides information in a dozen languages, including Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (both simplified and traditional), French, Hmong, Korean, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Ukrainian. The FTC’s downloadable publication, Spotting, Avoiding and Reporting Scams: A Fraud Handbook for recent refugees and immigrants, helps people learn to spot some of the scams related to looking for a job, going through the immigration process, or just trying to figure out how things work in the US. There are also graphics in each language at the bottom of each page to share on social media, helping people in various communities know how to spot, avoid, and report fraud.

In conclusion, while the number of fraud reports decreased in 2022, scammers continue to evolve their tactics, with investor fraud and cryptocurrency scams being the most lucrative. The FTC recommends being aware of scams and provides resources in multiple languages to help people spot, avoid, and report fraud.

Categories
Self-Improve Small Businesses

From Scarcity to Abundance: How Fasting Improved My Physical and Mental Health

As I sit here in my comfortable home in America, surrounded by abundance and luxury, I can’t help but reflect on my journey to get here. I was born and raised in Vietnam, in a rural countryside where basic necessities like food were limited. Watching my family members work long hours in the rice fields just to put food on the table was a way of life for me. It was a struggle, but it was all we knew.

When I moved to America, I was overwhelmed by the abundance of food and sugar available at every turn. It was a stark contrast to the scarcity I experienced in Vietnam. But as I indulged in these newfound luxuries, I began to realize the toll they were taking on my health.

In America, food can easily become poison. It’s the main culprit behind diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and heart attacks. As someone who had experienced hunger and scarcity, I knew I had to change my relationship with food to avoid these health issues.

That’s when I began my journey of fasting. I started with intermittent fasting, skipping breakfast and only eating during a small window of time each day. As I became more comfortable with this routine, I started to incorporate longer fasts, lasting 24-48 hours.

I’ve now been fasting daily for 5 months, and the results have been incredible. I’ve lost 20 pounds and have developed six-pack abs for the first time in my life. I feel healthier and stronger than ever before, and my cravings for exercise and meditation have increased.

Through this process, I’ve learned that everything we feed our minds and bodies matters. Positive thoughts and healthy food choices are crucial for mental and physical health. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded by negative messages and unhealthy options, it’s important to be mindful of what we consume.

As I reflect on my journey, I’m grateful for the struggles I faced growing up. They taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. And now, in America, I’ve found a way to use those lessons to live a healthier and happier life.

Mental Health Focus

In today’s society, mental health problems have become increasingly prevalent. It’s more important than ever to take care of both our physical and mental health, and the two are often interconnected. As someone who has experienced the benefits of fasting on both my physical and mental health, I believe that it’s essential to pay attention to what we feed our bodies and minds.

Fasting has allowed me to cultivate a positive mindset, reduce stress, and improve my overall well-being. By cutting out unhealthy foods and focusing on healthy choices, I’ve been able to reduce inflammation and improve my brain function. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in our lives.

But fasting isn’t the only solution. We can also prioritize our mental health by practicing mindfulness, connecting with loved ones, and seeking professional help when needed. By taking care of ourselves, we can better take care of those around us and contribute to a happier and healthier society.

In conclusion, as we navigate the challenges of today’s world, let’s not forget the importance of taking care of ourselves both physically and mentally. By making small changes to our lifestyle and prioritizing our well-being, we can improve our overall quality of life and build a better future for ourselves and those around us.

Categories
Small Businesses

Why Joining a Local Small Business Association is a Smart Move for Small Business Owners: The Benefits of Joining the Louisville Independent Business Alliance

Small business owners often have to compete with large corporations that have significant advantages, such as greater resources and brand recognition. To level the playing field, small business owners can join local small business associations like the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA). These associations offer a wide range of benefits that can help small business owners succeed. Here are some reasons why small business owners should consider joining a local small business association like LIBA:

  1. Networking: One of the biggest benefits of joining a local small business association is the networking opportunities that it provides. Small business owners can connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs and share ideas, knowledge, and experience. Networking also provides opportunities for referrals and partnerships, which can lead to increased business growth and revenue.
  2. Advocacy: Small business associations like LIBA advocate for the interests of small businesses at the local, state, and national levels. They work to promote policies and regulations that are favorable to small businesses and help protect them from unfair competition. Small business associations also help to raise awareness about the importance of small businesses to the local economy.
  3. Education: Many small business associations offer educational programs and resources to help small business owners improve their skills and knowledge. These resources can include workshops, seminars, webinars, and mentoring programs. By participating in these programs, small business owners can learn new strategies for success, stay up-to-date on industry trends, and connect with other business owners.
  4. Marketing and Promotion: Small business associations often provide opportunities for their members to market and promote their businesses. For example, LIBA offers a directory of member businesses on its website, as well as social media promotion and advertising opportunities. This increased exposure can help small businesses attract new customers and increase their revenue.
  5. Cost Savings: Many small business associations offer discounts on products and services that their members use in their businesses. For example, LIBA offers members discounts on credit card processing fees, printing and marketing services, and more. These cost savings can help small businesses reduce their expenses and increase their profits.
  6. Community Involvement: Small business associations like LIBA are often involved in community events and initiatives. By participating in these events, small business owners can help to build goodwill with their customers and other members of the community. This increased visibility can help small businesses attract new customers and grow their businesses.
  7. Collaboration: Small business associations provide opportunities for collaboration among their members. For example, members can collaborate on joint marketing campaigns, events, and other projects. By working together, small businesses can achieve more than they could on their own.

Joining a local small business association like LIBA can offer small business owners a wide range of benefits, from networking opportunities to advocacy, education, marketing and promotion, cost savings, community involvement, and collaboration. These benefits can help small businesses succeed and grow in an increasingly competitive business environment.

Categories
Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

The Superhero Journey of Being an Entrepreneur

Being an entrepreneur is like being a superhero, constantly learning to figure oneself out and going through life’s ups and downs with answers constantly coming through. It’s a challenging but fulfilling path that involves wearing all kinds of hats and facing fears of being different.

As a child, many entrepreneurs may have feared standing out from the crowd, but as they progress through each stage of their business journey, they learn to embrace their uniqueness and become comfortable with being different. This acceptance is not always easy, as entrepreneurs may find themselves being accepted by the norm one minute, and then being unaccepted the next. The cycle of acceptance and rejection can be challenging, but it is all part of the journey.

Entrepreneurs are loved by some, hated by others, and are often subject to high expectations. They strive to make the majority of their customers happy with their products and services, but some will never be satisfied, and this is something that they must accept.

However, as entrepreneurs, they learn to accept all results, and not take offense to any level of criticism thrown their way. They evolve and change every minute to adapt to the constantly changing business landscape, and learn to handle the lows and control their excitement during the highs. Nothing is too much or too little for them, and boredom is a non-existent concept.

Each day brings new opportunities, and entrepreneurs crave the excitement and challenges that come with it. They prepare themselves every morning and are ready to hustle out the door. They appreciate all things in life because they know that all things and people matter in the ecosystem of business. They give thanks daily for everything that they have.

Despite the rewards of being an entrepreneur, it can also be a lonely path. Entrepreneurs often feel isolated because no one else understands the challenges that they face. But this is a cost that they are willing to pay to pursue their passions and create something of value for the world.

Being an entrepreneur is like being a superhero. It involves constantly learning, evolving, and facing fears. Entrepreneurs must wear many hats, accept all results, and learn to adapt to the constantly changing business landscape. While it can be a lonely path, entrepreneurs appreciate everything in life and are always ready for the next challenge.

Need Helps lauching your new businesses?

If you’re ready to take the next step in launching your new business, don’t go at it alone. The New American Business Association and Di Tran Enterprise are here to support you every step of the way. Our team understands the importance of having a strong support system when starting a new venture, and we’re here to provide you with the guidance and resources you need to succeed.

Whether you’re looking for advice on business planning, financing, or marketing, our team has the expertise and experience to help you navigate the challenges of launching a startup. With our help, you can feel confident in your ability to bring your vision to life and build a successful business.

So why wait? Contact the New American Business Association or Di Tran Enterprise today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you launch your new business with confidence. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your entrepreneurial dreams!

Categories
Leadership Development Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

Empowering Young Leaders at JusticeFest: Reflections from Di Tran

JusticeFest is an annual event presented by Churchill Downs, Humana, and Park Community Credit Union that brings together Jefferson County students from grades 3-12 to pitch solutions to community-wide issues. This year, JusticeFest was produced as part of the Derby Equity and Community Initiative, with Kentucky Derby Festival, Churchill Downs, and Humana.

Style ‘N Go – Braiding for Student

Among the panelists at JusticeFest was Di Tran, the author of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS” and the soon-to-be-released book “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH”. As a business owner and a leader in the community, Di Tran understands the importance of empowering young people to create positive change.

Di Tran shared his story and experiences as a business owner with the young leaders at JusticeFest. He is the owner of Louisville Beauty Academy, a beauty school that has graduated over 1000 students, and Louisville Institute of Technology, an IT apprenticeship program that prepares students for the workforce from day one.

NewComer Academy – JCPS Students

Di Tran was impressed by the creativity, intelligence, and passion of the young leaders at JusticeFest. He was honored to be a panelist and learn from them. In his upcoming book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” Di Tran emphasizes the importance of having faith in oneself and in God. He believes that with faith, anything is possible, and one can overcome any obstacle. The young leaders showcased at JusticeFest embody this message, as they tackle community-wide issues with confidence and conviction.

JusticeFest is an event that provides opportunities for young people to showcase their talents and ideas. It allows them to learn from business and community leaders, mentors, advisers, teachers, and other professionals. Di Tran is grateful for events like JusticeFest that empower young people and inspire positive change in the community.

JusticeFest is an important event that showcases the creativity and passion of young leaders in the community. Di Tran’s participation in JusticeFest and his appreciation for the young leaders highlight the importance of empowering young people to create positive change in their communities.

Categories
Community Leadership Development Small Businesses Workforce Development

Di Tran’s Encounter with Dr. Price: A Message of Progress and Equity

On February 16th, 2023, Di Tran attended a weekly event hosted by the Rotary Club of Louisville where she had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Price. From the start of their conversation, Di Tran was struck by Dr. Price’s opening statement, “I pray that God talk through me, and to you today.” It was an indication of the deep connection that Dr. Price had to her faith and a sign of her sincerity in addressing the issues that affect the community.

Dr. Price introduced herself as a member of the Urban League, a non-profit organization that aims to promote economic empowerment and social justice for people of color. She described how she starts her staff meetings with a reflection on the past, present, and future of the Urban League. She spoke with conviction and confidence that the past is obsolete, the future is obsolete, and the current state of progress is where the focus should be. She emphasized that the community must work together to create a future where there is no need to talk about equity, especially for black and brown people.

Dr. Price’s message was about leaning into discomfort and feeling it for others. It was a call to action for people to step outside their comfort zones and confront the challenges facing the community. She stressed the importance of taking practical steps to address the issues that prevent people from realizing their full potential.

One practical example that Dr. Price shared was the accessibility of Kumon tutoring for underprivileged children. Di Tran was highly aligned with this idea, recognizing that education is one of the keys to breaking the cycle of poverty. Dr. Price’s emphasis on the importance of practical solutions and small steps resonated with Di Tran and many others in the room.

Dr. Price’s message was one of hope and progress. She talked about the future of the city being bright because of people like herself and Di Tran coming together to do small things that add up. It was a reminder that positive change is possible, and it starts with each individual making a difference in their own way. Di Tran left the event feeling inspired and encouraged to continue making a positive impact in the community.

In conclusion, Di Tran’s meeting with Dr. Price at the Rotary Club of Louisville’s weekly event was a reminder of the importance of focusing on others and having faith in the future. As Di Tran writes in his first book, “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERs,” the key to personal and professional growth is shifting our attention away from ourselves and towards those around us. Dr. Price’s emphasis on leaning into discomfort and feeling it for others, as well as her commitment to providing resources like Kumon tutoring for underprivileged children, are shining examples of this principle in action.

Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH by Di Tran

As Di Tran prepares to release his second book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” we can look forward to further insights and inspiration on how to navigate the challenges of life and work with courage and conviction. With the guidance of leaders like Dr. Price and the example of Di Tran’s own journey, we can all strive to become better, more compassionate, and more effective in our personal and professional lives.

Categories
Community Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

Surrendering to God and Filling the Emptiness: A Profound Conversation with Liz Curtis Higgs

Who is Liz Curtis Higgs

Liz Curtis Higgs is a bestselling author, speaker, and Bible teacher. She was born in Kentucky, USA, in 1953, and grew up in a Christian family. She has written more than 30 books, including non-fiction works on topics such as biblical studies, women’s issues, and Christian living, as well as novels and children’s books.

Liz Curtis Higgs

Higgs is perhaps best known for her Bad Girls of the Bible series, which explores the lives of women in the Bible who made mistakes or broke the rules, such as Eve, Delilah, and Bathsheba. Her books have sold millions of copies and have been translated into numerous languages.

In addition to her writing, Higgs is a popular speaker and Bible teacher, and has traveled extensively to speak at conferences and events. She has also appeared on numerous television and radio programs. Higgs currently lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, Bill, and their two children.

Di Tran’s Meeting with Liz Curtis Higgs

Meeting Liz Curtis Higgs was a truly wonderful experience, and it was clear that God was working through both of us during our conversation. We talked about surrendering to God and the moment when we each became aware of the presence of the divine in our lives. Liz shared a profound insight with me, that our hearts, souls, and cores are like empty vacuum spaces that are constantly seeking to be filled with something.

As humans, we often seek to fill this emptiness with material things, food, alcohol, negativity, anger, power, success, or any number of other things. But what we fill up with truly matters, and the answer to our seeking is much simpler than we might imagine.

Di Tran + Liz Curtis Higgs

The answer has always been with us, as God is within each of us. We have everything we need, including the most powerful of all things, our spirit, which is in harmony with the infinite divine universe. The challenge is that we often don’t let our spirit do its job, as we try to control everything in our lives.

What we need to do is surrender and let go of our self, so that our spirit can run its course naturally and manifest the things we desire. This is in alignment with the idea of “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” which I explore in my upcoming book, the guide to faith by understanding fear and worry, and surrendering them so that God has the space to work through us.

It’s clear that filling the emptiness with things outside in the world doesn’t fill it. We need God as the energy to fill that space, and surrendering to God allows this energy to flow freely.

I’m so grateful for my conversation with Liz, and for the wisdom she shared with me. It’s clear that God is working through her, and through each of us, in ways that we might not even realize.

References

Categories
Small Businesses

The Growth and Expansion of the Vietnamese-Owned Nail Salon Industry in the United States (1970s-Present)

The nail salon business in the United States started to grow in popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was during this time that a new wave of immigrants, primarily from Vietnam, began to settle in the United States and bring with them their skills and traditions in nail care. These immigrants saw the opportunity to start their own businesses in the nail care industry and, in turn, introduced the concept of professional nail salons to the American market. The nail salon business started in urban areas with large Vietnamese populations, primarily on the West Coast and in Texas.

Many of the early nail salons were small, family-owned businesses that offered a range of services, including manicures, pedicures, and artificial nail enhancements. Over time, the popularity of nail salons spread to other parts of the country, and the industry continued to grow and evolve. As the industry grew, larger companies entered the market and began to offer a wider range of services and products. Nail salons became increasingly popular and began to offer a wider range of services, including spa services, massages, and skin care treatments.

Today, the nail salon industry is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States, with thousands of salons operating across the country, from California to New York and from Texas to Washington state. The industry has evolved into a thriving and important part of the American economy, providing employment and services to millions of people. The nail salon business started as a result of the entrepreneurial spirit of Vietnamese immigrants and has since become an integral part of the American landscape.

Categories
Small Businesses

From Immigrant to Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Story of Anthony Pham, Owner of Dalat’s Gateaux and Cafe

Anthony Pham is a Vietnamese immigrant who came to the United States in search of a better life. Just like many other Vietnamese Americans, he escaped the country by boat in the 1980s and settled in California with his uncle. He worked hard to make a life for himself and his family and was determined to obtain a higher education.

Pham is not only a successful engineer, but he is also a loving husband and father. He has two twin daughters who are high-achievers and have followed in his footsteps of hard work and dedication. When he heard that the previous owner of Dalat’s Gateaux and Cafe – Banh Mi, Boba Teas, located at 6915 Southside Dr, Louisville, KY 40214 was retiring and closing the business, he saw an opportunity to provide a place for his daughters to work and gain experience while they attend college. He also wanted to provide a gathering place for students at the University of Louisville.

Family Business

Pham’s goal is to turn his business into an empire, just like other successful chain restaurants like Qdoba and Panera Bread. He is focused on the 4Ps – product, price, promotion, and place – and is building a protocol and standardized process to ensure the success of his business. His passion for providing delicious and fresh food, combined with his business savvy, is sure to make Dalat’s Gateaux and Cafe a success for many years to come.

Anthony Pham is a true inspiration to us all, especially to the Vietnamese immigrant community. He has worked hard to build a better life for himself and his family and is now giving back to the community by providing a place for students to gather and his daughters to work and gain experience. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors and know that he will succeed in turning his business into an empire. If you’re in the Louisville area, be sure to stop by Dalat’s Gateaux and Cafe at 6915 Southside Dr, Louisville, KY 40214 and try some of their delicious banh mi and boba teas.

Translate »