$830,000 in job funds to Oakland questioned

Written by: Wyatt Buchanan, Chronicle Sacramento Bureau on Wednesday, April 21, 2010

“ Federal stimulus dollars intended for job creation in Oakland were spent instead on trips to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and a Concord water park, rent, church repairs, bus passes, salaries and car allowances, according to a state review released Tuesday. “ Oakland received more than three million dollars for summer youth programs, But more than $830,000 of the money received under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act from February to December 2009 was not properly accounted for. Also, state auditors found that the city inflated the number of jobs that were actually created. In Oakland, the stimulus funds were passed down from a city agency to a nonprofit agency, the Oakland Private Industry Council. The state reviewed this agency and saw that there were major accounting issues. Some of the money that was drawn from The Recovery Act where not traceable. There are also field trips to amusement parks and a picnic that was paid with the stimulus plan. The state auditors also found problems resulting from the fact that the Industry Council used federal dollars to pay for existing expenses, as opposed to supplementing those costs. The inspector's review does not impact Oakland's ability to collect the remaining $3 million it was awarded.

Chapter 12: Making It

“Making it is a climb, no question, but where you get off is your choice.” The approach to the top should be the same but the stopping-point is different for everyone. I believe this is a good point because everyone has their own career goals and how far they want to go up in the business world. Everybody’s own definition of “making it” is different. In this last chapter the author gave 11 things that can help make good things happen in your career and in business:

1) Do not be afraid to take risks.

2) “If necessary, fire your boss and hook your star to a talented and dynamic leader.”

This person will take you upward with them and protect you. Trust is valued in all employees, if you have the rising stars trust, maintain it. Someday that boss will help you land on your feet comfortably somewhere.

3) Find something that you are passionate about so it does not always feel like work.

4) Especially as women, you have to work harder and smarter than everyone else to succeed and to be respected. That is earning it the old fashioned way. You can use politics to get ahead, but the safest way to get noticed is to do outstanding work.

5) “Timing is everything… makes it work for you.” Sometimes you can control the timing of thing but often not. You need to prepare yourself to be in the right place at the right time to seize the great moments of opportunity when they arise.

6) Work for a winning company. A good employment history opens doors.

7)”Follow the money positions.”

8) Being in the right place at the right time is part luck and part making your own luck. Position yourself for opportunity. Hard work, knowing yourself, skill and seizing opportunities at the right time are all part of making your own luck.

9) Live a balance life. You cannot have it all or do it all. Taking care of your mental and physical health is the most important. Learn to manage your expectations and live a good life.

10) Remember image. Cultivate your professional image. Good communication skills are very important. Also how your dress, how you are groomed and how you present yourself are key.

11) Results rule in the business world, so the key to my success was beating all the success metrics each year- sales, revenue, placements and image. Beat the projections year after year.

I have learned a lot in read this book. I would recommend it to women wanting to learn more about the business world. She gives great advice. If you want to get a hold of this book you can go to Barrens in Noble.

Chapter Eleven "Eating, For Business and Pleasure"

I thought at first that this chapter seemed to be a little strange for this book but I learned a few pointers from the author about how to entertain clients or future bosses. The author says that business meals are often about building relationships and finding common interests and grounds for discussion. She also explains why she put this chapter in the book. And that is because men have not included this topic in business books before and it is apart of business life. “Eating for business” is common at every level of corporate life. There are important lessons to learn that will make you a more effective businessperson. One rule would be whether dining out or eating in there a seasoned practice that simplify your life. They begin with the acceptance that eating well is worth it. Another phrase that she uses is, “entertaining is an act of friendship and cooking is an act of love.”

Rules of being entertaining in restaurants:

If you are the hostess you should try and be there first and go directly to the table.

Now you should use the free time while you wait to glance at the menu and the wine list so you have an idea of what you might order and free up your mind for your guests.

People look for the hostess to seat them. Generally if the dinner is formal the “most important” person sits on the right of the host.

If you are the host, you ultimately pick the restaurant and should try to accommodate your choice to your guests.

You should pick a restaurant that you are familiar with. Do not go to a place where you have not eaten before. This could be a disaster. Pick a place for you know you can rely on for good service and atmosphere. You do not want to upset you guest.

As the hostess you will be paying the bill. You have the responsibility to signal what is appropriate to order to put your guests at ease. You should get up late in the meal to settle the bill, and then return to the table so that you are not signing the credit card in front of the guest.

Rules of entertaining at home:

When entertaining business associates, it is not the same thing as entertaining close friends, but the responsibilities for the host are similar.

You should be yourself and smile. Show your guests that you are having fun and be gracious, making your guests feel welcomed.

Do not try and overdo it or you will be set up for a failure.

Planning is the key, lists help. Avoid catering. Personalize it by trying to make at least two-thirds of the meal yourself.

Make an effort to change the subject away from business matters. Ask about vacation plans or hobbies.