How to Succeed in Business: Properly Incorporate Your Business!

As a business consultant, my main area of expertise is assisting small business owners with properly incorporating their businesses in their particular state. In the State of Maryland, one has to ensure that their business is properly registered with the Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT). In Maryland, the average yearly fee of incorporating one’s business is from $150 to $300. It is normally advisable to incorporate your business with the appropriate state agency, in your particular state, within the first three years of being in business.

Here are the different types of companies or corporations that are allowed and recognized in the State of Maryland:

1. Sole proprietorship: simplest business form and not a legal entity. The business is not legally separate from the owner. The owner’s personal assets and obligations of the business are not distinguished.
2. General Partnership: This is the simplest form of partnership and is created when two or more individuals engage in business together for profit. A general partnership can begin with just a verbal agreement and handshake. There is no liability protection in this form of business and every partner is equally liable for all debts and obligations of the business. Also, the personal assets of each partner can be used to pay such debts.
3. Limited Partnership (LP): There are two classes of partners (general and limited). The general partners normally handle the day to day operations of the business and are held personally liable for the business debts and obligations. Limited partners only contribute money and capital to the business. The limited partners are not involved in the daily operation of the business. The limited partner’s personal liability does not go beyond their capital contributions to the business.
4. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): This business entity is a hybrid and similar to a Limited Liability Company (LLC). All partners in the business handles the daily operation and management of the business. Unlike the Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnerships ensures that all partners’ personal assets cannot be used to satisfy the business debts and liabilities like an LLC. LLP partners are ensured that they will not be held accountable for the acts of other partners (have personal liability protection).
5. Limited Liability Company (LLC): It is an unincorporated business that can be formed by one or more individuals with no personal liability for debts of the LLC. An LLC is unique because for statutory purposes it is treated like a corporation regarding limited liability of partners and partnership status for tax purposes.
6. Corporation: Corporation is an independent entity. The corporation is separate from the owners of the business because can contract in the corporate name, sue and be sued as the corporation, and buy, sell, and own property in the corporate name. There is no personal liability for owners of the business because the corporation is responsible for its own debts and liabilities. The business entity outlasts the death or disability of all stockholders.
7. S-Corp and C-Corp: Have the general guidelines as a corporation. Must be registered with SDAT similar to a corporation. There is no difference between S-Corp and C-Corp for purposes of Maryland Corporate Law. S-Corp does not have double taxation like a C-Corp. C-Corp has double taxation because it is treated as a separate taxable entity and distributions to stockholders are generally treated as dividends. S-Corp is the best avenue over C-Corp because it provides liability protection of a corporation while allowing tax treatment similar to a partnership.

Here are the general steps to consider when incorporating a small business in the State of Maryland or another state:

• Step One: The formation documentation to incorporate a business is normally called the Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Incorporation, it depends on the state.
• Step Two: The fees for registering a business as a company runs from $50 to $400. In the State of Maryland, the fees run from $150 to $300.
• Step Three: The normal time wait to have the formation documentation approved by the State varies from four to six weeks (non-expedited services). But, for an extra fee a business can have their paperwork approved within a few days or even a few hours (expedited services). Now in many states, like Maryland, you are able to fill out the formation documentation online and this speeds up the approval process.
• Step Four: Have to disclose certain information in the incorporation documentation such as the following:

1. Company Name.
2. Business of purpose both general purpose and specific purpose.
3. Registered Agent.
4. Incorporator- the person or company who is incorporating the business.

• Step Five: Must have a registered agent who is the individual who can accept service of paperwork for the company.

These are just some general steps to take when deciding to incorporate your small business as a legal entity in your particular state. It is advisable to consult with your attorney, accountant, and business consultant to determine the best incorporation form for your small business.

Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, mediator, and legal professional with over ten years of experience.  She is owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting (FACMBC) based in Baltimore, Maryland and has been in business since 2013. Services provided by FACMBC:  Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services; Business Registration Assistance (Limited Liability Company, Corporation, S-Corp, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.); Business Plan Drafting Assistance; Business Certification Assistance (MBE, WOSB, 8A, 501(c) (3), Hub Zone, etc.); and Business Organization Assistance. She is also a contributing writer to the Maryland Daily Examiner Newspaper. Contact information: dzimmerman36@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/FACMBC; www.twitter.com/FACMBC; https://dzimmerman36.wordpress.com; http://www.linkedin.com/in/dzbusconsultantandmediator

How to Succeed in Business: Ensure that you have the proper business insurance!

As a business consultant, I have learned through the years that one important matter that my clients forget to think about or talk about is insurance for their business. When I was a practicing attorney, many of my clients were individuals who owned their own businesses and were being sued by dissatisfied customers. The business owners failed to realize and understand that they had to have their business properly set-up to avoid legal lawsuits and other issues.

Here are some of the major problems that many business owners face regarding their business:

1. The business was not properly incorporated as a legal entity with the proper state agency.
2. The business did not have any insurance to protect the owner from personal liability.
3. The business owner did not have the “dream team” to assist them with the legalities of the business.
4. The “dream team” for small businesses is as follows:
   1. Accountant;
   2. Attorney;
   3. Insurance Agent;
   4. Bookkeeper;
   5. Business Coach;
   6. Banker; and
   7. Mentor.

Based on these issues, the business owner needs to ensure that they have the proper business insurance needed to operate the business in an efficient and effective manner. There are many benefits to having insurance for one’s business. Operating a business is very challenging without one having to worry about major financial loss or monetary loss due to unforeseen and unplanned circumstances.

Here are a few ways how insurance can protect one’s business from many common losses experienced by many business owners:

1. Protection from property damage.
2. Business won’t be interrupted.
3. Will not have to deal with theft, personal liability, or employee injury.

Buying the right commercial insurance coverage certainly makes the difference between losing one’s business to a dissatisfied client in a lawsuit or recovering with minimal business interruption and financial impairment to the company’s operations. Before buying any type of commercial insurance for your business, it is advisable to speak with an insurance agent to figure out which type of insurance will meet the needs of the business.

Here are some of the basic types of commercial insurance to consider for your small business:

1. Commercial Auto Insurance: This type of insurance is purchased to cover all vehicles that are used for business purposes and business operations.
2. Property Insurance: This type of insurance protects the business property from possible losses in any way.
3. Liability Insurance: This type of insurance protects the business assets and personal assets of the business owner from different types of liability.
4. Business Interruption and Continuation Insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage for business expenses associated with running a business, i.e. utility bills and payroll. This type of insurance comes into play when the business is out of operation for a long period of time due to fire or reasons beyond the owner’s control.
5. Professional Liability Insurance: Better known as Errors & Omissions insurance provides protection to the business for damages as a result of professional advisor, employee, or board member due to negligence or failure to use due diligence.

There are many other types of insurance coverage a small business owner should consider to purchase to protect their business. So, please speak with your insurance agent to figure out the best commercial insurance coverage for your small business.

Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, mediator, and legal professional with over ten years of experience.  She is owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting (FACMBC) based in Baltimore, Maryland and has been in business since 2013. Services provided by FACMBC:  Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services; Business Registration Assistance (Limited Liability Company, Corporation, S-Corp, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.); Business Plan Drafting Assistance; Business Certification Assistance (MBE, WOSB, 8A, 501(c) (3), Hub Zone, etc.); and Business Organization Assistance. She is also a contributing writer to the Maryland Daily Examiner Newspaper. Contact information: dzimmerman36@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/FACMBC; www.twitter.com/FACMBC; https://dzimmerman36.wordpress.com; http://www.linkedin.com/in/dzbusconsultantandmediator

How to Succeed: It’s Time to Move On!

Many times we spend too much time on the problem, instead of, letting God help us to find a solution to the problem. Many people have this image of their life as being “pretty flowers, clear skies, and everything wonderful.” But, we fail to realize that God sets obstacles into our lives as a way for us to grow spiritually.   I love to have trials come my way because as I go through each trial I am maturing in my faith and belief in God.

No matter how bad it may seem, it will not last forever and it will come to pass. There will be many challenges in your life because life is constantly moving. See each challenge as an opportunity to grow mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Job 11:16, “You will forget your trouble….as water gone by.”

Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, mediator, and legal professional with over ten years of experience.  She is owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting (FACMBC) based in Baltimore, Maryland and has been in business since 2013. Services provided by FACMBC:  Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services; Business Registration Assistance (Limited Liability Company, Corporation, S-Corp, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.); Business Plan Drafting Assistance; Business Certification Assistance (MBE, WOSB, 8A, 501(c) (3), Hub Zone, etc.); and Business Organization Assistance. She is also a contributing writer to the Maryland Daily Examiner Newspaper. Contact information: dzimmerman36@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/FACMBC; www.twitter.com/FACMBC; https://dzimmerman36.wordpress.com; http://www.linkedin.com/in/dzbusconsultantandmediator

How to Succeed: Roll with the Punches!

Phil. 4: 11-13, “v11…I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. V12….everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer in need. V13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” As a Christian, I am learning how to “roll with the punches.” I have come to realize that life is not “picture perfect.” I have learned that there will be trials and tribulations in life, but you must learn to “roll with the punches.”

When you go through the storms of life, you must keep the faith and move forward. See your “setbacks” as “set-ups” to great things in your life. God uses trials and tribulations to make you stronger and more resilient. With Jesus Christ, I can do anything in my life. I am not fearful of what life throws my way because I am going to “show-up” and “show-out.” With God, His Armor, His Word, and His Army of Angels, the devil’s schemes will not work against me.

Learn to be flexible and “roll with the punches” of life.
Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, mediator, and legal professional with over ten years of experience.  She is owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting (FACMBC) based in Baltimore, Maryland and has been in business since 2013. Services provided by FACMBC:  Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services; Business Registration Assistance (Limited Liability Company, Corporation, S-Corp, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.); Business Plan Drafting Assistance; Business Certification Assistance (MBE, WOSB, 8A, 501(c) (3), Hub Zone, etc.); and Business Organization Assistance. She is also a contributing writer to the Maryland Daily Examiner Newspaper. Contact information: dzimmerman36@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/FACMBC; www.twitter.com/FACMBC; https://dzimmerman36.wordpress.com; http://www.linkedin.com/in/dzbusconsultantandmediator

How to Succeed in Business: Do A Business Plan?

The Business Plan is the road map for operating one’s business. The business plan is made up of a set of objectives and goals to implement so that you can start and operate a business. The Business Plan can be used as a management tool to measure your progress once the business is started.

The main components of the Business Plan are:

1. Description of your business.
   
2. The Marketing Plan.
   
3. The Management Plan.
   
4. The Financial Management Plan.
   

The Business Plan is used as a way for one to get financing for the development and growth of their business. The Business Plan is used to obtain the proper permits, licenses, and certifications to conduct business in a certain state per their laws. The Business Plan is the essential document one needs to assist them with thinking through all the aspects of the business and to help you properly plan for the business success.

One has to put a lot of research, thought, and consideration into preparing and drafting their business plan. The more time and attention you put into writing the Business Plan the more time you spend on running the business smoothly and avoiding certain problems. The Business Plan can be used as a guide that will assist one with fixing problems that may come up in the daily operation of the business.

Here are a few questions that can be answered by a well-written and thought out Business Plan, when it comes to potential financial investors:

1. Is this a solid business idea?
   
2. Is there a proper market for the product or service being offered to customers?
   
3. Can management run the business efficiently?
   
4. Does the plan clearly state how the investors will get a return on their investment?
   

Normally, a Business Plan will cover between three years to five years of the business being in operation. When doing your business plan, you must have realistic expectations for the growth and development of your business. You must maintain an open mind when it comes to drafting and writing the Business Plan for your business. You have to be objective when it comes to looking at the strengths and weaknesses of your business idea.

Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, mediator, and legal professional with over ten years of experience.  She is owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting (FACMBC) based in Baltimore, Maryland and has been in business since 2013. Services provided by FACMBC:  Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services; Business Registration Assistance (Limited Liability Company, Corporation, S-Corp, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.); Business Plan Drafting Assistance; Business Certification Assistance (MBE, WOSB, 8A, 501(c) (3), Hub Zone, etc.); and Business Organization Assistance. She is also a contributing writer to the Maryland Daily Examiner Newspaper. Contact information: dzimmerman36@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/FACMBC; www.twitter.com/FACMBC; https://dzimmerman36.wordpress.com; http://www.linkedin.com/in/dzbusconsultantandmediator

How to Succeed in Business: Do Your Marketing Plan for 2015!

This is the time of the year when as a small business owner you start to prepare for the new business year. The best way to prepare your business for the incoming year of 2015 is to update your “Marketing Plan”. The Business Plan is the road map for operating one’s business. The business plan is made up of a set of objectives and goals to implement so that you can start and operate a business. The Business Plan can be used as a management tool to measure your progress once the business is started.

The main components of the Business Plan are:

1. Description of your business.
   
2. The Marketing Plan.
   
3. The Management Plan.
   
4. The Financial Management Plan.
   

The main portion of the Business Plan that needs to be checked, reviewed, and revised on a yearly basis is the Marketing Plan. It is always advisable to take a look at your “Marketing Plan” at the end of each year to see how you can improve on the selling, the marketing, and the promotion of the products and services offered by your business.

The main components of the Marketing Plan are:

1. Description of Products and Services.
   
2. Industry Trend Analysis.
   
3. Target Market Analysis-Customers.
   
4. Competitive Analysis.
   
5. Pricing Strategy.
   
6. Packaging (Optional because does not apply to every business).
   
7. Distribution Strategy (Optional because does not apply to every business).
   
8. Marketing and Sales Strategy:
   
   1. Business Image
      
   2. Media Plan
      
   3. Selling Strategy
      
9. Customer Service Strategy
   

The Marketing Plan section of the Business Plan is where you describe the services or products offered by your business. It provides information on how your products or services will meet the needs of your clients and solve their problems. Also, in the Marketing Plan, you will describe your competition and how you differ from the competition. Another main point of the Marketing Plan is to explain how you outshine and stand out from your competition.

With the Marketing Plan, it is always good to update it on a yearly basis because things are always changing and improving in any field of business. It is always good to take a look at how you can improve on the products or services that you provide to your customers. On a yearly basis, can look at how your business can attract more of the right customers to buy one’s products or services. Sometimes as a small business owner, you may have to stop doing business a certain way and learn how to do business another way in order to attract the right customers to your business.

For example, I had to take a step back and figure out a way how I could attract more customers or clients who wanted to start their own businesses. I realized in September 2014 that it was not feasible for me to go after one client at a time. I had to figure out a way to present my products and services to a group of potential clients. By presenting my products or services in a group setting, I realized I had a better chance of getting the right customers or clients who would want to buy my products and services. I am in the process of re-doing my “Marketing Plan” for the year of 2015 to find methods and techniques to present my products and services to groups of potential clients, instead of, going after clients one at a time.

So, now is the time to re-vamp or create a Marketing Plan for 2015 to better present your products or services to your ideal customers. It is always good to create a new “Marketing Plan” for each coming year to improve on how you attract ideal customers who would want to buy your products or services. Now it is time for you to get busy with drafting your “Marketing Plan” for 2015.

Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, mediator, and legal professional with over ten years of experience.  She is owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting (FACMBC) based in Baltimore, Maryland and has been in business since 2013. Services provided by FACMBC:  Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services; Business Registration Assistance (Limited Liability Company, Corporation, S-Corp, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.); Business Plan Drafting Assistance; Business Certification Assistance (MBE, WOSB, 8A, 501(c) (3), Hub Zone, etc.); and Business Organization Assistance. She is also a contributing writer to the Maryland Daily Examiner Newspaper. Contact information: dzimmerman36@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/FACMBC; www.twitter.com/FACMBC; https://dzimmerman36.wordpress.com; http://www.linkedin.com/in/dzbusconsultantandmediator

 

How to Succeed in Business: Why Incorporation is Important for Your Business?

As a business consultant, my main area of expertise is assisting small business owners with properly incorporating their businesses in their particular state. In the State of Maryland, one has to ensure that their business is properly registered with the Maryland State Department of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT). In Maryland, the average yearly fee of incorporating one’s business is from $150 to $300. It is normally advisable to incorporate your business with the appropriate state agency, in your particular state, within the first three years of being in business.

Incorporating your small business will provide you with the following protection and benefits:

1. Tax Breaks;
   
2. Assurance that one’s personal assets are protected from the business debts;
   
3. The ability to be able to do business with various government agencies; and
   
4. Business being recognized by customers as a legitimate and legal entity.
   

The different forms of incorporation for a business are:

1. Sole proprietorship: simplest business form and not a legal entity. The business is not legally separate from the owner. The owner’s personal assets and obligations of the business are not distinguished. They are considered one in the same. The owner’s personal assets can be used to pay off the debts, obligations, and liabilities of the business. This form of incorporation is good for business owners first starting out due to lack of income, but when start making money it is good to incorporate one’s business into another legal entity form. For tax purposes, do not need to file separate taxes because profits or losses are reported on the owner’s tax return.
   
2. General Partnership: This is the simplest form of partnership and is created when two or more individuals engage in business together for profit. A general partnership can begin with just a verbal agreement and handshake. All partners involved in the business shares in the day to day operation and management of the business. Also, all partners split the profits and proceeds of the business equally. There is no liability protection in this form of business and every partner is equally liable for all debts and obligations of the business. Also, the personal assets of each partner can be used to pay such debts. Do not have to file paperwork to create a general partnership, but is advisable to do so. Also, it is good to write out a partnership agreement that will spell out the rights and responsibilities of each partner.
   
3. Limited Partnership (LP): There are two classes of partners (general and limited). The general partners normally handle the day to day operations of the business and are held personally liable for the business debts and obligations. Limited partners only contribute money and capital to the business. The limited partners are not involved in the daily operation of the business. The limited partner’s personal liability does not go beyond their capital contributions to the business. In a limited partnership, one partner must be the general partner with unlimited personal liability, and one must be the limited partner with limited personal liability based on their monetary contribution to the business. One tax advantage for a LP is that it allows for pass-through taxation, as income is not taxed at the business level.
   
4. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): This business entity is a hybrid and similar to a Limited Liability Company (LLC). All partners in the business handles the daily operation and management of the business. Unlike the Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnerships ensures that all partners’ personal assets cannot be used to satisfy the business debts and liabilities like an LLC. LLP partners are ensured that they will not be held accountable for the acts of other partners (have personal liability protection). Each partner is still liable for their own actions. Many LLPs are set up by professionals like accountants, doctors, architects, and lawyers. LLP for taxation purposes has pass-through taxation because its income is not taxed at the entity level. With a LLP, one has to file formation papers with their state’s chartering agency and pay a filing fee.
   
5. Limited Liability Company (LLC): It is an unincorporated business that can be formed by one or more individuals with no personal liability for debts of the LLC. An LLC is unique because for statutory purposes it is treated like a corporation regarding limited liability of partners and partnership status for tax purposes. In Maryland, this business entity has to be registered with SDAT by filing Articles of Organization. LLC based in Maryland are authorized and regulated by the Limited Liability Act. When forming a LLC, it is advisable to draft an Operating Agreement that provides greater detail regarding the operation of the LLC and the relationship of the members to each other.
   
6. Corporation: Corporation is an independent entity. The corporation is separate from the owners of the business because can contract in the corporate name, sue and be sued as the corporation, and buy, sell, and own property in the corporate name. There is no personal liability for owners of the business because the corporation is responsible for its own debts and liabilities. The business entity outlasts the death or disability of all stockholders. It is good to have estate planning with a corporation to deal with the death or disability of a stockholder. A buy-sell agreement properly funded by life insurance and disability insurance can provide a disabled stockholder or the estate of a deceased stockholder with the means to sell stock at a fair price, and at the same time the buy-sell agreement can control the ownership of stock in the corporation. A corporation is formed by filing Articles of Incorporation with SDAT and it has to be accepted by SDAT.
   
7. S-Corp and C-Corp: Have the general guidelines as a corporation. Must be registered with SDAT similar to a corporation. There is no difference between S-Corp and C-Corp for purposes of Maryland Corporate Law. S-Corp does not have double taxation like a C-Corp. C-Corp has double taxation because it is treated as a separate taxable entity and distributions to stockholders are generally treated as dividends. S-Corp is the best avenue over C-Corp because it provides liability protection of a corporation while allowing tax treatment similar to a partnership.
   

Whatever legal entity one decides to create for their business, you must do the following before doing so:

1. Do your research on which one will be the best fit for you and your business?
   
2. Get advice on the tax advantages and tax disadvantages of forming a particular legal entity.
   
3. Talk with a tax expert and accountant.
   
4. Talk with an attorney to figure out the best legal entity to form for your business.
   

 

Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, mediator, and legal professional with over ten years of experience.  She is owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting (FACMBC) based in Baltimore, Maryland and has been in business since 2013. Services provided by FACMBC:  Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services; Business Registration Assistance (Limited Liability Company, Corporation, S-Corp, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.); Business Plan Drafting Assistance; Business Certification Assistance (MBE, WOSB, 8A, 501(c) (3), Hub Zone, etc.); and Business Organization Assistance. She is also a contributing writer to the Maryland Daily Examiner Newspaper. Contact information: dzimmerman36@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/FACMBC; www.twitter.com/FACMBC; https://dzimmerman36.wordpress.com; http://www.linkedin.com/in/dzbusconsultantandmediator

 

How to Succeed, Learn to Accept Others as They Are!

As a Christian, you must learn to love and accept people as they are. We are not in the business of changing or trying to make others fit into what we believe is right and godly. Just as Jesus accepted you with your flaws, your sins, and your imperfections. Jesus expects you to accept others with their defects and all. Romans 15:7, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.” Jesus does not expect you to approve of or agree with a person, or like them, but you must accept them as they are. It is your job to accept others and God’s job to adjust them.

Romans 14:1-3, “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment….for God has accepted him.” Remember that each of us have flaws and have made mistakes, and we must learn to love and accept each other as we are.

Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, mediator, and legal professional with over ten years of experience.  She is owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting (FACMBC) based in Baltimore, Maryland and has been in business since 2013. Services provided by FACMBC:  Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services; Business Registration Assistance (Limited Liability Company, Corporation, S-Corp, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.); Business Plan Drafting Assistance; Business Certification Assistance (MBE, WOSB, 8A, 501(c) (3), Hub Zone, etc.); and Business Organization Assistance. She is also a contributing writer to the Maryland Daily Examiner Newspaper. Contact information: dzimmerman36@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/FACMBC; www.twitter.com/FACMBC; https://dzimmerman36.wordpress.com; http://www.linkedin.com/in/dzbusconsultantandmediator

How to Succeed: Learn to Accept Yourself!

Romans 8:29, “Predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son [Jesus Christ].” Remember the saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” What you see as beautiful, may not be beautiful to someone else. Isaiah 45:9, “Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, “Stop, you’re doing it wrong!” Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ We are God’s personal creations and He is the potter and we are the clay. God is molding us into individuals that are in the likeness of Jesus Christ. As a potter, God does not make any junk whatsoever. We must learn to love who we are because God created, redeemed, and accepts us as we are.

2 Cor. 10:12, “Paul stated, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” Never compare who you are to someone else because you have gifts and talents that no one else has. God has created each of us to be different and unique from others. If God wanted us to be the same, He would have created us to be the same.

We are all works in progress because God “predestined us to be conformed to the likeness of His Son [Jesus Christ].”

Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, mediator, and legal professional with over ten years of experience.  She is owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting (FACMBC) based in Baltimore, Maryland and has been in business since 2013. Services provided by FACMBC:  Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services; Business Registration Assistance (Limited Liability Company, Corporation, S-Corp, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.); Business Plan Drafting Assistance; Business Certification Assistance (MBE, WOSB, 8A, 501(c) (3), Hub Zone, etc.); and Business Organization Assistance. She is also a contributing writer to the Maryland Daily Examiner Newspaper. Contact information: dzimmerman36@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/FACMBC; www.twitter.com/FACMBC; https://dzimmerman36.wordpress.com; http://www.linkedin.com/in/dzbusconsultantandmediator

How to Succeed: Remember that God Accepts You As You Are!

You may be rejected by others, but you shall always be accepted by God. Being accepted by God means that you do not have to jump through barrels or hoops to be accepted by anyone. Ep. 1:6, “God has made us welcome in the everlasting love. He bears towards the son [Jesus].” God accepts you as you are with your flaws and all.

Here are three things to know about God’s acceptance of you:

• God’s acceptance does not equal his approval. God can accept you, but He won’t approve of your sin. God’s acceptance of us is an excellent motivator to give up our sins and make it our mission to please God.
  
• God’s acceptance is unconditional. God’s love and acceptance of you has no strings attached. We cannot fathom the love that God has for each of us.
  
• God’s acceptance is because of His Son, Jesus Christ. Ep 1:6, “He made us accepted in the Beloved [Jesus Christ].” As long as God accepts Jesus, and you trust in Jesus, you’re accepted as well.
  

Remember God loves you as you are, and you do not need the approval of anyone else to know that. Please understand that the love of God and Jesus Christ is all that you need to make it in life.

Donya Zimmerman is a business consultant, mediator, and legal professional with over ten years of experience.  She is owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting (FACMBC) based in Baltimore, Maryland and has been in business since 2013. Services provided by FACMBC:  Mediation and Conflict Resolution Services; Business Registration Assistance (Limited Liability Company, Corporation, S-Corp, Limited Liability Partnership, etc.); Business Plan Drafting Assistance; Business Certification Assistance (MBE, WOSB, 8A, 501(c) (3), Hub Zone, etc.); and Business Organization Assistance. She is also a contributing writer to the Maryland Daily Examiner Newspaper. Contact information: dzimmerman36@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/FACMBC; www.twitter.com/FACMBC; https://dzimmerman36.wordpress.com; http://www.linkedin.com/in/dzbusconsultantandmediator