By Keshia McEntire

Most people want to have positive interactions with their coworkers, but what happens when professional relationships become more than friendly? Many experts see dating coworkers as flirting with trouble. The fear of office gossip, drops in productivity and sexual harassment lawsuits have caused many businesses to create policies against office romance. Despite this, according to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, one out of four employees say they have been in or are currently involved in a workplace romance.

We decided to talk to an expert to learn the pros and cons of mixing business with pleasure. Cathy Johnson is a human resource professional with Tilson. Her job duties include providing guidance to clients regarding employee relations matters, as well as assistance with handbook and policy writing.

Indiana Minority Business Magazine: Before we get started, I thought it would be a good idea to define fraternization in the workplace.

Johnson: My definition of fraternization would be any relationship between individuals or groups. This could include romantic or platonic relationships. It could be between employees or with clients, vendors and suppliers.

One out of four employees say they have been in or are currently involved in a workplace romance. Why do you think workplace romances are so common?

Workplace romances are common because most of us spend eight or more hours of each day with our colleagues. It is natural for relationships to form as a result of the long periods of interaction between individuals.

According to a study done by the Society For Human Resource Management, the percentage of organizations with written workplace romance policies has doubled since 2005. Some employers have a written policy regarding fraternization, while others still share their views with employees verbally. A small number of employers have even asked employees to sign “love contracts” prohibiting them from romantic relationships. What do you think is the best way for an employer to express their views on fraternization to their employees?

I think the best way for businesses to express their views on fraternization is to establish a code of conduct for all employees. Companies should determine what behaviors they want to prevent, align policies in accordance and make sure those policies are well communicated. For example, if a company is fearful of what could happen in the event of a bad breakup, like arguments, harassment or physical abuse, then policies prohibiting those types of actions should be created and communicated to employees with an emphasis on how it could apply to personal relationships with coworkers.

What are the pros and cons of having written policies that prohibit fraternization? Do you think these types of policies are beneficial and, if so, in what ways? If not, why are they ineffective?

Policies prohibiting workplace romances are challenging, because you are attempting to control people’s feelings. Trying to stop such relationships from taking place can be a futile approach, so it is better to simply address the concerns that can come from having personal relationships at work and have policies that address these concerns. Some of those concerns are discrimination, harassment and violence in the workplace.

Within a business environment, who should be the most concerned about office romances? Is it only the concern of the boss or supervisor?

Everyone can be impacted, so it is a shared concern. Managers or supervisors should certainly be concerned if the employees’ performance decreases or if individuals are subjected to inappropriate behavior or a hostile work environment. The gossip that can develop can be a distraction for coworkers, as well.

How should employers address relationships between a supervisor and a subordinate?

I would advise that a policy is written to express that employees who have any type of relationship cannot be in direct reporting positions; this must include family and friendships, as well.

In what ways can non-romantic relationships between employees become a problem in a workplace?

It could be favoritism, a decrease in productivity due to constant socializing or fighting. It is basically everything that could happen as a result of a romantic relationship that may go sour.

Do you have any tips on what behavior is and is not appropriate in the workplace?

In my opinion, employees have to provide great customer service both internally and externally. They should have a good work ethic, be respectful of all people and create an environment that is professional, inclusive and diverse. Any actions that contradict these values are inappropriate.

By Ebony Chappel

When most people run out of soap, they head over to Target or another retailer to replenish their stash. The last time brothers Mohammed M. Mahdi, Mohammed A. Mahdi and their roommate Anthony Duncan found themselves without soap, they decided to make their own.

The trio had already worked on a few DIY projects together, and after a crash course through YouTube, decided to try their hand at soap making. They’d amassed enough of the homemade stuff to last them a couple hundred years before ultimately deciding to go into business.

Four years after creating Soapy Soap Company in Bloomington, Indiana, they’ve received rave reviews and garnered some loyal customers.

“Right now we’re trying to branch out of Indiana and get more into the Midwest and go national as well,” said Mohammed A. “That’s why we initiated the Design My Soap aspect.”

“Design My Soap” patrons begin by visiting the site designmysoap.com, where they choose a soap formula suited to their skin type and then add in essential oils, exfoliants and other ingredients tailored for their specific needs. Visitors to the site can also choose from several label designs and name their custom soap creations.

“The reason we thought it’d be a good idea is because there’s nothing like it available online,” said Mohammed M. “Whether it’s one bar or 100, and you can personalize it to work with your body or skin type.”

Duncan says Soapy Soap’s key to early success is in listening to customer feedback and taking their thoughts into consideration.

“We had a customer reach out to us and say she needed a soap that was gluten-free, so we went back and checked to see which of their products had gluten in it and modified the formula,” he said.

Now, all the products the company produces are gluten-free, vegan, cruelty-free and halal — the latter being a nod to their Muslim heritage.

Mohammed A. said he hopes the company’s success encourages a greater sense of community across the state. “I think us being a Muslim-owned company helps expose people to the diversity that is here in Indiana.”

More Americans are embracing entrepreneurship when extra cash is needed

By Keshia McEntire

When Michelle Calbert’s son was accepted into a prestigious private college to study engineering, she was not going to allow any barriers to stand in his way — not even the $50,000 a year bill.

“I had tried several times to get promotions at my job by going back to school and working on my professional image. Everything was met with, ‘No, not this time, we love you in your current position,’” she said. “We refused to tell him we couldn’t afford it or to accept an offer from another school.”

While monetary frustrations have led generations of the past to take on more than one job, some people today are opting into various forms of entrepreneurship when extra cash is needed. According to a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 40.4 percent of the U.S. workforce is now made up of people who don’t have what are traditionally considered secure jobs. This includes people who work for temp agencies, on-call and contract workers, self-employed people and part-time workers. In addition, increasingly more full-time workers are finding creative ways to bring in extra income. A publication from the Bureau of Labor Statistics calls this new trend in self-employment the “gig economy.”

The gig economy is where Calbert found the funds for her son’s tuition.

“I figured I would create additional income through my own business opportunity. It was a no brainer. You need more income? Go create it,” said Calbert.

Today, she is a senior level sales director with Mary Kay. Not only has she earned enough income to walk away from her previous job doing credit and collections for a marketing firm, but she also has a free pink Cadillac, to boot.

People looking for part-time work that pays decently and allows flexibility have more options than generations of the past, because in today’s world, there are a multitude of companies assisting entrepreneurs in finding their perfect side hustle. Options include driving for a ride-share company like Lyft, becoming an on-call courier with Postmates, or selling makeup and jewelry via companies like Mary Kay or Chloe and Isabel.

Many people are also using the internet to find ways to bring in extra income from home. Tech-savvy entrepreneurs might look into web developing or graphic design. Multilingual people might choose to teach a language via webcam from a service such as VIPKID. People who enjoy making things with their hands might opt into selling their creations with the help of an online platform like Etsy.

Janel Bland studied mechanical engineering in college and worked as an engineer for six years before devoting herself to her job as a stay-at-home mom. Despite the many responsibilities that come with raising three boys, she found a way to make money from home doing what she loves.

“I love to sew. I found it to be a really fun hobby, and I am drawn to creating things; that’s one of the reasons I loved engineering. I make clothes for myself, but there is a limit to how many dresses I can have in my closet or how many button-downs my husband needs,” said Bland.

This prompted Bland to create 1redleaf, an Etsy shop that sells handcrafted scarves and jewelry.

“Etsy makes it easy for anyone to get started, and they encourage you to have a lot of products. I read tutorials on how to do it. They also recommend being active on social media and using Facebook and Instagram, so I spend a lot of time focusing on that,” said Bland.

Success comes in many forms. For many entrepreneurs, it’s less about money and more about having an avenue to do what they love.

Brenda Groce says her side hustle is all about passion. Groce started Country Wedding Spaces, a business where she works as a full-service wedding coordinator and rents out her home and the 12 acres surrounding for couples to host weddings.

“I got interested in wedding planning after helping my two daughters plan their weddings. They both took place at my home,” Groce said. “I don’t look at it as a business; it’s a joy to do and a passion. I am a people-person, and the Lord has gifted me with creativity and this property. I have so much, and I am trying to see what I can do with it.”

Groce says having a side job takes great organizational skills to balance business with everyday responsibilities.

“I work (a traditional job) in the evenings, so I have the whole day to work on weddings and other things that I like to do. I have always had great time management skills, because at my past jobs, everything was time sensitive. You have to know what a couple wants and be stern enough to carry it forward. You also have to be open-minded, flexible and able to let what the couple wants come through.”

These entrepreneurs have advice for others who may want to start their own side hustle.

Groce believes if you start a side hustle half-heartedly, you will not be successful.

“First of all, you have to be devoted. You have to have a passion for it. And you have to have the discipline to follow through,” she said. “Without those things, you can’t get it done; you don’t have the heart to do it. When you want to do something outside of your natural realm of things, if you don’t have devotion you will never get it done.”

Calbert thinks if you truly want something, you cannot make any excuses.

“I almost said no, because I thought I was too busy. I was working full time and in college full time. When you are determined to be successful, you will figure it out, and that’s what I did,” said Calbert.

The ability to make money doing what you love has its roots in the American dream, but the demands of day-to-day life often prevent people from following their passion. In a world full of actress-baristas and Etsy-shop-owner-accountants, who is to say which hustle is truly on the side?

For more information on Country Wedding Spaces call (317) 985-0148. For information regarding One Red Leaf, visit 1redleaf.com. For information regarding Michelle Calberts’s Mary Kay shop, visit emeraldexplosion.com.

Find your side hustle: Five ways to start making money on the side today

Start an online store

Websites like Shopify and Etsy make it easy to sell your creations online. Use social media to spread the word about your online shop.

Share your skills as an online coach or consultant

If you have expertise in anything that might be of interest to others, become an online consultant. Websites like Clarity.fm allow you to get paid by the minute for consulting calls.

Work as a tutor

Everyone has something they can teach. Put your skills to good use and help others get where you are. Tutors often earn $20-$50 per session.

Become a Postmate

Postmates is essentially Uber for food, groceries, supplies and other items. Get paid up to $25 an hour by working with this delivery service.

Start a blog

If you have a passion, write about it. Earn cash from ads and affiliates who pay you to mention them on your site.

By Glendal Jones

You may have heard of them and why some business owners wouldn’t go without them: Vision boards are a relatively new craze for people interested in goal setting, and for many, they really do work. Just ask India Gary, who opened Shodah Spalon salon in Indianapolis more than five years ago, with a vision and a dream.

“I knew I wanted to open my own beauty salon, but I was stuck on how to get there,” Gary said. “One day I was watching the Oprah Winfrey show, and she had a segment on vision boards, and I was hooked.”

Vision boards are used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on a specific life goal, using any sort of board to display images that represent whatever one wants to be, do or have in life. The idea is that good things come to you if you write them down, and the larger the photo, the greater the rewards. After eagerly pasting pictures of what her salon could be, Gary imagined the decor, what kind of clientele she wanted and more. Also included on Gary’s board was a photo of rapper/actress Nicki Minaj.

“I had pictures of clients and the word ‘yes’ for inspiration on my board, as it was a reflection of what I wanted,” Gary said.

With only knowing what she wanted, a salon decorated with dark chocolate custom mirrors and Italian Belvedere-style chairs, Gary says she got emotional and overwhelmed, since she didn’t have the budget for it. But client Deb Oatts suggested looking at an Ikea store where similar mirrors were priced less than $30. With a desire to find specific mirrors and more, Gary says she drove to the Ikea in Cincinnati, Ohio, in a snowstorm, where she also found light stands with the exact color and look from her vision board. Later, she found the styling and dryer chairs she needed through a Craigslist ad posted in Kentucky. A family member picked up the chairs and drove them back to Indianapolis, and Gary began to see her vision taking shape.

“That’s when things started to really click, and I felt like Superwoman for finding the furniture on my vision board at a fraction of the price,” she said.

Her dreams became reality again two months later when she prayed for dozens of clients she could service while allowing other stylists and makeup artists to participate, too. A client contacted Gary about styling hair and applying makeup for 23 models and dancers for Madonna’s team for the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis. After speaking with Madonna, she also learned Nicki Minaj, the person she placed on her vision board at the beginning of the journey, was also part of the halftime entertainment.

“I was so surprised and excited, because I got to meet not only Madonna, but also Nicki Minaj, and attend the show,” she said. “That was my ‘a-ha’ moment.”

With a well-established client base, Gary is ready to create a third vision board to help her focus on her next steps.

Shodah Spalon is located at 5945 E. 86th St., in Indianapolis. Learn more at (317) 570-7330 or vagaro.com/shodahspalon/about.

Creating and using vision boards serves several purposes, some of which include helping you:

• Identify your vision and give it clarity

• Reinforce your daily affirmations

• Keep your attention on your intentions

For more information, check out makeavisionboard.com.

For some, internet interactions make a big difference

By Miranda Miller

Starting your own business? Promoting it via social media is a great way to spread the word and attract customers, but with so many sites and apps available, where should you begin? Since building a social media community is an investment of both time and money, you should view it as such and do what smart investors do: diversify. Take a cue from the following small business owners and lawyers, who dabbled in multiple platforms to see what would happen and reaped big rewards.

Damsel in defense

New York City lawyer Genavieve Shingle Jaffe jumped from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and while teaching other women to do the same, the self-professed “sparkly lawyer for entrepreneurs” earned six figures in her first nine months of business. To market the online legal program in which she teaches women how to protect their businesses and provides them with contracts, she tweeted, uploaded photos to Instagram, offered free webinars via targeted Facebook ads, followed up with registrants by email, and paid affiliate marketers to publicize her course.

An affiliate marketer “promotes one or multiple products and tries to attract and convince potential customers of the value of the merchant’s product so that they actually end up buying it,” marketing guru Neil Patel said. Affiliate marketers use social networks, blogs and even digital billboards alongside highways. Jaffe credits her successful launch to the help of affiliates who put her in front of people she wouldn’t have reached otherwise.

They also helped her pay for a New York City wedding, two rings — one for her and one for her bride — a designer couture gown and a house.

The streaming lawyer

Knowing that people don’t trust lawyers, attorney Mitch Jackson began uploading videos to the internet so potential clients could get to know him before contacting him. Today, the Streaming Lawyer has 26,000 Twitter followers, 16,000 Facebook fans on the page he shares with his wife and legal partner, 3,000 Periscope followers, 1,722 Instagram followers and more than 500 LinkedIn connections. He can also be found on Snapchat, Vine, Google+ and Anchor, a free app that enables users to record and share their voice.

How does a lawyer draw such an audience? Jackson shares legal tips for consumers, trial lawyer tips for attorneys, how-to pointers, political views and travel and drone photos. He attributes his seven-figure salary to social media, according to social media guru Andrea Vahl, who made lists in Inc. magazine, Entrepreneur, and Social Media Today of the “21 Best Blogs That Will Help Grow Your Business,” “50 Favorite Online Marketing Influencers of 2014” and “10 Women That Rock Our Social Media World,” respectively.

If you’re interested in using a live-streaming video app, heed the social media-savvy lawyer’s advice. “When it comes to Periscope,” Jackson told podcast LivestreamUniverse.com, “it’s so important to engage your audience. You have to learn how to do your scope, but at the same time, check your comments and respond to comments. In fact, incorporate the comments into your presentation. That’s the key.”

After all, everyone wants to be heard and acknowledged.