It was frustrating because here was all this great information at my fingertips that could be put to use immediately to advance my business. Instead, it's sitting gathering cyber dust. Once I purchased a portable MP3 player, I had freedom to listen, learn and apply. What a great difference it made.

There is also a flipside to this. What if you're one creating content? For many of us thought of sitting down to write an article is almost paralyzing. In our mind's eye we see it as moving a mountain. It's not that we don't know how or it's hard to do but thought of is simply unpleasant. So how can your portable MP3 player come into play?

Most portable MP3 players have a recording function. You can record as much as you like limited to only drive space of player and a simple 128MB drive can store quite a bit of audio. So, why not dictate? Record your thoughts or pretend you're talking to a friend on phone about your topic. Then have it transcribed. By doing so, not only are you making most out of your time because you can do so where ever you are. You also get things done instead of letting a mental block stall your business.

So if you're having a hard time consuming your training material creating content or even writing your book, pick up a portable MP3 player. They are so inexpensive these days you really have no excuse to start. It's time you moved on.

Not only was I introduced to many new foods, I saw world through an eastern world view of peace, harmony and tranquility.

My original purpose for going to China was to meet publishers, expand my Internet radio shows at www.maxineshow.com, www.voiceamerica.com, and www.artistfirst.com, and learn about culture. In addition, I'd like to change negative image of African Americans which is portrayed in videos and have Chinese learn about different aspects of black culture through literature written by African Americans for African Americans.

But on this journey, I found a deeper meaning. The human connection. I feel trip will be beginning of future relationships with people from China.

What was particularly heartwarming was fact that, in spite of language barrier, people were friendly and embraced my sister Nancy and I. They seemed to be magnetically drawn to our natural hairstyles. (Nancy wears sister locks and I wore my hair in an individual, braided shag style.) We are still reeling from how we were treated like celebrities.

Everywhere we went, people showed an open, honest curiosity and many people took photos with us and of us. It made me feel more Afrocentric and aware of our natural African beauty. To say least, it was a restorative experience. Forget about white standard of beauty. Even my full-figure seemed to be one of interest, and looks of approbation spoke volumes to me. It was if head nods said, "Go on with your bad self. What tribe are you from?"

Just as William J. Lederer’s book, The Ugly American, pointed out Americans’ shortcomings, only downside of trip was I became aware of how spoiled we are as Americans. I can’t count complaints I heard from group because of having Chinese food each day, but after all, we were in China. When in Rome…

As I learn more about import export business, international publishing business, I will share this with interested writers and aspiring entrepreneurs. This trip was funded by MBOC, (Minority Business Development Agency, U.S.. Department of Commerce and Office of Economic Development) through Los Angeles City. The purpose is to encourage more minority businesses to do international trade business. (For more information, contact Long Chang at (714)956-0669.)

So in honor of Father’s Day, I write this article as a tribute to my late father, Mervin Vann.

Our parents leave us lessons which live on long after their deaths. My father’s lesson was that you are never too old to travel and enjoy life.

Thank you, Daddy.

If you’re interested in a sponsorship package to help promote your business or your book, contact Maxine Thompson at maxtho@sbcglobal.net.