THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 20, 1996 TAG: 9604200335
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Charlise Lyles
LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
Public relations prodigy, wizardess, genius, marvel, wonder.
That's what folks in high places say about the lady who in six years went from social work to working one of the nation's fastest-growing public relations firms, The Terrie Williams Agency in New York City.
Her first client: Eddie Murphy. Others: Johnnie Cochran, Sally Jesse Raphael, Janet Jackson and AT&T (at least somebody is still working for them).
But at a luncheon Friday at Norfolk State University's sixth annual School of Business and Entrepreneurship Expo, sister-girl Williams told students eager to learn the secrets of her success that she's just a regular, hard-working woman.
``I'm not an expert. I stand before you as a work in progress,'' said Williams, her tone as earthy as the tan and green daishiki flowing from her shoulders.
``I'm very average. I don't walk on water. I make a whole lot of mistakes. I wasn't part of the old-boy network. But I do pray a lot and I just believe in going the extra mile.
``The power is in all of us to do whatever we choose to do,'' she told hundreds of students at the Expo's luncheon. ``I don't think we should ever allow any excuses like racism, sexism or the economy to stand in our way.''
As she spoke, silverware stopped clinking, forks went down, whispering hushed. All eyes and ears of aspiring entrepreneurs were on her.
If they act on her soulful, down-home advice, they can change statistics which currently say that only 16 percent of Hampton Roads businesses are black-owned while African Americans make up 29 percent of the region's population. Further, they can boost the national figure from 19 percent.
Arthur Moseley of NationsBank and a member of NSU's Board of Trustees, used the Expo to announce a $150,000 gift that will fund an endowed chair for the school of business and entrepreneurship.
``NationsBank is committed to closing the statistical gap between black businesses and black population figures,'' Moseley said.
In her speech and in her book, ``The Personal Touch,'' Williams offers the humorous nitty gritty on how to keep your act together while you run.
Remember, even ``a jerk'' can inspire. ``Take Sonny Bono. Here's a guy who can't sing but has 10 gold records from hanging out with Cher. He knows nothing about the food business, but opens a Gold Star restaurant. He became mayor and now the man is serving in Congress.''
``It is very, very competitive out there. For those of you thinking of starting your own businesses, if there are 100 people with the same credentials who went to the same school, what distinguishes you from everybody else? If everything else is equal, it'll be the little things like saying thank you, things we learned as kids.''
``It's important to be genuine and sincere as you go through life. If it is not genuine, if it is not sincere, people can see through bull a mile away - excuse my mouth.''
``It's imperative to do what you said you're going to do. Most people go through life not doing what they say they will do. `I'll send you this.' Or `I'll send you that.' Or `I'll call.' But they don't. When I did what I said I would do, opportunity always presented itself.''
``You've got to return people's phone calls. It's rude and disgusting not to return people's phone calls.''
``Treat everybody with respect and courtesy. The janitor who keeps the building clean is every bit as important as the CEO and president. The janitor can give you a scoop. You never know who's in a position to help you. The only thing that separates us from them are fleeting trappings that can be gone tomorrow.'' by CNB