Cynthia Brown

I attribute my success to several key principles that have guided me throughout my career. First and foremost, I believe in the power of helping others, because the more you help other people, the more you help yourself. I learned this early in my career when I took the initiative to train a colleague at State Farm whose husband worked at Xerox, and that relationship led to my first major business opportunity. I also believe that dedication, strong customer service, persistence, and relationship-building are absolutely critical. Being responsive and consistently available to support clients when they need assistance has been one of the most important contributors to my long-term success. During hurricanes and disasters here in southeastern Louisiana, I had so many existing customers and new clients initiating calls to me asking me to help them with their technology requirements, assist them with getting their transactions processed, and to provide appropriate resources for them to market to clients in other states, because they were losing business and income. That's when I realized just how critical technology is to the overall success of these businesses, and I was so busy helping them and was ultimately able to obtain many referrals as a result. I realized I'm really making a difference and helping these businesses to grow. The more passionate I am about something, the harder I work, and the more success and happiness I achieve.

The best career advice I ever received came from my Mother, who knew me better than I knew myself. When I was working as a TV reporter in Abilene, Texas at age 22. I kept coming home and my mom was continuously calling me. She finally told me, 'You need to come home. You need to get a job in business." My response was, "But really like what I'm doing,' and she said, 'Well, you can get a job." I protested, 'But I don't have a degree in business,' and she simply said, 'Well, I'll show you how to achieve your goals.' My mother was a LPN, Licensed Practical Nurse, and she encouraged me to cancel an interview I had scheduled in Houston, Texas, and instead helped me to obtain a job at State Farm. That decision to listen to her direction was a good choice and eventually started my entire business career. I am so thankful that I had a mother who knew me better than I knew myself, and that I listened to her direction.

I have outlined some guiding principles that have provided tremendous value to me throughout my career. First, I recommend that each individual maximize every opportunity to work in collaboration with others, and they will surpass goals and expectations. You become a better professional when you engage and collaborate with other people from different backgrounds and different experiences. Second, I believe it's critical to exhibit a strong work ethic on a consistent basis to improve your skill level with a strategic focus. I have observed that although some people start at a slower pace, these same individuals can emerge as top performers and formidable competitors, so never underestimate an individual regardless of how they start. Third is character - how you treat others and encourage them during challenges, will be a direct reflection of your level of success and happiness. Fourth, it is incumbent upon each of us to utilize new and innovative technologies as a resource for growth, rather than let it intimidate us. Fifth, I know we can overlook this sometimes, but I think we all need to focus on improving the overall quality of life through exercise, good nutrition, and socialization. Finally, as we navigate this wonderful journey of life, I want to make sure you leave the doors open for those behind you to walk through with confidence. I always tell folks to keep an open mind about everyone, about their background, and always do what you can to listen to others, encourage them, and engage with people.

I believe one of the biggest challenges in business solutions and payment services is helping companies keep up with rapidly evolving technology and customer expectations. However, I also see tremendous opportunities for businesses willing to embrace digital solutions, e-commerce growth, and innovative customer service strategies. What really became clear to me during hurricanes and disasters in southeastern Louisiana, was just how critical technology is to the overall success of businesses. I was so shocked at the number of existing customers and new clients who initiated calls to me, asking for help with their technology requirements, and assistance with getting transactions processed. Also, several organizations asked for professional recommendations in their marketing efforts to gain clients in other states, because they were losing revenue. That's when I realized the incredible opportunity we have to help businesses operate more efficiently and grow through electronic payment solutions, website development services, e-commerce systems, IT solutions, and customer support resources. The challenge is technology is constantly evolving for those willing to embrace it, and there are tremendous opportunities for growth and success.

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are character, integrity, professionalism, continuous learning, and relationship-building. Also, my goal is to develop strategic partnerships with clients while helping businesses succeed long term. Character is absolutely fundamental - how you treat others and encourage them during challenges, will be a direct reflection of your level of success and happiness. I've learned the more you help others, the more you help yourself. I've seen this proven to be true throughout my career. Therefore, I am passionate about being a resource in helping organizations improve their image, and achieve key performance initiatives through innovative business solutions. I enjoy creating opportunities that positively impact the companies and individuals I serve. Additionally, I believe it's critical to keep an open mind about people and their backgrounds, always listen to others, provide encouragement, and engage with them. I am willing to train individuals who may not know everything, but they exhibit a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.