Ultrabooks. You may not have heard of them before, but this year just about every company has introduced a new one. What is it, you ask? Basically, it’s a laptop with specifications, defined by Intel that put it below a certain price, usually $1,000; less than 21 mm thick and 3.1 lbs. heavy; and with processor speeds of 1.4 GHz and above. The battery power on ultrabooks are also usually exemplary.  In a nutshell, it’s the PC world’s answer to the MacBook Air, the iPad, and other tablets. Unlike Netbooks, ultrabooks are small and they pack all the power you would need to do heavy lifting like multitasking, video editing, and gaming. Ultrabooks make all other laptops look either fat and lazy or small and incompetent. Intel’s aim is that by the end of 2012, 40% of the consumer laptop market segment will be Ultrabooks, and I believe they’ll meet that goal with no problem at all.

Face, motion, and voice recognition. Now that people have been introduced to motion recognition games like xbox Connect and Wii, or voice recognition services like Apple’s Siri or Google’s Speech to text, it’s only natural that people will expect this type of technology to spill into their other electronic devices.  In fact, face, motion, and voice recognition was one of the more popular features on products on the showroom floor at the 2012 CES. Recognition software was integrated into televisions, cars, and mobile devices.

Connected life. Wireless world. Devices are no longer keeping secrets from one another. From now on we’re going to start expecting that whatever our laptop knows, the television and refrigerator should too. The vacation photos you take on your camera will be available on your printer. With Samsung leading the way “smart electronics” are going to allow consumers to not only enjoy and share a wide range of content across devices anywhere and anytime, but backup important data that is accessible at work, home or on the go.

Increased processor speeds. Processor’s get faster every year. It’s a given, but is it worth the upgrade. Possibly. Many of the above mentioned technologies introduced this year can’t be executed on your older computers, even if your current computer is two years old. Now that Intel has introduced Ivy Bridge, its next generation of processors, the bounds of our limitations are completely out of sight.

Making headlines (Courtesy of Thinkstock)

Obama Encourages Egyptian President to Step Down

• After weeks of civil unrest, Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak announced he will not be running for another term during elections in the fall. He will, however, continue to serve out his current term. The announcement came after President Obama advised the leader of America’s closest Arab ally not to run.
• The decision comes a day after Egypt’s largest protest in support of Mubarak’s exit.

White House Announces ‘Startup America’

• The White House recently announced a national campaign involving several government agencies, including the Small Business Administration, universities, foundations and corporations, such as Facebook, Google, Intel and IBM to spur growth in entrepreneurship. The initiative will be overseen by AOL co-founder Steve Case.
• Most of the partner commitments deal with designing workshops for current business owners, funding new businesses and bringing entrepreneurship courses to higher education.

New York Daily News Appoints First Black Managing Editor

• Robert Moore has ascended the ranks at the New York Daily News; from staff writer to deputy managing editor to the newspaper’s first-ever African American managing editor.
• “He’s the perfect example of hard work paying off,” says Michael Feeney, staff writer for the Daily News. “He’s diligently worked his way up the ladder at the News. I hope to follow in his footsteps.”
• Moore is credited with drawing Black journalists to the NYC-based paper.

Raven-Symoné Making TV Comeback

• The That’s So Raven actress is making the transition from a cable staple back to network television with the announcement of her upcoming ABC Family sitcom, The Great State of Georgia. After starring in a Disney Channel hit, Raven is back on the small screen playing Georgia, a southern performer who attempts to make a name for herself in The Big Apple.

For related content, read:

• In the News: Turmoil in Egypt Continues; Martin Luther King III  Addresses Mets Rumors; Vick’s New Deal
• In the News: Mandela Released From Hospital; Will Smith & Jay-Z in Business; Egypt Can’t RT
• In the News: Will.I.Am Inks Tech Deal; Single Mom Jailed; Fired for Football

Will.I.Am. Shows His Inel-Lect with New Tech Deal

Intel Corporation named The Black Eyed Peas frontman as Director of Creative Innovation Tuesday during an announcement at the Anaheim Convention Center [watch below]. The California-based company is excited to bring the seven-time Grammy winner on board. “Our partnership with Will.I.Am. is a prime example of how we want to convey and deliver the Intel experience,” says Deborah Conrad, Intel vice president and chief marketing officer. “It’s imperative that Intel and our innovations are kept in front of the global youth culture that embraces new devices and new forms of communication and entertainment.” Will.I.Am has already begun working on music for Intel.

Mother Jailed For Sending Daughters to “Wrong” School

An Akron, Ohio mom paid the ultimate price for her children’s education. Kelly Williams-Bolar was sentenced to 10 days in jail and placed on three years probation for two felony counts of tampering. The charges result from Williams-Bolar registering her two daughters as living with her father, Edward L. Williams, in Copley Township. The single mother’s decision was an attempt to avoid sending them to their zone school. Williams-Bolar’s father was charged with one count of grand theft for allegedly aiding and abetting her in deceiving acts to obtain educational services.

The court determined that the father-daughter duo caused the school district $30,500 in tuition. Judge Patricia Cosgrove called the sentence fitting, using it as an example “so that others who think they might defraud the school system perhaps will think twice.”

Chicago Dealership Fires Employee for Sporting Green Bay Packers Tie, Now Offers to Re-Hire

After receiving hundreds of calls supporting fired Webb Chevrolet salesman John Stone, general manager Jerry Roberts extends the olive branch to Stone, offering to re-hire the former employee. Stone respectfully declined.

The offer comes after Stone was fired for wearing a Green Bay Packers tie, in memory of his deceased grandmother, who was a lifelong Packers fan. Roberts, who claims he was never informed about his employee’s late grandmother, said he told Stone to remove the tie five times over a 30-minute interval before firing him on Monday. Under what conditions? Apparently, the dealership has business connections with their hometown team, the Chicago Bears.

Stone has since been offered another car dealership position.

See video of Will.I.Am discussing his new position with Intel below.

John shares his journey from young hustler to urban fashion icon.

This week on The Urban Business Roundtable, UBR contributor Renita Young speaks with urban fashion innovator and branding guru Daymond John, who may be best known as one of the “sharks” looking for a bite into his next lucrative venture on the hit ABC business competition reality show Shark Tank, where he listened to investment proposals from budding entrepreneurs. John shares his journey from an industrious young hustler from the community of Hollis in Queens, N.Y. to become  a founder of the groundbreaking FUBU (“For Us, By Us”) urban clothing line and one of the nation’s most recognized experts on branding for business success.

READ: FUBU Founder Talks About Building Your Brand

John, a headliner at the 2010 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference, offers his marketing expertise to some of the world’s leading companies, as well as celebrity and business figures. He is also the author of the books The Brand Within and Display of Power. John’s story offers compelling evidence of the value of tenacity, drive, determination and the will to win as important elements of outstanding entrepreneurship.

Chick shares how to reveal your genius.

Also on this week’s edition of The Urban Business Roundtable, our Executive Producer TaQuoya Kennedy speaks with professional coach Stephanie Chick. The author of the book Deliver The Package: Simple Truths to Help Set Your Genius Free, Chick coaches executives at Pepsi, Hewlett-Packard, American Express, Time Warner, Intel and Xerox. Chick joins Kennedy at the roundtable to share tips for entrepreneurs who want to deliver their best and reveal their genius.

My “Alfred’s Notepad” commentary will highlight two great opportunities for UBR listeners, one for established entrepreneurs and the other for new and aspiring business owners, tied to the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference, slated for May 22-25, 2011 in Atlanta. First, nominations are now being accepted for the 2011 Black Enterprise Small Business Awards. This is an excellent opportunity for you or a deserving business person you know to gain national recognition for outstanding business achievement. Many past honorees, including CyberSynchs CEO Amos Winbush and Sundial Creations Co-founder Richelieu Dennis, have been featured on The Urban Business Roundtable. The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2011.

Second, entrepreneurs attending the conference can enter the 2011 Black Enterprise Elevator Pitch Competition for a chance to win prizes including $10,000 in capital for the best business pitch. The deadline for contest entries is March 31, 2011. Once again I’ll also be sharing a special discount code that will allow UBR listeners to knock more than 50% off of the cost of registration for the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference, slated for May 22-25, 2011 in Atlanta, if they register by February 12.

In addition, every week on UBR, you’ll get motivation and inspiration from author and entrepreneurial icon Farrah Gray, a weekly wrap-up of business news from USA Today Business Correspondent Charisse Jones, our Patient Investor Report from Ariel Investments and key economic intelligence for small business owners from our UBR Economists Derrick Collins and Rasheed Carter.

If you have a question you want answered or a topic you want addressed on The Urban Business Roundtable, send me an e-mail at edmonda@blackenterprise.com or to me at Twitter or Facebook.

Alfred Edmond Jr.

Alfred Edmond Jr. is the senior VP/editor-at-large of Black Enterprise and the host of the Urban Business Roundtable, a weekly radio show, sponsored by Ariel Investments, airing CST Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. on WVON-AM 1690, the Talk of Chicago. You can also listen live online at WVON.com. Check back each Wednesday for The UBR Morning Post, which features additional resources, advice and information from and about the topics, entrepreneurs and experts featured on the show.

Charles Weems

Charles Weems, 27, Decatur, GA
Tip for Beginners: The best advice from my boss: “start early,” find a mentor who is investing and exchange ideas. Hang around and listen to those who are where you want to be in life.

My Favorite Holdings: Fannie Mae (FNM) and Freddie Mac (FRE)

Why I like these stocks: I still believe these two are going to be good holdings for the long term. The government is not going to let those two companies fold because of their important standing with the housing market, investors, and the economy as a whole. I believe with the new stimulus package beginning to take effect, we should start seeing the housing market turn around over the next five years.

The Professional Opinion

Analysts Consensus on Freddie Mac:
Hold: 1
Sell: 2
Analysts Consensus on Fannie Mae:
Hold: 1
Sell: 2

Matthew Warren of Morningstar:
“We recommend against speculating in Fannie shares. Fannie Mae posted another enormous loss in the fourth quarter ending in December. Severity of loss has increased as steady home price declines chew through homeowners’ equity and inadequate credit enhancement on Fannie Mae loans. Increased severity combined with an acceleration and broadening of credit problems suggests that things will get worse before they get better. With Fannie slowing foreclosures, stepping up modification efforts, refinancing (high-risk) high loan/value loans to lower rates, and reversing some recently implemented guarantee fees, it is clear that Fannie Mae is working toward policy goals rather than shareholders’ benefit. Freddie Mac posted a fourth-quarter loss of $25 billion, contributing to a $50 billion loss for the year ending in December, which wiped out decades’ worth of profitability. With net worth again in the red, Freddie’s conservator has submitted a request for another $30.8 billion in funding from the U.S. Treasury. With this new senior preferred investment from Uncle Sam, the total amount of these securities will rise to $45.6 billion. We would avoid speculating in this firm’s shares.”

Ted Parrish of Henssler Financial Group:
“Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have basically been taken over by the federal government. The government infused a lot of cash and that’s why most stock analysts don’t cover the companies anymore. Once a company gets below a certain price level per share, they loose coverage from a lot of the major research firms. That particular price can be anywhere between $5 and $10. The chances of those companies being major forces as independent organizations are not going to happen. Fannie and Freddie are not good for long-term growth. Their existence as a “going concern,” [or a business entity] is in question at this point. Shareholders will be the first in line to take a hit if there is any more trouble in their business.”

Kevin Njeru

Kevin Njeru, 18, Gainesville, FL
Tip for beginners: Join an investment club. Collaborating with others allows you to pool resources and financial sources. It also allows for feedback and additional research on companies.

My favorite holding: Procter & Gamble Co. (PG)

Why I like the stock: It’s an easy to understand company for young investors because it manufactures products such as Tide laundry detergent, Pampers diapers, and Crest toothpaste. Procter & Gamble’s products are daily essentials and as a company, it’s trustworthy. They’ve recently increased prices on products, which has helped generate a profit in the sagging economy. The stocks value has taken a hit, falling more then one-third since last September. Long term, I see them performing well because of brand equity and the fact that consumer goods will always be a profitable industry.

The Professional Opinion

Analysts Consensus:
Strong Buy: 1
Buy: 3
Hold: 12

Wendy Nicholson of Citigroup Inc.:
“We rate the shares of Procter & Gamble hold/low risk. Our hold rating primarily reflects the stock’s valuation, which we find to be full. Indeed, while we view the acquisition of Gillette to be a positive for Procter & Gamble and its shareholders over the long term, we believe that it will become increasingly difficult to generate accelerating sales growth given Procter & Gamble’s size. While we believe Procter & Gamble has impressive long term growth momentum, we also worry that various pressures on Procter’s business may eat into any potential upside to earnings per share estimates; especially given that we think some of the company’s higher-margin businesses (e.g., pharmaceuticals) are currently decelerating.

Overall, though, with Procter & Gamble’s excellent track record in integrating acquisitions, continued success at launching higher-priced, higher-margin new products, and management’s proven ability to manage exceptionally well its increasingly large and diverse business, we are hopeful the company will continue to meet, if not exceed, our earnings expectations.”

Michelle RhodesBrown, of Profit Investment Management:
“Procter & Gamble is a well-run, large, global consumer staples company. In any dogfight you want this company on your side, for the most part. They have huge mega brand large advertising budgets they use to gain market share.

It’s not a “buy” because they’re so large that growing is difficult. If you look at their sales growth, it’s more driven by price increases than by volume increases. That makes people nervous. Procter & Gamble attributes its volume declines to customer (retailer) destocking. Because energy and commodity prices have come back, they worry about whether they can keep their prices.”

Andrew Simon

Andrew Simon, 23, San Francisco
Tip for Beginners: Do your research. Find companies that have valuable assets, aren’t loaded with debt, and have a competent management team that can take them through the economic downturn.

My favorite holding: Intel Corp. (INTC)

Why I like the stock: With a large portion of the corporate and consumer market corned, coupled with the fact that the tech industry is growing, not shrinking, Intel will soon be back on the rise. Intel’s top competitor, AMD Inc. (AMD) recently announced its plans to restructure the company to reduce expenses. These plans primarily involve the termination of employees, contract or program terminations, and facility closures. Meanwhile, Intel has plans to build a new factory to begin mass production of their newest chips. While AMD plans to reduce manufacturing output, Intel is receiving rave reviews on its two newest processors.

The Professional Opinion

Analysts Consensus
Strong Buy: 13
Buy: 13
Hold: 14
Underperform: 1
Sell: 1

JoAnne Feeney of FTN Equity Capital Markets Corp.:
“We remain cautious regarding the second half of 2009 because signals of a seasonal increase in end-market demand have yet to materialize. Longer term, we view Intel as likely to deliver results outpacing the broader economic recovery. The company released its next-generation mainstream server CPU (central processing unit) at the end of March, code-named Nehalem EP. This product closes the architectural gap with AMD by adding an on-board memory controller (AMD did this in 2003). Experts are enthusiastic about this new CPU, and anticipate higher sales of servers as a consequence. Intel’s high-end version of Nehalem is not due until the first quarter of 2010, although it was originally expected by year-end. It looks like Intel has worked out the bugs. We remain positive on the shares.”

Eugene Profit, Profit Investment Management:

“Intel’s last quarter earnings came in eight cents better than Wall Street estimates, even though revenue fell 26% year-over-year. The problem with that is basically people like to see revenue going up. By cutting expenses Intel’s growth margins were a little bit better and we know that demand is down because of the economy. You’re starting to see computer inventory bottoming out. Because you’re going to have computer upgrade cycle starting even though you have a weakened economic environment, Intel will benefit because the inventory of semiconductor chips are very low. There’s going to be and increase in the demand for Intel chips. It’s rated a hold, because with revenues down, that’s a concern. But the reason they were down has as much to do with the weak economy as anything else.”

Erika Smith

Erika Smith, 25, Atlanta
Tip for Beginners: Understand what type of investor you are. Use investment questionnaires to develop a mix that is suitable for your financial goals based on your time horizon and risk tolerance.

My favorite holding: Oracle Corp. (ORCL)

Why I like the stock: My interest began in 2005 when Oracle acquired Siebel Systems Inc. This signaled the company was making a serious effort to increase market share and challenge the dominance of German enterprise software maker SAP (SAP). Oracle’s products will be increasingly relevant as the world continues to look for information technology solutions to reduce costs and innovate how we do business. For example, reduction of administrative costs will be important to U.S. healthcare reform. Oracle should be able to provide solutions that will streamline healthcare processes and reduce costs to gathering and use patient data.

The Professional Opinion

Analysts Consensus
Strong buy: 10
Buy: 10
Hold: 7

John DiFucci of JP Morgan Chase:
“We believe that Oracle Corp. is better equipped than most software companies to weather a soft economic environment given its ability to rationalize its cost structure that has been temporarily burdened by a myriad of acquisitions. Our analysis indicates that Oracle shares are attractively valued at current levels. Oracle is running its business assuming a prolonged economic downturn persists for the foreseeable future, resulting in an environment of declining corporate IT budgets. Oracle will look to gain share in this environment through up-selling and cross-selling into its 320,000 strong customer base of primarily large corporations (versus small businesses). Management expects to grow margins by growing revenue by greater than the rate of expense growth. While Oracle’s strategic relationship with its customers may position it better than most software companies, its top line is not immune to a macro slowdown.”

Ted Parrish of the Henssler Financial Group:
“Oracle has a solid base of customers and a lot of their revenue is “recurring revenue,” which means it’s stable and predictable since they lock their customers into multi-year contracts. The reason to buy right now is because the stock is very cheap on any relative measure, price to earnings, price to sales, price to cashflow. It’s trading for a multiple that’s lower than the market (technology sector) and for a company of its quality, that’s hard to believe. But its expected growth in earnings is above average and right in line with its price/earnings ratio.”

* When investing or making any type of financial decision, it is important to do your own research before making any decisions.
** Analysts consensus taken from Yahoo Finance

This morning’s news crystallizes that cut-throat atmosphere. Construction equipment-maker, Caterpillar, said it plans to cut 20,000 or 18% of workers from its payrolls. Sprint-Nextel announced layoffs of 13% or 8,000 of its employees, and Home Depot said it would cut 7,000 staffers.  Caterpillar’s layoffs are a perfect example of what’s happening in today’s economy. The world’s largest maker of mining and construction equipment says it will eliminate factory workers, support staff, and management positions. Economy bellwethers like Microsoft, Intel, Pfizer, and Boeing have made similar proclamations in recent weeks.

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Since Jan. 1, U.S. companies have announced elimination of some 185,000 jobs, as diminishing demand for products and services is forcing companies to cut costs. Today’s job-cut announcements will serve to boost unemployment numbers to new history-making heights when the Department of Labor releases its next report in early February. In December, unemployment hit 7.2%, the highest in almost 16 years. Many economists insist that rate is likely to reach highs of 8% or even 9% before the end of 2009. In all, companies “whacked” 2.6 million jobs in 2008, the most in 63 years. 2009 could top that.

Not all companies are responding to the recession by slashing workers. On the brighter side, Challenger, Gray & Christmas released a survey that suggests nearly half of all U.S. companies are attempting to avoid permanent layoffs by finding creative cost-cutting solutions such as hiring and salary freezes, forced vacations, reduced travel budgets, and bonus eliminations. One company in Challenger’s survey, auto parts supplier Visteon Corp., reported that it cut workers’ wages by 20% and instituted a four-day work week. In December, FedEx announced that its CEO, Frederick Smith take a 20% pay cut, while the company shaves 5% to 10% from the salaries of some 35,000 other executives and workers. FedEx also eliminated its 401k matching contribution to all 140,000 workers who participate in the company’s retirement savings plan.

So, what does all this cost cutting mean for those of us who still have jobs? Is there any way to make ourselves indispensible? What can we do other than cower under our desks? Career coach, Bob Rosner, with Workplace911.com says you should, “be able to do more than one job. Cross-train. The more holes you can fit in, the higher the odds your bosses will keep you around.”
Is your job layoff-proof?
( surveys)

Another tactic: “Ask for a performance review. You don’t want to get let go because of something that can be fixed. Worst thing to be doing is operating by your gut and not getting direct feedback,” insists Rosner. Also, he says, “have a clear understanding of what your job is, how to do it, and what the expectations are. The more concrete and specific you can make it, the better.”

John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas told Black Enterprise that workers can protect their jobs best by “becoming an expert at certain tasks that are crucial to the company.” Beyond that, he cautioned executives and staffers of all stripes to “work at your relationship with your boss,” he says. “When it comes time for layoffs, you want your boss to think: Who can’t I do this to?” While you’re at it, get to know boss’s boss–and cultivate as many advocates around the company who know you and your work.”

Bob Rosner added to Challenger’s rather Machiavellian advice with these words of caution: “Don’t treat people at direct competitors as the enemy. They could potentially be a future employer.” Is that sneaky, underhanded behavior, or sound survival advice? One thing’s for sure, Tony Soprano would approve.

Readers: Are you concerned about your job security, take our poll and sound off below.

John Simons is the senior personal finance editor at Black Enterprise magazine