Tasaria Bettis

Dr. Tasaria Bettis is native of Mobile, Alabama, where he attended K-12 in the Mobile County Public School system. He has a long list of academic accomplishments, starting years ago when he graduated from Mattie T. Blount High School with honors.

Dr. Tasaria Bettis went on to attend Bishop State Community college where he graduated with an Associate of Science degree in General Studies. He then transferred to Alabama State University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and two Master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Instructional Leadership from Auburn University at Montgomery and Alabama State University. Even with two Master’s degrees under his belt, Dr. Bettis wanted to continue his education in pursuit of his doctorate. He went on to achieve an Education Specialist degree in Elementary Education from the University of West Alabama and finally got his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University.

After finishing his own extensive education, Dr. Tasaria Bettis went on to educate other young minds. He first taught school with Montgomery Public Schools in Montgomery Al for nine years before transitioning to DC, where he became dean of students for a Washington area school. Dr. Bettis then moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he took an opportunity to become an assistant principal.

Currently, Dr. Tasaria Bettis is working as a school principal in Fresno, California. He is also university supervisor for the University of Phoenix.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

The name came from my last name and I think the name stands out. One thing I like to do is think of what my last name stands for in describing me as a teacher. The name Bettis here stands for a Benevolent Educator who is Truthful with students and colleagues, making him Trustworthy, as well as Inspiring and Supportive to those around him. That’s what Bettis Enterprises, LLC stands for.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

Checking emails, conference calls, planning and networking. I make it productive by just pacing myself. Making a checklist for the day and sticking to it. I also mediate every morning. I find through meditation I can keep myself focused on the day’s tasks rather than letting my mind wander and stressing about things I can’t control. Having a daily routine and sticking to it really helps me stay productive.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring ideas to life by writing them down and being very detailed in planning. Keeping checklists for tasks and a detailed daily schedule are just a few ways I plan out my ideas while I am bringing them to life. Whether that is a particular lesson plan, a journal article I am writing, or a meeting with a colleague that I want to be prepared for, having a written, detailed plan helps me keep track of my ideas and helps me stay true to them as well.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The one trend that interests me is podcasts. Everyone is doing podcasts now, so I would really like to get on board. Especially these days when everyone is looking for other ways to spend their free time, it seems like podcasts are becoming another popular form of entertainment and information. There seems to be a podcast devoted to virtually any topic and I think there might be room for one more discussing education in these unique times.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Being organized and detail oriented. That definitely contributes to my productivity. Having everything organized around me is a great way to stay focused on the task at hand. I wouldn’t say I am easily distracted, but I definitely find it more beneficial when I have an organized, detailed list or schedule of tasks to follow on a given project.

What advice would you give your younger self?

The advice I would give to my younger self is to be more discerning of other person’s intentions. I don’t think people are necessarily out to get you all the time, but it is important to be aware of your own needs and values. Other people may not always consider you according to their specific intentions, which is why it can help to be aware of that fact.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Not sure at the moment. I’m naturally adverse to conflict and I try to see multiple points of view on lots of different subjects and talking points. I guess you could say I do my best to be agreeable!

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Constantly network and get advice from people who have had similar experiences in their professional lives. As an educational entrepreneur, the one thing I do over and over is constantly talk to people who have done the work already and ask for advice. Keeping a network of engaged and supportive professionals in your industry who you can rely on for advice and information is always an advantage.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

One strategy is to believe in yourself when no one else will. This may sound like pretty standard advice for self-starters and entrepreneurs, but it can certainly come in handy down the road. When doubt creeps in or you are faced with failures or setbacks on the way to achieving your goals, it is vital that you continue to believe in yourself.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

One failure is when nothing happened, so I had to be strategic and come up with new ideas. I overcame it by working hard and prayer. This connects back to my previous answer about believing in yourself. Along with your own hard work and self motivation, it can be beneficial to also remain faithful to God. Many people draw strength and motivation from their faith in different ways. In the face of failure in particular, faith can be a great motivator that teaches us to keep working hard and moving forward.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Promote and get people to invest in your passion. Constantly do research on your business to help your business grow. The world is changing so quickly in so many ways these days. By remaining apprised of the latest trends in your industry and keeping in touch with your network, you can come up with new and original ways to engage people in a way that will encourage them to invest in you. Being informed and being passionate are some of the best ways to promote your business and attract investment.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I bought a 50-inch television from a person moving out the country. I thought it was a great buy. I recently moved and needed a new TV, so it kind of worked out perfectly for the both of us!

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Google calendar/drive — it helps keep you organized and to keep track of appointments and helps keep your documents stored on the drive to access more efficiently. Those tools are a big part of my daily routine when I organize my to-do list and remain in contact with colleagues and people from my network.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

“Give me a Year” by Donetrus Hill. It is really a good book to help you get your life back on track through perseverance.

What is your favorite quote?

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Key Learnings:

• Having a daily routine and sticking to it really helps you stay productive.
• Constantly network and get advice from people who have had similar experiences in their professional lives.
• Believe in yourself when no one else will.
• Always keep moving forward.