Social Sharing, Are You Optimized?

One aspect of social media engagement is utilizing hashtags and key words to not only spread your message to your audience, but to also capture traffic from a seeking social media audience. Yes, this task is a bit of work but it is worth learning because it can drive both traffic and profit.

The best way to start learning social sharing optimization is to start with Twitter or Instagram. Both utilize the hashtag (#) to pull in like-minded searchers / seekers / business owners into a single thought or image and then start a conversation or- at the very least- make a brand introduction.

If you’re really not that familiar with # use right now, go to Twitter and in the search box type in ‘#business’… this is your general audience, your peers, etc. Now, you need to write using social sharing optimization so they can find you when typing in specific key words.

Think you need more help learning how to do this and what tools to cross-train yourself on?

Don’t hesitate, contact me directly for one-on-one business and branding coaching. I'm always available to speak at your company's next event or provide one-on-one training.

Twyla N. Garrett of IME

Are You Hosting A New Year’s Eve Party This Year? If so, you need to consider keeping your guests safe while they are drinking- and in general. Many parties can go wrong with heated emotions and liquor involved. While I work in Homeland Security, I wanted to provide everyone and anyone who reads my blog with some free tips to staying safe (and keeping your guests safe) during a New Year’s Eve celebration.

If you are hosting a New Year's Eve party, following my simple steps for keep everyone happy, healthy and safe;

First, plan ahead by naming a "designated driver." As the host of the party, you should be checking in groups who arrive together. Ask who the DD is and confiscate the car keys until the same group is ready to go home. This way, you can check to ensure the DD is sober and prepared to drive the group home. If your DD falls off “the wagon” or you have singles without a DD, make sure you have someone else you can trust available to drive people home or be prepared to front taxi fares and worry about being paid back later.

Another great way to keep people safe (and avoid conflict) at a party this New Year’s eve is to limit the amount of alcohol that you serve. You should offer many mocktails and limit the amount of beer and wine you have on hand. This will help control over the urge to over indulge by many guests.

If you are going to serve liquor, stop serving it at least 90 minutes before people will be headed home. Simply shut down the bar and offer coffee or flavored waters (to push urination) along with some greasy foods to help people sober up.

Finally, don’t invite two sets of families / friends, etc. that you know have active drama going on between them. Unfortunately, a lot of gun violence (well, violence period) happens between two people who know each other. The holidays can bring out the worse in people and public gatherings can make people want to air grievances. If you know two groups don’t get along, don’t invite either group.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

Why Our Homeland Security Panel Chief Is Worried About Sochi.

Russia isn't helping alleviate the security concerns many countries have regarding Sochi right now. The Olympic games that will commence in Sochi, Russia on February 7th are already at the center of controversy because of security concerns. Homeland Security's Panel Chief Texas Republican Rep. Michael McCaul told CNN today an improvement is needed in intelligence-sharing between Russia and the United States. And he voiced concern about the risk of a suicide bomber setting off an explosive device.

We should, as a global society, be concerned and there is always room to do more when it comes to security. Does this mean Russia's current efforts and that of the other involved countries are falling short? No. Because of my position with IME, overkill and over preparedness is a very good thing when it comes to security issues. I can understand where Mr. McCaul is coming from and I can understand how the companies and other efforts involved don't want spend time reviewing what might go wrong any longer when efforts can be focused making sure things go right.

The FBI has sent agents to Sochi to help in counterterrorism activities, and the Pentagon has offered to provide military assistance. Two Navy ships stationed in the Black Sea are available, if Americans need to be evacuated. President Obama also spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Tuesday to discuss security during the Olympics. Things are getting better when it comes to Olympic security and McCaul, who recently toured Sochi agrees despite his recent statements.

I'll be posting special blogs on the issues of security, international collaboration and more throughout the Olympics. Continue to check in here for more information and updates. In the meantime, check out my eBook on Homeland Security for sale at www.HireIme.com.

Twyla Garrett