Do You Mean What You Say?

“I may be wrong, but…” has to be the single most phrase that drives me crazy. I never understood why someone, anyone, would use this phrase. Basically, it implies that you know or think you’re right- but you don’t have the guts or leadership skills to back up your own opinions or knowledge.

Think about it… how many times have you said, “I may be wrong, but….” ? Why did you say it? Did you say it because you truly are full of self doubt? Did you say it because you didn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings? Did you say it because you didn’t want to come off as arrogant?

Meaning what you say in business is important. There is no room or time for social flattery or playing nice when it comes to being a leader. You have to say what you mean and mean what you say. If someone is saying something that is wrong or that you know will not work, speak up. You will be respected for your opinion. You can present it in a positive manner, too. This said, if you say it with self doubt, no one will be vested in your opinion because you- yourself- are doubting it.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

#TBT - The Business Owner Test

Do you have what it takes to own a business? I'm not talking money or ideas. I'm talking grit and getting your hands dirty. Not sure if you have what it takes? Take my test. Answer yes or no if you agree or disagree with each statement below and see what I have to say at the end.
1. You believe you can balance work with a personal life.

2.'Fake It To You Make It' is the best advice you ever received.

3. You can't wait to be rich, which will be soon since all business owners have tons of money.

4. You can have a day job and run a business at the same time.

5. There is nothing to fear about employing other people. It is great to have people work for you.

6. You're going to be loved by everyone because you have a business and your business will take off right away.

7. You believe a mentor is important.

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you don't have what it takes to be a business owner. The above statements are all myths and some of the most popular reasons why businesses fail. Grand ideas, assuming riches will happen overnight, faking knowing how to provide a service or products, etc. are all big red flags in the business world.

Until next time,

Twyla Garrett

Hypocritical Encouragement From the Government?

On September 30th of this year, FEMA asked local communities to prepare for disasters as a practice. In fact, here is what their press release say;
"Today, the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) encourages individuals, families, workplaces, schools and organizations across the nation to take part in America’s PrepareAthon!, a national day of action that will take place September 30. America’s PrepareAthon! is a community-based campaign to increase emergency preparedness and resilience through participation in hazard-specific drills, group discussions and exercises every fall and spring. To register, individuals and organizations can visit www.ready.gov/prepare."

So, why is this a bit hypocritical in my opinion? Well, how would we possibly expect to prepare using FEMA's recommendations when they not only forgot to include important items on their "disaster readiness kit", but when security and preparation incompetency hit the White House recently? Not sure what I'm referencing? Here's a great article, via The Wall Street Journal, showcasing issues of security flaws within our current system: http://online.wsj.com/articles/incompetence-hits-home-1412194748

My point is, we can't depend on the government for 100% of our safety as citizens. It has to be a collaborative experience because humans make mistakes and even put together PSA documents containing content oversights! While I doubt the hypocritical recommendations were deliberate, they weren't utilized by the same people telling us to be prepared for emergencies and disasters. Do this mean we throw everything to the wind and buy into the media hype that we, as a country, aren't generally safe? Not at all. We are better protected now than we were on 09/10/2001. This said, if a recommended disaster kit says to pack two weeks of canned food- do so, just make sure you include a manual can opener (yes, FEMA forgot to include one on its list).

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Productivity Killers

I wanted to spend some of today discussing productivity killer. I recently had the pleasure of helping one of my employees out. After working through the task, I realized what is taking her four hours to complete was done in 45 minutes under my watch. Astonished, I had to ask why. I saw with her to see if she did things wrong or if I had missed something, I never led on why I was asking.

My employee did everything the exact same way I did. The only difference? When she was working with me as her shadow, she completed the task in just over an hour. Where were the other three hours I was paying her for? At this point I questioned her. She explained she is answering emails and taking phone calls between actual work. While this was a possibility, I didn’t see it as a three hour difference. In fact, I was also responding to emails and taking calls on speakerphone and still completed the task in less time.

After further investigating, I found the productivity killer. Google! Yes, Google. While my employees have to use it to look things up, it turns out they get distracted by the headlines, links, etc. And then they Google things they should be looking at on their off time, get tied up in related industry news headlines, and so forth.

No, my employee didn’t get in trouble. It wasn’t a deliberate act and we created an action plan together. I also figured out a way to take my employees off line when needed to ensure productivity. The point is, I wanted to share this so you know just how distracting Google can be to any task. It is a productivity killer. So, if you need to think, brainstorm, write, plan, or just need to relax- leave your phone at home and find a place with no internet or computers!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

3 Life Lessons that Grow Business

There are life basics that many of us have been taught. Growing up, you probably thought why do you have to clean your room, stand up straight, or share. I mean, when you get older no one really is going to check to see if your bedroom is clean, no one truly is going to make you stand up straight, and you don’t have to share. Well, the truth is these life lessons will help you in business.

Standing up straight sends an unsaid cue to other people about how you regard yourself. Great posture helps people respect you more. If you are slumped over, you seem unsure. So, standing up straight is a good lessons to keep with you throughout life.

Cleaning your room teaches you to be organized and neat, an essential in business. If your office looks like you don’t know where anything is- you probably don’t know where anything is. Be messy at home if you have to (try not to), but keep your professional life as organized and tidy as possible.

Finally, share. How many tasks do you perform a day where you are required to interact with your peers? Chances are you have to share a common goal, meetings, work space, etc. If you don’t know how to share in life then how will you share at work? Cooperation is essential when working or employing others.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

The Homeland Security Website IS A Cause for Concern

I’ve spoken on this topic before but I feel it is worth revisiting. The Inspector General noted that the US Department of Homeland Security – the government division ostensibly responsible for ensuring cybersecurity throughout the nation – itself suffers from serious cyber-vulnerabilities.

So, what has been done since this announcement in December of 2013? Not much. It is continuously frustrating to see business after business reamed for being the victim of cyberattacks breaching customer information when the DHS’s own website sits like a sitting duck. Why isn’t their website held to the same standard, if not a higher one, than private entities? Frustrating, right?!

What exactly is wrong with the DHS? Well, it has leaks so to speak. Windows XP – an operating system that was released over twelve years ago and for which Microsoft plans to stop issuing security patches in the near future – continues to run on computers at DHS headquarters. There is nothing really being done to configure a change in this operating system because 1) the workload is heavy and 2) the workload is heavy.

My point is change requires getting our hands dirty. An ounce of prevention outweighs the unthinkable results that could happen if these patches are not fixed.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Is Your Boss Terrible?

I own a business. I am a boss. So why am I writing about terrible bosses? Well, we all have room to grow but being many of my readers are soon-to-be entrepreneurs, many of you are still working for someone right now! Thus, this post if for you!

If your boss is a micromanager, I’m sorry. Your boss’ company will not grow unless he or she lets go of the harness. If you are in this situation, try sending your boss an action plan once a task is assigned to you. Note “check in” dates of when you will provide updates on certain milestones. If you take the initiative first, chances are your boss will not micromanage so much down the road.

If your boss changes direction often, I’m sorry. I understand going where the money is but sometimes boss’ are spread too thin and then start to panic. Try to offer data as to why you and your boss should stay the course. Chances are your thinking will be more level-headed than that of a business owner who has money on the line. You can be the voice of reason in this scenario.

Most of the time the boss doesn’t intend on being a terrible leader. It happens for a variety of reasons. Key employees gently point this out and help better the company. You can be this person.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

Homeland Security : Federal Air Marshals No More?

I saw a story earlier today via CNN that stated the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is going to cut plain-clothed Federal Air Marshals. WOW! In fact, double WOW! The past three years was spent focused on protecting our planes at an increase from terrorist via this resource. Now, all of a sudden, we are cutting back. Why?

The Department of Homeland Security declined to say how positions have been eliminated because they don’t want to give potential terrorist a number of how many potential Air Marshals are employed.

According to CNN, “critics, including some air marshals, say the secrecy allows the government to cut the workforce without acknowledging it, as happened in the years leading up to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. At that time, fewer than 40 people were in the air marshal workforce and none were on the hijacked planes.”

Air Marshal Director Robert Bray said in an e-mail, sent Friday, that the agency's budget has been cut from $966 million to $805 million in the past three years. He outlined plans to close six of the agency's 26 field offices in coming years.

This exact situation is what I address in my current book, which you can preview on Amazon by clicking here: http://www.amazon.com/Homeland-Security-Comprehensive-Guide-All-ebook/dp/B00IDW3W3Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393473922&sr=8-1&keywords=twyla+garrett

Sustainability is a real thing. While budgets may go up and down, the threat by terrorist is continual. We shouldn’t have to make these choices and preparing for real sustainability to ensure critical positions and programs aren’t cut is a must!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla Garrett

You're Fired..... It's Not What You Say!

Statics show every American will be fired at least once in their lifetime. Well, if you're on the other end of the spectrum- firing someone can be hard. But, it doesn't have to be. There are some phrases that you can avoid using. These phrases will help the firing goes as well as it can without escalating into an office crisis.

1. Don't say "this is really hard for me." Remember, it isn't personal, it is business. Firing someone because he or she didn't perform well isn't a hard decision to make.

2. We're going in a different direction. This sentence is not a valid reason to let someone go. In fact, the best thing you can do for the person you are firing is let them know where he or she failed so the action can be corrected in the future.

3. "We're cutting staff." Don't say this unless it is true. Lying about this can lead to a lawsuit.

There are times to say what is really on your mind. When you're firing someone- remember, this isn't one of those times. Personal reasons can lead to issues within your company so be direct and be swift.

Twyla