Protecting Your Identity During the Holidays

As Halloween arrives tomorrow, the holidays are going to arrive fast and furious this year. Are you prepared to protect your identity during the shopping season? Most are not. People get involved with shopping lists, family politics, work parties, and school events and concerts for the kids. Identity protection seems to be the last item of concern on a long holiday 'to do' list. So, as we head into November this weekend, please remember to turn your clocks back an hour on Saturday and take the following identity protection tips into consideration.

1. If someone bumps into you, don't assume it was an accident. Clutch your purse close to your side or in front of you, and keep your wallet hidden at the bottom, or for men, in an inside coat pocket.

2. Don't let your credit card out of your sight. Unscrupulous clerks or waiters can skim the information from your card into a second machine and later make a new credit card for themselves. Worse yet, they can sell your information to an organized crime ring.

3. Lighten your wallet. Remove anything from your wallet that you don't absolutely need to have with you. That way, if someone is successful in stealing it, they won't get as much. And 'no', you don't need your social security card in your wallet!

4. Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service. Such services alert you via email anytime there is an inquiry or other activity to your credit report.

5. Be safe when shopping online. Criminals can make dummy websites look like the real thing. Make sure that the website you are shopping on is the company's real website. If you have any doubt, conduct a new browser search and contact the company to verify. Also make sure that any website you make purchases on is secure. Secure websites will have "https" instead of "http" in the website URL.

I'm going to skip a blog tomorrow and celebrate Halloween with my dedicated office staff!

I'll be back with everyone on Monday. Until then, have a safe and happy Halloween holiday.

Twyla N. Garrett

HireIME.com

Website Design & Marketing

Website branding can be a tricky thing. Customers want stable content but the design should be current. While checking out the websites of your competitors is a great idea, copying them is not. You should distinguish your company as an industry leader- not a follower. While HireIME.com is going to undergoing some changes during this month, I wanted to share the top things to consider when rebranding and redesign your website from a marketing perspective.

1. Know your target audience and content requirements before selecting a design. If you are a technical company with a lot of content then consider white papers to prove your point, and share your data, without clogging up the real estate of your site.

2. Discuss ownership, budget, timeline, and scope of work with your design team. Make sure you understand the amount of technical hours required to translate a spec design into a live action design. Also, ask if you will have access to the back-end of the website and if additional charges will be implemented.

3. Figure out if your spec out is original. If your designer is using a WordPress website or anything else that is template-based, this means someone else has your website design- even if you change the colors or font. This is not OK for showing how innovative and original your company is. Make sure the design spec is 100% original by having this stated in writing.

4. Make sure you provide all edits to the return spec or soft-launch to the design team before coding. The actual coding of an original website is tedious. Changing the size of font on one sentence can be a billable hour so ensure you get as many edits in to the designer post launch date.

5. Too many clickable options. From a consumer perspective, this is a major mistake. Too many tabs, too many links- too much. Clients want simple directions and clear service options. Don't make people dig to find information. Why? Because they won't, they will move on.

6. No call to action on the front page. I could never understand why one would have a website without a call to action on the front page. Have your clients contact you ASAP, or at least make it easy for them to do so after they finish exploring the website. They could always revisit the main page, but they will not if there is no call to action. So, put a contact form or incentive-based offer right smack in the front of your website.

7. Interactive options. Live chat apps, online scheduling, online uploads for RFP requests- these are all pretty standard elements of today's websites. The same goes for video tutorials or company biographies. If you are missing these elements, you are already behind your competition no matter how clean or nice your website is.

I hope this information helps you create or redesign your website.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Managing People with Personality Differences.

You are going to work with people you dislike. You may have paying clients you dislike. You have hire a qualified employee whom you dislike. It’s business, you’re going to have to deal with these situations. So, how do you?

You should first decide exactly what it is about the person you dislike. If it is a personal matter, you can’t take action. For example, if the co-worker in the next cubicle over sounds like your annoying sister-in-law, it isn’t her fault and you can’t take the association out on her. This said, if she is purposely under minding you professionally, then you need to address the issue with the employee and the proper resources.

Consider the good in everyone. This is hard but I do this all the time. I know I have negative traits, we all do. I would be horrified is someone only judged me on the negative without considering all the positives I offer. So, look for the good traits in each person and focus on them.

I don’t have a one-size-fits-all solution for this problem. However, I do know perspective is everything.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla Garrett

Tips to creating a successful crowdfunding campaign.

If you're thinking about starting a crowdfunding campaign consider the following tips to help elevate beyond your fundraising goals. More important than the copy you create for your campaign is the brand recognition you want to stimulate through the fundraising campaign.

Creating brand recognition means you have to have a quality marketing campaign as a component for your fundraising campaign. This is typically hard to do for new business owners are entrepreneurs looking to grab money for their ideas. You also have to make sure you have the capability to deliver what you promise as incentives for your fundraising campaign, otherwise the long-term branding impact story your business.

The campaign also has to focus on visual, audio, video and creative imagery. It is worth the investment to hire a professional company to create an intro video about your campaign and your brand. Using stock photography for unprofessional photos will harm the campaign. You want people to relate to your brand and your cause and buy into your vision. Furthermore, ensuring you have flawless copywriting and informative graphics will help.

If you are seeking more information on crowdfunding, and how it can help your company, send a question or comment at the end of this blog.

On the verge of success…. And then you quit.

I can’t tell you the number of times I have felt like packing things in. Life isn’t going to go the way we want it to. The same rule applies to business. We are going to have challenges as business owners. If you feel like packing it in tonight, don’t. Let me share some of my stress-busting secrets to help you feel re-inspired and motivated once again.

Don’t focus on what is going wrong. Instead, as hard as it seems, focus on how you are going to change what is going wrong into something that works. Put yourself in charge of innovation and start focusing on putting one foot forward and in front of the other foot.

Stay calm. Don’t become emotional about business issues. Not that our lives as business owners should be black and white and sterile, but because being emotional clouds our thinking and judgment. Remember, you don’t ever have to make a decision on the haste- so don’t. If there is a problem at hand, give yourself time to assess and then address it.

Seek help. There is no shame is asking for help. In fact, you will feel 200% better once you do obtain help. Taking on the world alone is a terrible position to be in for anyone. Take yourself out of this position by asking for help.

Until next time,

Twyla Garrett

Data Is Great ; Instincts Are Better

You’re either born a business person or you’re not. It is this simple. I’ve encountered two types of entrepreneurs in my life. Those who know business and those who know how to repeat facts and review data.

While data and facts are great, they will not help you when it comes to the instinctual decision making skills needed to survive in business. You have to know how to read people, read between the lines when considering business trends, and understand the profit potential associated with gut instinct.

Allowing data to navigate your company’s operation is like driving drunk. You’re somewhat aware of what is going on, but you’re not fully capable of operating a vehicle. In fact, operating a vehicle while impaired is dangerous (often fatal) for so many reasons. The applies to using data to pivot your business or business ideas. It’s fatal if not dangerous.

So, this Monday ask yourself if you run your business relying solely on data or mixing statistics with personal feelings. If you’re doing the later then you are in good shape. If you rely only on numbers and figures then ask yourself how business is. I’m willing to bet not as great as it can be.

Until next time,

Twyla Garrett

The Making of a YouTube Video -101

This week I've been discussing marketing and how to help your start-up with a little (or none) marketing budget. Today, however, I want to talk about YouTube. Now, I will say that I'm not a big video fan. Having YouTube videos will not make or break my company, but I work in a specialized field. Most companies, on the other hand, do need a YouTube video - or some type of video introduction to their company- in order to stay competitive in today's social media market.

If you are pondering making your own YouTube video, you're at the right place. I decided to do some research and put together a mini-guide (below) on the proper way to create a YouTube video for your company and marketing purposes.

How to Create a YouTube video 101.

First, consider the proper timing when sketching out the frames and script for your video. A great YouTube video should be between one and three minutes. Being concise and to the point is just as important as being timely. Videos that are too short have proven themselves to be ineffective. Videos that are over three minuets statistically bore the customer and you lose business.

Make sure you explain what your company is, who you are, and what services you provide within the first thirty seconds. Yes, timing is everything. Be upfront about who you are and what you're all about. You don't want to bank on a busy professional sitting to the end of the video to grasp an understanding of what it is you do or sell.

Do you have room for a call to action? You should! A video shouldn't just be a video about your company's products or services. It should have a call to action in the video. Make sure you are clear when presenting the call to action and stay away from sales-like verbiage. Be clever with how you word your call to action.

Remain professional. I am not kidding when I say I have watched video after video where business owners are pitching products standing outside on a windy day. I can't hear what they are saying, so why did these people put their terribly produced videos online? Don't they know this hurts their companies? You don't have to have a budget to make a professional video- as long as you use common sense. Your video has to be clear and look professional as much as it needs to be entertaining.

Still have questions? Leave me a message below and I will be happy to personally respond to all of your YouTube and video questions.

In the meantime, check out the 5 most hated YouTube videos via this link: http://gizmodo.com/5866695/the-five-most-hated-youtube-videos-in-internet-history Happy marketing,

Twyla

2 Sure Ways to Creating Buzz!

It's January. It's a new year. How are you going to get your brand and your business noticed this year? Chances are you don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars to compete as a start-up against the major players. Well, I've got a secret for you... tons of available cash doesn't have to be your make or break point. You can create your own buzz online and for very little money. Here's how:

Start with knowing who your audience is. If you don't know who to write for, you will not be great at creating meaningful messages. Sit down and take the time to define who your desired audience is when it comes to social media. Use this definition as your blueprint for creating buzz.

Next, create an idea bubble and then take these ideas and make them into an editorial calender. Follow your calender to the "t", but also make sure you are really interacting with online customers and potential customers. Don't rely on automatic systems to make your brand relevant. You have to be there, in the trenches, updating your accounts and responding like a real person.

That's it. If you do these two things, you're already ahead of the game. Too many people rely on autosend systems and reaching a wide audience that they forget the marketing impact behind planning and knowing who you are writing to / for.

I will be spending most of January talking about marketing and how vital it is for any business or brand.

Until next time,

Twyla

2 Bad Ways to End A Business Meeting

I attend many meetings, both with clients and my own staff. There are two things about ending a meeting that really bug me and other business owners. No matter what your status is in a company, don't commit these "meetings crimes."

1. Lack of Follow Up.

This drives me up a wall and back again. If you say you're going to do something in a meeting, do it. You shouldn't be prompted by clients or peers of what needs to be done or for a status check. As soon as you leave your meeting, delegate your calendars to reflect when items are going to be started, when they are due, and what dates you're going to send out progress emails to all involved. A lack of follow up shows that you're just attending the meetings, but aren't really interested in any real action.

2. Not Ending A Meeting on Time.

This drives me crazy! If I'm inviting people to a meeting, I understand they are taking time away from their other responsibilities to attend it- even if they are my own employees. When I set up a meeting I note a time frame. I always tell the attendees that the meeting may go an extra 20 minutes longer and to schedule enough time for this to happen. This way, if I do go over- no one is upset. And, if I get to 20 minutes past the end time- I allow the people in the room to vote on if the meeting should continue or should be continued at a later date. Ignoring someone's schedule requirements is just rude. If you schedule a meeting, note the timetable and stick to it.

Business etiquette is a big part of your every day life. Make sure you follow these two rules to keep customers and peers happy.

Until next time,

Twyla Garrett

Be Willing to Hear the Truth!

I spent the weekend reflecting on how my business has grown. I am in the middle of writing my personal story. A lot of reflection went on in my home this past Saturday and Sunday as a result. While looking back, I realized a major lesson in life and in business- you have to be willing to hear the truth in order to expand. I know many great people who owned failing businesses. Why? Well, they all had one thing in common when running their former companies- the inability to listen to the truth.

You may not like what you hear, but I promise you will learn something from it. In order to hear the truth, you need to surround yourself with people willing to tell you the truth. People see money and often forget to say what is really on their mind. Isn't that convenient! They are usually afraid to speak up out of fear of losing a paycheck or cutting of the gravy train. You don't need these types of people around you. They will sink you and then swim away.

Find people who are honest. People who can contribute constructive criticism to your life and business. Cherish them and don't be easily offended. The most valuable thing someone can do for you in life, and in business, is bring you down to reality.

Twyla Garrett

It's Easy to be Negative!

Hard work never harmed anyone. Yet, I find that people tend to make excuses and negative remarks when it comes to challenges rather than own up to them and work hard. Why is this? A little elbow grease isn't going to hurt you! Putting in effort takes more energy and work than simply being negative. It is a sad state of affairs when I think my peers rather be negative and not accomplish something versus overcoming the challenge itself. So, if you find yourself being negative today- try the following two steps and start working on the challenges!

1. Change the way you talk.

If you feel the urge to say something negative, don't. Make a mental note to not repress the statement either. Simply find a way to rephrase your thoughts or feelings in a more positive tone. This exercise does wonders for the subconscious.

2. Say no to criticism.

If you tend to comment on what people are doing, without the comment being nice, then don't say anything at all. This is harder than you think. We, as people, tend to talk with each other about each other. If you head out with your girlfriends, observe how many times the topic of other people come up. If the person isn't in the room, don't say anything negative about him or her. It seems easy, it's not!

Changing how you think and how you speak will change how you take on challenges. I promise you more will get done, even hard tasks, when you alter your outlook and the way you talk.

Until next time,

Twyla

www.authortwylagarrett.com

Creativity.... Yes, You CAN Develop It.

Most people believe you're either born creative or you're not. Well, this isn't 100% true. While some people are great at gardening, others might be good taking care of a single houseplant. The houseplant people may not know they are great gardeners. What's my point? Well, you might not think you're creative- but you might well be. You just need to learn how to develop your creativity.

Put 30 minutes aside today to try this exercise;

1. Sit somewhere that is distraction free. Make sure your cell phone is nowhere to be found.
2. Have a lined piece of paper and a pen- no pencils. Self-doubters use pencil.
3. Write down five ideas on how you can reinvent the concept of Starbucks.
4. Don't hesitate when you write down these ideas. Write down the first five concepts that enter your mind.
5. Scrunch the paper up. Toss it in the trash. Walk away.

Ok, you might be thinking this is crazy. It's not. This exercise is designed to get you analyzing business from a more creative perspective. If you do this every day (picking a different business each day) it really will help you within your own life and industry.

Happy reinventing!

Twyla Garrett

The Art of Oprah's 'Pivot'

I try not to quote Oprah often. She does what works for her- and there is no doubt that it works well. This said, Oprah's life and my life are two different things. What she wants, does and how she operates isn't for everyone. In fact, I never recommend modeling your life after what Oprah does. It isn't realistic and you're setting yourself up for failure. You have to be you!

I will, however, talk about the art of Oprah's Pivot. So, what is Pivot anyway? Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup, coined the term pivot. This term means to change the direction of a company (essentially to avoid disaster) without alerting employees or clients.

The Oprah Pivot: Here is what she said. “Let me just say, we have made the pivot,” Winfrey said today on “Good Morning America.” “It’s been really an exciting challenge and I am really so happy to announce to the world, ‘We have made the pivot.’”

Here is what really happened: Oprah was losing her ratings. Her almighty show was on the brink of cancellation. She was left with three choices. 1. Allow the show to be cancelled and accept public humiliation that she really didn't have viewership she was projecting. 2. Retire while she was on top and let her employees find work elsewhere why her brand sailed into the sunset. 3. Reinvent her company to meet the demands of the audience she did have. Basically, rebuild from the ground up without letting her audience know the company was in trouble and her show was failing. Oprah opted for option 3- the pivot!

Steps for A Successful Pivot:

1. Get your team on board without creating panic. In fact, create excitement and talk opportunity, opportunity, opportunity. People talk. Employees talk. No leaks can be risked as to what really is going on with your company. Even with top executive management. Stay positive and get that team of yours talking up the next move for the company!

2. Keep money coming in while you plan your pivot. You need money to make money. Don't pause one business model or business effort to focus on another. That is a disaster waiting to happen.

3. Hire someone who knows how to pivot to help you the first time around. There is no shaming in the pivot- again, look at Oprah. I can help you, other business consultants can help, write Oprah a letter- do whatever it is to find the one special person who can help you pivot. You will need support!

There is no shame in learning how to pivot. The world changes. Demographics change. Your company is going to change. If you know how to pivot then you can change while making money and developing a stronger brand.

I hope this blog leaves you inspired as you head into the weekend,

Twyla

Become A Better Boss!

Many people ask me about leadership. They want to know how to lead their team to overwhelming sales and branding. Well, to be a great leader you have to be an amazing boss. This means starting with bossing yourself around. The best way to start being a better boss (and leader) is to say thank you and mean it. I try to practice this daily. When someone completes a task for me, even though it is expected because he or she is my employee, I say thank you. It is important to let people know when they are appreciated.

I also try to hold monthly meetings where I can ask employees if there is something I can do to make their work environment better or if there are tools needed to do the job. Knowing what the challenges within the office are, and where your own short falls stand, will help you assess what type of boss you are and take action to improve.

Random food. Who doesn't love free food? I try to surprise my employees with lunch delivered to the office when they least expect it. I will never schedule this regularly but if I know we're having a slow week, I order lunch. It gives the office time to talk, share ideas and brainstorm what tasks can be completed.

You don't have to be mean to be a great boss. In fact, being harsh can backfire. Try using one of these suggested steps this week to become a better boss.

Twyla

www.authortwylagarrett.com

Gossip- When to Fire Friends.

Here's the thing, I'm not all business. Ok, 90% of me is a business woman- the other 10%? Well, that's just a woman. I wanted to talk about how to cut friends out of your life. It is a hard subject. I know what you're thinking; "Twyla, what does this have to do with business?" Well, everything!

If you can't cut negative or self-serving friends out of your life, how are you going to run a company? How will you make it as an executive? How will you survive in the world. You don't have to be liked all of the time. And, I got news for you, even when people are smiling to your face- you're not going to be liked all of the time!

If you have a friend who plays Devil's Advocate more than the role of a friend- it is time to move on. Why? Well, these are people who love to argue and oppose you. Their nature isn't to be supportive, it is to be opposing. You want some feedback - not just a tidal wave of negativity.

You also want to remove the 'inside scoopers' form your group. If they know what is going on is a secret and they still share it with you.... you'r secrets aren't safe with them! Drop them like a hot potato before your news is all over the place. People who have the inside scoop are great. People who have to constantly share it? Well, that is called being a gossip!

Finally, the people who have emotional erectile dysfunction. What's that? Yep, not literal erectile dysfunction- but people who fail to get it up and get on with it- referring to their dreams of course. If you have a friend who is constantly planning his or her next business move or love affair or vacation or trip to the grocery store and it NEVER, EVER happens- that person has emotional dysfunction and is feeding off of your energy (well, draining you of it) without making progress in the world. Ditch him or her and find friends who play on the same team as you- remember? The Go-Getters!

Well, that is it for this week. See you on Monday!

Twyla

5 Questions to Answer Before You Start A Business!

As I guide others with business ownership, I've noticed a trend. There are five questions every prospect business owner needs to ask him or herself. These questions can help you discover if you truly should move forward with a business idea or investment, or signal if you're about to make a major mistake!

1. Where am I getting my money from?

Money is key. You need money to make money. If you don't have enough money to sustain your business expenses for a year, pay employees, pay yourself, and have money for emergencies - you're not ready and setting yourself up for failure.

2. Where will my business be located? Again, money. Are you leasing business space based on how nice an office is or how useful an office is? There is a difference. Overspending on rental space is a common mistake. We all want a luxury address but you can grow into one- you don't need it right away.

3. Who is my competition. This seems obvious but you need to research local and online competition and then make a plan.

4. Will I need insurance? Yes, different businesses require different types of insurance- sometimes multiple insurances. Finda business mentor (yes, you can hire me) and make sure you are fully insured before you open doors.

5. What happens to me if I don't make it? This isn't thinking negative, this is having a plan in place just in case. You need to ask yourself this question and create a plan in case you have to face this scenario.

Twyla

When to Fire A Client....

We've touched on this subject before, but today I want to explore why you should fire a client. Now, I know the loss of income can hurt. In fact, it will hurt. But, a bad client can also be hurtful to your brand. So, here is when and why you should fire a client.

1. The Carrot Dangle. If you have a client that sends you small contracts with the promise of larger contracts- beware! If you have a potential client who asks you on two, or more occasions for detailed proposals without a commitment or counteroffer- the potential client is picking your brain and hiring a competitor. Clients who are not greatful of your services, promise larger contracts if you take lesser amounts of money now, or those who constantly need bids without every accepting an offer shouldn't be your clients. Don't get caught up in chasing the carrot. Go where there is real money and move on.

2. Be willing to say no. In fact, learn to say no. If you can't say no when a client is being unreasonable, then you're being bullied by the client. You don't want to be bullied. Dump the client and move on.

3. Clients who don't pay aren't clients. If you have a client who is on a payment schedule and this client is always late or behind- dump him or her and seek legal action. Clients who can't keep up with their payments are not your clients-in fact, they're problems. You shouldn't be working for free. It is a business, remember! So, if you have a client who is always late with a payment or behind - say see you later and find a client who is financially responsible!

Being in business is hard. And, it sucks when you have to let go of potential money because clients are leading you on, not paying on time, or becoming too demanding. In the long run, ditching these clients now will save you a huge headache in the long run.

Happy Monday!

Twyla

Attention Getting Slogans....The "How-To" Edition

Every great brand needs a great slogan. So, what happens when you're stuck and can't come up with one? First, don't panic. Second, don't over think. If you are struggling to come up with a great slogan then step away from the task for three days. When you do come back to addressing the issue, follow my advice listed below.

A great slogan should be between three and five words. Anything longer will be hard to remember and won't stick with customers. Nike's 'Just Do It' campaign is the perfect slogan. It explains everything, it has stuck for years, and it is short. Remember, if you have a slogan over five words- revisit it and figure out how to make it shorter.

Don't be soulless. A great slogan has to provoke emotion within people. It should reference something other than "buy me." Marketing people forget customers are people, not numbers. Try viewing your slogan from a personal point of view.

You also want to have an element of shock value- but in a good way. Don't use anything too controversial, but a slogan that is clever enough to turn heads and be remembered.

Branding a business is hard work. You might have to revisit the drawing board several times- but it will be worth it in the end.

Until next time, Twyla Garrett

Twyla Garrett, CBM, CHS III is an extraordinary serial entrepreneur, corporate speaker, and compelling author who has been personally invited to speak at The White House about creating jobs, economic growth, and the controversial fiscal cliff of 2012. ​

Garrett is known for her notable (sometimes 100% self-funded) business deals and for providing excellent opportunities to individuals facing immense challenges. She developed a home-based small event planning and catering business from 1995-1998. She opened her first of three clubs, Club Escape, in 2003. Club Escape is a summer nightclub and restaurant, located in Richmond, that provides at-risk teens an opportunity to learn the restaurant business. Within the next few years, she opened Mocha Fusion Coffee Lounge in 2008, and 2020 Martini Café in 2008; both restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio. She sold those ventures and moved the 2020 Martini Café and Lounge to Richmond, Virginia.

The Most Important Financial Rule in Business

I get tons of questions about business and finance on a daily basis. While you can ask me about finance and your specific circumstances on July 24th at my free webinar, www.AuthorTwylaGarrett.com to register, I'm offering some basic advice below.

The most important fiance rule in business, and my advice to all those going into business for the first time, is to know your price point. Don't look at your competition and devalue yourself by charging less. Instead think about what sets you apart and then charge more for your services based on the unique skills, services and products you have to offer.

You're going to lose clients when you raise prices. This is a given. But, you don't want clients who aren't willing to pay you what you're worth. If someone is looking for cheap, let them go somewhere else and get cheap. After all, you do get what you pay for. The easiest way to make a profit, and grow your business, is to charge more than your competitor and target the big fish- not spend time fishing for a thousand minnows.

If you have some success but you're not cutting it budget wise you also need to take a second look at what and how you're charging customers. If you're not making a profit, but you have lots of interest, raise the bar a little. Change your rates, cater to clients who can pay, and drop the clients who are unwilling to pay or those who pay less than what you're worth.

Until next time,
Twyla

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