Could You Handle A Bomb Scare?

Would you know how to handle a bomb scare at work? Many people don't know what to do or how to react. The topic is so uncomfortable that many don't even want to think about it. Well, let me give you the basics. The best defense is an offense, which means thinking about the uncomfortable and knowing how to handle it.

1. First, if you take the call / threat - call 9-1-1- and then notify your boss.
2. Stay away from any specific area or packages. If a caller notes a certain part of a building on the phone, evacuate that area first.
3. Don't bother the first responders. They will provide information on an "as needed" basis. Make sure you give them all the details of the call or received threat and then take care of yourself and your employees. Don't ask questions or pull people away from their jobs.
4. Don't panic. This is easier said than done, but it is important to remain as calm as possible.

I know it is Friday. I know this topic isn't the easiest and by no means are these four steps (above) meant to cover every aspect of a bomb threat. But, if you can remember these basics, you are a lot better off than the people who don't even want to think about this possibility.

Here's a free checklist in the meantime: http://emilms.fema.gov/is906/assets/ocso-bomb_threat_samepage-brochure.pdf

Until Monday,

Twyla Garrett

Networking and Building Relationships 102!

It is becoming more and more acceptable to network online, not in person. If you are starting from ground zero as a business person, finding emails to pitch and network to can be hard. So, the next move for people in this position is to network online and gain email contacts to develop real business relationships.

In order to do this is to start with Twitter first. You can find connections based on industry. For example, start conversations with a simple search on Twitter. If you are in auto sales, search “Auto Sales New York” and then follow all the people that come up. Next, start real conversations with the people returned in your results. Once you have their email address, set up a list that says “Twitter Auto Sales New York” and send eCards out on major holidays. These small steps make a big difference when it comes to online marketing.

Next, start a networking group on your Facebook page. This is a separate FB meant to generate new industry contacts, not sales. Why do this? Let’s say your workload is in overdrive and you can’t handle another client- well, you post the opportunity and contact in your group and say you are going to refer this person out in exchange for a list share. Then you gain something and your peers can bid for a lead based on your referral.

I hope these suggestions spark a boom in your online networking and relationships efforts. Don’t expect results overnight and don’t buy likes. You need to focus on making the connections and then keeping the connections and these two efforts take take.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla Garrett

Talk Yourself Out of Sales

Do you know that you can talk yourself out of sales? Yes, this is very possible. Some people thing they’re being charming when, in reality, their “charm” is helping them become further and further separated from a sale. So, how do you talk yourself out of a sale?

First, don’t wear sunglasses when meeting something new. I don’t care if you meet him or her in the daylight, take off the glasses and look them in them in the eye. If you are wearing sunglasses from someone first meets you, they will never trust you on an unconscious level.

You also need to understand that perception is reality. If you look well-kept, people will know you take pride in yourself and likely take pride in your work. If you leave the house looking like a slob…. Well, you know where I am going with this.

You easily share your problems. Let’s say you click right away with a new client. Great! Then you start telling him or her about your problems at home, how your kids misbehave, you share your bra size, your man troubles, etc. Yep, you’re talking yourself out of a sale and earning yourself a rep as potentially unreliable and unable to keep trade secrets. Be kind, be cordial, be impersonal!

These are just a few pointers when it comes to steering clear of losing a sale. Do you have some pointers for me? Please share them in the comment section below.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

Communication – Your Relationship with Others

As a business woman, I am required to build different types of relationships with diverse groups of people. Not only does this help amplify my business efforts, it helps my industry grow as a whole. So, I am expected to develop and nurture professional relationships. This is why I wanted to dedicate today’s blog post to the art of communicating / relating with others.

If you want to develop and nurture a professional relationship or communicate something – stay away from social media. Sure, it is easier but there is a lack of personal response that is lost with the medium. It isn’t hard or time consuming to take a person out for coffee… just make sure you stay off your phone when speaking with him or her. A simple communication break over a latte can make all the difference in the world when it comes to your business.

My key point to communication and building relationships is actually knowing the person outside his or her LinkedIn profile. You need to sit, meet and speak with them, not just IM or @ them via social media. Plus, social media is responsible for a lot of misinterpreted tones and failed chances for business deals.

Take the time this week to get to know one new business contact over coffee. I promise you, you will be glad you did!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

The Transition of Employee to Entrepreneur

            Are you tired of working for someone else? Do you think that you would be happier as a boss of your own business? Before you take the plunge, consider looking into the business opportunities available to you at your current job. Your job could potentially help set up the foundation for you to be a successful solopreneur. In the off chance you decide to go your own way from your job and own your own business, here are some tips to help transition you from employee to entrepreneur.

            The first thing to consider is deciding between your professional and industry skills. You may be knowledgeable on certain topics, but passionate about others. Which one will make you happier? This is something to consider when making the transition. You want to take into account the most profitable business move, but also keep in mind that this is YOUR business and it should be interesting and fun for you as well.

            Secondly, you should find the trends that are driving your industry. Within every industry are strengths and weaknesses. It is important for you as the potential business owner to be educated in such topics. Being able to indentify the trends in the market will help your business in finding success.

            Third, you need to find your sweet spot. Once you figure out what the industry trends are, it is important to react and figure out what clients want. If a client needs something new and you are first to react upon it you have a really good shot at turning that into winning sales. You also need to keep in mind what YOU want. If you are merely leaving your job because you are fed up with it, that is not a long-term success factor. You will need to figure out what you would like to do and turn that into an ambition or goal.

            Lastly, work your network. When you are about to launch your business, use your connections that you have made to give it a jump-start. It is beneficial to talk with people already within the industry to get some pointers and success tips. Since they have previous experience and have started up their own business, they would be the most useful people to be in contact with.

Does Your Business Need A Mobile App?

            Technologically based companies have taken off significantly over the last few years. More and more businesses are adapting to the change by producing Internet sites as well as creating mobile applications in order to keep up with the shift towards technology. Although it may seem that businesses need to keep up with the curve and join the bandwagon of creating a personal application, this is not always necessary nor a guaranteed profit producer. There are few things to take into consideration before you decide to dedicate time and money towards this project.

            The first thing to consider is the goal of your business. Is your business trying to reach as many people as possible or are you looking to appeal to a specific niche? According to Pew Research only 35% of people own a smartphone. If your business’s goal is to appeal to everyone, there needs to be a way to reach to the other 65% of people. It is important to decide the audience you are trying to reach. If you feel that the customers your business is aiming toward own smartphones then an application may be something to consider.

            The second thing to consider is the necessity of having an application or mobile website. Do you have the budget to support it? If not, it is probably not a good idea to build one. If mobile advertising would work best for your business then it should be implemented. Not all businesses need to have an application or mobile site so do not feel like you have to have one as well.

            Third, do you have the time to manage an application or mobile site? These are not easily created nor can be managed sporadically. The main goal of applications or mobile sites is to bring people to the site as much as possible. Constantly keeping the layout and information up to date is essential. The more interesting the site is physically as well as informative, the more successful the business.

            The last thing to keep in mind are which types of phones your potential consumers are using. You may need to develop different applications for different phone platforms. When a company focuses on developing an application for every platform they may not be able to recognize where their customers are at or where their business fits in.

The ability to sell.... can you?

Business owners need to know how to sell their products / services. If they can't sell a product / service then how can they convince others to buy or invest?

The ability to sell is directly related to how successful an entrepreneur really is. In business you need to know how to negotiate (from buying paper in bulk to obtaining clients), to deal with "no," to build industry confidence, and to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. Relying on sales people may be needed to streamline business but YOU also need to know how to sell!

Sell and work! Selling is what makes you successful but you also have to put the time in. An eight hour sales day isn't going to cut it. True entrepreneurs work long hours and don't mind doing so.

Want to know more about selling and putting in the time to make that dime? Contact me! I am available for speaking engagements.

Twyla

Business Idea.... Now What?

Many business owners go from idea to funding easily. They have it in their blood. That good old entrepreneurial  spirit is there and ready to materialize products and concepts, but what about the administrative software to get you from concept to profit? That's why I am listing the top five software products that can help you go from concept and funding to streamlining your business and growing your profit margins!

** Note, I am NOT paid by any of these companies

1. ZenDesk.com is a great tool for maintaining your online reputation through a customer service platform!

2. Google Analytics is awesome because it is FREE! With this application you can find out how long people are staying on your site  and see which pages are getting the most traction.

3. Microsoft Corporation This is great if you work from home and use Microsoft for your business, personal, and even the kid's homework needs.

4. SalesForce.com This is a great sales application and has everything you need to "grow revenue, boost productivity, and get visibility into your business."

5. AME Payroll This payroll software is great because you can use it for an unlimited number of businesses and  it has an auto-setup wizard. 

How to fail!

It seems obvious but the number one reason businesses fail is lack of a website. It is true! Businesses need customers and customers (although some might argue social media is the source) come from surfacing the web and I'll prove it.

In the U.S. alone, the number of internet users (approximately 77 percent of the population) and e-commerce sales ($165.4 billion in 2010, according to the US Department of Commerce) continue to rise and are expected to increase with each passing year. Even if you don't sell products or services online, you still need a website. I know there are countless other variables that lead to the downfall of any business, but viability and the ability for customers to learn about your brand is crucial! 

Every website should have your logo, your number, your email, a list of your services (pricing optional), and should contain SEO content. What's SEO? SEO stands for Search Engine Optimized content. It was stands between you and your competitors from being listed on Google or Bing first! Want to learn more about SEO content? Click here: http://webdesign.about.com/od/seo/a/seo_content.htm