Worst Actions to Take During a Crisis

What's the worst thing you can do during a crisis? I was recently asked this by a follower on Twitter. Well, I think the answer is subjective depending on the crisis. However, if we are talking in general terms, then I have to say that waiting to see what happens and not taking action takes the cake.

We are all built with the flight or fight mechanisms. This said, some people remain stuck or unwilling to accept what is going on and they don't follow the directions of first responders or the emergency plans. This is when people get into trouble. You have to realize during a crisis that you are in a crisis. Even if you take flight, you're taking some action. Staying in a burning building because the fire fighters will show up soon isn't the best idea. But some people do this and don't come out the other side alive or as their normal selves.

I'm addressing this question because I think it is important. Not having enough water, having too much water- these types of scenarios- well, they are all trivial. Yes, water will eventually show up via the government. Too much water, that's not a problem. Not doing anything- like seeking out water when you don't have it- that is what gets people into trouble.

So, remember - every emergency is different. Handling things calmly and with some type of action plan is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. 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

To work on the weekends or to not work on the weekends – that is the question!

There are many schools of thought when it comes to working on the weekend. Some people don't even have a choice, it is just a matter of fact. However, if you are a business owner for an executive you are prone to work on the weekend. The question becomes is it effective.

Why when it working on the weekends fee effective? Many studies suggest not being able to unplug and relax from your work can cause you to become spread too thin, stressed out, and eventually ineffective. While it is good to take vacation days and mental health days, business owners and executives feel that this is time lost and not spent effectively. Not working, for many business owners, is the equivalent to losing profit. We become obsessed with work.

It is my suggestion business owners strive to find a happy – medium when it comes to working on the weekend. You will have to work weekends, there is no getting around this fact. I don't suggest you work every weekend. It will wear you out, stress you out, and cause you to be ineffective.

It is my suggestion that you pick and choose the opportunities for working on the weekend when you can, and I understand this will not always be a point of choice. So, if you can't take it day here or there – regardless if it is a Saturday or Sunday – do so. It is beneficial to unplug when you are not at risk of losing profit or clients.

Until Monday,

Twyla Garrett

Rules for Life!

Today is Friday. I start out every Friday giving thanks for all the blessings I have. I also take time to ensure I am not breaking any of my life rules. Yes, I have life rules. These are rules I follow to be successful in business and within my personal life. Judging by my record they have worked so far. Let me share them with you.

#1. Love your own ideas. Embrace them! Never quit. Don't worry about the outcome, worry how you're going to make the idea work. People who don't believe in themselves will not allow anyone else to invest in them, either.

#2. Don't be so optimistic that people think you're nuts. I'm a positive thinker. You should be one too. But, don't ignore warning signs. Reality is reality. You have to make the best of any situation, but don't overlook it.

#3. Take a vacation each and every week. Ok, you're probably thinking I'm nuts now. Listen, most business people have become acclimated to our 24/7 technological culture. We're constantly working. I give myself a four hour block, mid-day, one day a week. I shut down all of my electronics and allow myself to watch a movie, go for a walk and/or get ice cream without checking emails, responding to people via Twitter, taking client calls, and so on. We need to let our brains rest in order to be more productive. So, take mini vacations once a week to help clear your mind and to unwind.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Twyla

Business is Magic?

Men and women come to be every day asking what the magic secret is to becoming successful. There is no secret and it depends on what YOU consider "success". I was thinking about this phrase recently, "Magic secret" and became intrigued. It is funny to consider business and magic as one. And the more I started thinking about the two concepts, which should be completely opposite of each-other, I noted (sadly) that in today's business world they often aren't.

Many business owners use smoke and mirror tricks to make a sale, some try to mislead - gently of course- their employees to help promote a false message. The examples can go on and on. What a sad state of affairs for some businesses. Magic has nothing to do with success, ethics and helping promote a business within a community. Talent, if there ever were to be a secret, is essential to helping a business grown. Sales people who can pursued without lying or over-promising are what is needed in today's business culture. No one wants to be the victim of an illusion, yet it happens all the time.

My point is that we as people in business need to stop seeking out shortcuts and start getting our hands dirty. If you want a magic want to rake in success and money- then your intention within your industry is wrong. You need to be passionate. Yes, money is great but doesn't it feel better when it is earned and not the result of a sales or "magic" trick?

I'd love to read your opinions. Please share them with me and I will respond.

Until next time,
Twyla

Tips for Leadership Success!

I hear people come up with the best excuses as to why they can't lead. That's ridiculous. Leaders don't ask for permission, leaders take charge. If someone is "holding you back" from being a leader- you're not a leader. It is this simple and that cut and dry. If you know you're a leader but need a little guidance as to how to prove it- check out my tips below.

#1. Know how to let people work. Real leaders care more about what is getting done and not how it is getting done. In fact, leaders expect people to be creative and resourceful when accomplishing tasks. If you want to lead, do so. Communicate with your team what you need done and when you need it done. Define your expectations as to what they need to accomplish and how much you are or aren't going to be involved in the process. If you have an excellent support team, which you should, then there is no need to worry!

#2. Answer your own phone. I learned this lesson from Essie Weingarten, founder of Essie Cosmetics, a nail-polish company based in New York City. Essie refuses to have a secretary even though her business does $150 million in retail sales a year. She answers her own phone so she can address problem, take suggestions and gain valuable feedback about her company. Essie leads by example and being hands-on within her company.

#3. Walk around your office. Leaders need to be involved with their employees. Don't micromanage, but show a presence. Walk around the office and say hello to people. Ask what they are working on or take the time to discuss what you're working on. Make people aware of what you are doing and become involved. Leaders don't bark orders, leaders help execute tasks and are aware of employee issues or project challenges.

Being a leader is something you are born with. You can refine how you operate for added success. Do you have specific exercises that help you lead? I'm interested in learning about them. Let's discuss on Twitter.

Until next time,
Twyla

The 3 Best Phrases in Business!

Want to be successful in business? Make yourself familiar with the Big 3 when it comes to your vocabulary and use of business phrases. I've personally discovered that the following Big 3 phrases help to close business, keep business and drive business. They truly do work. If you're skeptical, please use them. I'm sure this blog post, and the phrases, will change your mind.

#1. I don't know. Alright, you're thinking I've lost my mind. Telling a client that you don't know something isn't a sign of weakness or your inability. Stating that you don't know the answer, and you have to perform further research, shows you are cautious not to assume things, over promise and under deliver, and that you are an honest person. Clients love honesty. Sure, they may be a little taken back that you don't know something, but in the end stating you don't know something and then delivering a well-researched answer is far better than not knowing and providing misinformation.

#2. I need help. According to Marla Tabaka, "A great entrepreneur surrounds herself with people who know more than she does. Reach out to your army of supporters and save yourself a lot of frustration and time." I couldn't agree more. We all need great support teams cheering us on and helping us on the road to success. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

#3. I apologize. This is freshening, isn't it? If you screw up, speak up. If you screw up and cover up- expect to lose the client. Most of us have a pretty could internal BS meter- and we use it. Don't give someone an excuse as to why something went wrong. Be honest, apologize, move on.

Being in business is about selling yourself more than your product. If you add these Big 3 phrases into your daily vocabulary, chances are you will grow and keep a huge client base.

Twyla

Fake It Until You Make It? Why "faking it" can boost your business.

I was once told "fake it until you make it." I never understood this concept. Why would I want to be a fake anything? In fact, I heard that transparency is crucial when starting a business. Well, after years of staring, running and even closing some businesses I have come to a single conclusion- both pieces of advice were right!

I'm not stating that you should fake being an accountant. That's not at all what I mean. What I am referring to is having the self-confidence in your business idea that many entrepreneurs often lack, which is why these ideas are just concepts! As a business owner you should always be honest with your customers,but if you need to fake self-confidence until you realize that you CAN run a successful business, well that is ok too!

Below are my tips to "faking it" in business- at least when it comes to your confidence.

#1. Stay focused on you. Don't get involved with employee drama, what other people think you should or shouldn't do, and don't try to multi-task when completing important tasks. Put your blinders on and ignore the gossip, negative opinions are the urge to do several things at once. Focus on producing great work and iconic proposals to initiate success.

#2. Know where you are weak. If you can identify what areas of your own business bring out your weakest skills then you will know how to correct and overpower the situation- thus leading to more confidence. Ignoring your weakness will only add more stress to your life and will hold you back from your goals.

#3. Set challenges. If you want to "fake" your way to success then set-up real goals. As you take baby steps to accomplish these goals, you will come to realize that you do have what it takes to run a business and that you don't have to "fake" anything!

It is a tough world out there when it comes to the business industry. If you can present a sense of self-confidence and you believe in your products and/or services then you have already won half of the battle.

Until next time,
Twyla

2 Simple Ways to Succeed!

We get caught up in our day-to-day routines. We start gaining a little success and then it stops. Instead of moving onward and upward, we move downward and lose ground. Why does this happen. Fundamentally business owners and CEOs can lose sight of two very important things in business, which can collapse any pending or current success.

Be Efficient is the first simple rule for success. If you offer a deadline to your client, meet it. There is nothing worse than getting a client all pumped up in a presentation and then disappointing them later because you failed to meet a deadline. Even if the presentation is the best in the world, it will not matter. Deadlines are important. Always make sure you meet them!

Be a pleasure to work with. If you are not pleasant you will lose customers and vendors. We all rely on vendors to help us get our work done and to service our customers. If you are not professional and kind, vendors will stray away and you will lose both customers and employees. Keeping people happy means your business is gaining a great reputation within your industry. People can test you, I know this. Chose to be polite and kind, even if you have to be firm.

Until next time,

Twyla

How To Be More Productive For The New Year

            We all know someone who seems to be able to accomplish a million and one tasks a day. That person is able to work their job, take care of their kids, grocery shop, retain a clean household, and have a social life at the end of the day. What do really productive people do that we do not? Here are some tips on how to function more like they do.

            The first thing to do is pick your priorities. You are responsible for the activities that you partake in your life. If you are interested in having a big family, but focused on maintaining your business, you may need to choose which one is more important. It is essential that you focus on finding time for the things that you enjoy.

            The second thing to keep in mind is going for efficiency. You are not able to do everything well. Focus on the activities or business strategies that come naturally to you. Those seem to come easier and are enjoyed more as well. Design your life to meet your personal wants.

            Third, try integrating your activities together. It can be hard to maintain work, family, play, and friendships separately. Instead, find activities that can combine them together. Find friendships in coworkers or get the family together and do a favorite activity of yours. It is very rewarding to spend more time with the people you care about while doing the things you enjoy.

            The fourth tip is to manage time-wasters. These could be things like social networks, family, employees, co-workers, or friends that divert your attention away from your job or other activities. It is essential to limit non-supportive contact with these people as well as manage the amount of time spent on social networks. Websites such as Facebook can easily distract you from a goal and kill valuable time. Practice time management and use it sparingly.

            The fifth tip is to be an active listener. The more you pay attention to rules or directions, the less time you have to spend re-reading or figuring out what was said. Paying attention helps save time that could be used doing something more exciting. Listen closely and you will be able to spare yourself a few extra minutes or hours in your day.

            The final tip towards being productive is to lighten up. As much as we like to think so, we cannot do everything. Keep a list of all projects or tasks that need to be done and cross them off when accomplished. This will help organize all that you need to get done and give you a time frame of when to accomplish them by. Although you may not be able to complete the list in a day or even a week, each task is a small victory until the list is completed.

Are You A Patient Business Owner?

The faster your business grows, the faster it may fail.

Are you prepared to have your business grow? Many people are prepared for the profit but not the workload. Other businesses are just not capable for a major workload increase. Have a sound strategy on deck to plan for increases in business at a reasonable level. Don't be afraid to turn away business either. If you bite off more than you are ready to chew, your brand may be negatively impacted. Tips: 1. Develop a growth plan 2. When a large sum of business heads your way, make sure you have the resources and time to service it 3. Be patient