Publicity and Homeland Security

This past October Joseph Clancy took charge of the U.S. Secret Service on an interim basis following a series of security lapses that led to the resignation of Julia Pierson as director of the government agency. Clancy's efforts will try to right the wrongs while a search for a permanent successor is conducted, but are the breaches in security already impacting the Secret Services and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a negative manner when it comes to publicity and public image?

One article on PR Newser states, "The agency has been hammered by the media since 2009 because of the string of embarrassing security breaches that have put the agency’s credibility in jeopardy. The latest episode happened September 19, when an armed intruder jumped over the White House fence and ran into the residence. That was preceded by the service allowing an armed felon to ride on an elevator with President Obama. The most notorious incident was in 2012, when several Secret Service agents conducting advance work in Columbia for a summit meeting there were recalled after being accused of hiring prostitutes and bringing them back to their hotel."

The list of blunders, unfortunately, can go on and on.... So, yes- the DHS and the Secret Service have lost respect in both the eyes of the media and public. A loss of respect in this specific example equates directly to the loss of feeling secure among the American people. We can plead with people to "see something, say something" all we want, but if the government isn't leading by example- why should the public take anything its says seriously?

Rebuilding trust isn't as easy as fixing communication errors or weak spots in security plans and procedures. It is a long-term fix that has to built up over time. The DHS and the Secret Service both have a long road ahead regardless of whomever fills Julia Pierson's intermediate spot. There is no quick fix to the damage done, which is unfortunate in a time where feeling secure is all that matters right now within this country and its road back to economic greatness.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett of IME

Tough Economy Vs. Your Business

I can’t tell you the number of times I hear or read “touch economy” in a single day. Yes, the economy isn’t what it use to be. But, that’s not an excuse to fold your cards and call it a day when it comes to your business- or starting a business.

There are some things you can do to offset how the economy is impacting your business. You don’t have to thrive during a recession, but you do have survive. I know there are some circumstances that don’t warrant keeping a business alive. I’ve been there. But you have to give yourself a fighting chance. Here’s how:

Starting with re-researching your competitors. Don’t rely on old data. Your competition is feeling the impact of a touch economy just like you. This is why it pays, literally, to check out the competition weekly and see what perks they are offering and what price adjustments have been made. After doing this you can make an educated decision on how to adjust your own pricing and business efforts.

The next thing you want to do is review your budget. Small changes can mean big savings. If you have a water service delivery to the office three times a month, cut back. Ask for twice a month delivery service. If you are using premium pens because they write better- switch. Go to the dollar store and buy pens and pencils in bulk. You will save money. Review your budget and see where cutbacks and substitutions can be made.

Last on my list is sending hand-written Thank You notes to your existing clients. It seems like a small thing to do, but it is the right thing to do. Your customers can get your products or services anywhere. Don’t believe me? Google your industry. They are your clients because they like you and your work. Let them know they are appreciated and you want to keep them as clients.

There is never going to be a perfect set of circumstances in business. You will be able to survive, and then thrive, by adjusting your plans according to client need and the economic culture.

Twyla Garrett