Marketing “WOW” Moments.

Every company alive wishes they had a Super Bowl budget when it comes to marketing. Realistically, most of us business owners barely have a local magazine advertising budget. The truth is, simple and low-cost marketing efforts can have big results- you just have to know how to navigate your demographic and social media properly.

One thing I tell all my peers is to market as if you were having an honest conversation with someone. Don’t throw out “buy me” or “sham wow” content all over the internet. It doesn’t work. Most of us know of the Sham Wow, but how many of us bought the product? Exactly! Write like you are speaking to your customer without using the voice of a used car sales person. This trick will help you engage your demographic, not SPAM them.

You also want to seek out consistency. Don’t post to FB or Twitter only when you have something to sell. Provide funny MEMEs or viral videos to show your customers that your company is human, not just a promotion machine on social media. Engage with people, too. If someone asks a question on FB, respond right away. Offer tips and ask to follow up via email or phone. Adding a personal touch to your customer service, even online, is important.

I truly hope you utilize these techniques when starting to market your company and products. You don’t have to have a multi-million dollar budget to make a big impact. In fact, all you really have to do is put some time and effort into your writing and social media communication labors.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Sochi ; Did We Overreact?

You can’t always win with the media. This time last week, the major broadcast stations were busy noting how many opportunities terrorist had when it came to the Olympics in Sochi, Russia. While there are always concerns about safety and the Olympics, it was a particular hot button issue for many reporters.

Today, the concern isn’t as strong and things seem to be going smoothly. This is when we, as a country, shouldn’t let our guard down. The media reporting on how safe everything is right now sets a tone of lax and could open us up to security issues. There is, it seems, no middle ground with the press.

As the owner of a Homeland Security company, I would like the media to really start thinking about the tone they develop with their reporting. We should have honesty, accuracy and a straight-forward approach. Over-hyping potential incidents can equate to crying wolf when nothing happens and leaving us less likely to take future threats seriously. Stating the security concerns are not as validate as they were the prior week is also dangerous. It can instigate a potential security threat, or worse yet- an attack.

As we head into the final days of the Olympics, I truly hope the media uses their power to help maintain an honest, open and level-headed approach when filing their future reports.

Until next time,

Twyla Garrett

Sochi : The Mess Before the Olympics

I’m posting a photo below borrowed from NewsWeek’s recent blog post (today, actually) about Sochi, Russia. The photo of the brown water the reporter had come out of the hotel’s tap is below. The full story I read is here: http://www.newsweek.com/race-finish-will-sochi-be-ready-227977

Here’s my issue with Sochi- and no, it has nothing to do with brown water, although that is pretty disgusting! Shaun White has already pulled out of the Olympics due to security concerns. Over 57% of Americans, according to a CNN poll, believe a terrorist attack will happen. And, despite the hotels’ diminished accommodations at human standard levels (water, really?) and the obvious security issues that have the hands of our FBI and CIA officials tied, we are still- as a country- excited to participate.

I love the Olympics as much as anyone else. However, there has to come appoint in time when we really look at how security is (or in this case, ins’t) being handled by our Russian counterparts for the games. Simple accommodations like shower or bath water aren’t available and we have professional athletes who are so concerned they are now boycotting the games. These reasons aren’t good for the morale of the games or the mindset of our concerned citizens.

I will be writing a blog during the Olympics with a more in-depth view point on what was done to establish security in somewhat volatile conditions and what we, as a country, could have done better when it comes to overall accommodations, communications and anything else related to this topic.

I have full faith in the DHS, CIA and FBI. Please don’t get me wrong on this point. It is how our needs are being met by the hosting country that has myself, Olympians, security officials and the media already present in Sochi concerned.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

Why Our Homeland Security Panel Chief Is Worried About Sochi.

Russia isn't helping alleviate the security concerns many countries have regarding Sochi right now. The Olympic games that will commence in Sochi, Russia on February 7th are already at the center of controversy because of security concerns. Homeland Security's Panel Chief Texas Republican Rep. Michael McCaul told CNN today an improvement is needed in intelligence-sharing between Russia and the United States. And he voiced concern about the risk of a suicide bomber setting off an explosive device.

We should, as a global society, be concerned and there is always room to do more when it comes to security. Does this mean Russia's current efforts and that of the other involved countries are falling short? No. Because of my position with IME, overkill and over preparedness is a very good thing when it comes to security issues. I can understand where Mr. McCaul is coming from and I can understand how the companies and other efforts involved don't want spend time reviewing what might go wrong any longer when efforts can be focused making sure things go right.

The FBI has sent agents to Sochi to help in counterterrorism activities, and the Pentagon has offered to provide military assistance. Two Navy ships stationed in the Black Sea are available, if Americans need to be evacuated. President Obama also spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Tuesday to discuss security during the Olympics. Things are getting better when it comes to Olympic security and McCaul, who recently toured Sochi agrees despite his recent statements.

I'll be posting special blogs on the issues of security, international collaboration and more throughout the Olympics. Continue to check in here for more information and updates. In the meantime, check out my eBook on Homeland Security for sale at www.HireIme.com.

Twyla Garrett