Free Underwear!

For today’s Homeland Security blog, I want to share an article courtesy of the Houston Press. Today, the newspaper had this to say, “If you're in the underwear-selling business, you've got a customer in the Department of Homeland Security.

Homeland Security is looking to buy thousands of pairs of men's, from size medium to 6X-large. (Who knew such a size existed?)

A solicitation posted earlier this month by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement explains that the department is looking to buy 3,500 pairs of men's underwear. The order is to be sent to El Paso.

As seen on CBS' website, Breitbart reported ICE has recently had an influx of detained immigrants awaiting deportation.

In the event you've got a couple hundred pairs of medium tighty whiteys around that you think you could sell to Homeland Security, the solicitation says "no partial shipments are permitted unless specifically authorized at the time of award." Darn.”

While the story is entertaining, the issue itself is no joke. People often don’t realize how expensive it is to house (repeatedly) those who enter this country illegally. Everything from food and shelter to underwear and flip flops costs money, and we are sustaining these expenses. It is even more irritating when you consider the now thousands of veterans who are not receiving proper care of benefits. Where is the boundary line?

So, on the Wednesday, I encourage you to do more research on where you stand on the issue of illegal immigration and the true cost it has on our country. Do you agree with how much and how we spend these funds? Do you feel like speaking up at a Town Hall meeting? Think about how you can help change the many issues- on both sides of the argument- associated with spending money to sustain illegal immigrants.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Social Media Tricks

Everyone wants to know the secret to social media success. There is no secret to social media success other than showing up. Yes, the secret to social media, and life, is showing up. Who knew Keanu Reeves was so wise? Lol!

This said, it is important to note key opportunities on social media platforms to help your brand gain respect. You can have tons of followers on Twitter and not be respected. In fact, you can have lots and lots of people following you on Twitter hell bent on harassment. So, if you want to use social media in a way that engages your customers and potential customers, try using these tips:

1. Respond to everything. This means don't only respond to direct messages about your company, respond to messages about your industry. Follow the hashtags that are related to your industry. If you are a chef, you want to follow hashtags that read 'cooking', or 'needchef'... if you're a mechanic, you want to respond to hashtags that read 'deadbattery' or 'carissues'. Your goal is seek out your audience and engage them.

2. Don't sell anything. Everyone on Twitter or Facebook watches their numbers like crazy. And then they get upset when the phone doesn't ring. Social media isn't an immediate ROI. If you think it is, you're wrong. Social media solidifies your reputation and brand. People will hire you because of a referral or a great rating. People will think of you because of social media. It is important to showcase your brand as much as possible without selling anything on social media. People don't respond to blatant pitches for business on Twitter. However, they will use Twitter to form an opinion about your business.

These two tips will get you headed in the right direction when it comes to using social media.

Remember, social media is like Keanu's baseball game.... you have to show up!

Twyla