Three Ways to Save Money Your First Year In BUSINESS!

People ask me all the time what the secret to success is or how to start a business. What they fail to ask me is how to save money the first year of business, which is very important. So, this said, below are three ways to save money your first year in business.

1. Don't have offices if at all possible. I mean cubical farms or inner-offices where people can close doors on one another. You should promote and open work space where everyone can look at, talk to and see what others are doing. This promotes less slacking off for your employees and also generates better communication skills and sales results.

2. Don't buy t-shirts and other branded items for customers or employees to wear or use outside the office. This is a huge waste of money. Make sure you are spending as little money as needed on things that are not actually needed. In other words, don't buy into the hype of owning a business. Know what you can and can't spend.

3. Don't listen to your customers. If you know what you have will sell, and it isn't selling, change your marketing strategy- not the product / services based on the opinions of those who aren't buying. Change your marketing, change your market, but don't change your entire product or services. You will find your customers, you just have to stay consistent with your branding.

Running a business is going to be one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, things you can do. Make sure you stay focused, on budget and strong.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla Garrett

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

Become A Better Boss!

Many people ask me about leadership. They want to know how to lead their team to overwhelming sales and branding. Well, to be a great leader you have to be an amazing boss. This means starting with bossing yourself around. The best way to start being a better boss (and leader) is to say thank you and mean it. I try to practice this daily. When someone completes a task for me, even though it is expected because he or she is my employee, I say thank you. It is important to let people know when they are appreciated.

I also try to hold monthly meetings where I can ask employees if there is something I can do to make their work environment better or if there are tools needed to do the job. Knowing what the challenges within the office are, and where your own short falls stand, will help you assess what type of boss you are and take action to improve.

Random food. Who doesn't love free food? I try to surprise my employees with lunch delivered to the office when they least expect it. I will never schedule this regularly but if I know we're having a slow week, I order lunch. It gives the office time to talk, share ideas and brainstorm what tasks can be completed.

You don't have to be mean to be a great boss. In fact, being harsh can backfire. Try using one of these suggested steps this week to become a better boss.

Twyla

www.authortwylagarrett.com

Are You An Angry Business Owner?

Being a business owner or executive isn't easy. Sometimes we can crack under the pressure. So, how do I maintain my cool? Well, it takes a lot of patience and practice- but I do. I'm sharing my advice below. However, I would love to read your tips. Please share them with me here on on Twitter.

My key to remaining cool is to make yourself extra aware of the situation. It sounds simple, it's not. When you start to feel overwhelmed the best thing you can do is excuse yourself. Walk away from the situation. Look at your watch (or cell phone) and give yourself ten minutes to NOT think about the problem(s). Grab a coffee or a snack and just breath. After ten minutes, think about the situation. Ask yourself if it really is "the end of the world" or take an inventory of possible solutions and why they will or will not work. Whatever you do- don't take immediate action and don't react with hate or anger. You will make brash decisions and ruin your reputation.

You also want to tell yourself to "Calm down." You will need a reminder. It is ok to repeat the phrase to yourself until you can reasonably review the situation and consider the action you are going to have to take- if any at all. Sometimes I feel it is best to walk away from certain challenges. If someone is getting under your skin that day, shut your door. There doesn't always have to be a confrontation.

I hope this advice helps you. I know it has done wonders for me.

Until next time,
Twyla