Are You A Horrible Leader?

Do you think you're pleasant to work for? Do you often inspire your employees to do better and grow with the company? While we all might say 'yes', this can't be true 100% of the time. That's why I am posting how to tell if you're a terrible boss. OK, here we go.

Do you promise things that never materialize? If so, you're a terrible boss. What a great way to keep people from wanting to work for you. This happens over and over again in business. "You'll all get bonuses if we meet this month's sales quota." Once the quota is met, no sales bonus and a really bad reason why. If this sounds familiar, it's time to start rethinking your motivation for making empty promises.

No follow up. Nothing irks me more than a leader who sets up goals for the company and the employees engage and each the goals. Why does this irk me? Well, it irks me when the leader doesn't lead by example. No follow up, shows he or she doesn't take the goal(s) serious, etc. If you're too busy to follow up or meet a goal, don't ask your employees to do the same thing. Lead by example.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Don't Forget... I'm Speaking in #NYC

Is Your Website Protected?

I want to talk about a report recently on Forbes.com related to Cyber Security. The report stated "the DHS has its own set of cyber vulnerabilities." Yes, according to a full report by the Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security suffers from cyber security issues. So, if the DHS is exposed enough to cyber criminal activity, how do you protect your own agency or business?

Here's a list from the DHS' own website noting how to protect yourself from a cyber attack. http://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/protect-myself-cyber-attacks However, there is no 100% bullet-proof vest for your computer system to wear- as the DHS itself will admit.

I decided to expand upon a few of these topics. For example, one tip is to NEVER click on links sent in random emails. Well, this is pretty obvious. However, you don't have to receive random emails in the first place. You can set up personal and professional accounts to not accept emails sent from people other than those on an approved list.

You should be more concerned with malware than emailed links, too. Accrding to the DHS, "Destructive malware has the capability to target a large scope of systems, and can potentially execute across multiple systems throughout a network. As a result, it is important for an organization to assess their environment for atypical channels for potential malware delivery and/or propagation throughout their systems. Systems to assess include:

Enterprise Applications – particularly those which have the capability to directly interface with and impact multiple hosts and endpoints. Common examples include
Patch Management Systems,
Asset Management Systems,
Remote Assistance software (typically utilized by the corporate Help Desk),
Anti-Virus,
Systems assigned to system and network administrative personnel,
Centralized Backup Servers, and
Centralized File Shares."

My company, IME, can help you take a comprehensive look at your current cyber setup and possible issues. We can help rectify many issues, too. Will you be 100% safe and secure? No- that's impossible. Even the DHS has private waves of computing that are hackable. However, you will be more prepared to prevent and respond to cyber security attacks and threats.

Until Monday,
Twyla

Stop. Think. Connect. Are You Aware of This Campaign?

Today I want to cover the Stop. Think. Connect. Campaign being run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Not many people are aware of the campaign, which is counterproductive to why it was initiated in the first place. As a leader on Twitter for being a Homeland Security resource, I thought it would be a good idea to update everyone on what exactly this campaign is.
According to the National Retail Federation, 141 million people spent $57.4 billion dollars during Thanksgiving weekend last year, and consumers spent nearly $600 billion during the 2013 holiday season. The biggest shopping season of the year comes with great deals and benefits to shoppers, but it also comes with certain risks.
Stop. Think. Connect. Is an online security campaign, which ties into how much money people are spending online. The DHS launched the campaign to help consumers shop safely and keep their personal information and financial accounts private. The campaign offers tips on how to do this, some of which I have noted below;
1. Use and maintain anti-virus software and a firewall. Protect yourself against viruses and Trojan horses that may steal or modify the data on your computer and leave you vulnerable.
2. Beware of deals that sound too good to be true. Use caution when opening email attachments and don’t follow web links included in unsolicited email messages. Watch out for extremely low prices on hard-to-get holiday items. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Keep a record of your order. Retain all documentation of your online orders in the event that your purchase does not ship or there are unauthorized charges on your credit or debit card. Also, be sure to review your credit card statement each month for irregularities.
4. Get savvy about Wi‐Fi hotspots. Limit the type of business you conduct when using public Wi-Fi networks. Avoid shopping online when using public Wi-Fi as your information can easily be accessed by hackers on a public network.
5. Shop on reliable websites. Take a look at the website’s trademark or logo to make sure it’s valid. Also, pay attention to the website’s URL. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate website, but the URL may use a variation in spelling or a different domain (e.g., .com vs. .net).
Since our social media culture is so 24/7, we often forget that (like the real world) bad people exist. Don’t allow yourself to become vulnerable during this holiday shopping season- or anytime. Follow the tips noted above and connect with the DHS directly for more information on the Stop. Think. Connect. Campaign.
Until tomorrow,
Twyla N. Garrett

Really James Franco?

I can't believe that I have to address the issue of James Franco and Seth Rogan's latest movie scandal- but I do. Homeland Security also had to release a statement about the pair's latest movie project, The Interview, today. Why? Well, the plot of the movie is about killing the leader of North Korea. The Department of Homeland Security said today that it is unaware of any active plot against movie theaters in connection with the hacking of Sony Pictures in spite of many stories circulating the Internet.

That's right, the DHS had to address a James Franco movie because of terrorist plots / rumors online that are making people nervous about heading to the movies on Christmas Day- which is one of the biggest movie days of the year! “We are still analyzing the credibility of these statements, but at this time there is no credible intelligence to indicate an active plot against movie theaters within the United States,” the DHS official said in a statement. “As always, DHS will continue to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people.” The unsigned note, assumed to be from the hackers who breached the computer system of Sony Pictures last month, is the first threat of physical violence in the on-going drama. (Forbes)

If you're concerned about safety during a movie, please follow the steps below and always report suspicious activity You can always connect with me on Twitter too. Let's continue the conversation.

Steps for Movie Safety;

1. Sit in the back row, preferably on one side or the other. This not only gives you a clear view of everything — and everyone — in the theater, but it also gives you easy access to the door.

2. See movies early in the day. There’s no telling when a psychotic person might open fire in a crowded area, but safe to say it’s more likely to happen at a midnight screening than an afternoon matinee.

3. Keep your cell phone handy. It’s polite to stay off your cell phone during a movie. No one likes seeing that flash of blue screen in a dark theater. But keep your phone on and handy, in case you need to make an emergency call.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Twyla Garrett Named Keynote Speaker for the WILDE Leadership and Service Awards Philanthropy Gala

Twyla Garrett is the owner of IME (HireIme.com) and the author of Homeland Security; A Comprehensive Guide for All. Garrett, who recently spoke at The United Nations, has been invited by The Women in Leadership Development and Empowerment Inc. (WILDE) team to act as the keynote speaker at their annual awards and philanthropy gala this October in Atlanta, Georgia. http://wildeawardsgala.org/

Ms. Garrett will speak to an audience of professional women who have made strides within their own careers, and who have also had a substantial impact on today’s business society. This year WILDE is honoring six women for the following categories; Woman of Valor, Philanthropist of the Year, Executive of the Year, Under 30 Entrepreneur of the Year, Health and Fitness Woman of the Year, and Community Builder of the Year.

“It is an honor to be able to speak at such a notable event that promotes other women. I don’t have the list of this year’s current nominees, but amazing women were honored last year and I know WILDE will “one up” that event,” said Ms. Garrett. “I’m going to speak about my story and how other women helped me find my entrepreneurial voice. It is imperative that we support one another through the good times and through the failures. WILDE shares my sentiment, which makes this opportunity even more special!”

Twyla Garrett is an emotional, physical, and sexual abuse survivor. She is an Ohio native who sought to climb her way out of despair, family trauma, and financial disadvantages by following her entrepreneurial spirit to San Diego, California and, eventually, Washington, D.C. Ms. Garrett attended John Marshall High School, Ursuline College (BA), University of Phoenix (MA), and Dartmouth University Tuck Business School (Executive Management Program). She has spoken at The White House and is an executive consultant to federal, state and local emergency management and homeland security programs nationwide. In addition to IME and other businesses, Twyla self-funded a 1.5 million dollar entertainment complex in Cleveland, Ohio. Her efforts single-handily added to the improvement of Cleveland’s economic culture by hiring formally homeless individuals.

Members of the media are invited to attend the event with Ms. Garrett upon request. Interviews are available by submitting a story request to Helene Vece at 702-749-5925, ext. 210.

The WILDE Leadership and Service Awards Philanthropy Gala will take place on October 11, 2014 at Future Vision - 1212 Fowler Street, NW. Atlanta. GA. The event runs from 7:00pm - 11:00pm.

Reasons to say ‘No’ to customers.

I’ve used this blog as a platform to help business owners not be bullied by potential business. The customer isn’t always right and you, as a business owner, retain the right to decline a request. I recently received a message asking when it is appropriate to say ‘no’ to a customer. So, I’m listing the top three reasons below. Enjoy!

1. The task is outside the contract. If the client asks you to do something outside the contract – even if they’re willing to pay for it- say no. Chances are the request isn’t something you are an expert in and the client will eventually be disappointed because of a lack of experience. Second, the service many not make sense for the company’s brand.

2. The customer is asking for something that doesn’t work to enhance their overall goal. Maybe you are designing a website and the customer wants hot pink font. Unless there is a really specific reason for this font, you would typically advise against this. It is OK in most cases to say ‘no’ to hot pink font. Stick up for your reasoning behind why saying ‘no’ means yes for their business.

3. The request is illegal. This seems obvious but some clients can be convincing. If your attorney or tax advisor would say ‘no’, then you have to decline the request.

I hope this clarifies when and why to turn a client / customer request down.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

Email; You Sent What?!

The problem with today’s 24/7 social media culture is our innate need to respond to emails all of the time and no matter what time of the day it is. Thus, it become second nature to ignore double checking response tone and facts. We are so focused on responding right away that we often fail to ensure we are properly responding.

I had to think about the email issue as I started to write today’s blog. You see, I’ve always been big on not responding to emails ASAP and having designated times to check emails. So, if you want to make sure you are sending proper emails then follow my four tips below!

1. Wait at least an hour to respond to any angry or upset email. Don’t respond right away. When you do respond, make sure you save it as a draft before hitting “send” and wait two more hours. Next, read the email out loud before hitting “send” to ensure you are still remaining professional, not overly aggressive, in the email.

2. Never write an email using slang or terms of endearment. First, they are liable statements and second, these types of emails will make you sound unprofessional.

3. Never disclose company secrets in an email or speak poorly of your boss or co-workers in an email. Remember, this sounds obvious but it happens daily. Stay positive or don’t say anything at all via email. It can come back and bite you in the unmentionable!

4. Keep it under 300 words. If your email is going to be longer than 300 words then it is time for a face-to-face coffee meeting (or full blown meeting) with the intended recipient.

Remember, it is easy to send an email and receive an email. However, it is trickier to respond properly to an email without having any regrets or making yourself look foolish.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

How to be the smartest person in the room.

I often feel like I am the smartest person in the room. I know that I am not, but I read an article on how being confident about your intelligence level and increase it, lol! Seriously though, there are a few tricks available to help you become smarter. I wanted to share them with you on today’s blog. They’re listed below;

1. Write everything down that you learn. Don’t rely on your brain to retain important information. Note taking, even if you text message yourself, is important. Your brain tends to hold onto concepts and points longer if you write them down, so- get the pen or tablet out at your next big meeting.

2. Play board games. Yes, it is very important to play board games. Why? All the strategizing and puzzles actually help your brain expand and think through unpredictable situations. Many studies show playing a board game twice a week can help improve your IQ by a point every year!

3. Surround yourself with smart people. This may sound cliché, but it works. Ever hear that birds of a feather tend to flock to together? Well, it’s true. So, join some social groups that focus on the environment or certain causes that incorporate strategizing, thinking and working together as a team for the greater good.

Some people believe going back to school helps your intelligence. In can, but only if you enjoy the subject matter. Don’t go back to school for the sake of going back to school. Instead, make sure you are engaged with the concept of why you need to go back to school, otherwise- it is a waste of time and money.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

The Bad Side of Success

I had an interesting conversation with a woman recently on the dark or bad side of success. She seemed to think that every single CEO takes advantage of their own power and uses that same power to oppress employees and destroy society. Well, this is a bit extreme. I don’t like being categorized this way and I know other business owners and CEOs that don’t fit this description.

I can’t, however, deny that there isn’t a bad side to success. Some business situations are difficult and require a bit of a mean streak to navigate. In order to get what you want and what is best for your company and employees, sometimes being a master manipulator and a bit of a narcissist will benefit business.

Being able to have no regrets can be considered a “bad” trait, as this woman pointed out. But this trait is an important one. Business owners have to try new things and not become emotionally attached to ideas that fail. Why? They have to bounce back, move forward and keep generating income and jobs. If we become too invested in our failures, we will never be able to move forward.

So, I plead with anyone who thinks CEOs are hardened or possess “bad” traits to reconsider. Think about why these alleged bad traits (no attachment, narcissist behavior, manipulation), are needed to move business forward. I believe that as long as one uses these traits in ethical business deals, that all is OK and that these “bad” traits can actually be used for good!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

When Opportunity Knocks…

One of the biggest mistakes I see new business owners make is not knowing when opportunity is knocking. This fundamental cornerstone of business isn’t often taught in business school, but often talked about. You have to know when and where to look for opportunities in order to expand.

The best way to create your own business opportunity is by offering an upgraded version of your products or services. Yes, create your own opportunity. If sales are starting to flat line then take a page out of Apple’s tech book and create a newer, better version of your old products or sales.

You also want to seek out a narrowcast of options. This is a TV term but it applies to business. Don’t try to market your product or services to all of the people, all of the time. Instead, be precise about the group you want to capture and then start seeking out opportunities to network, introduce or promote your product at.

Don’t think advertising alone will create opportunities, either. Long term publicity campaigns are needed in order to layer your brand’s identity in a credible manner. Ads don’t produce credibility, longevity or a huge push in ROI.

Remember, creating your own opportunities are the best ones to take advantage of!

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

Can You Be Out Smarted? Sure!

Gwynne Shotwell recently spoke at the Women 2.0 Conference stage. She said one really important thing, which was: "You can't control whether you're the smartest person in the room, but you can certainly control whether you're the most prepared." I couldn’t agree more.

It is important that we always learn from others. There are always going to be occasions, even when you are the boss, where other people are smarter than you and have more insight on you. This is hard to overcome for a number of reasons, but even more difficult of a pill to swallow when an employee knows more about your business and industry than you. So, what do you do in these situations?

First, don’t let your ego get the best of you. If you think you are going to be the smartest person in the room in every situation- you do need to work on taking that ego of yours down a notch. Once you do, follow these steps.

1. Be overly prepared. Like Ms. Shotwell said, you can’t ever be too prepared. Have data for meetings available on a note pad in front of you, so you only have to glance at it without admitting to using your smart phone to look up citations.

2. Read. Yes, read. Commit to one book a month on your industry and make sure they are recent book. Books over six months old are almost obsolete in many industries. Stay on the cutting edge of things by reading the most up to date material available.

3. Reach out to others within your industry, outside of your company, for coffee. Pick their brains and ask questions. This way, when you return to the office, you have an outside perspective and additional knowledge.

4. Ask questions of those in your company who are smarter than you. Ask then the who, what, where and why to get their opinion. This tactic will help you learn how they think, operate and what it is you need to study up on.

I hope this insight has helped if you feel you are struggling with this issue.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

Public Speaking – Top 3 Tips of All Time!

I speak at many professional conferences and I do different media interviews. Did I take an advanced course in public speaking? No! Am I now comfortable with this task? Yes. However, this wasn’t a born gift or something I loved doing right out of the gate, it took lots of practice.

Tonight, I want to share my top 3 tops for public speaking. I hope you enjoy them.

#1. Cortisol is secreted by your adrenal glands when you’re anxious or stressed. So, how do you get rid of it? Exercise. That’s right, go for a walk or do sit ups about 20 minutes before you have to deliver a speech or a presentation and the anxiety will almost be non-existent.

#2. Set up a goal for the speech. Don’t just think of yourself as delivering a speech. Think about the ROI from the speech- either for you or your company. Next, set up a goal and work throughout the presentation or speech to reach this goal.

#3. Don’t read your slides! People will scan your slides. They don’t want any slides read to them. You are to present and speak to the people, recycling the information in the slide into something that connects with the audience. Simply reading a slide is boring and you will bore the audience.

I’m confident these tips will help you get through your next speech or presentation.

Until next time,
Twyla N. Garrett

A Private Life- How Your Business Is Different From You!

If you own a business you know there is hardly any time for a personal life. If you are the figurehead for this business, life becomes even more hard as people put you under a microscope 24/7. So, how do you move forward with a personal life that is private and away from your business brand?

First, make sure your personal social media accounts are not connected to your business accounts. If you do connect these two things, understand you are “on call” for your business 24/7 regardless of what the issue may be. It is possible an angry client will send you a personal message (or worse, post a public wall) at two in the morning. I suggest you keep these account separate for obvious reasons.

Second, make sure you never take a photo with a drink in your hand. I know this sounds odd, but trust me on this one. It is a business decision that will take you a lot further then it will backwards. Photos of professionals out drinking can equal disaster when it comes to your reputation vs. client confidence. So, pause the picture to allow time for you to put the drink down.

Finally, keep office hours as office hours. If you spend too much time answering phones and emails after business hours then no one will respect your off hours as just this!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

3 Sure Fire Ways to Success

Here’s a secret… there is no secret to success. A lot of drive, sacrifice and ambition is required to be successful and sometimes, yes even sometimes, being at the right place at the right time makes all the difference.

After much thought, I wanted to share three tips to push success in your favor. These steps are listed below.

1. Say goodbye to expectations. You will fail to meet many of your own expectations and people will not often live up to your expectations. So, instead of expectations set up milestones.

2. Treat everyone with respect. No one is better than anyone else. Period. Since everyone has something special to offer, everyone is equally worthy and you need to ensure you are treating everyone with the same respect all of the time.

3. Give back. Whether it’s to a charity, a cause you believe in, or a stranger who could benefit from your help, there are immeasurable benefits to thinking of others. For one, you’ll become a better and more attentive listener. You’ll focus less on your own shortcomings. Plus, there are tax benefits involved which is always nice.

These three suggestions seem pretty simple but they are easier said than done. So, for the sake of success, try setting up milestones for people and goals – not expectations. Be sure to treat everyone you meet with respect and give back with joy.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Internet Explorer and Homeland Security

The U.S. Department of Homeland security is advising Americans not to use the Internet Explorer Web browser until a fix is found for a serious security flaw that came to light over the weekend. The bug was announced on Saturday by FireEye Research Labs, an Internet security software company based in Milpitas, Calif.

My company, IME, works within the industry of Cyber Security and deals with issues of Cyber Terrorism. So, why is the Department of Homeland Security involved? Your personal data and the transfer of money to fund terrorism. It is this simple!

"We are currently unaware of a practical solution to this problem," the Department of Homeland Security's United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team said in a post Monday morning. It recommended that users and administrators "consider employing an alternative Web browser until an official update is available." Because the hack uses a corrupted Adobe Flash file to attack the victim's computer, users can avoid it by turning off Adobe Flash. "The attack will not work without Adobe Flash," FireEye said. "Disabling the Flash plugin within IE will prevent the exploit from functioning."

So, if you haven't already turned off Internet Explorer and Adobe Flash, please do so. The DHS is doing everything possible to rectify the situation but it still is a situation. "We are currently unaware of a practical solution to this problem," the Department of Homeland Security's United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team said in a post Monday morning. It recommended that users and administrators "consider employing an alternative Web browser until an official update is available." Because the hack uses a corrupted Adobe Flash file to attack the victim's computer, users can avoid it by turning off Adobe Flash. "The attack will not work without Adobe Flash," FireEye said. "Disabling the Flash plugin within IE will prevent the exploit from functioning."

Until next time,
Twyla N. Garrett

Common Business Mistakes

I am asked often about common business mistakes, which is why this is my third blog post on the subject. The problem with asking general questions is the answers will always be generic. You see, there are different types of industries in business which means there are different types of mistakes to be made. Some you can recover from, some you can’t!

Below are three common ‘general’ business mistakes you want to avoid and the reasons why:

1. Hiring the wrong people. Don’t trust a resume, vet it. Hiring the wrong person costs time, money and can ruin your reputation in the very delicate first three years of a start-up. Make sure someone doesn’t simply looks good on paper. Call those references.

2. Pricing. Yes, price point is a major issue because it pays the bill. Price something too high and you will not have sales. Price too low and you will not make a profit, maybe you will even put yourself in more debt. Take the time to do your research and really price your item or services within competitive range. Adjust as needed!

3. Being cheap about marketing. No one ever wants to spend money on marketing or advertising or public relations. And when a business isn’t receiving any attention or customers are not walking through the door, business owners question why. It takes money to make money. Whatever you can afford for marketing, double. You need it. Period.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

When NOT to Delegate!

Here’s the thing, I am often asked about delegation. I am both for and against it. I don’t believe in micromanaging employees but there are certain tasks that shouldn’t be delegated. In fact, these tasks should be micromanaged and handled by you! What are they? Keep reading.

1. How you are spending other people’s money. Yes, this is a subject that is sensitive but if you have business investors then you need to be speaking with them and updating them on the progress of the project and how their money is being spent. It is crass to delegate this tasks to an administrative support position.

2. Leadership. This defines your company brand and your company’s culture. If you delegate leadership to a poor leader or a leader who has a different vision then you- your company will not reflect your vision. Be your own leader. Be your company’s leader. Actually lead!

3. Pitching products or services. Sure, you will need a supportive sales team. However, do not allow this team to decide how things are pitched or how your company is represented. You need to train and check in upon all the people who sell your products and services for you. Again, I believe in delegation – just now when it comes to the above tasks.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

Positive Impressions, Do You Make One?

I have met several business owners who are nice people on the inside but not so nice on the outside. Why? There is no reason to be a shark in business and a mean person personally. You can be nice but conduct your business well. In fact, it is proven being positive goes a lot further when compared to being too strict of mean.

In order to be perceived as nicer or more positive try to take care of your employees. Even when you don’t have to, care about your employees. Give away personal health or mental wellness days once in a while. Buy lunch for the office when it is least expected. Say ‘yes’ to donation opportunities within the community!

My point is that you must make an effort to change how you are perceived in the world. You can be a great business owner without being a jerk.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla Garrett

Surviving Workplace Violence

As a homeland security expert, I often get asked about issues of workplace violence. It can and does occur from internal and external sources.

On average, workplace gun violence claims somewhere between 500 and 1,000 lives each year.About a third of these deaths are suicides. The rest are homicides, about a fourth of which are committed by people known to the workers (coworkers, former co-workers, family, friends, clients, and patients.)

The first defense is to understand that it CAN occur. Don't think workplace violence happens "somewhere else." Always take any type of threat seriously. Don't blow it off. Threats are threats. And, if someone is starting to escalate a situation verbally, walk away. Even if you are right, diffuse the situation and walk away.

The next thing is to make sure you develop a plan for your business. If you are an employee then make it your business to know your business. What is the plan for your company? Also, put yourself on the board for safety review. Don't have one? Create it. This will help you keep your ears to the ground and identify safety concerns and potential threats.

There, of course, are more tactics that are useful- such as running, knowing when to play dead and when to put your palms to a shooter's face. My company specializes in security and safety. Let's talk. Send in your questions about protecting your workplace and I will be happy to answer them.

Let's talk. Find me on Twitter, click here.