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

Are You A Fighter?

You either are a fighter in life or you take the escape route. Which one are you? Think about your answer. Are you sure it matches your track record or simply your self-perception?

You see, over the years I have noticed the people who fight in life (for what they want or what they believe in) simply know how to embrace their fear. These are the people who understand it takes strategy, not strength, to win a fight.

Do you rush into decisions on instinct and emotion? If so, you may not be a fighter. Fighters are able to look at a problem completely detached from the personal issues and ties related to it. If you love animals, you have to be strong and remove emotions in order to really get things done. If you love your business, you can’t keep a non-performer on simply because you like that person. You have to fight for what is right in life. If you can’t separate emotion and knee-jerk reactions in business in life, you may not be a fighter.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

The Making of a YouTube Video -101

This week I've been discussing marketing and how to help your start-up with a little (or none) marketing budget. Today, however, I want to talk about YouTube. Now, I will say that I'm not a big video fan. Having YouTube videos will not make or break my company, but I work in a specialized field. Most companies, on the other hand, do need a YouTube video - or some type of video introduction to their company- in order to stay competitive in today's social media market.

If you are pondering making your own YouTube video, you're at the right place. I decided to do some research and put together a mini-guide (below) on the proper way to create a YouTube video for your company and marketing purposes.

How to Create a YouTube video 101.

First, consider the proper timing when sketching out the frames and script for your video. A great YouTube video should be between one and three minutes. Being concise and to the point is just as important as being timely. Videos that are too short have proven themselves to be ineffective. Videos that are over three minuets statistically bore the customer and you lose business.

Make sure you explain what your company is, who you are, and what services you provide within the first thirty seconds. Yes, timing is everything. Be upfront about who you are and what you're all about. You don't want to bank on a busy professional sitting to the end of the video to grasp an understanding of what it is you do or sell.

Do you have room for a call to action? You should! A video shouldn't just be a video about your company's products or services. It should have a call to action in the video. Make sure you are clear when presenting the call to action and stay away from sales-like verbiage. Be clever with how you word your call to action.

Remain professional. I am not kidding when I say I have watched video after video where business owners are pitching products standing outside on a windy day. I can't hear what they are saying, so why did these people put their terribly produced videos online? Don't they know this hurts their companies? You don't have to have a budget to make a professional video- as long as you use common sense. Your video has to be clear and look professional as much as it needs to be entertaining.

Still have questions? Leave me a message below and I will be happy to personally respond to all of your YouTube and video questions.

In the meantime, check out the 5 most hated YouTube videos via this link: http://gizmodo.com/5866695/the-five-most-hated-youtube-videos-in-internet-history Happy marketing,

Twyla