What Not To Put Up With In Business

New business owners, and even seasoned ones, are always learning from mistake and wins. However, there are three things that you, a business owner, should never tolerate within your company – no matter how big or how small your current company is.

1. Clutter and disorganization. Clutter and disorder cause stress and affect your emotional and mental well-being. The same goes for employees who tend to be disorganized, the can impact your business and your clients. Keep a tidy and well organized “you” space or office. It does make a difference.

2. Distrust. If you don’t trust an employee, why is he or she working for you? The same goes for your clients. You can fire them and if you feel they are not being honest with you, there is no point in working with or for them. Your wealth depends on your ability to trust employees, vendors, etc. After all, no business works well because of one person. If someone is not trustworthy, leave them where they are and move on.

3. Mediocrity. Since when did “good enough” become a standard? If you are only going to do something half-way, why do it at all? It makes you look like you have no pride or don’t care. Make sure you are really giving everything you do 300%. Period. Oh, and if you have employees that don’t follow this rule- fire them.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

An Overview of Branding vs. Ads

There is a difference between branding and advertising. While most people would think these two efforts are one-in-the-same, they’re not. Branding is how people emotionally connect to your products / services within 5 seconds of seeing your logo. They come to know what you do, stand for, etc. all through branding via a multi-layered approach of media and publicity placement alongside content and visual positioning.

Advertising, however, is the campaign vessel to help communicate your branding message. It is a paid effort and it compliments how you develop your branding. It is not a part of your branding. Think about GoDaddy. Their advertising spots are known for being fun, quirky, and to the point when it comes to easy-to-use web-based services. The company’s branding is not who is in the advertising spots. The advertising is a tool to get people to pay attention to the brand so they can further explore it.

Don’t build all your advertising efforts around one single platform. That would be a poor branding choice. Instead, build all of your advertising efforts- on any level or price-point- around what your brand stands for.

Until next time,

Twyla n. Garrett

What To Do When Money Is Tight.....

I recently met a lady who had given up on her business ownership dreams. When I asked why, she was honest and said money became tight and her family was telling her to “get a real job to help with real problems.” I felt heartbroken. I understand getting a second job while your dreams launch, but “get a real job”- that was a little harsh.

No one will ever understand the pressure and personal pain that goes into launching a business unless they own a business! It is like giving birth. You invest time, manual labor, and money taking a risk that you will birth something beautiful. You work hard today to give yourself, and your family, a better future tomorrow. Money will become tight. Quitting or giving in to family members who don’t understand the challenges that come with being a business owner is easier than doing the work and walking through fire sometimes- but I promise you, in the end, it is worth it!

Don’t give up on your dream or your goals because money is tight. If you have to work two jobs until you can make it happen- do so. But don’t let a temporary or second job become a permanent one. Don’t deny future clients your gifts because of a problem today. Stick with it. Get creative. Get busy. Don’t quit.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Top Business Mistakes in 2015 - So far

I am asked often about common business mistakes, which is why this is my fourth 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 that I've seen people make in business so far this year:

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. Garret

Seeking Capital - Yes.

IME is a minority and female owned company that started as a bootstrap idea and has since grown into a multi-million dollar Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness company that frequently contracts with the US Government. IME is currently seeking investment capital for expansion by opening up 30% stake to attract private equity investors. The expansion will include escalating our already competitive and aggressive sales team, the purchase a commercial building, and it will facilitate the purchase of a security product – along with similar services firms - to complement our subsidiary services, which include; Management Consulting Services, Life Cycle Acquisition Support, Information Technology (IT) Support Services, Cyber Security & Computer Forensics, and Construction Program Management.

Since IME’s inception over a decade ago, the company has undergone significant growth clearing 2 million in generated revenue last year alone. IME has become a brand within the Homeland Security and Government Servicing landscape. Twyla Garrett, CEO, has been invited to showcase her business experience running IME at The White House, The United Nations, and The New York Urban League- to name only a few.

The challenges IME is currently facing deal with comfortable growth and a need to secure future technology products that will help both the company and its clients advance into a forward-thinking market run by the next generation of global entrepreneurs. By opening up 30% of the company’s stake, IME will be able to seek out complimentary opportunities that will not only create jobs while boosting profit margins, but will further secure the nation by matching our talented staff and future leaders with the right tools and resources to create and implement new technologies.
We’re seeking not to fund the expansion, but to seed the future of our industry by positioning IME as the cornerstone leader with capability to cherry-pick talent based on ability, drive, creativity, and deliverability. The equity stake money will promote the company’s capacity to challenge the boundaries that exist within our market today by properly utilizing capital to navigate potential talent and then reconnoiter it with our signature training methodologies.

IME is known as “the company with a heart.” We’re pursuing a progressive tomorrow that is truly sustainable as technologies and client demands continue to evolve and grow. By utilizing capital appropriately, our company’s ecosystem will add value and open up forthcoming opportunities for partnering businesses, the U.S. Government, contracted employees, undiscovered talent, and our stakeholders.
IME is currently an American Board for Information Security & Computer Forensics Board Member. The company’s founder and CEO, Twyla Garrett, is also an author on the topic of Homeland Security and has won numerous accolades on behalf of IME - including a 2015 Top Woman Entrepreneur nod.

Twyla N. Garrett

Creating Great Customer Service

I talk a lot about customer engagement on this blog. I was asked a great question recently. "How do you keep customers coming back?" It's a good questions because once you offer a product or service, how will you engage that customer to buy more? Well, here is what works for me.

1. Get personal. Stage 5 clinger personal. Follow your customers online. Interact with them. Make follow up phone calls. Always be in a state of reminding them you're around and that you care.

2. Be consistent. Don't do right by your clients some of the time. People love paying $5.00 for a cup of coffee at Starbucks not because it is the best coffee in the world (in fact, it's been proven otherwise), but because the staff makes it their business to be personal and to be consistent.

3. Reward people. Who doesn't love getting rewards. Again, think Starbucks. They have a Gold card system that is awesome. Buy 12 drinks and get anything on the menu for free. There is no minimum, either.

If you buy twelve cups of regular coffee, your free drink can still be a Venti Frap or you can get a chicken salad sandwich- whatever you want. So, think of a way to reward your customers that actually presents value and not percentage discounts.

Until tomorrow,
Twyla Garrett

Your Business and Bad Decisions... It will happen

One of my most valued lessons is knowing that there are two bad choices every business owner will make in his or her life that will immediately be regretted- followed by a hard lesson. Trust me when I say that these two bad choices can be avoided, which is why I am sharing them. I don’t want you to learn these lessons the hard was so I am hopeful you will keep reading.

#1. Stating you tried your best and failed. We, as people, are conditioned to say “I’ve tried my best” when we are met with failure. Instead of knowing you have this label excuse in your back pocket, say something meaningful before a challenging task. Say “I will” and then do it. It doesn’t matter in life if you try or not. Millions of people try every day fail. Why? They have the “I’ve tried my best” excuse available. Make no excuses for failure, make up your mind not to fail! So, don’t regret letting a client or a boss down by stating this excuse. Instead, work harder and longer and make it happen.

#2. Refusing to apologize. This is a big one for most people. Don’t take the lame cop out with an “I’m sorry you feel this way.” What’s wrong with simply saying “I’m sorry”? Swallow your fear--or pride--and say you're sorry. Then you'll help the other person let go of their resentment or bitterness and both parties will be able to move on. Saying you’re sorry means you take accountability for something, a rare thing in today’s world.

So, remember – say you are sorry and refuse to try your best, instead do your best.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Get Your Day Together

Yes, I am bold enough to say it. I have the best time management tip ever. Keep reading because this tip will solve all of your time management problems and you will never, ever have to study up on the topic again. What is it?

Alright, here it is- the big, big- big secret to managing your time effectively. Say goodbye to your ‘to do’ list. No, I am not crazy. I swear this works. You see, the lists we create for ourselves put pressure on ourselves and we fill them up with tasks that aren’t immediate. We have items on these lists that read like a shopping list. You need to create your own schedule and block of times for certain areas of business, but not for specific items.

Example, if you book your own meetings- and you should- only schedule two hours a day to fit in all your meetings. Call this block “meetings” but don’t write anything further down. Only schedule meetings during this block of time. If it doesn’t work for someone else, let them move their day around. So, every day you walk into your office- let’s say from 11 to 1 – you know you have meetings. You may have one meeting, you may have four meetings. However, the meetings don’t start any sooner than 11 and go no later than 1pm. This gets the meeting elements into a concise block of time and you can move on to the next block of action items right away without worrying about a long list of tasks.

Try removing yourself from a ‘to do’ list business formula. Try my formula for a week and I swear you will be hooked because it simply is effective!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

3 Habits of Great Leaders

Are you a great leader? Are you aspiring to be an amazing leader? If so, check out my three tips below. These "tips" are different traits I noticed all the great leaders in business share. If you're seeking to up your game as a leader, start here:

1. They refuse to please others. Mentally strong people have a job to do. Worrying about pleasing others or how others will react is a distraction that will cut off money and success. Don't worry about people, worry about the task at hand.

2. Don't give up after a venture fails. Most of the known CEOs have had failures. But they're out there, spinning a new business and looking at other opportunities. If you let failure stop you, then you really do fail!

3. Don't rely on the world for anything, including breaks. The world owes you nothing, regardless of how tough you had it as a kid or so on. If you know the world isn't going to give you a break, then you realize you have to try harder than everyone else to be successful.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

Increasing Social Media ROI

You blog; You Tweet; You use every social media outlet out there.... you don't see more customers coming through the door. You're frustrated.

Don't worry. Social media ROI takes a while. You need at least a year or two to start seeing real traction. I know social media is updated every second, but the ROI isn't. In fact, when was the last time you purchased something because of a Tweet? Or you read a person's entire blog based off of a Facebook post? Exactly. Unlike popular belief, it takes a long time to build a substantial and attentive social media following where simply reading the post makes a person actually click through and engage with their wallet.

So, when measuring your social media efforts over a long period of time make sure you ask yourself these five questions;

1. What are my goals?

2. Are my goals reasonable to who I am and what my brand is?

3. How much content can I put online each and every day?

4. How will I measure offer-based content vs. non offer-based content?

5. How do I turn my views into email address subscriptions?

If you have an answer for all give of these questions, you can then measure your social media growth based on your answers. Yes, it is this simple. Using the answers to gauge growth, along with Google analytics , truly helps you see how many people are engaged and buying after a year, two years, or longer!

Until next time,

Twyla Garrett

Wi-Fi Hot Spot Linked to Terrorism

A passenger aboard a plane at Los Angeles International Airport picked up a Wi-Fi hot spot named after a terrorist group. Authorities held travelers for hours as they investigated and then said no crime was committed. So, no harm-no foul, right? Wrong!

According to The Los Angeles Times, "The passenger on the American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to London alerted crew members about the network Sunday night, and the plane returned to the gate.
KABC-TV reported Monday that the hot spot was called “Al-Quida Free Terror Nettwork” and that passengers were kept onboard for several hours amid the investigation. Los Angeles airport police said Monday that “no crime was committed and no further action will be taken.” Federal authorities who took over the investigation had nothing add Monday morning. An American Airlines spokesman says the flight was rescheduled for 1 p.m. Monday."

Why is this news? Well, there are a couple of important reasons. First, mixing a flight with a Wi-FI Hot spot named after a terrorist group is cause for a concern. But he fact that the entire passenger list was held during an investigation without a crime being committed begs the question of is the DHS being too strict and violating the very same freedoms they are supposed to be protecting? Additionally, why the entire passenger list? Couldn't the passenger who logged onto the HotSpot been left as the one being investigated? What if he didn't know the phrase was a link to a terrorist group? Was it even linked to a real terrorist group or someone being "funny" in a distasteful manner?

My point for all of this is that the DHS has to mix policy and procedure with common sense. We should protect people while respecting their rights. What are your thoughts on this latest Homeland Security news? Let's talk on Twitter. I hope you can join me for an open and honest conversation.

Twyla N. Garrett

Online Security and You!

I received a question about my cyber security services and personal online security. While these are two very different things, they have a common bond in that a breach can devastate someone's personal credit or business brand! For the purposes to the question I received, tonight's blog tips will deal with personal security online and how to maintain your privacy.

First, let's start with where we are today with "complex" passwords... the concept is a lie! When you hear of hackers, it usually is on a massive level. Your password, no matter how complex, can be guessed using technology that monitors your keystrokes. Yep, you can be in Los Angeles and have your keystrokes determined (to hack your password) from Japan. Below is a great example of this;

The world of cyber-security underwent a game-change last summer, when not one but two top tech writers were spectacularly hacked. Mat Honan, a writer for Wired, was cyber-attacked by a 19-year-old who wanted his highly coveted three-letter Twitter handle @Mat. To get it, the kid (who goes by “Phobia”) and a friend wiped out Honan’s entire digital life — in about an hour. It started with a call to the Apple Help Desk, and Phobia was able to give just enough data to convince the agent that he was Honan. That one password gave him the keys to the castle.

As Honan described in Wired, “First my Google account was taken over, then deleted. Next my Twitter account was compromised, and used as a platform to broadcast racist and homophobic messages. And worst of all, my AppleID account was broken into, and my hackers used it to remotely erase all of the data on my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.” Honan also thought he had lost every picture he had of his one-year-old daughter, since he hadn’t been backing up his hard drive. Ultimately he was able to recover some of his passwords (from his cloud backup,Dropbox, on his wife’s laptop) and then his data. But it was an expensive lesson: He wound up spending $1,690 for the entire recovery.

So, what's my point? Even technology brainiacs get hacked. While there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening, good coders and hackers don't need much to get into your account(s) and then change your passwords to their passwords, often assuming your identity. I tell everyone to forget the password focus and look at what you have online. If the answers to your security questions can be easily guessed by the information you put on LinkedIN- or any other type of social media- then yous shouldn't even bother with having a password. Limit your personal life's details from Google and social media searchers. For now, for the average person and tech geek, this is the best way to avoid getting hacked.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Could You Handle A Bomb Scare?

Would you know how to handle a bomb scare at work? Many people don't know what to do or how to react. The topic is so uncomfortable that many don't even want to think about it. Well, let me give you the basics. The best defense is an offense, which means thinking about the uncomfortable and knowing how to handle it.

1. First, if you take the call / threat - call 9-1-1- and then notify your boss.
2. Stay away from any specific area or packages. If a caller notes a certain part of a building on the phone, evacuate that area first.
3. Don't bother the first responders. They will provide information on an "as needed" basis. Make sure you give them all the details of the call or received threat and then take care of yourself and your employees. Don't ask questions or pull people away from their jobs.
4. Don't panic. This is easier said than done, but it is important to remain as calm as possible.

I know it is Friday. I know this topic isn't the easiest and by no means are these four steps (above) meant to cover every aspect of a bomb threat. But, if you can remember these basics, you are a lot better off than the people who don't even want to think about this possibility.

Here's a free checklist in the meantime: http://emilms.fema.gov/is906/assets/ocso-bomb_threat_samepage-brochure.pdf

Until Monday,

Twyla Garrett

Secret Service Reform?

Photo: Julia Pierson

A proposal came to the table this week seeking to remove Secret Service from the realm of Homeland Security(DHS). This action was proposed after a terrible week for the Secret Service, which included Secret Service Director Julia Pierson resigning amid multiple reports of breaches in White House security. So, what are my thoughts on this proposition?

Well, the Secret Service has 6,500 employees to it- all of which have suffered since it was synced up with the DHS back in 2001. Right now, under the DHS umbrella, these 6,500 employees work as a team to combat counterfeiting and to protect current and former presidents, vice presidents and visiting heads of state. My issue isn't so much with the mission statement or the team work, but the being spread too thin part. For example, why isn't the treasury department handling counterfeiting? Well, because their staff isn't trained to spot certain terrorist patterns, where the DHS is and the secret service can be helpful within this type of associated task. Basically, without one- the other can't work as efficiently.

I do think the secret service should only be focused on protecting the president, but still should remain under the umbrella of the DHS because threats to the terrorist could involve terrorists. They should work hand-in-hand on these types of concerns, but independent ff one another when applicable. To put it in everyday terms, think about a clerk at an office. His or her job is to enter data into a computer system.The data is payroll. So, she enters it in and that is all she is responsible for, right? But what if she spots an error? Should she still enter it in? Or, should she call the supervising manager who turned in the data and point out the error? The two have to work together to solve the problem. If the clerk were to only stick to her job and enter in the error, the billing would be off and someone would be over or under paid. The supervising manager obviously made a mistake. For the benefit of the company- and basically all involved- working together , but in different capacities, was beneficial in the example.

I don't understand why we have to make things so complicated when it comes to common sense security issues. I also don't understand how forcing someone to resign rectifies any errors. Now, a new person can come in and the learning curve to start the security process can be that much more behind... right? Working together without overstepping one another only makes sense.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Why You're NOT A Millionaire

I was asked an interesting question over the holiday weekend. A woman told me her story about starting a business. While she had all the right tools and building blocks in place, ten years had gone by and she wasn't even close to breaking the bank - never mind reach her goal to be a millionaire. She asked me why I thought this was. I told her the same things I am sharing here. If you're not reaching your millionaire goal, keep reading....

1. All you think about is money. You can't think of money so much that you stop thinking about strategy or customer service. If you are more concerned about money than your actual product or services, you are going to have many problems.

2. You're not overly helpful. Yes, helpful. This may be the key to success in addition to the key of making yourself a millionaire. You see, the more people you help- the more people will help you. If you help your employees, they will be more loyal. They will have a sense of ownership over your company. They will forever promote it. Same with vendors, people you meet on the street, etc.

3. You're not honest about your progress. If you are unwilling to track your own progress and hear client or peer feedback (and then do something about it), then you are unwilling to make a million dollars. You have to be accountable, you have to be ready for growth. This isn't possible if you don't track your own progress.

To you first million!

Twyla N. Garrett

The 2014 WILDE Leadership and Service Awards Gala

I love to meet my fans! If you want to support a great group of women, please consider buying tickets to the following event. Oh, and I am the keynote speaker!

he WILDE Leadership and Service Awards Fundraising Gala is an annual event held in the city of Atlanta that seeks to highlight and recognize proven leaders in the community who have shown a commitment to improving individual and community standards. Honorees exude excellence and integrity in their area of expertise, and stand as role models in society.

The event is known to motivate, inspire, educate and entertain while building networks in two incorporated folds:

WILDE The Runway- A Charity Fashion Show: is an extraordinary platform for designers in the fashion industry to showcase their creativity and artistic skills while creating awareness of different cultures through the display of artwork and dynamic designs. It also serves as a platform for highly talented fashion designers seeking more visibility. We have added an interesting twist to the 2014 WILDE The Runway by bringing to you an exclusive kids fashion show. You do not want to miss!

Awards Gala: is an evening of cocktails, entertainment and fine dining during which honorees will be presented with the 2014 WILDE Leadership & Service Awards. Among other amazing activities, there will be an engaging panel discussion involving extraordinary speakers from all over the nation speaking on “Women Embracing Life and Leadership.”

BENEFICIARIES

The 2014 WILDE Leadership and Service Awards Fundraising Gala will benefit WILDE Charities and Beauty4Ashes Foundation.

When: October 11, 2014
( 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm)
Future Vision
1212 Fowler St. NW,
Atlanta, Georgia

Tickets start at $45. You can buy them here: http://wildeawardsgala.org/purchase-tickets/

Break the Ice without Ruining Your Rep!

If you haven’t been to a networking event, are new to the work place, or you’re re-entering the workforce – keep reading. I was recently asked about how to break the ice at networking events or within new environments when you’re the odd person out / new kid on the block. Well, there isn’t a simple or easy answer. However, I have come up with some pointers to make “fitting in” easier.

Here we go;

First, don’t immediately vouch for someone you barely know and don’t claim to know something/ /someone you don’t know. These occasions are traps. If you meet someone during the first five minutes of an event and then he or she hustles over to use you as a reference- there’s a problem. Claiming you know someone or something that you don’t will also catch up to you and ruin your rep. So, stay clear of these situations heading into any social event.

Next, remain positive. Don’t talk about your personal life, your religious life, or your political views on the first ten meetings. Yes, ten meetings. People are always on their best behavior when your first meet them (typically speaking), so they could discredit you or refuse to work with you (without saying so) based on your lifestyle, religion, or political views. While it isn’t right, it happens- so keep with pleasant conversation that doesn’t reflect any of these controversial topics.

Finally, don’t force yourself to be part of a group. Inner-circles are going to happen. Don’t be offended if a group doesn’t want to welcome you into it right away. In fact, move on. Don’t force yourself to be where you are not wanted. If a group at work, or at a networking event, is giving you the cold shoulder, politely acknowledge it with only a smile and walk away. Don’t fall down either. Instead, move on to another group and try again.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

5 Ways to Be A Better Business Person

There are a few unsaid rules in business that will help you go far. I wanted to share these rules on today’s blog so those of you left out of the loop stand a chance when it comes to etiquette. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to own a business to be part of the loop, you simply have to want growth as a dedicated professional in any industry.

Here we go:

1. Never over-promise results. Make sure you under promise and over deliver to be a rock star out of the gate each and every day!

2. You want to be professionally mature, not college cool so check your verbiage. Do you use slang? If so, stop. It downgrades you as a professional and people tend not trust you with major projects.

3. Stay away from political or religious conversations. Remember, it isn’t what you say or don’t say – it is how you say it. There is no right way to talk politics or religion with clients or co-workers, so stay away from these topics.

4. Don’t decorate your office or cubical. Why? It opens you up for unfair judgment by colleagues, clients and even the boss. Keep it simple, keep impersonal if you do feel the urge to decorate. Remember, you’re at work, not home. You don’t need photos of family, etc. everywhere!

5. Recognize and reschedule if someone’s day is getting away from them. If a business meeting is delayed until next week, it will be more productive than a rushed and distracted meeting today so it is always best to revisit important items when everyone has the time and focus to dedicate to the matter.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

7 Billion for Border Security

Last week, the House Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2015 spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security. Overall, the bill recommends spending $39.2 billion on DHS next year. Don't believe me? Here's the link to the actual press release stating this: http://appropriations.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=384154

According to the release, "The bill provides $39.2 billion in discretionary funding for DHS. This is a decrease of $50 million below the fiscal year 2014 enacted level, but an increase of $887.8 million above the President’s request for these programs. The bill also includes a total of $7 billion, the same as the President’s request, in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster funding to help states and communities respond and recover from unexpected disasters."
WOW!

The reason I am sharing this with you on today’s Homeland Security blog is the same as why I have been harping on border security in just about every Homeland Security blog post ….money. There is no amount of money that will circumvent this problem. As long as people understand that we spend more money blocking people from coming versus allocating resources to handle these situations on a case-by-case basis once they are on, we will continue to have issues!

Many people who cross into this country are arrested for violent crimes. This isn’t a blanket statement as much as it is statistically proven. There are real security threats associated with this problem. Then you have children crossing in search of a better life or those who have been brought over to use as sex slaves in the human trafficking arena. We need to use more common sense than actual cents to alleviate the challenges that come with maintaining border security.

he committee report includes $7.5 million for 22 mobile video surveillance systems, $10 million to make infrastructure improvements for upgraded remote video surveillance systems and $10 million for unattended ground sensors and imaging sensors, a cross border tunnel threat analysis of alternatives and a communications study. Where is the money for the resources once someone gets by the border? And they will get by the border- even with the increases!

We need to ask how we can help those seeking a better life and how we can punish those who cross illegally and then commit crimes. Our standards as to how we help or handle situations needs to be addressed. Anyone can throw money at a disaster, it doesn’t mean the dollars squash the rain.

Twyla N. Garrett

Gaining the RIGHT Investor

Someone wrote into the blog asking how they should develop an investment sheet. When I asked what this person meant by “investment sheet”, he replied stating it was a static sheet that had all his facts and figures on it but where he could change the name of the investor being pitched. First, this is a horrible idea. We all know when someone is handing us a stock letter with a customized name on it. I obtain mail and SPAM like this daily. Don’t ever template out your investment pitches.

All this said, I want to offer my readers a few tips on how to obtain the right investor- not just any investor. Relationships are key in business, especially when the involve money. You want your investor to understand investment options and percentages as much as they understand the concept of your company.

Always present multiple investment options upfront. This way, you don’t have the option of receiving an across the board no. This also helps invite the right investor to counteract with different options for you to consider and it opens up a dialogue, thus building a relationship. Once a relationship is built, it is harder for the investor to say ‘no’ and not select one of the options on the table.

There is nothing template about asking for money. Sure, facts and figures need to be included in a presentation, but they shouldn’t be the main force behind the presentation.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett