Can You Sell Yourself / Your Business?

Business owners need to know how to sell their products / services. If they can't sell a product / service then how can they convince others to buy or invest?

The ability to sell is directly related to how successful an entrepreneur really is. In business you need to know how to negotiate (from buying paper in bulk to obtaining clients), to deal with "no," to build industry confidence, and to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. Relying on sales people may be needed to streamline business but YOU also need to know how to sell!

Sell and work! Selling is what makes you successful but you also have to put the time in. An eight hour sales day isn't going to cut it. True entrepreneurs work long hours and don't mind doing so.

Want to know more about selling and putting in the time to make that dime? Contact me! I am available for speaking engagements.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Business Trends in 2015

I received an interesting question this past week. Someone wanted to know what business trends I've noticed for 2015 thus far. Well, I have noticed a few. I've listed them below.

#1 - The death of traditional advertising. -
Why pay thousands on a print ad when you can pay hundreds and reach a bigger audience?

#2 -E-commerce!
Social media sites are now allowing more embed codes to drive E-commerce sales. See a product topic on Twitter? You are able to view,link and buy too. Talk about impulse buying!

#3 - Online Video replaces SEO content.
You heard it here first! More videos are replacing the all-powerful SEO game. So, make those videos now and know how and when to release them in 2015.

#4- Engage customers through gaming
That's right. You are going to be able to use Farmville to promote your brand through gamification.

#5- Google search will not be as trendy as it is now.
For a second in 2012 it looked as if content writers were out of work and luck. Not so fast. In 2015 content producers will be back at work as it has been proven that user paid content makes more of an impact when it comes to brand association and loyalty!


Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

The 2nd Biggest Financial Mistake!

Tonight I want to continue my blog from yesterday. On Thursday, I spoke about the secret to avoiding financial issues in life and business. In fact, I listed the number one mistake we all make. So, what is the second worst financial mistake we make? Depending on one source of income.

In business, owners are always looking to market to new money / new customers? Why? Growth and expansion. Counting on their current customers is good, but shouldn’t keep a business complacent because financial situations change and some customers simply outgrow a product or service. The same theory should be applied to your financial life from a personal perspective.

Relying on a single income thread isn’t good. If the market goes under, you lose your job, the business doesn’t take flight – whatever- your one and only income source is gone and you are forced to hit up your savings account.

The best piece of advice I can offer you tonight is to seek out diversification on how you earn and grow money. Spend this weekend looking at different investment concepts, side businesses, freelance opportunities, etc. I promise you, when one income source hits a tough period, you will thank me at a later date.

Until Monday,

Twyla Garrett

Internal Customer Service

People often ask me about providing customer service. My company, IME, does an amazing job at providing stellar customer service. The trick to providing great external customer services is to provide even better internal customer service. Yes, employees providing customer service to one another is the secret to success when it comes to customer service.

I tell my clients to mimic and then change the tone of a situation that may escalate with either a customer or a co-worker and it works. If someone starts to elevate his or her voice, you do it as well- but briefly. Raise your voice to regain their attention and then calmly lower your voice, changing the tone to positively express your message. If someone crosses their arms in anger then you should do the same, just make sure you transition to unfolding your arms and speaking with a welcome body image to showcase a willingness to listen, change action and welcome feedback.

All of this may sound hokey but it does work. The next time you are in a debate with someone – anyone- remember to mimic and then to change the mimic into a positive stance or tone. I can promise you external and internal customer relations will change for the better. Your profit margins will thank you!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

The Ethical Workplace

I recently read an article on how to create an ethical workplace. I was a bit taken back because who is working in an unethical workplace? Today, it is harder and harder for people to discriminate or create hostile work environments because of better laws and social media / smartphone devices within the work place.

Don’t get me wrong, laws can still be broken at work. However, there are ways to protect your company and your employees from implementing unethical practices or being the victim or an unethical initiative (intentional or not). I’m listing my suggestions below.

1. Have a culture statement that each employee has to sign and ensure your attorney has endorsed this statement first. This statement should go over what your expectations are as an employer when it comes to ethics and how to report violations.

2. Explain in the culture statement that mistakes happen and the company recognizes this. Note there is a “no fire” policy for the first mistake (within legal limits) and that you foster an open policy. As long as the mistake is admitted to, the employee is provided the chance and the tools to correct it without an oral or written write up.

3. Note the No Tolerance cheating policy within your culture statement. This is a special section that discusses ethical conflicts. It defines them, it states how to handle specific situations or report potential issues, and it outlines the immediate actions should the No Tolerance cheating policy be violated.

While the article I read was informative, it wasn’t airtight when it comes to addressing real world issues and solutions. I’m hopeful my suggestions will help your company.

Until next time,
Twyla N. Garrett

Homeland Security : Federal Air Marshals No More?

I saw a story earlier today via CNN that stated the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is going to cut plain-clothed Federal Air Marshals. WOW! In fact, double WOW! The past three years was spent focused on protecting our planes at an increase from terrorist via this resource. Now, all of a sudden, we are cutting back. Why?

The Department of Homeland Security declined to say how positions have been eliminated because they don’t want to give potential terrorist a number of how many potential Air Marshals are employed.

According to CNN, “critics, including some air marshals, say the secrecy allows the government to cut the workforce without acknowledging it, as happened in the years leading up to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. At that time, fewer than 40 people were in the air marshal workforce and none were on the hijacked planes.”

Air Marshal Director Robert Bray said in an e-mail, sent Friday, that the agency's budget has been cut from $966 million to $805 million in the past three years. He outlined plans to close six of the agency's 26 field offices in coming years.

This exact situation is what I address in my current book, which you can preview on Amazon by clicking here: http://www.amazon.com/Homeland-Security-Comprehensive-Guide-All-ebook/dp/B00IDW3W3Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393473922&sr=8-1&keywords=twyla+garrett

Sustainability is a real thing. While budgets may go up and down, the threat by terrorist is continual. We shouldn’t have to make these choices and preparing for real sustainability to ensure critical positions and programs aren’t cut is a must!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla Garrett

Sochi ; Did We Overreact?

You can’t always win with the media. This time last week, the major broadcast stations were busy noting how many opportunities terrorist had when it came to the Olympics in Sochi, Russia. While there are always concerns about safety and the Olympics, it was a particular hot button issue for many reporters.

Today, the concern isn’t as strong and things seem to be going smoothly. This is when we, as a country, shouldn’t let our guard down. The media reporting on how safe everything is right now sets a tone of lax and could open us up to security issues. There is, it seems, no middle ground with the press.

As the owner of a Homeland Security company, I would like the media to really start thinking about the tone they develop with their reporting. We should have honesty, accuracy and a straight-forward approach. Over-hyping potential incidents can equate to crying wolf when nothing happens and leaving us less likely to take future threats seriously. Stating the security concerns are not as validate as they were the prior week is also dangerous. It can instigate a potential security threat, or worse yet- an attack.

As we head into the final days of the Olympics, I truly hope the media uses their power to help maintain an honest, open and level-headed approach when filing their future reports.

Until next time,

Twyla Garrett

Breaking Up with Your Bank 101

There are some occasions where I tell business owners to break up with their banks. Yes, like all things related to business, if your bank doesn’t appreciate your commitment as a customer- break up with it. Inspired by a friend’s recent experience, I’m listing three signs that may help you decide if it is time to ditch your bank for another one.

1. Your bank’s representative never has an answer. If you don’t have a personal relationship with your bank’s staff as a business owner, it is a bad thing. If your point of contact at the bank can’t answer questions and has to check with someone higher at another brand, it is a bad thing. Why? Well, business owners often have “grey areas” and personal relationships can help push people through these areas and get things accomplished. A yes or no, black or white answer from a representative who doesn’t know you means your business truly doesn’t matter to the bank.

2. Understand your representative hasn’t ever signed a paycheck for someone else. Thus, he isn’t going to be as invested in your business as you. However, he or she should care. They are there to help you and they’re not the IRS – thus they are paid to guide and consult on what works for your business. If the bank isn’t helping guide you when needed, it is break up time.

3. The bank is connected with the right people. Your bank / banker should have a list of recommendations from CPAs, attorneys and more. They act as the hub of all things financial and business. If the banker doesn’t have recommendations then how involved in your business – or business in general- can he or she be?

Until Monday,

Twyla Garrett

The 3 Best Phrases in Business!

Want to be successful in business? Make yourself familiar with the Big 3 when it comes to your vocabulary and use of business phrases. I've personally discovered that the following Big 3 phrases help to close business, keep business and drive business. They truly do work. If you're skeptical, please use them. I'm sure this blog post, and the phrases, will change your mind.

#1. I don't know. Alright, you're thinking I've lost my mind. Telling a client that you don't know something isn't a sign of weakness or your inability. Stating that you don't know the answer, and you have to perform further research, shows you are cautious not to assume things, over promise and under deliver, and that you are an honest person. Clients love honesty. Sure, they may be a little taken back that you don't know something, but in the end stating you don't know something and then delivering a well-researched answer is far better than not knowing and providing misinformation.

#2. I need help. According to Marla Tabaka, "A great entrepreneur surrounds herself with people who know more than she does. Reach out to your army of supporters and save yourself a lot of frustration and time." I couldn't agree more. We all need great support teams cheering us on and helping us on the road to success. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

#3. I apologize. This is freshening, isn't it? If you screw up, speak up. If you screw up and cover up- expect to lose the client. Most of us have a pretty could internal BS meter- and we use it. Don't give someone an excuse as to why something went wrong. Be honest, apologize, move on.

Being in business is about selling yourself more than your product. If you add these Big 3 phrases into your daily vocabulary, chances are you will grow and keep a huge client base.

Twyla