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

5 Tips to Save Your Business

I was recently asked about tips on saving a business before or after it starts. Well, each situation is complex but here are my basic tips;

# 1 -Don't just offer what you know. Expand and find out what your competitors are offering that you don't know- then learn it! Be competitive not complacent.

# 2- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Find a good mentor in your field and ask him or her to identify your weaknesses. This will offer you insight to your business' short comings.

# 3 - Never hire friends, unless you don't value the friendship. Hiring friends is worse than hiring family. Friends can become vindictive, expect favors and usually don't consider holding themselves accountable for mistakes. Hiring friends is always a bad idea.

# 4 - Try to promote from outside. If you promote from within it can cause desertion in the office and between co-workers. You may have a really good, trustworthy employee that deserves a promotion, but you also have to consider the climate of the office. Ask yourself if the person is promoted could other employees become jealous? What are the benefits and the risks?

# 5 - You are running a business. Understand this! Many people think just because they started a business that the business and the employees will run it for you. You need to be present and take the task seriously, if not- you will fail.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

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

Enterprising Women Magazine Announces - 2015 Enterprising Women of The Year Award Winners

Enterprising Women Magazine Announces
2015 Enterprising Women of The Year Award Winners
Prestigious Awards Program Recognizes World’s Top Women Entrepreneurs

RALEIGH, N.C. Feb. 9, 2015 – Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of Enterprising Women magazine, has announced the winners of the 2015 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards, an annual tribute to the world’s top women entrepreneurs. Honorees will be recognized at the 13th Annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards & Conference, Sunday, March 29 to Tuesday, March 31 at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

The annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards is widely considered one of the most prestigious recognition programs for women business owners. To win, nominees must demonstrate that they have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in their communities. Many of the honorees also serve as leaders of the key organizations that support the growth of women’s entrepreneurship.

Award winners were recognized in seven categories this year: annual sales revenues of more than $100 million; annual sales revenues of more than $25 million and up to $100 million; annual sales revenues of more than $10 million and up to $25 million; annual sales revenues of more than $5 million and up to $10 million; annual sales revenues of more than $2 million and up to $5 million; annual sales revenues of more than $1 million and up to $2 million; and annual sales revenues of up to $1 million.

Winners in the “over $100 million in annual revenues” category:
Kay Ivie, Ivie & Associates, Inc., Flower Mound, TX
Beatriz Manetta, Argent Associates, Inc., Plano, TX
Jennifer Maier, WDS, Inc., Lake Wylie, S.C.
Julia Fournier, HCMWorks, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Veronica Muzquiz Edwards, InGenesis, Inc., San Antonio, TX
Camille Thomas, JMC Retail Group, Minneapolis, Minn.

Winners in the “over $25 million and up to $100 Million in annual revenues” category:
Raegan Moya-Jones, Aden & Anais, Inc, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Traci Lounsbury, ELEMENTS, Denver, Colo.
Lisa Sackuvich, ARJ Infusion Services, Lenexa, Kan.
Diane Medley, MCM LLP, Louisville, Ky.
Noreen King, Evolve Manufacturing Technologies, Inc., Mountain View, Calif.
Carol Hackbarth, Hackbarth Delivery Service, Mobile, Ala.
Mary K. Davenport, TransTech IT Staffing, Itasca, Ill.
Marygrace Sexton, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, Fort Pierce, Fla.
Jennifer Jeansonne, Eagle Consulting, LLC, Belle Chasse, La.

Winners in the “over $10 million and up to $25 Million in annual revenues” category:
Britnie Turner, Aerial Development Group, Nashville, Tenn.
Tammy Cohen, InfoMart, Inc., Marietta, Ga.
Marie Seipenko, Preferred Solutions, Northville, Mich.
Patty Comer, AccruePartners, Charlotte, N.C.
Sylvana Coche, Gravity Pro Consulting, LLC, San Clemente, Calif.
Fiona Gathright, Wellness Corporate Solutions, LLC, Bethesda, Md.
Paula Lombard, WEXCO Industries, Pine Brook, N.J.
Hetal Parikh, Rangam Consultants Inc., Somerset, N.J.
Olga Smirnova, Global Language Solutions, Irvine, Calif.
Barbara Issett, IQ Business Events, Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Sheila Benson, Employment Screening Services, Birmingham, Ala.
Lauren Herring, IMPACT Group, St. Louis, Mo.
Joy E. Taylor, TayganPoint Consulting Group, LLC, Lambertville, N.J.
Deborah C. Weaver, Midwest Litigation Services, St. Louis, Mo.
Claudia Mirza, Elahi Enterprises, Inc., dba, Akorbi, Plano, TX
Marilyn Grabowski, AtlanticInfra, Wall, N.J.
Mary Miller, JANCOA Janitorial Services, Inc., Cincinnati, OH
Angela Lee, The Happy Point Resto Group, Chicago, Ill.
Diana Harbour, The Red Dress Boutique, Athens, Ga.
Natalie McDonald, Create NYC, New York, N.Y.

Winners in the “over $5 million and up to $10 Million in annual revenues” category:
Jean Thompson, Seattle Chocolate Company, Seattle, Wash.
Carol Fitzgerald, Buzzback LLC, New York, N.Y.
Mandy Gilbert, Creative Niche Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Tabatha Turman, Integrated Finance & Accounting Solutions, LLC, Woodbridge, Va.
Billie Bryant Schultz, CESCO, Inc., Dallas, TX
Carolyn Williams Francis, Williams Interior Designs, Inc., Columbus, OH
Victoria L. Vasques, Tribal Tech, LLC, Alexandria, Va.
Brooke Partridge, Vital Wave, Palo Alto, Calif.
Lisa Rosenthal, The Mayvin Consulting Group, Inc., Alexandria, Va.
Carla Percy, The Mayvin Consulting Group, Inc., Alexandria, Va.
Teresa Sherald, Diversity Search Group, Columbus, OH
Stacy D. Phillips, Phillips Lerner, A Law Coroporation, Los Angeles, Calif.
Susan Gilbert, APOGEE Interactive, Inc., Tucker, Ga.
Ellen Dickson, Bailey Edward Design, Inc., Chicago, Ill.
Sue Bennett, Bennett Design Associates, Inc., Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada
Mashell Carissimi, JMC Electrical Contractor, LLC, Saint Clair Shores, Mich.

Winners in the “over $2 million and up to $5 million in annual revenues” category:
CJ Stafford, Stafford Communications Group, Inc., New Providence, N.J.
Jennah Purk, CPA, MST, Purk & Associates, P.C., St. Louis, Mo.
Eugenia Rangel Vera, Tabiques y Acabados de Ceramica SA de C.V., Juarez, Mexico
Crystal Arlington, Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group, Inc., Erie, Pa.
Melissa Lackey, Standing Partnership, St. Louis, Mo.
Heidi Krupp, Krupp Communications, New York, N.Y.
Melanie Querry, Beyond Spots & Dots, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Ania Rodriguez, Key Lime Interactive, Doral, Fla.
Emily Merson, Global Experiences, Annapolis, Md.
Kathy Palokoff, Firestarter, Baltimore, Md.
Dorothy Botsi-Tulare, Botho Ubuntu Cleaning, Johannesburg, South Africa
Delois Babiker, Intellectual Concepts, LLC, Atlanta, Ga.
Reginalea Sturns-Kemp, Kemp & Sons General Services, Fort Worth, TX
Gabriela Leon Gutierrez, Gresmex, Naucalpan City, Mexico
Tanya Little, Hart Advisors Group, LLC, Dallas, TX
Jane Sydlowski, AMI Strategies, Livonia, Mich.
Ann K. Luciani, First Capital Engineering, York, Pa.

Winners in the “over $1 million and up to $2 million in annual revenues” category:
Linda A. Fanaras, Millennium Integrated Marketing, Manchester, N.H.
Adie Horowitz, Licenders, New York, N.Y.
Debbie Oberbillig, Allen Partners, Inc., Seattle, Wash.
Melinda Maine Garvey, AW Media, Austin, TX
Susan L. Dawson, Waltz, Palmer & Dawson, LLC, Rolling Meadows, Ill.
Charmane H. Sellers, ALEON Properties, Inc., Austin, TX
Diana Peters, Symbol Training Institute, Skokie, Ill.
Francine Friedman Griesing, Griesing Law, LLC, Philadelphia, Pa.
Dr. Angela Marshall, Comprehensive Women’s Health, Inc., Silver Spring, Md.
Moira Vetter, Modo Modo Agency, Atlanta, Ga.

Winners in the “up to $1 million in annual revenues” category:
Rashi Bajaj, Carpet Couture by Rashi, New Delhi, India
Marla Rausch, Animation Vertigo, Irvine, Calif.
Latoya Bullard-Franklin, The Bulsard Group, LLC, Houston, TX
Deborah K. Delaney, Touching Lives Adult Day Services, Savage, Minn.
Kathy Kamei, Kathy Kamei Designs, Kentfield, Calif.
Tena Z. Payne, Earthborn Studios, Inc., Leeds, Ala.
Maria Teresa Cepeda Casasus, Imaging Supplies de Mexico SA, Mexico City, Mexico
Jeri J. Brooks, One World Strategy Group, LLC, Houston, TX
Dr. Marlene N. Mahipat, Mediquest, LLC, Randallstown, Md.
Kelly Ehlers, Evoke Brands, Inc., Madison, Wis.
Dana Marlowe, Accessibility Partners, Silver Spring, Md.
Elaine Gordon, Gordon ADR, LLC, Westbrook, Conn.
Chandra Moore, coG-studio, Detroit, Mich.
Sheila Stenhouse Lee, Sheila Lee & Associates, LLC, Baltimore, Md.
Sandra Sassow, SEaB Energy Limited, Southhampton, United Kingdom
Yaneek Page, Future Services International, Kingston, Jamaica
Sandy Riser, SwanRise Productions and The Next Level Business Solutions, Tucson, Ariz.

Women receiving honorable mention:
Hima Kolanagireddy, ASCII Group, LLC, Farmington, Mic.
Catherine M. Tojaga, CT Mechanical, Lombard, Ill.
Simona Faroni, G.S. Gelato and Desserts, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Juliet Shrader, iVantage Group, Brighton, Mic.
Loni Mouton, Access Land & Title Services, Inc., Metairie, La.
Christine Lotze, Philosophy IB, LLP, Florham Park, N.J.
Deborah Wooldridge, DW Training and Development, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.
Debbie Drury, Market Doctors, Dickinson, TX
Rashi A. Khosla, MARS IT Corp., Wauwatosa, WI
Danielle Hughes, Divine Capital Markets LLC, New York, N.Y.
Megan Buzzetta, Global Planners, Inc., Hamilton, N.J.
Joaneane A. Smith, Global Commerce and Services, LLC, Harvey, La.
Barbara Wichmann, ARTEMIA Communications, Inc., San Francisco, Calif.
Christy Lamagna, Strategic Meetings & Events, Bernardsville, N.J.
Robin Franks, TGE Resources, Inc., Houston, TX
Cindi Shelby, R Meyers, Nichols Hills, Okla.
Shari Yocum, Tasman Consulting, LLC, San Francisco, Calif.
Connie Golleher, The Golleher Group, LLC, McLean, Va.
Twyla N. Garrett, IME, Washington, DC
Vandana Mehrotra, Meteonic Innovation Pvt Ltd., Bangalore, India
Susan Munro, Hybrid Edit, Marina del Rey, Calif.
Stacy Francis, Francis Financial, New York, N.Y.
Patricia Vice, CRM, FAI, CRM & Associates, Inc., Houston, TX
Sassa Akervall, Akervall Technologies Inc., Saline, Mich.
Julianne Erhart-Graves, Worley Erhart-Graves Financial Advisors, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind.
Sandy Wyman, Tidestone Solutions, Portland, ME
Shelly Aberson, Aberson Narotzky & White, Inc., Kenilworth, N.J.
Joyce Brocaglia, Alta Associates and the Executive Women’s Forum, Flemington, N.J.
Hilary Kaye, HKA, Inc. Marketing Communications, Tustin, Calif.
Lisa Fairclough, Fairclough Realtors and Property Managers (Lisa Fairclough Enterprises), Sparta, N.J.
Johnette Van Eeden, Star Wellness, Euless, TX
Andrea Mason, barre3, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Carrie Brewer Martinez, CM Productions, Inc., Dallas, TX
Karin Caro, BluChip Marketing, Smithtown, N.Y.
Carrie Rich, The Global Good Fund, Arlington, Va.
Heather Howell, Rooibee Red Tea, Louisville, Ky.
Madeline Ann Lewis, PhD, Executive Women’s Success Institute, Upper Marlboro, Md.
Heather Anne Sams, HAS Art Solutions, Jacksonville, Fla.
Natasha Pongonis, Nativa, a Multicultural Communications Agency, Columbus, OH
Sharon W. Reynolds, DevMar Products, LLC, Nashville, Tenn.
Kristin Carrington, Carrington Risk Consulting, LLC, Ft. Myers Beach, Fla.
Susan McCormick, M.S., The Wellness Connection, LLC, Stone Ridge, Va.
Della Simpson, Relan, Mendota Heights, Minn.
Memuna Williams, Avantgarde Translations, Charlotte, N.C.
Jacqueline E. Muller, 3DOM (Asia Pacific) Ltd., Hong Kong
Moni Singh, STEM For Kids, Raleigh, N.C.

The 2015 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration and Conference will bring together dynamic women business owners from North America and around the world for two full days of top-notch workshops, networking opportunities, corporate sponsor exhibits, and awards presentations. The celebration will shine the spotlight on award winners and finalists, with award presentations at the Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Gala Dinner. During the annual “Hall of Fame Luncheon,” one woman entrepreneur will be inducted into the Enterprising Women Hall of Fame, an outstanding nonprofit will receive the 2015 Advocacy Award, and two women will be recognized with the 2015 Legacy Award.

The event is open to winners and finalists of the Enterprising Women of the Year Award, corporate supporters, members of the Enterprising Women Advisory Board, VIPs in the women’s business community, readers of Enterprising Women magazine, and members of the many partner organizations affiliated with Enterprising Women.

Partner organizations represented on the Enterprising Women Advisory Board and supporting the 2015 event include:
The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO)
Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)
Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW)
The Global Initiative for Women’s Entrepreneurship Research
Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)
Quantum Leaps
Springboard Enterprise
UnitedSucces
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBEC)/Women Entrepreneurs Inc. (WE)
Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence
Women’s Leadership Exchange
The International Alliance for Women (TIAW)
Asian Women in Business (AWIB)
eWomenNetwork (EWN)
Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC)
National Association of Women REO Brokerages (NAWRB)

QUOTES:
“When this awards program began 13 years ago, there were only a handful of nominees in what was then the highest revenue category – over $10 million in annual revenues. This growth reflects the fact that more women are scaling their businesses to the $100 million plus level. The Enterprising Women of the Year Award has grown each year in prestige and stature so women entrepreneurs at all levels want to be recognized with this award for the great work they are doing. We could not be more proud of the outstanding women who make up the Enterprising Women Class of 2015,” Smiley said.

DETAILS:
- For more information or to register to attend the 2015 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration and Conference, visit http://enterprisingwomen.com.

NEW MEDIA CONTENT:
Enterprising Women Facebook Page:
https://facebook.com/EnterprisingWomen

Enterprising Women Twitter Page:
https://twitter.com/EWMagazine

Enterprising Women LinkedIn Page:
http://linkedin.com/groups/Enterprising-Women-Magazine-4470189

ABOUT ENTERPRISING WOMEN MAGAZINE:
Enterprising Women, with headquarters in Cary, North Carolina, is the nation’s only women-owned magazine published exclusively for women business owners that chronicles the growing political, economic and social influence and power of entrepreneurial women. The magazine provides a friendly meeting place, a public forum and a national stage for the critical issues confronting women’s businesses and daily lives from the unique perspectives and experiences of entrepreneurial women. Published in both print and digital editions, the online edition of the magazine reaches nearly one million readers in 185 countries. For more information, please visit http://enterprisingwomen.com or call (919) 362-1551.

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

Facebook and Suspicious Activity #TBT

Heather Coffman of Virginia was pushing ISIS propaganda via multiple Facebook accounts. The FBI obtained a warrant to search her account after reports of pro-ISIS comments on the social media platform. This information led the FBI to numerous falsified Facebook accounts supporting her ISIS views- which included marketing the terrorist group to her sister.

After meeting with FBI agents and an informant, Coffman was arrested earlier this week and is scheduled to appear in court this up and coming Monday. CNN’s reporter offers the play-by-play of the Coffman case (thus far) online. You can read it here: http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/17/justice/virginia-woman-isis-recruitment/

So, why am I covering this? Well, people like Coffman are the reason I wrote my Homeland Security book. It is hard enough for this country to fight and deal with international terrorism, but now- we are seeing men and women use social media to become domestic terrorists. After reading the CNN article, I’m not so sure that Ms. Coffman was directly related to ISIS or simply wanted to promote the group for shock value- maybe a little of both. Either way, her actions are deplorable!

This brings me to my next point – report controversial statements to Facebook or the FBI if you see them. The “see something, say something” rule banks on tips to help get people like Coffman- regardless of motive- away from inciting terrorist activity! We all spend so much time online sharing our opinions that we may fail to realize when someone is serious with their potentially harmful comments and posts. It is better to report something and be wrong then to not report it and be right.

Until tomorrow,

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

Your Legal Status.... Business 101

As we head into the first Thursday of February, I want to refresh you on the different status claims you can obtain for your business-- as well as what the pros and cons are. I've noticed an uptick in private security businesses starting up. I know many of you follow my lead when it comes to the business of security. So, for that reason, please read through these basics and then follow up with your legal adviser on what will actually work for your concept/ idea.

Sole Proprietorship: This type of business does not make a legal distinction between the business owner and the business itself. Although costs can be low (from taxes to licensing fees)the down-side is that you will be personally responsible for any business debt that may occurs, potential law suits, and your personal income tax reflects your entire business' profit.

A General Partnership is the same as a sole proprietorship but with several owners. Again, the set-up costs are low and there are relatively few regulatory requirements. And, again, the owners are completely liable for all the actions and debts that stem from the business.

Limited Liability Partnership(much like a LLC) is very similar to a general partnership. However, there is a separate classification of partners making each person's liability limited. The downside to this classification is it only "limits" a partner's liability, not erase it completely- which is a common myth. Also the filing and administrative requirements are complex.

C-Corporation is only a form of doing business that creates a separate legal entity from the individual owners. This legal entity can act and do business on its own just as a person would do (i.e. borrow money, enter into lawsuits and contracts, etc.).
With a C-Corporation your "owners" are now shareholders who are not personally liable for the actions and debts stemming from the company. However, if a shareholder wants to leave the business then the paperwork involved isn't easy, making a separation a long-one- which in the case of a nasty separation only makes the situation worse. Also, owners (shareholders) are taxed twice.

S-Corporation is a type of corporation but the business is taxed as if it is a sole proprietorship. Its formation is subject to certain legal criteria such as a maximum number of shareholders. The benefits, unlike a C-Corp., include owners only being taxed one time. However, the administrative costs are higher and all owners (shareholders) have to be U.S. citizens.

Many business owners either chose to set-up as an LLC or an S-Corp. Note, I will not advocate for either because you need to discuss your personal situation with a lawyer and a CPA. However, I will state that an LLC may have to pay more self-employment taxes than S-corps due to IRS regulations.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Holiday Shopping and Security

It happens every year. People line up for Black Friday deals days, if not a week, in advance. The doors open and people flood inside, running for the deals. At least once a year, as a result of the deals, someone gets killed or injured because of the sale madness. Every year retailers have giant payouts as a result of being ill-prepared when it comes to holiday havoc sales and security issues. And yet every year retailers don't change policies. They fail to protect themselves from lawsuits and bad press by avoiding the cost of hiring a company, like mine, that can offer pre-event training and comprehensive plans to keep store employees and customers safe.

I don't get it. Prevention is key. If we are having a major social function, security is increased. Policies in and out of the venue where the event is being held change for a reason. We meet the demands of the added people, time crunch, and potential security issues for that event. And yet, every year someone dies because retailers fail to pay for prevention security training. The loss of life and money is preventable with some aggressive planning, which should have started back in August. This said, if you are a company with a holiday sale happening this Black Friday- take notice. Below are some preventative tips that may help you avoid serious security issues and breaches.

1. Have a "first-in" lottery. Allow people to make a donation, say a dollar, to a local homeless shelter in exchange for a raffle ticket for the Black Friday events. Pull 50 names that can enter the store an hour before the sale and pick out up to $1,000 dollars worth of deals. After the limit, they can re-enter the store like everyone else.

2. Station security outside and assign numbers. Make sure security is disallowing backpacks and screening people with metal dectecting wands - one by one- before anyone can enter the store.

3. Have enough security allocated to implement step two.

These simple and obvious steps can prevent people from dying or becoming injured during any Black Friday event.

Still have questions? Contact me at IME directly. We still have time to help put together a plan for your retail needs.

Twyla N. Garrett

Are You Likable?

I almost fell to the floor with laughter in the lobby of my building today. I was waiting on a client. While waiting, this man was on his cell phone screaming (probably at his wife or partner) that his employees hated him. I wonder why! He kept screaming and screaming, he was getting louder and louder. I started to think "how can you be so smart and yet not understand why you're not likable?"

Business is tough. You often have to be hard as nails, but you don't have to scream or be a jerk most of the time to get your point across or as a way to feel respected by employees. In fact, studies show that nice CEOs tend to have more loyal employees and better retention rates when it comes to turnover. So, what makes a CEO likable? I've come up with a few theories.

First, I think people like honest people. Even if the truth is going to hurt, people rather know where they stand with someone vs. being told one thing and not knowing the truth. Honesty tells the world that the CEO is about transparency and isn't into playing politics, which equates to success.

I also believe people want to be heard. CEOs who take the time to listen to their employees are more likable and respected. Even if you don't agree with what an employee is stating, simply listening validates that their opinion / concerns are heard and this will have a positive result internally.

Finally, work. Yes, work! CEOs who are out of the office "doing lunch" or "golfing" automatically cause resentment among many people. Sure, you need to wine and dine potential clients and business partners, but don't make a habit out of it. Instead, keep the blinds or door to your office open. Let your staff see you working. This will let your staff know that you are involved with the company and it will also keep them more accountable.

Until tomorrow,

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/

3 Ways to Push Your Website

Do you know how to keep your website competitive and fresh with customers? Well, if you are not doing all of the three tips below – then your website is lacking within the business world.

1. If you have a video graphic load in before someone can get into your website, you are failing. Your website has to be clean and easy to navigate. Opt-in load ins or video previews (without a pause or bypass option) are really bad news for content engagement.

2. Pop-up offers hurt you. I am really hopeful you have already come to the conclusion that pop up ads are just about completely considered as SPAM in today’s social media culture. You need to offer visitors to your website something of value, not a bunch of ads to click through. If you customer sees you have a lot of pop up ads on your website, you will have a lot of traffic that lands on your page and then clicks off of it within the first twenty seconds. Keep a static website without popups and you will be fine.

3. Navigation is everything. Don’t hide service or product tabs. Don’t make people search for them, either. If you have to send your visitors through one or more pages to get to a service or product page, you will be losing business.

I hope this information helps you take an impartial evaluation of your own website. It is easier to fix website deficiencies versus not addressing them and losing traffic and business!

Until tomorrow,

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

Your Worst Money Mistake

It doesn’t matter how much money you have or don’t have it, keeping it is a challenge for most people. In business, many financial tips are given out without much thought as to why people are looking to get rid of their money! Financial guru Dave Ramsey suggests you not carry cash or credit cards because when either is available -- you’ll create a reason to use it. I agree. In fact, this is my biggest money mistake / tip for anyone and everyone.

The biggest mistake you can make in business or not, when it comes to finances, is to find excuses to use your money! To counter this behavior, place at least 25% of all cash earned (before bills are paid) into a savings account that is hard to access. No debit card, no ability to transfer cash into other accounts – make this savings account almost impossible to get to and even more expensive to withdraw from.

After your bills are paid, put another 2% of your “spending” cash into this account. This is the best thing you can do to prevent yourself from making the worst money mistake known to mankind.

Example: Let’s say you personally draw a salary of $4,000.00 a month. After taxes and healthcare, in a decent world, you are bringing in $3,600.00 a month. $972.00 (27%) of this month HAS to go into that hard to reach savings account. I know what you’re thinking, that leaves you with $2,628.00 to live on for the month. Well, people have lived on less and made. You are going to have to downsize in many areas if you think this is impossible, but you can do it!

Here’s the benefits. If you stick with the 27% rule (not including small percentages of interest earned) you will have over $11k in the bank at the end of a year. Do this starting at age 30, you’ll have $352k in cold hard cash sitting in your bank at age 62- that’s pending you don’t ever get an increase in income. Plus, while saving, you have some “safe” money incase all hell breaks loose and you have to dip into your secret saving account.

Let’s talk business profit. After employees are paid, insurance covered, bills deducted, etc.- your company makes an average of $12k in profit per month. Before putting money aside to reinvest in yourself, put 27% of that money into a business saving’s account. Over the course of a year, your company will have $38k in savings alone. That’s $380k over the course of ten years!

My point is to make adjustments to your lifestyle and prioritize your spending and saving habits. While the concept is elementary, not saving enough money continues to be today’s number one money mistake amongst workers and business owners alike!

Until next time,

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

Customer Service 101

I wanted to talk a bit today about customer service. It is a vital component of running any business. So, how do you know if your customers are running into excellent service if you are not busy on the front lines?

1. Call your main phone number (disguising your voice if you have to.) Are you happy with what you hear (and how long it takes to get someone to pick the phone?) Would you describe what happens as "welcoming?"

2. Log on to your website. Is it engaging? Friendly. Easy to navigate? Sending the message you want?

3. Eavesdrop on a conversation one of your employees is having with a customer, or potential customer. Are you happy with the way it went?

As a business owner, it is important to mark these three steps on your calendar at least every other month. If you feel your company’s customer service failed in response to questions 1 – 3, then you need to address why and then what the recovery plan is going forward.

I hope this information helps you mold your continued customer service plans and prevent issues for arising.

I will be off of the blog until Monday, July 7th. Happy 4th of July everyone!

Twyla N. Garrett

Two of the Worst Employees – Ever

It is costly to replace a bad employee. Thus, many employers try to use corrective tools and training to offset employee issues. Well, this doesn’t always work. There are two types of employees that will not mold into honorable staff members simply because of personality traits.

The first is the social butterfly. This person is the talker in the group. He or she spends 20 minutes stopping by offices to chat when he or she should be working. Next up, lunch and then the walk back from lunch and then a stop in the bathroom to chat up someone else…. Their work hours are minimal even though they are at the office 8 hours a day.

The second is the TMI employee, yes- as in too much information. This person (sometimes often the same as the social butterfly) brings drama into the office and creates distraction for other employees from goals, work and even customer service. This type of employee thrives on sharing intimate details from personal life, the juicier the better. Not only are they unproductive, the information they share can make others uncomfortable and but you at legal risk!

If you have employees like the ones noted above- start with corrective action and speak with your legal team about their exit strategy.

Until Monday,

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