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

Do Your Customers Feel Cheated?

It happens. We get busy with how to run the business, growing a business, developing our brand, etc. that we forget why we are in business- our customers. I'm listing three ways to tell if you've lost sight of your customers' needs and are cheating them- even without meaning to do so. If so, ask yourself what you can do to correct the situation at hand.

1. You half-ass tasks. Sorry to be so blunt, but it is true. If you perform at your highest level upon first signing a client, but months or years later you could care less if the product/service is amazing or of quality then you've lost focused and are denying your customer what he or she is entitled to.

2. You believe the customer is always right. Um, no. The customer may think he or she is always right, but they're not. You wouldn't sell a standard kitchen oven to someone who wanted to open a bakery would you? No, of course not. If you see a client making a mistake and you don't step in- you're failing that customer.

3. You avoid the evil client. If you ditch a client because he or she is too demanding than you might not be up for the challenge of expansion. Try your best to handle evil clients and resolve inner-conflicts before giving this type of customer the boot.

Dealing with customers isn't always easy. You are not going to have easy clients in life. There will be difficult clients and situations. Remember these three tips and make sure the problem isn't you.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. 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

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.

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

Are You Mentally Strong Enough For Business?

Are you mentally strong? Much like your body has to be worked out to become strong, the brain does too. Many of the most celebrated CEOs and business leaders around the world are know for being "tough as nails", but this didn't happen overnight. In fact, most CEOs have to practice being mentally strong. Here are the top five habits of mentally strong people.

#1. They don't attend pitty parties. That's right, the mentally strong don't feel sorry for themselves when things don't happen as planned. They don't blame others or dwell on things, either. So, if you want to be great, brush off something that didn't work out and move on without holding a grudge.

#2. They refuse to be complacent, even when the money is good. Yes, complacent only means you will one day be outdated. Embrace change and learn new things daily.

#3. 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.

#4. 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!

5. 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 Tuesday,

Twyla N. Garrett

Homeland Security and Feguson.....

Pictures of Homeland Security officers are causing a stir and raising questions whether the Feds will be on the ground in Ferguson after the Grand Jury decision is announced. According to TacticalGear.com, Federal Protective Services has been spending money with them, providing proof of recent transactions for police gear by officers in town from Washington DC. As I write this blog, there has been an announcement that the verdict is in as to if a manslaughter charge is going up (or not) against the copy who fatally shot Michael Brown and the media is feeding the feeling of impeding chaos in the air. But is Homeland Security's presence really needed?

In my opinion, the answer is 'yes'! Anytime you have a group of people that have reason to be heated or outraged, the public's safety becomes an automated priority. I'm not saying that I agree or disagree with any decisions or actions on either side of the fence. My concern is for the city and the safety of both law enforcement and the citizens. This said, Homeland Security has to help provide a plan to local law enforcement because they can become a target regardless of the verdict! And the same goes for ordinary people who live, shop and work in the surrounding neighborhoods!

There is no doubt in my mind that today is going to continue to be an emotional day for many. There are several apparent and underlining issues feeding the heartbreak of the Ferguson community. The Department of Homeland Security may or may not be directly involved with boots on the ground service, but the do have an obligation to offer securities training and resources - if requested. For those of you who read my prior blog about the Vet who was fired for snapping a picture of the DHS's cars in a local hotel- you know that I am of the belief that we need to let these men and women do their jobs and keep us safe.

So, as we head into the evening seeking an answer as to what the decision is, I remain hopeful that the right thing will be done and that the peace will be kept.

Twyla N. Garrett of IME

The 2014 Elections and Homeland Security

So, last night was interesting to say the least! After Mr. Obama's recent press conference to address "no what", my Twitter account was flooded with the same questions- but directed at Homeland Security. Yes, the elections are going to impact how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will move forward. Different leadership and different people at the table will always lead to different perspectives and objectives when it comes to Homeland Security. And, to make things more shaky, there was a security breach by a DHS contractor announced today- which means incoming officials may be looking to clean house.

Here's what happened; a contractor running background checks for the US Department of Homeland Security has suffered a potentially embarrassing security breach. The security snafu at USIS reportedly led to the theft of some DHS employees’ personal information. The extent of the breach — discovered and self-reported by USIS itself — is still being assessed. DHS encrypts the data it sends USIS but how it is stored and handled within the contractor, the largest provider of background investigations for the federal government, is unclear.

Our country has to pivot right now because of new people coming into office, and because of examples such as the above. We need to tighten policies, figure out how to sustain several programs with needed improvements to social and multi-media tools, and -most of all- we need to learn to work together. Regardless if we are traveling through an airport and annoyed with the TSA screening process or we are a newly elected official lost in the overwhelming process of taking over a political office- collaboration has to be a priority from here on out.

There isn't going to be an overnight change within any area of our political or security systems. But, together, we can work for a safer and more forward-thinking future!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

9 Million People to Receive 'Green' Cards.

Here's some Homeland Security news for you, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is bracing for a couple of busy weeks- to say the least. The DHS is going to be reviewing work applications from an estimated 9 million immigrant workers thanks to an Executive Order that President Barak Obama is expected to implement later this year. So, what? Well, that is the million dollar question.

This information is relevant because US Citizenship and Immigration Services has published a draft contract proposal to buy the card stock needed to make work permits and Permanent Resident Cards, more commonly known as green cards. The proposal also calls for providing material for at least 5 million cards a year, with as many as 9 million “during the initial period … to support possible future immigration reform initiative requirements.” The contract calls for as many as 34 million cards over five years.

Basically, non-violent illegal immigrants will be protected and granted legal work status if they have children here in the USA. While many people may not like this concept- or may think it put the country at a disadvantage- there are more benefits to this action than not. These now legal workers have to pay into the tax system, which is a big plus. They will contribute to our medical system and they are trackable. Plus, they can't be taken advantage of in so many ways. It seems to be a win-win for both parties.

The DHS is going to spearhead this effort because it the president can authorize protection from deportation for immigrants on a case-by-case basis, such as with the DACA program, and issue work permits. If someone doesn't look like they working intent, but something more sinister in mind when it comes to being within the USA, we can get a heads up on the scenario (and handle it) through the DHS. This issue is something to think about for sure this weekend before forming an opinion if this effort is good for the country or not.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

Two Tricks to Improve Business Credit!

Obtaining financing is hard. It doesn’t matter what your credit score is, new businesses often are faced with ‘no’ after ‘no’ when first starting out. If you have a less than stellar credit score, obtaining credit is going to be even harder.

I have some sure fire ways to make improving your credit- or lack thereof- easier in business. First, know that 35% of your credit score relies upon your timeliness of payments. If you have a new business with no credit, obtain a pre-paid credit card. Make and then payoff (and on time) small purchases every month. If you have poor credit, this simple tactic is the quickest way to jump your credit score.

If you do have a great personal credit score but a poor business credit score, don’t cojoin the two. Keep these two entities separate, after all- they are separate entities. While cosigning for your business may help your business obtain a better APR, your personal score will suffer and this isn’t a good thing.

My second tip is to check each statement you receive yourself. You can’t rely on your accounting people to take good care of your company’s credit- or build it up. You need to look at every paid, pending, and outstanding invoice on a monthly basis. You need to examine monthly bank statements. You need to examine payroll. It is up to you to verify numbers and transactions. Accounting people can help you navigate your finances but it is up to you to ensure accountability and authenticity in every transaction.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Productivity Killers

I wanted to spend some of today discussing productivity killer. I recently had the pleasure of helping one of my employees out. After working through the task, I realized what is taking her four hours to complete was done in 45 minutes under my watch. Astonished, I had to ask why. I saw with her to see if she did things wrong or if I had missed something, I never led on why I was asking.

My employee did everything the exact same way I did. The only difference? When she was working with me as her shadow, she completed the task in just over an hour. Where were the other three hours I was paying her for? At this point I questioned her. She explained she is answering emails and taking phone calls between actual work. While this was a possibility, I didn’t see it as a three hour difference. In fact, I was also responding to emails and taking calls on speakerphone and still completed the task in less time.

After further investigating, I found the productivity killer. Google! Yes, Google. While my employees have to use it to look things up, it turns out they get distracted by the headlines, links, etc. And then they Google things they should be looking at on their off time, get tied up in related industry news headlines, and so forth.

No, my employee didn’t get in trouble. It wasn’t a deliberate act and we created an action plan together. I also figured out a way to take my employees off line when needed to ensure productivity. The point is, I wanted to share this so you know just how distracting Google can be to any task. It is a productivity killer. So, if you need to think, brainstorm, write, plan, or just need to relax- leave your phone at home and find a place with no internet or computers!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Networking and Building Relationships 102!

It is becoming more and more acceptable to network online, not in person. If you are starting from ground zero as a business person, finding emails to pitch and network to can be hard. So, the next move for people in this position is to network online and gain email contacts to develop real business relationships.

In order to do this is to start with Twitter first. You can find connections based on industry. For example, start conversations with a simple search on Twitter. If you are in auto sales, search “Auto Sales New York” and then follow all the people that come up. Next, start real conversations with the people returned in your results. Once you have their email address, set up a list that says “Twitter Auto Sales New York” and send eCards out on major holidays. These small steps make a big difference when it comes to online marketing.

Next, start a networking group on your Facebook page. This is a separate FB meant to generate new industry contacts, not sales. Why do this? Let’s say your workload is in overdrive and you can’t handle another client- well, you post the opportunity and contact in your group and say you are going to refer this person out in exchange for a list share. Then you gain something and your peers can bid for a lead based on your referral.

I hope these suggestions spark a boom in your online networking and relationships efforts. Don’t expect results overnight and don’t buy likes. You need to focus on making the connections and then keeping the connections and these two efforts take take.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla Garrett

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

The Bad Side of Success

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

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

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

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

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

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

Secret Marketing Tricks

To continue my blog theme on marketing this month, I wanted to address some of the “tricks” used by marketing professionals. Rather than just point them out, I’m noting how you can incorporate them into your day-to-day operations.

The first trick is social media boosting. Facebook is showing only 6 percent of a business' content to their fan base. If you have more than 100 likes on your page, a 'boost' button will appear at the bottom of each post. Use it. For less than $30, you can get your message out to thousands of unique users. This trick is a great tool for new businesses seeking to establish their brand early on. You’re not paying for Likes, you’re paying for content ads.

The second trick is using Twitter to promote everything without ever promoting anything. How does it work? Well, you have to engage with other companies, your customers and thought leaders in your market. If you can retweet their tweets and add your thoughts, you will boost your audience without coming out of pocket. Respond to tweets that aren’t directed at you and give your thoughts on those. If you do this, your following will go up and your crossover leads / ROI will too!

Finally, set up Google alerts on your competition. You can do this simply be typing in the phrase “Google Alerts” into Google’s search engine. You will have to create a gmail account (or not, but it is easier to work with one) and then you can get a leg up on what your competition is doing sent right to your email box. Then, you can beat the competition by using Twitter and boosted Facebook posts to counteract or offer better opinions / deals.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Success 102.

I have composed a blog post or two on Success 101. Well, what happens after you have mastered the basics? You keep learning! That’s why tonight’s blog post is dedicated to the next level of achieving success.

There are two things you need to do once you start bringing in a profit. The first is to find ways to cut expenses without cutting your marketing or PR budget. This means seeking out new vendors, looking for qualified employees who can work for less, or downsizing your office’s address. Whatever it takes to save a buck, with the exception downsizing your marketing budget, do it!

Develop an app. Yes, a mobile website isn’t the same as an app. You should have an app simply for branding purposes but apps can actually find customers for you in the iTunes store and other app vendors. So, don’t skip over this need only because your website is a mobile –friendly site. There is something to having a customized app.

These are two of many things you need to continue to do in order to grow your company and find continued success. Still have questions? Connect with me on social media!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

When You Stop Caring......

I know, the title of today’s blog is shocking. How could one “not care” when it comes to their business? Well, burn out is a real thing and most business owners are serial entrepreneurs who , once something works, are on to bigger and better things- leaving the old idea to run itself like a well-oiled machine.

If you have stopped caring (or no longer care as much) then keep reading. Below are my top three tips to reenergize your passion!

#1. Spend time volunteering for those who aren’t as fortunate as you right now. Nothing helps you understand why you should care, and how tangible everything truly is, more than a slice of humble pie! So, walk among the people who could really benefit from your time and money and understand why it is important to care. You could grow your business to help benefit non-profit groups or hire people who need a hand up.

#2. Kill your marketing department’s efforts for a month and see how things go. I promise you no matter how well your business is performing, it will never work at full capability without your marketing department. So, make the changes and then figure out how to help your marketing department.

#3. Take a vacation. Yes, the best way to relearn how to care is to step away from the environment. There is something to be said for refreshing your perspective through relaxation. Yes, I am prescribing a day at the beach or a week away from the office to help you care more.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett