IME's Photos

Today we launched the photo album portion of IME's website, http://www.hireime.com/ I will updated it often with photos of our team at events and my speaking appearances. I've teased some photos below, but click the link above to view all the photos so far.

Twyla

Phone Calls, How NOT to Hate Them.

I met this one woman who was in sales. The problem was that she dreaded cold calling. I first questioned why she would pick such a field if she hated cold calling. Next, I tried to figure out a way to help her. I thought about her problem, my company, and what is often needed to make a cold call. Here’s what I came up with – it helped her so I’m hopeful the pointers will help you;

Like anything in life, have a plan. The more prepared you are (in any aspect of life or business) the less scary something is. If you spend time developing a plan for your phone calls, they will be easier to make.

You have to feel successful, too. Envision success. Don’t anticipate all your phone calls going poorly. Instead, visualize the calls going well and a percentage of failures. If you have a visual number of ‘no’ phone calls or hang-up calls in your head- when they happen it isn’t going to be devastating to your ego.

Finally, don’t worry about a script. You should plan an outline of what you will say but don’t be stuck like glue to it. I hate scripts because the person on the other end of the phone is unaware of the script and will not stick to what you have thought out in your head.

I truly think these three easy pointers will give you a strong start in the field of phone sales or phone calls in general.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Homeland Security Blog Surpasses 10,000 Views!

(Press Release) - Apr. 15, 2014 - BALTIMORE

Dr. Twyla Garrett owns IME and is a Homeland Security expert. She has worked with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and she writes a daily business and Homeland Security blog. Her blog recently reached over 10,000 readers and is now listed in Masters of Homeland Security as one of the top ‘100 Greatest Twitters for Staying Informed’. http://www.masterofhomelandsecurity.org/informative-twitters.html

“It’s an honor to be listed as part of this guide and resource. I’ve been working on this blog for over a year, with a post dedicated to the topic of Homeland Security each and every Friday. This listing didn’t come self-solicited, which makes it even more special,” said Dr. Garrett.

Other Twitters listed in Masters of Homeland Security as one of the top ‘100 Greatest Twitters for Staying Informed include the Department of Defense, the U.S. Secret Service, Notify New York City (which falls below Ms. Garrett’s #56 ranking). “Students and industry pillars are using this resource, which is great for my company and my brand. However, it is those who read and interact with my blog every day that really win. This listing has inspired me to take the blog to a new level with more photos, opinions on topical news, and video!”

Members of the media are invited to contact Ms. Garrett on the topic of Homeland Security and anytime there is a nationwide event that is of concern to the press.

Dr. Garrett’s blog topics are fed daily to her Twitter account, which is https://twitter.com/TwylaGarrett

About Twyla Garrett: Twyla Garrett is an extraordinary entrepreneur, corporate speaker, and compelling author who has been personally invited to speak at The White House on the issues of creating jobs, economic growth and the controversial fiscal cliff of 2012. Garrett is known for her notable (sometimes 100% self-funded) business deals as much as she is known for providing excellent opportunities to individuals facing immense challenges. Twyla’s memoir will be published in 2013 and it will be followed by a series of “how-to” business books, starting with one based on Homeland Security. Currently, Twyla’s business blog and social media accounts furnish motivational quotes and an over-the-shoulder view of her unique perspective on profiting in business while helping others.

What Is Suspicious Activity?

To keep with this week's theme, which is unfortunate, I wanted to review what people need to look for and report. Many people rather not say anything then say something and be wrong. We are taught to be polite as a society. So, how do you know when to report suspicious activity?

Let's start with a link. The Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative can be viewed by clicking here: http://nsi.ncirc.gov/ Federal, state and local law enforcement officials have set up “fusion centers” for the program in about a dozen cities, including Boston, Chicago and Houston, where reports of suspicious activities made by citizens and the local police are collected and analyzed for disturbing patterns.

There is no real way to discern someone who is nervous to someone who is suspicious. As we are learning in Boston, even the most jovial and well-liked people can cause harm and do horrible things. The best policy is to adopt the one New York uses. "See something, say something." Boston was able to identify its suspect because of people seeing something and taking photos. These photos led to the identification of their suspect. So, if you feel in your gut that your neighbor, co-worker, or whomever needs to be checked out- have them checked out. It is always best to be safe than sorry.

As a Homeland Security expert, I am aware of different internal tactics used to weed out potential threats. However, there is no public rule for weeding out or verifying someone's suspicious activity. So, when in doubt- have it checked out.

Stay safe out there,
Twyla

The Boston Bombs, My Thoughts.

As A Homeland Security expert I have various thoughts on the tragedy that occurred in Boston yesterday. I also, like everyone, have different questions. I can't really get into the logistics of my questions, but watching the media speculate has been interesting. There is a lot of parties involved when a tragedy occurs, like the one in Boston. Various resources have to pull together without warning and work under terrible circumstances. How people pull together can be planned and tested day in and day out, which is primarily what IME does. I've complied a workbook for such events and it is going to be inserted in my upcoming Homeland Security book. In the meantime, here are a few tips for how to handle a tragic event as a member of the public.

What To Do During A Terrorist Attack or Natural Disaster:

Preparation is key. If you are going to a large event try to keep your ears open. Listening for strange sounds, weird chatter, or even an increase in coughing- leave the scene. Also, be aware of where to go. Make a mental note of marked exits and places that could become exits if need be. Make sure you set up an emergency meeting point with your family should you get separated.

Invest early. I know some people who invest in KI (potassium iodide. Although extreme, this isn't that bad of an investment. KI fills up the thyroid with good iodine so your body doesn’t absorb the radioactive iodine, which is needed should there ever be a nuclear event.

Know how to react. If you get trapped in rubble from an explosive device (or natural disaster), don't panic. Make sure to cover your mouth with a piece of clothing to help filter the dust. Do NOT use a lighter since there could be gas leaks! Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can hear you. Yelling may cause you to inhale a lot of dust and first responders are trained to listen for tapping and subtle noises.

These basic tips are just the basics. I will be posting more throughout the week so make sure to check back.

Stay safe out there,

Twyla Garrett

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