3 Phrases To Stop Saying Now!

If you look up any marketing or PR strategy, you will notice that visibility seems to be priority number one. Well, yes. Visuals do help any cause but content is always going to be king. With this said, what you say is important and it can harm you, your reputation, your company, or cause major turnover within your company!

So, what are the top 3 phrases you must stop using ASAP?

1. "I need you to be more like..." Wow, so much for treating people like individuals. People are not the same... not even twins. So, why are you expecting certain individuals to live up to the expectations of others? Don't drag other people into the conversation when you're having a one-on-one with anyone. Be specific and be direct.

2. "How do you think you're doing?" This is a set-up. The person on the other side of this question will become defensive and this will turn into a game that you don't want to play personally or professionally. Instead of asking someone how they think they are doing, tell them how they are doing at a job or as a client regardless if the news is good or bad.

3. "Hopefully, soon." This is not a commitment to anything and a waste of words. Again, be direct with people, employees, and clients. Don't give a rough and round about way of when someone is going to get started on something. It is OK to say, "I don't know when but my eventual plans within the next (months, years... whatever) are to have you...." If you can be specific, do so. If you can't, say so.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Powerful Lessons I’ve Learned

“Waiting is painful. Forgetting is painful. But not knowing which to do is the worst kind of suffering.” Paulo Coelho

Below are a few powerful lessons I've learned. I want to share them tonight so you have a few tools to help you better your ability to compete within business.

Here we go;

Before you create anything in business ask yourself these two questions: “What problem am I solving for my ideal client/how am I being of service?” and “how does this lead to making money?”

Brain storming is vital for success. When you release all of the ideas in your brain and get them down onto paper you can start to strategize and organize. You can put the pieces of the puzzle together and eliminate the ideas that don’t serve you.

Just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you have to. You are great at many things but that doesn’t mean you have to do all of them at once. Take that one step further… just because you started out doing one thing and became known for that one thing doesn’t mean you have to continue to do it if it no longer thrills and excites you. Let it go.

Community is critical. There is nothing more comforting than sitting in a room with like-minded people who are taking a risk and opening up about their fears, insecurities and limiting beliefs. It’s not easy to speak your truth but once you release it, you can move past it.

Mentoring is invaluable. I truly believe that the fastest way to success is through mentoring. There are things experience can teach you through the lessons and insights shared by those who have been there and done that.

The only way to grow is to take risks. The surefire way to stay exactly where you are is to do exactly the same thing you are doing right now. It’s a choice. Choose wisely.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

'Masque Attack' Becomes A Homeland Security Issue

The U.S. government’s computer security team is warning iPhone and iPad owners to be extra careful when updating their apps thanks to a vulnerability in iOS 7 and iOS 8 that allows hackers to send updates that impersonate the apps on their phones. Sounds scary right? It is! But it isn't that the DHS is concerned about your individual phone and identify theft- not to minimize it. The reason this is a DHS issue is because of the capabilities associated with what is being dubbed as the 'Masque Attack'.

Apple has known about the vulnerability since July 26. Apple has not responded to previous requests for comment except to reiterate that users should only download and install apps from trusted sources. The DHS is also concerned about that because not saying something means the virus could have spread and fallen into more sinister hands. This said, US-CERT, which acts as the operational arm of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Cyber Security Division, said Apple users can protect themselves by only installing apps directly from Apple’s official store or from their own organizations.

Here's my point - we now live in a world where cyber security seems to be a huge issue for both individuals and our country's security on a daily basis. It also seems that major companies, like Apple, truly don't understand how a small case of identity theft (again, not that it can every be considered "small") can also lead to big problems on a national level if the wrong app or big technology hacks are used for bad things. Our banking systems can go down, airport traffic control could go down, systems can show beheadings on children television stations- a lot can go wrong. So, this is far more of a concern because of the bigger concerns associated with the 'Masque Attack'. Oh, did I mention the President uses an iPhone?

I'm not trying to scare anyone today, but I am offering a warning. Be awareof what you download online and report anything suspicious to US-CERT.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett of IME

Budget Issues & Homeland Security

Homeland Security has budget issues attached to the Department. I know, it's shocking. The truth is, when the Department of Homeland Security was formed- finances and long-term plans were truly an afterthought. And, unlike America’s past wars, the battle against terrorism will not allow demobilization. It is going to be an ongoing thing for the rest of this country's existence.

The terrorist threats the nation faces today are the new normal and homeland security will be an enduring task, so every effort from here on out has to be sustainable. The government could simply impose across-the-board percentage cuts, but how does this happen without significantly increasing risk? This is the challenge we are up against daily as citizens of this great nation.

I don't have the answers. I have recommendations, but no single person can solve the issue of DHS budget requirements and needs in the blink of an eye. What I do know, and what I think every person in Congress may actually agree upon, is that we have to update and retool our efforts. Things have changed since 2001. Our process and our budgets haven't- at least for the better.

I'm hopeful today's topic can create an exchange of ideas on Twitter of Facebook to discuss what the public perception of the DHS budget is and how we should move forward, especially since the election was just two days ago!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett of IME.

Airports & Ebola - Are You Prepared

Do you know what to expect at the airport the next time you travel internationally? Well, I decided to present the top 3 things you need to know about airports and Ebola. Right now, the Department of Homeland Security is sending mixed messages because each State is handling the Ebola "crisis" differently. The DHS has a responsibility to help out with national health concerns on a threatening level, but each State also has to make decisions based on their specific needs and population concerns.

Either way, below are the top 3 across-the-board things to know about Ebola at airports.

1. Starting 11/01/13, all International airports will start screening for Ebola. There are no nonstop flights to the U.S. from Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea, the three countries hardest-hit by Ebola. Nearly 95% of the roughly 150 people traveling daily from or through those West African countries to the U.S. land first at one of the five airports selected for extra screening.

2. Homeland Security employees at airports will use no-touch thermometers to take the temperatures of passengers who have come from or through West Africa.

3. If you present a fever at an International airport, know the DHS isn't playing games. Case-by-case, health workers and the DHS will direct the passenger either to the local medical system or public health system for possible treatment or routine follow-ups, including daily temperature readings for the 21-day Ebola incubation period. There are quarantine areas at each of the five International airports that can be used, if necessary.

Please pass this information on to anyone you know who will be traveling after Saturday. :)

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett
HireIme.com

Worst Actions to Take During a Crisis

What's the worst thing you can do during a crisis? I was recently asked this by a follower on Twitter. Well, I think the answer is subjective depending on the crisis. However, if we are talking in general terms, then I have to say that waiting to see what happens and not taking action takes the cake.

We are all built with the flight or fight mechanisms. This said, some people remain stuck or unwilling to accept what is going on and they don't follow the directions of first responders or the emergency plans. This is when people get into trouble. You have to realize during a crisis that you are in a crisis. Even if you take flight, you're taking some action. Staying in a burning building because the fire fighters will show up soon isn't the best idea. But some people do this and don't come out the other side alive or as their normal selves.

I'm addressing this question because I think it is important. Not having enough water, having too much water- these types of scenarios- well, they are all trivial. Yes, water will eventually show up via the government. Too much water, that's not a problem. Not doing anything- like seeking out water when you don't have it- that is what gets people into trouble.

So, remember - every emergency is different. Handling things calmly and with some type of action plan is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

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

Talk Yourself Out of Sales

Do you know that you can talk yourself out of sales? Yes, this is very possible. Some people thing they’re being charming when, in reality, their “charm” is helping them become further and further separated from a sale. So, how do you talk yourself out of a sale?

First, don’t wear sunglasses when meeting something new. I don’t care if you meet him or her in the daylight, take off the glasses and look them in them in the eye. If you are wearing sunglasses from someone first meets you, they will never trust you on an unconscious level.

You also need to understand that perception is reality. If you look well-kept, people will know you take pride in yourself and likely take pride in your work. If you leave the house looking like a slob…. Well, you know where I am going with this.

You easily share your problems. Let’s say you click right away with a new client. Great! Then you start telling him or her about your problems at home, how your kids misbehave, you share your bra size, your man troubles, etc. Yep, you’re talking yourself out of a sale and earning yourself a rep as potentially unreliable and unable to keep trade secrets. Be kind, be cordial, be impersonal!

These are just a few pointers when it comes to steering clear of losing a sale. Do you have some pointers for me? Please share them in the comment section below.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 2, 2013 - Twyla Garrett is the owner of Investment Management Enterprise and was recently invited to speak at The White House on issues related to business and the country’s economic growth. Now, Garrett is announcing her “2013 Business Awareness Campaign.” The Campaign is designed to help aspiring business owners launch their ideas into actual business ownership during the 2013 year.

“The word “economy” strikes fear right now in many people. I don’t want potential business owners to miss out on great opportunities because of a misperception right now,” said Twyla Garrett. “I was just at The White House. I own several businesses and I know what it takes to make a good go at starting a business. Thus, I am launching this Campaign to help others feel empowered, not fearful, when starting their businesses in the New Year!”

The “2013 Business Awareness Campaign” will allow potential business owners (world-wide) to reach out to Twyla Garrett, via her blog http://twylangarrett.blogspot.com/, and submit questions. In turn, Garrett will offer free advice as a response to the questions. “I normally charge for a full business consultation. I know start-up owners often don’t have spare cash laying around. So, I thought why not launch this campaign and have my blog be a free spot for potential business owners to network, ask questions, and maybe even find investors,” continued Garrett. The Campaign will start on January 3rd of 2013.

About: 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.

MEDIA CONTACT
https://twitter.com/TwylaGarrett
Helene Vece of JumpStart Ink (Media Manager)
702-749-5925 Ext 210