Homeland Security Shut Down.... How the Government May Fail Us!

Full disclosure here... my business, IME, often works with the government. I have to say, however, that what I am watching on all the news stations right now is disgusting! In my book I talk about sustaining programs and we are in the middle of a sustainment crisis!

NBC's political blog just notated the following:
"t appears we're headed for yet another shutdown -- this time over the Department of Homeland Security. Republicans claim that Senate Democrats are the ones obstructing things, because they are filibustering a DHS funding bill that contains riders rolling back President Obama's executive actions on immigration. Yet as we learned during the last government shutdown, the side that's using government spending to demand changes to existing law or directives is going to be side that gets blamed if the government (or just part of it) shuts down. But don't take our word for it. Take the word of GOP Sen. (and likely presidential candidate) Lindsey Graham. "If we don't fund the Department of Homeland Security, we'll get blamed as a party," he said on Sunday."

Senate Majority Leader McConnell offered a POTENTIAL way out of the shutdown standoff. Per NBC's Kelly O'Donnell, McConnell has proposed a stand-alone bill that denies funding for the implementation of Obama's 2014 executive action. This bill, O'Donnell adds, is not attached to DHS spending. The glass-half-full take here is that Republicans, for the first time, are now legislatively separating the immigration rollbacks from the DHS funding, which offers a potential way out of the impasse. (Indeed, NBC's Frank Thorp reports that Dem Sen. Joe Manchin could likely support this McConnell bill if it comes AFTER a clean bill to fund DHS.) The glass-half-empty take is that we have NO IDEA if House Republicans will buy this gambit. There's another potential way out: McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner could propose language promising to prohibit any funds implementing Obama's executive actions on immigration as long as they're tied up in the courts.

I don't think toying with global security is a way to get your way. This has been the trend in congress and it isn't why we elect people. Not only is my business potentially threatened by these threats, but so is the livelihood of so many hardworking people..... Adults don't act this way!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Homeland Security and Pornography

Many people are not aware that the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) also handles issues of illegal pornography. My point is proven with the latest topical arrest of a Michigan man today. One Michigan paper titles the story ‘Otter Lake man faces child pornography charges after Homeland Security probe’. You can read the entire story here: http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2014/04/otter_lake_man_faces_child_por.html

According to the paper, “ Homeland Security Investigations officials began investigating the man after he allegedly downloaded a video Feb. 4, 2013, which showed a young child being sexually abused by an adult, according to an affidavit filed with the complaint. Officials were able to obtain a search warrant for a home associated with the IP address used to download the video, according to the affidavit. Investigators allegedly discovered more than 900 videos and 6,000 images of child pornography on the man's computer, the affidavit states.”

Yes, the DHS does more than just prevent terrorism. The department covers issues of cyber-security, which are often directly related to crimes against children. When people complain about how the DHS’ funding is being spent, they often do not consider cases where young victims are able to be recovered and further acts of sexual violence cease from being committed as a result of the Department’s actions.

I wanted to cover this in today’s Homeland Security blog because I feel it is important to give credit where credit is due.

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.

Over Thinking Your Branding Approach?

My company recently redid our website. Now, it is more functional and offers interaction. I didn’t realize how bad my former website was until we changed IME’s brand and feel to the version found here: www.HireIme.com

Working with our branding firm, I learned a few things about an approach to branding most marketing companies refuse to share. Considering your own brand imaging, take a peek at the following tips.

#1. Are you treating your website like a garage sale? If you said yes, you’re doing it right. Great garage sales put their big items up front so people driving by can see the most popular items. Knick knacks, clothes, baby items - these are all small end products people could use once they get of of the car and into your garage sale. However, the small end products usually don’t attract business from the street and people tend to just drive on by if they are put out front. So, know what it is that sells your company the most (service or product) and feature it all of the first page of your website and social media efforts.

#2. Do you have the basics? Do you have a specific font to use for all of your collateral? What about color codes? If you don’t have specifics and you’ve been “winging it” - you are harming your brands viability within today’s market. Sure, you’re not losing any money directly as a result of this misstep but you could be making so much more!

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

Are You An Ego Maniac?

Running a business will require you to wear many hats. Are you willing to do this and ask for help? The problem I have noticed in the past with new business owners is the issue of ego. We all have to wear many hats, but that doesn’t mean we are all experts in different fields!

You, as a business owner, will need help and you will probably have to meet with other business owners from time-to-time to seek out advice. Are you willing to do this? If not, you will run into problems with your day-to-day operations and you will have trouble with growth.

It is always great to be confident. It isn’t great to be egoistical and you will only harm your business and your brand. Even Sir Richard Branson still asks other business owners for advice. It is one of his strengths, not a weakness.

Here are three ways to discover if your ego may be getting slightly out of control.

First, ask yourself if you know how to follow and then site an example of the last time you did follow. If you can’t, you better start asking yourself why not.

Next, ask yourself if you are reading enough. When I say reading, I mean books on leadership. When was the last time you picked one up and finished it? If you haven’t done so in more than a month…. It is time!

Finally, do you volunteer? If not, start. Volunteering will help others and give you time to engage with people who can inspire, even possibly work for, you. Volunteering is a great way to give back and gain a fresh perspective on life and business.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett