Reporting Facebook Posts to the FBI- Why You Should!

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

Alejandro Mayorkas May Replace Eric Holder

Here's a dose of Friday buzz for you.... Alejandro Mayorkas may be replacing Eric Holder as the Attorney General. So, what's the big deal? Well, for one, the country’s largest law enforcement officers’ organization, the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), personally is championing Mayorkas to President Obama. National president Chuck Canterbury penned an Oct. 31 letter on behalf of Moyorkas and sent it to President Obama at the White House - which is a huge deal. In fact, Mayorkas has the experience and qualification for the job- but as you know- this doesn't mean he will get it.

Why you should care: Mr. Mayorkas can offer insight and actually get things done as the Attorney General. He was the director of US citizenship and Immigration Services — the biggest immigration system in the world with a $3 billion budget and 18,000 workers. He knows a lot of about the different issues and he is working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now. You should care because someone, like Mayorkas, has to have a lot of knowledge about grey areas when it comes to protecting human rights and civil liberties while also keeping the country safe and playing politics at the same time.

Here is some more info on Alejandro Mayorkas directly from the DHS: http://www.dhs.gov/person/alejandro-mayorkas

We don't have any say if Mayorkas gets to fill Eric Holder's position or not. But I can use this blog to urge the President to highly consider someone capable of sustaining programs for the long-term, and who can consider implementing- if not developing- new technologies, to better how the DHS operates and handles sensitive matters. Why do I think Mayorkas fits this role? Well, he had to look at the DHS - his own department- from the inside out earlier this year.

For example, an immigrant detention facility that opened earlier this year in Artesia, New Mexico, has been very controversial. Mothers being held there complained about cold temperatures, undercooked food their children wouldn't eat, and difficulties in presenting their case for why they should remain in the country rather than being deported. After visiting the facility, attorneys claimed that women were forced to speak about their experiences -- often including abuse and sexual assault -- in front of their children. This is a great example where policies should meet with commonsense.

Instead of passing the buck, Mayorkas responded quickly to concerns about Artesia, saying "If, in fact, we fall short, and quite frankly, the advocacy community has identified instances where we have not provided as we should for the care and needs of those families, then we will respond aggressively to address that and to solve that problem." And, the DHS is working to improve its approach in screening women in the detention facility and addressing issues on a case-by-case basis.

As we finish out a very political week, try to remember that not all DHS issues are black and white. We, as people and policy makers, have to be able to pivot from time-to-time.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett of IME

To work on the weekends or to not work on the weekends – that is the question!

There are many schools of thought when it comes to working on the weekend. Some people don't even have a choice, it is just a matter of fact. However, if you are a business owner for an executive you are prone to work on the weekend. The question becomes is it effective.

Why when it working on the weekends fee effective? Many studies suggest not being able to unplug and relax from your work can cause you to become spread too thin, stressed out, and eventually ineffective. While it is good to take vacation days and mental health days, business owners and executives feel that this is time lost and not spent effectively. Not working, for many business owners, is the equivalent to losing profit. We become obsessed with work.

It is my suggestion business owners strive to find a happy – medium when it comes to working on the weekend. You will have to work weekends, there is no getting around this fact. I don't suggest you work every weekend. It will wear you out, stress you out, and cause you to be ineffective.

It is my suggestion that you pick and choose the opportunities for working on the weekend when you can, and I understand this will not always be a point of choice. So, if you can't take it day here or there – regardless if it is a Saturday or Sunday – do so. It is beneficial to unplug when you are not at risk of losing profit or clients.

Until Monday,

Twyla Garrett

Networking.... Your Biggest Problem.

No matter what you do for a living, you will have to network at some point. So, what is the trick? Well, there are lots of them out there. In fact, I've covered them a few times right here on my blog. Today I want to talk about the biggest networking mistake you can make.

Failing to nurture relationships is the biggest mistake you can make. Tossing away a business card or not following up with someone based upon an "not needed, nothing he/she can do for me now" attitude could kill your future business. Small connections can lead to big contracts. I've learned this time and time again.

When you make a connection schedule a time to send a personal thank you note within 48 hours. If you're too busy, get someone to help you with this. Personal notes are crucial.

Next, schedule follow-ups. Yes, you want to schedule times to touch base with everyone. I like to schedule a touch-base email every 45 days. There are lots of software and cloud computing products out there can help you personalize mass emails with the click of a button!

Finally, I host an annual holiday part for my contacts. Don't just hold one for your employees. Have a networking party around the holidays for your contacts, your employees, and your employees contacts. If you're not an employer, send holiday cards to your contacts.

Staying available allows people to refer business to you and visa versa. You never want to be out of sight and out of mind.

Twyla