Homeland Security; Are You Tough Enough?

It’s not easy being in the homeland security business. While the business landscape can be a daily battlefield, the homeland security industry can really take a mental toll on its workforce. I wanted to address being tough enough for homeland security in today’s blog because true strength comes from the right mental attitude.

If you’re thinking about getting into the homeland security business, keep reading! You will need the following two habits to ensure you are tough enough to succeed within this industry.

First, you can’t waste mental energy relying on luck to distinguish your destiny. In any situation in life, especially with homeland security, you need to act as if you are in charge and there is no such word as “try”, you either do or you don’t. The middle doesn’t exist. If you act as if you are in control, others will respect you and you will have no room to blame bad luck on your failures or successes.

Second, complaining and critizing others isn’t an option. Homeland security requires you to work with a team. If the team succeeds, know it is a team effort. If the team fails, know that it is a team effort. If you spend too much time talking about others or complaining about the tasks at hand- people will start to question if you are mentally frail or out to sabotage others and you will not succeed within the industry. Play nice and be transparent, not critical or a baby about certain tasks!

I hope this information has provided you with a brief oversight on the toughness needed to combat the day-to-day operations within the homeland security field. You may also want to pick up a copy of my book dedicated to homeland security for more in-depth information. Here’s the link: http://www.amazon.com/Homeland-Security-Comprehensive-Guide-All-ebook/dp/B00IDW3W3Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406151956&sr=8-1&keywords=twyla+garrett

Twyla N. Garrett

2 Ways to Sell.

I was reading a lot on the subject of sales recently. I had to travel and came across a book on sales. We are all sales people. We have to pitch ourselves to clients or to the HR department for the job, etc. But what happens when you are the actual sales person who has to bring in clients? Are you stuck in a rut and using the same hum-drum tactics.

After much reading, I have discovered the following best sales tactics.

1. Ask for the business directly. This simply is presenting, asking and answering questions, and then stating that you have answered all the questions and it sounds like they (your audience) are ready to move forward. Then, boldly, present the contact and take care of the business now- or as quickly as possible. Being blunt and to the point, yet polite, does work and works often.

2. Time sensitive matters. If a potential client has been on the fence about moving forward, then give them a deadline as to when pricing will expire or go up. Either you have their business or you don’t. The time sensitive issue will clarify this immediately.

There are, of course, other tactics that do work. You want to use something that is ethical and comfortable for you.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

Rework that business plan!

Are you thinking about redoing your business plan? Many people know that I write and pull together business plans, especially when seeking funding. However, I am providing a few free tips below to help you rework your business plan!

First off know when to touch base. In your business plan make time for scheduling meetings. Many people overlook this. You need to show how you plan to monitor growth and when you plan to do this. Being proactive, such as scheduling weekly meetings, will help add needed depth to your business plan.

Don't focus on predicting actual financial figures. Life doesn't work this way and business plans shouldn't either. Focus on budgets. What are your goals and expectations? If you show a possible backer that you understand financials and leave room for movement then you are proving responsibility right away.

The devil is in the details! When you rework a business plan the key is to provide lots and lots of data. Don't write "monthly management meeting" when you can say "30 day marketing growth review." Let people know exactly what you are talking about, what the goals are, and what your plan is. Too many times I run into people who are afraid to put details in their business plans out of fear the concept will be ripped off. While you have to be careful, you will not find any backer ready to invest money without the details.

Twyla