You're Fired..... It's Not What You Say!

Statics show every American will be fired at least once in their lifetime. Well, if you're on the other end of the spectrum- firing someone can be hard. But, it doesn't have to be. There are some phrases that you can avoid using. These phrases will help the firing goes as well as it can without escalating into an office crisis.

1. Don't say "this is really hard for me." Remember, it isn't personal, it is business. Firing someone because he or she didn't perform well isn't a hard decision to make.

2. We're going in a different direction. This sentence is not a valid reason to let someone go. In fact, the best thing you can do for the person you are firing is let them know where he or she failed so the action can be corrected in the future.

3. "We're cutting staff." Don't say this unless it is true. Lying about this can lead to a lawsuit.

There are times to say what is really on your mind. When you're firing someone- remember, this isn't one of those times. Personal reasons can lead to issues within your company so be direct and be swift.

Twyla

Don't Start A Business.

Chances are you know many dreamers. These are people who love to talk the talk but never will walk the walk when it comes to business. These people are too busy reviewing the numbers and trying to consult and learn about ever risk involved with their potential business venture. While we all want to navigate the waters of business as accurately as possible, it just isn't possible.

People who are afraid to take a chance on themselves will never have anyone else truly interested in investing in them. I'm noting my top 5 "I'm going to start a business but...." excuses. Yes, I have heard them all!

1. I have no money. I laugh at this because I came from nothing. Literally, nothing. And, I'm not alone. Richard Branson started Virgin with $200 dollars. Money is no factor for those who don't have it. Like Nike said - just do it.

2. I'm waiting for the economy to turn around. This is a lame excuse, too. When is the economy going to ever be right to start a business? Businesses are challenging. Most don't make money the first one or two years. There will never be a set of perfect circumstances to help your business get off of the ground. You have to make the most of the economy, not be afraid of it.

3. People say it won't work. Do you do everything people tell you to? If so, you need more help then my blog can offer! My own mother told me I wouldn't amount to.... anyway, don't be afraid to define yourself. After all, it is more scary to be defined by others.

4. I don't want to quit my job until I have money rolling in. Well, then you're not committed to your idea. Again, there are no perfect circumstances. You have to sacrifice things to get a business off of the ground. If you can't walk away from your job, you're not fit to run a business.

5. I need more input. No one is going to give you their business secrets. Advice yes, secrets no. So, you will never have a blueprint as to what is going to work and what is going to fail. Don't let a quest for input allow opportunities to pass you by.

Twyla

Worst States to Be An Entrepreneur!

If you're like me, you want to succeed in business. But, did you know there are a few states that can actually hinder your ability to be an entrepreneur? It's true!

Wisconsin is a bad state to start a business in. Why? Well, education. A good business owner needs lots of employee support- which apparently, according to several studies anyway, isn't available in Wisconsin. Entrepreneurs should also stay away from is Iowa. There is nothing wrong, business wise, with Iowa. The problem is people aren't flocking there. The same with Indiana. These two states actually have great tax rates when it comes to business, but since people aren't running to them to live- businesses are failing. Why would entrepreneurs look to Iowa or Indiana to grow businesses when there are no customers? It doesn't make sense, which is why these are two places to stay away from as an entrepreneur.

Last on my list (which actually makes it the top place to run from) is Maine. This is one state that penalizes entrepreneurs with a lot of licensing fees, taxes, employment red tape,etc. In addition, Maine doesn't have a huge population, which means if you aren't offering services or products via the Internet- your company's consumer base is going to be limited.

Starting a business is hard enough. Location is everything, literally! If you pick not only the wrong physical location- but the wrong state to license your business in- you could be dead in the water before your first customer walks through the door!

Until next time,
Twyla

Public Speaking - Exposing the Scams!

Part of my career has been, and still is, speaking at public events. I'm invited to talk to groups of all sizes almost on a daily basis. But, this industry is also plagued by scam artists. If you're thinking of hiring a public speaker, or even becoming one, let me share some tips with you to avoid being scammed.

First, get a contract and a payment. This may seem obvious, but I have heard horror stories from newbie speakers and event planners. Don't be afraid to ask for a contract and a deposit. If the other party can't provide this, don't go for it. Too many people have been burned within this industry based on the promise of payment after performance. Contracts are a must and deposits are a must. Never demand payment in full, never accept no payment at all. A 50/50 payment will make both parties involved accountable when it comes to the contract's execution.

You should become affiliate with MPI to avoid any funny business. If you're not speaking at an event sanctioned by a member of MPI, you need to keep your guard up until you become familiar with the client. Not familiar with MPI? Click here for a list of what it is, the types of members you could be working with, and more!

Finally, don't send advanced material without a deposit. There are some meeting planners who like local, cheaper talent. But, this talent might not have the right message. So, the meeting planner has you send your material at no cost (pending a possible job) and then turns that material over to a cheaper, less qualified speaker to present. You should have a video clip on your website- or at least relevant information that will give a planner the basics of your presentation / talk without providing all the materials up front.

Being a public speaker isn't easy. There are a lot of speakers out there, contracts are sparse. You have to protect yourself and your brand from scams. Follow my above steps and you'll be less likely to become the victim of one.

Tywla

Resources for Non-Profits Businesses.

I have received several questions about nonprofit resources. Well, I am happy to help. Below is a list of linked resources if you have, or are thinking about starting, a nonprofit business.

First, you should know about your industry. There is a news source online, well several. I prefer Charity Channel. You can access it by clicking here.

Next, evaluate your idea. You can download a free document on how to evaluate your nonprofit idea, before it materializes, by clicking here.

Got volunteers? Chances are you will need them. Don't fly by the seat of your pants once the nonprofit is up and running. Sure, you will need employees. However, volunteers are the business' backbone and the greatest ambassador for your group / business. Click here for more info on how to get volunteers, manage them and keep them coming back!

Finally, you want to check out this resource and become part of it. What is it? The National Council of Nonprofit Organizations. This Council is a network of dozens of state and regional associations ranging from large to small, well-established to just starting up, in all fields, including technology, social service, education, health, and cultural activities. Click here to visit the official webpage.

Starting a nonprofit business or organization can be very rewarding. But the law requires a lot from you. Please check out the resources I provided and then get with a mentor within the industry.

Twyla

The 411 on Disasters

My business is working to help prevent and recover from disasters. Sure, this is the simple definition of it all- there is more to my job and what my company can do. However, I often get asked about the types of disasters, if there are warnings, and what to do during a disaster.

Below is a simple guide on the types of disasters that can occur (at least the most common).

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are violent areas of low pressure forming in the tropical Atlantic Ocean from June to November. Hurricanes have winds of 75 miles per hour or more and are accompanied by torrential rains and along coastal regions storm surge.
Hurricane Classifications
Hurricane strength is classified using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Damage Potential Scale. This scale correlates hurricane strength to barometric pressure, windspeed, and storm surge as shown in the table below. The Scale can be accessed by clicking here.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are powerful, circular windstorms that may be accompanied by winds of 200 or more miles per hour. Tornadoes may range in width from several hundred yards to more than one mile across. Parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are at highest risk of tornado strike.
Tornado Classifications

Tornadoes are classified using the Fujita Wind Damage Scale. You can view this Scale by clicking here.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a shaking or trembling of the earth, caused by underground volcanic forces or by breaking and shifting of rock beneath the surface. Although the area of greatest earthquake risk is the west coast, where tectonic activity occurs along the San Andreas fault, other areas of the United States are also at risk of earthquakes.
Earthquake Classifications
Earthquakes are classified as small, moderate, major, or great based on the Richter scale (a measure of energy released during the quake). The Richter scale has a logarithmic base, so each increment on the scale is multiplied by a factor that is 10 times larger than the previous factor. To view this Scale click here.

How to Get a Business Loan.

Obtaining a business loan in today's economic culture is challenging. You might have perfect credit, but that doesn't mean you will get a great rate- if a loan at all. I've complied some tips to improve our chances for getting a business loan.

Start off by knowing your debt ratio. One of the most basic measures of a company’s creditworthiness is the Debt Service Coverage ratio, which shows a firm’s ongoing ability to keep in control both debt and interest. The Debt Service Coverage Ratio, defined as EBITDA divided by a firm’s current portion of long-term debt and interest expense, is an extremely important metric for predicting default.

Review your net sales. If sales are low you have to consider one of two options. First, increasing profitable sales and lowering production costs – take time to identify and implement. "Lowering production costs often involves finding ways to get raw materials or key services more cheaply or to use less of them. Or it can mean identifying new, more efficient methods of producing a good or providing a service," according to Karen Berman and Joe Knight.

Finally, If you can show less debt and less spending, you have a better chance for getting a business loan versus a person with perfect credit but a high amount of debt.

Twyla