Internet Explorer and Homeland Security

The U.S. Department of Homeland security is advising Americans not to use the Internet Explorer Web browser until a fix is found for a serious security flaw that came to light over the weekend. The bug was announced on Saturday by FireEye Research Labs, an Internet security software company based in Milpitas, Calif.

My company, IME, works within the industry of Cyber Security and deals with issues of Cyber Terrorism. So, why is the Department of Homeland Security involved? Your personal data and the transfer of money to fund terrorism. It is this simple!

"We are currently unaware of a practical solution to this problem," the Department of Homeland Security's United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team said in a post Monday morning. It recommended that users and administrators "consider employing an alternative Web browser until an official update is available." Because the hack uses a corrupted Adobe Flash file to attack the victim's computer, users can avoid it by turning off Adobe Flash. "The attack will not work without Adobe Flash," FireEye said. "Disabling the Flash plugin within IE will prevent the exploit from functioning."

So, if you haven't already turned off Internet Explorer and Adobe Flash, please do so. The DHS is doing everything possible to rectify the situation but it still is a situation. "We are currently unaware of a practical solution to this problem," the Department of Homeland Security's United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team said in a post Monday morning. It recommended that users and administrators "consider employing an alternative Web browser until an official update is available." Because the hack uses a corrupted Adobe Flash file to attack the victim's computer, users can avoid it by turning off Adobe Flash. "The attack will not work without Adobe Flash," FireEye said. "Disabling the Flash plugin within IE will prevent the exploit from functioning."

Until next time,
Twyla N. Garrett

Common Business Mistakes

I am asked often about common business mistakes, which is why this is my third blog post on the subject. The problem with asking general questions is the answers will always be generic. You see, there are different types of industries in business which means there are different types of mistakes to be made. Some you can recover from, some you can’t!

Below are three common ‘general’ business mistakes you want to avoid and the reasons why:

1. Hiring the wrong people. Don’t trust a resume, vet it. Hiring the wrong person costs time, money and can ruin your reputation in the very delicate first three years of a start-up. Make sure someone doesn’t simply looks good on paper. Call those references.

2. Pricing. Yes, price point is a major issue because it pays the bill. Price something too high and you will not have sales. Price too low and you will not make a profit, maybe you will even put yourself in more debt. Take the time to do your research and really price your item or services within competitive range. Adjust as needed!

3. Being cheap about marketing. No one ever wants to spend money on marketing or advertising or public relations. And when a business isn’t receiving any attention or customers are not walking through the door, business owners question why. It takes money to make money. Whatever you can afford for marketing, double. You need it. Period.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett

The secret to productivity!

I was introduced to an amazing tool that helps me increase productivity and get to know my clients better. In fact, it has boosted my productivity and my profits. What is it? A recording device.

Yes, in the day of the app, I am relying on a basic digital recorder to move my business forward. I highly recommend this tactic to anyone and everyone- employee or business owner a like. You see, as a business owner I have to deal with many people, many problems, and many prospects daily.

Using a recorder allows me to record conversation highlights to review at a later date or time. When I am done pitching a client, I record my key thoughts about the client’s project and personal items he or she may have said to me right after the conversation and while it is fresh in my mind. Then when myself or my team is working on the proposal we can easily recall key information to include into the proposal. Even something as simply as a client mentioning they like Chiptole is useful. I will often record preferences noted by the client during a meeting so I can send a tailored ‘Thank You’ gift at a later date or as a follow up push.

So, simply taking a few minutes to recall important events into a record can truly help your productivity and your profit margin. Until next time, Twyla N. Garrett

Running A Business…. Are You Training?

You train for a marathon. Well, running a business is exactly like running a marathon. Thus, you have to continuously train for business like you would a marathon.

Like training for a marathon you need to consider opportunities. Which ‘marathons’ will you attempt and which ones are you going to pass on? Think about this when considering any and all business deals and partnerships. This rule should be applied to money, too. Simply because you are approved for a $600,000 loan doesn’t mean you should take all the money if it is not needed.

Endurance is going to be needed and you will have to ‘train’ for this as well. We are simply not conditioned as new business owners to understand the long hours and the magnitude of stress we will have to ensure. So, start off slowly and learn to take on more and more work / contracts / stress slowly and not all at once. No one runs and completes a marathon in record time their first bid out of the gate. Apply this concept to your business and your endurance.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

Fighting and Business.....

“Conflicts are common between you and competitors or employees and bosses. How you deal with conflict and those moments when you feel like you’ve been decked can mean the difference between success and failure.” – Bobby Campbell.

I read this statement today and sat on it. It hit me hard because Bobby talks about how running a business is like getting into a boxing ring each and everyday. The key is knowing when to get out of the ring or when to stay in and fight. As business owners we will encounter daily conflict. This doesn’t mean we have to engage into a conflict everyday. There is something to be said about the above statement.

Walking away from conflict is easier said than done. Chosing your battles wisely will be the difference between failure and success for you. If a conflict is minor, meaning it isn’t going to harm your company regardless if you win or lose, let it go. That fight isn’t worth it. However, if you are engaged in a battle that can harm your business – at the advise of a lawyer- then a fight must proceeed.

I am writing a book on failures in business right now and addressing the issue of fights won but businesses being lost as a result will be included in a chapter. If you have a similar story then I want to hear from you.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Pilots and Guns... Is This A Good Idea?

Today’s Homeland Security blog covers a topic recently brought up by Rand Paul. Mr. Paul stated more pilots should have guns. Is this really a good idea? Will a gun held by a pilot truly defeat potential acts of terrorism?

According to Guns.com, “In the latest Presidential budget for 2015, the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program is seeing its funding slashed, which could endanger the program that has armed approved pilots since 2003. Among those upset is Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who is calling for increasing, not decreasing, the funds appropriated for arming pilots. “I’m concerned about what is the most cost-effective way of preventing another 9/11: I want all pilots to be armed,” said Paul to Sean Hannity recently.

Now, there is no proof FFDO actually stopped any acts of potential terrorism since there is really no controlled study to back up the data. I’m not convinced the slashes to the budget will result in a terrorist attack. In fact, there has been a terrorist attack in Boston and a security guard with a gun didn’t make a difference because the method wasn’t a one-on-one shooting scenario.

Again, these congressional arguments become an issue of sustainability in the planning phase more than a “did it work” scenario. We will never know for sure if FFDO made the impact it was set out to do because, luckily and thankfully, nothing happened. This brings me to my thought of the day – why do we continue, as a people and a government, to set up programs without the ability to sustain them? Isn’t this setting ourselves up for failure and continued red-tape?

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

When NOT to Delegate!

Here’s the thing, I am often asked about delegation. I am both for and against it. I don’t believe in micromanaging employees but there are certain tasks that shouldn’t be delegated. In fact, these tasks should be micromanaged and handled by you! What are they? Keep reading.

1. How you are spending other people’s money. Yes, this is a subject that is sensitive but if you have business investors then you need to be speaking with them and updating them on the progress of the project and how their money is being spent. It is crass to delegate this tasks to an administrative support position.

2. Leadership. This defines your company brand and your company’s culture. If you delegate leadership to a poor leader or a leader who has a different vision then you- your company will not reflect your vision. Be your own leader. Be your company’s leader. Actually lead!

3. Pitching products or services. Sure, you will need a supportive sales team. However, do not allow this team to decide how things are pitched or how your company is represented. You need to train and check in upon all the people who sell your products and services for you. Again, I believe in delegation – just now when it comes to the above tasks.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett