Home-based entrepreneurship, an enticing concept, has undeniably piqued interest worldwide. Why so, you ask? Flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and creative freedom are just a few compelling reasons. Yet, for all its appeal, home-based entrepreneurship poses unique challenges. 

Even so, these hurdles offer room for growth. In this article, we will embark on this illuminating journey together. We will delve into the essence of operating a business from the comfort of your household. Moreover, we will unravel its complexities, offering you an unparalleled understanding of this burgeoning trend.

Welcome, future domestic innovators–here is an insightful glimpse into the realm of domestic business ventures where we turn potential into reality!

The Rise of Home-Based Entrepreneurship

Welcome to the era of home-based enterprises. Over the years, the number of people choosing to launch businesses from their abodes has skyrocketed. Why this seismic shift? In essence, technology has paved the way. Advanced communication tools, for one, have eased interactions, crossing geographical boundaries. 

Furthermore, digital marketing has enabled effective promotion beyond physical limitations. Amid the pandemic, this trend has only accelerated. Indeed, a silver lining was the discovery of how viable and profitable home-based ventures can be. 

Reflecting on these developments, it is clear: We are witnessing a revolution in the business landscape, making it an exciting time for future residential moguls.

The Benefits of Home-Based Entrepreneurship

Now that we have taken a glimpse at the rise of home-based ventures, let's delve into their numerous benefits.

No. 1

Flexibility of Work

Firstly, residential business owners relish unparalleled flexibility. They can schedule their day to suit personal obligations or even whims. Balancing work, personal life, and recreational activities has never been easier. Furthermore, the freedom to set working hours provides control often missing in traditional workplaces.

No. 2

Reduced Costs

Secondly, a home setting for your venture significantly cuts costs. Ditching the commute saves both time and money. The daily hustle of getting to work is replaced by a leisurely walk to your home office. Additionally, overhead expenses tumble. Rent for office space, utility bills, and maintenance costs are drastically reduced or completely eliminated.

No. 3

Comfort and Personal Environment

Living room entrepreneurs also enjoy the comfort of their familiar surroundings. The lack of a stressful office environment promotes productivity and work satisfaction. Interestingly, a personalized workspace plays a vital role in enhancing work output. You can set up your office furniture just how you like it, boosting creativity and efficiency. If setting up seems challenging, experts can give you a hand, ensuring your workspace is both functional and aesthetic.

No. 4

Expanded Opportunities

Moreover, home-based entrepreneurship opens up a world of possibilities. The Internet provides access to a global marketplace, allowing entrepreneurs to reach customers far beyond their local area. It also offers a plethora of business opportunities across various industries, giving budding entrepreneurs a wider scope to explore and innovate.

No. 5

Personal Fulfillment

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, house-based entrepreneurship leads to profound personal fulfillment. Pursuing your passions from the comfort of your household allows a direct impact on your business growth. You make the decisions, you reap the rewards, and you feel the satisfaction of your work's impact.

To sum up, the benefits of operating a business from your dwelling are multi-dimensional. They offer an enticing concoction of personal ease, financial benefits, and potential for expansion. 

The ability to protect your creative energy in a familiar and comfortable setting adds further allure to this enterprise model. Collectively, these elements make home entrepreneurship a desirable choice for today's dynamic business minds.

The Challenges of Home-Based Entrepreneurship

While home-based business offers enticing benefits, it's essential to understand the challenges too. After all, preparation is the key to success.

No. 1

Isolation and Lack of Social Interaction

One common struggle for homepreneurs is the feeling of isolation. Traditional office environments encourage social interactions, providing opportunities to collaborate, network, and build relationships. Working remotely, however, can limit these interactions, potentially affecting mental health and job satisfaction.

No. 2

Difficulty in Separating Work and Home Life

Achieving an optimal work-life balance presents a significant challenge. When your domestic space doubles as your office, drawing the line between personal life and work can prove to be tough. 

An expert company, Zapt Movers, has done research underscoring this difficulty, revealing that many individuals struggle to disengage from work when their office is mere footsteps away from their personal space. 

However, consciously setting boundaries and designating separate zones for work and relaxation within your home can significantly alleviate this issue, enabling you to better juggle your professional responsibilities and personal life.

No. 3

Limited Business Resources

Working from a residential office might limit access to business resources. Physical resources such as meeting rooms or tech equipment may not be readily available. Additionally, networking and building business relationships can be more challenging without traditional office environments and events.

No. 4

Motivation and Self-Discipline

Motivation and self-discipline can also be tested in a home-based business setting. With no boss or colleagues to monitor your work, self-motivation becomes crucial. Staying disciplined and focused is paramount to maintaining productivity and meeting business goals.

No. 5

Potential Legal and Zoning Issues

Finally, navigating legal and zoning issues can pose a significant challenge. Home-based businesses might run into zoning laws that limit the type of business allowed in residential areas. Certain permits and licenses might be required, adding to the complexity of setting up your business.

Takeaways

So, there we have it–a deep dive into the fascinating world of home-based entrepreneurship. From its surge in popularity to its numerous benefits, this trend is indeed appealing. However, it is not without hurdles. Navigating through isolation, maintaining a work-life balance, and overcoming potential legal challenges may seem daunting. Despite these obstacles, the rewards are substantial. 

Ultimately, each entrepreneur's journey is unique, offering a mix of challenges and triumphs. With the right strategies, the dream of running a successful business from the comfort of a household is entirely attainable. It's a thrilling time for potential homepreneurs. So, what do you say—is home-based entrepreneurship for you?

Regular readers of this blog will understand that how you approach your business on a psychological level can make a huge difference in how successful it is likely to be, as well as how much you will enjoy running it.

Unfortunately, there are a few common and outdated ways of thinking that are both very likely to make things more challenging for any entrepreneur.

It is beneficial to identify these harmful thinking habits and to upgrade them in some way or another to create healthier internal dialogues, in effect creating more peace and abundance in your life and business.

Here are a few examples of the kinds of changes in thinking you might want to aim for and adopt to achieve this.

No. 1

Cultivate More Positivity

It can be all too easy to get overwhelmed by our thinking that there is a limit to what we feel we can accomplish. However, the truth is that if you would like to cultivate a better mindset, one of the elements that you will want to consider is to aim for creating more positivity in your thinking.

This is not something that you should force, but rather intentionally develop gently over time. It is quite essential and will prove to be very useful when it comes to growing your business, so ensure that you are developing this skill daily if you want your business to consistently succeed.

Our thoughts become tangible, so when we focus on positive outcomes and higher-frequency emotions, we are creating more of those very things in our life. The more intentional you become with your thoughts, the better you will get at creating more of the things you want to see manifest and come to reality in your life and business versus the ones you want to avoid.

No. 2

Avoiding All-Or-Nothing Thinking

Another very common way of thinking falls in classifying goals in terms of all-or-nothing results. For example, this is likely when you think that you must achieve a certain ideal number of sales results in any given timeframe, otherwise, you are feeling unaccomplished or that your business is going nowhere.

In this thought process, all you are accomplishing is putting a huge amount of pressure on yourself and setting yourself up for immediate failure in your mind. Over time this will have a profoundly damaging effect on you and your business itself simply because you are focused more on an exact outcome in determining your self-worth.

Instead of focusing on the how, you are focused on the when, and this creates stress and uncertainty that you will try to rectify regardless of how much productive effort you put out. You will feel burnt out and miss the opportunity to enjoy the process.

If you would like to learn more about this debilitating thought process, Joshua Shuman Psychologist understands this concept and can help you uproot some of these ideas if you do find yourself thinking in this way.

No. 3

Focus On Providing Value

Instead of focusing all of your energy on profit and loss, instead, try switching that around and focusing more on providing value to customers. This, in many ways, takes the pressure off of you to reach the numbers, and you will find that ironically, it will naturally lead to more profit simply as an effect of your providing value.

In fact, you will find that the profit and loss obsession is quite an outdated way of thinking which does not really serve your greater need to fulfill your purpose. We are learning that there are universal laws that govern our lives, and by being in tune with them, you can see the results flow rather than coming at the expense of something else.

By tuning into more of how you can provide unquestionable value to others that will in turn bless you and further drive you, you will naturally become more in alignment within a healthier heart space of giving. You will nurture that need and desire of wanting to give something to others, and you will naturally be rewarded for it—not having to force results that do not align with your output.

No. 4

Experimentation Above All

Finally, consider what it could be like if you approach your business–and each day working within it–in a mode of experimentation to discover and learn new things. This is the kind of approach that you might want to think about, something that can help you to really unlock the greater potential of your business, while also providing an enjoyable way to run it with less pressure and more grace.

After all, the process of running a business is all about learning, growing, and being open to all of the ups and downs that come with that process. If you detach yourself from the need to be perfect and to have everything all figured out, you can achieve a greater amount of freedom. In this newfound space, the answers will come to you naturally and without force.

By opening yourself up to the unlimited possibilities that exist and leaving the need to control everything behind, you will find that so much more opportunity opens up to you. It is in this place of the unknown where all new things are created and birthed.

This is something you might want to consider trying out at the very least, as it can help you get in tune with an abundant source that is unlimited and not bound by our often limited human constraints and understanding.

Takeaways

As we as a society learn more and more about the power of mindset and perspective, there is a greater urge to apply these concepts to begin to see the changes that take place in our lives for the greater good.

The old way of thinking in terms of capitalist and corporatist limitations will no longer work in the coming, more evolved world where we are in tune with our innate abilities, which make all things possible.

We no longer need to exist in a state of stress or illusion, and by simply changing our thinking, we can begin to walk in our purpose more authentically and aligned with our greater selves and natural gifts. 

Attracting new customers can be challenging, but when you do, you want to make sure they are impressed with what your business has to offer. As a business owner, this often means that you will have to go above and beyond what your customer expects. Whether it is continuously engaging your existing customers or attracting new ones, maintaining a good impression on your brand could create lifetime relationships with your ideal customers.

Luseta Beauty’s rewards program is called Beauty Garden rewards, and customers can earn “petals” in exchange for various free incentives.

The actions you must engage to attract your customers will differ from business to business, but it is worth knowing that it will always be an investment in the end. Oftentimes satisfying customers is not easy, and an effective marketing plan is not cheap. However, going to great lengths to achieve a good balance will ensure that you are building a brand that lasts.

In the end, every business owner knows that happy customers lead to success. So how do you impress customers so that they not only return but also spread the word about your business?

Here are six tips to help you stand out from the competition and impress your customers:

01

Focus on quality Marketing efforts

The first step to impressing new customers and even potential new business partners rests in working on how you present your business. If you try to save money on marketing, you must keep in mind that the quality and value of your marketing strategies are going to be what leaves an impression on your customers. Being conscious about Socially Responsible Marketing (SRM) is the first step in creating a brand that resonates with a larger audience.

Moreover, when you are planning your next marketing campaign, think bigger, but effective. Hire a drone to record your shots, invest in animation (create an animation video), and do what other businesses are not doing. You can learn more about getting a drone for your business and explore new technologies that can help you achieve your vision.

It might sound like you are being a bit over the top, but going for what is new and premium in the market is exactly what you need to grab the attention of both customers and partners. Why? Because these tools will allow you to achieve the best results possible. Quality is always an indicator of a business’s success, so make sure you are communicating this to your audience.

02

Keep open communication

When you buy a product from a new business, you want to know that you are going to get what you have paid for. If you do not and are not satisfied, you will want to know that you can easily and quickly communicate with the business about getting it sorted. If you keep your communications closed, you are not going to be able to reassure your customers that their orders are secure and that they are not going to lose out when they buy from you.

It is also important to be ready to answer any questions about your products or services, as you may have prospective customers who are ready to make a purchase but would like to learn just a little more. The quicker you answer their questions, the more likely you are to address their concerns and make a sale, so have someone ready and waiting to respond to all customers who write in. It may even be a good idea to have an automated response set up for certain questions.

03

Provide quality products & services

It is one thing to show off and make many promises about your products and services, but you must ensure that you are capable of actually following through with them. You would not want to waste a great marketing campaign on something that your customer is ultimately going to be disappointed with. When you are making these promises of quality, be confident that you can deliver them. Sure, quality products and services are more expensive to put out, but this is fundamental if you want your business to grow a reputation for quality.

Selling poor-quality products is going to be cheaper for you, and will save you a chunk of money in the short term, but it is not great for long-term business; It is disappointing, and if your competitors are offering better products while being heavily committed to socially responsible practices, you are going to lose your customers to them. It is important that if you change up suppliers at some point, you do not lose the quality that you have always provided. Your existing customers may feel cheated, and your business’ reputation will decline.

04

Surprise them

If you have highly anticipated products, features, or services you are planning to launch, know that the wait can kill the excitement for your customers. If you are going to announce something, you will want to make sure you are not announcing it too early on in the process. Being spontaneous is much more effective and allows customers to make their purchases based on the excitement, rather than waiting for all of the hype around it to die.

The problem with many marketing campaigns is that by the time it is released, customers have moved on. Since customers are constantly bombarded with marketing messages, their purchasing decisions rely on their immediate needs being met, so timing is everything. Ensure that your marketing campaigns are lined up in a way that guarantees that you are maximizing your reach and engagement.

The truth is, no one is going to complain about sudden positive changes within your business that came without a formal announcement. Implementing a reward system? No need to announce it beforehand. Hosting a sale? Announcing it too early is not going to do your business any good. Let things be spontaneous—your customers will be excited to know that you have been diligently working on new things. If you already have the right marketing channels in place, like social media, you can quickly announce these things just in time for customers to take part.

05

Offer rewards & incentives

If there is one thing that is sure to impress your customers, it is seeing that you are giving out rewards and incentives to returning customers. It is not often that a business surprises its customers with free products, so reward programs are a very good way to create a loyal community. Allowing your customers a discount after spending a certain amount of money, or giving them a free product after a certain number of purchases, will make them more likely to return to your business over a competitor’s. 

Of course, if not done correctly, these reward systems can work against you, so it is important that you plan it out properly and make sure you can implement it without it costing your business in the long run. The good thing about having rewards as incentives is that it might be what causes your business to grow quicker in popularity, which is why it is worth implementing so long as you are prepared. Having to remove a rewards program later down the line is not going to be good for your reputation, so be sure to plan it out so that you can justify these expenses and guarantee a return on your investment.

Luseta Beauty is a company we discovered that has this all figured out. The way they bring rewards to their most loyal customers is through various ways to earn “petals”, which they have used to term their rewards points. From free shipping and vouchers to free products and birthday petals, they are making it fun to shop with them. Why would customers not want to be rewarded for the things they buy? They also offer access to exclusive promotions and tester panels with different tiers depending on how much customers spend within a year.

06

Listen to feedback

It is not often that a customer gets to feel the reward of having taken part in the development or improvement of a business. It helps the customer to feel valued, and it shows that the brand itself cares about what its customers want. Taking feedback from your customers and using it to improve your business can be a great way to show that you value your customers, and are committed to providing a positive experience for them.

When you ask for and act on customer feedback, you are showing your customers that their opinion matters. This can help build trust with your customers in a day and age where the customer really influences every aspect of a business. It can also be a big differentiator in today's crowded market and can lead to increased customer retention and referrals.

Takeaways

Overall, impressing customers is about much more than just delivering a product or service. It is about customer service, being a trusted solution, and building a relationship with those who choose to do business with you when they could have easily gone elsewhere. Let them know that they are valued and that they made the right decision. When customers see that you are not just in business for profit, but rather to deliver an exceptional experience and provide long-term value, they will be more committed to your brand and look to you for their future needs.

Running a business is stressful—a statement that could possibly be the understatement of the century. After all, companies in your industry would naturally prefer that your business failed because that means one less organization to compete against and potentially swallow up their market share. On top of that, for your business to survive and thrive in today’s competitive digital landscape, you must continually evolve with the market, maintain a coherent strategy, continuously streamline all of your overbearing systems, and never get too attached to creative ideas, specifically ones that do not work.

As a business owner, you have a lot on your mind. You are trying to solve things in your head all day while trying to still remain present with the current day’s demands. This can feel burdensome with so much load to carry on your own. Shutting down mentally can seem almost impossible, and to think that you will ever have a day where you do not have to worry about anything, or that the wheels will someday spin themselves, is a pipe dream. So, you diligently attack your never-ending to-do list with everything you have.

@viancasoleil reminding us that it is possible to create a life and business that is a reflection of anything you desire. This includes managing your business in a way that promotes peace of mind.

Fortunately, you can certainly be in control of your business to the point where integrations, software, and contingency planning can give you a sense of security and protect you from security threats that could spell disaster for your business if not implemented.

Additionally, if something goes wrong, your business will remain strong. You will have the luxury of avoiding unnecessary downtime because you have put in effective measures and protections beforehand that will provide reassurance and peace of mind for when you need it.

Here, we will discuss a few ways that we believe are necessary to achieve peace of mind in your business. Giving these items immediate attention will help you avoid unnecessary expenses or challenges in the future.

01

Stated, Definable Goals

Confusion is often the best breeding ground for stress, which is why leaving vital business priorities vague can only cause chaos, no matter how good of a manager or owner you are. It is good to cement your work week, workday, and overall visionary priorities into concrete, executable goals—those that help you move forward with care so you genuinely understand what the next step will be. Integrating that into the time blocks of productivity you use daily will ensure you know what you are doing, and how to build on what you have developed beforehand. This personal example will help your managers conform to your style, and as such, structured approaches to tasks will take root throughout your organization.

02

Proper Documentation & Contractual Management

It is important to make sure you learn about the contract management life cycle before you agree to contracts or embed them into the structural policies and plans of your business. This way, you know that as contracts expire or as you work on your record-keeping and transparency, you will have no administrative deadwood that causes confusion and breeds mistakes. This will also help manager training and employee onboarding, and ensure complex B2B connections are honored at every level.

03

Cybersecurity Is A Growing Concern

Regular cybersecurity training can help you defend against hacking and social engineering methods used by online criminals, says Lumify Learn. Your staff does not have to be negligent or unintelligent to suffer a hack, as even very popular tech brands can come under fire from time to time. Regular backups, password changes, file protections, data encryption, and secure communications will help you avoid a small issue from turning into a system-wide issue. The more you can do that, the more you can rely on your systems to protect you as opposed to wondering where the next threat will come from.

@viancasoleil is the founder of Unna, an interior designer, and a photographer. We are inspired by her calming, island aesthetic which keeps us dreaming of a work-life balance that includes a bungalow beachside and drinks at sunset.

04

Automation software & AI tools

With the advances in automation and artificial intelligence, simple tasks can now be done with software that promises efficiency, accuracy, and time management. Finding software to fuel your business growth is one of the best things you could do to ensure that you are fully integrated with systems that help manage the day-to-day activities of your business to increase productivity for yourself and your staff. Using software to manage your time, budgets, and projects are effective ways to keep everything all in one place and organized for your team.

Takeaways

These are just a few processes that can be implemented to avoid future battles that can be avoided with intentional integration within your business. With this advice, you are sure to identify and eradicate stress where needed, helping you remain clear, focused, and calm as much as possible so that you can run your business smoothly. Maintaining a business can be easier when systems are being utilized in areas that are fundamental to the success of your business and when they are specifically used to protect you from future threats or liabilities.

Marianna Hewitt celebrating International Women’s Day with Oak and Fort, a modern lifestyle brand which is not only woman-founded but also led by women. Since the launch of her flagship product, the Jet Lag Mask, she has been a great force in the wellness and self-care movement, inspiring others with her success.

Operating a new business can be an exciting, but daunting adventure, with several factors to consider before leaping. Statistics show that more than 50% of all small businesses collapse before their fifth anniversary.

Before opening your doors for business, there are various critical stages, from drafting a business strategy and collecting money to building a brand and establishing operations. A detailed checklist ensures you cover all the crucial bases and set yourself up for success.

01

Knowledge or ability

Obtain the required skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in your chosen industry once you decide on the type of business you want to establish. Although it will take time and work, you will have all the information you need to launch your business idea from scratch.

Since it is critical to have a business plan, gathering all of the pertinent reseach will make it that much easier to compile all of the data you need. By creating a business plan, you will determine if your service is in demand and if it is worthwhile to pursue the idea in the first place.

If you have the appropriate expertise, create a business plan independently. Alternatively, you can always seek the assistance of an experienced business consultant.

02

Staffing

Your staff can either grow or destroy your business. Without competent human resources, no company can thrive. Therefore, you must enlist a team of knowledgeable staff who plan to attract the right talent for you company.

Additionally, consider collaborating with a recruiting agency to fill your openings with competent people. Furthermore, several websites make it easier to find the right type of candidates you are looking for.

Enlisting help from a staffing agency might ease your work and save you money. So, it is worth the extra step. You must also factor in training in addition to hiring the right people, so keep this in mind, too.

03

Start-up costs

Estimating your start-up costs is one of the most important variables when starting a new business. It would help if you calculated the whole cost of starting and running your business. For instance, the start-up costs for a manufacturing unit you want to create might be high.

Consider the cost of the land or building, the industrial setup, the acquisition of machinery and equipment, the investment in furniture and office supplies, and a variety of other assets that will require funding. Similarly, a retail business will have start-up costs for construction, interior remodeling, and showroom design.

Once your business is formed, you must consider the operating capital needed to keep it running. You must examine the inventory you maintain on hand, the credit you can provide your customers, and the credit you may receive from suppliers.

However, you should not constantly rely on credit from suppliers, especially if you are a newcomer to the sector. Avoid company debt in excess when you start funding your business as this may hinder your growth in the future.

04

Legal licenses, permits, and insurance

Addressing the legalities of running a business is not the most enjoyable aspect of beginning a retail business, but it is necessary. You must decide on your business structure, ranging from single proprietorship to corporation.

It is typical for merchants to form limited liability corporations to reduce personal risk, but make sure you receive legal counsel before deciding on the best business structure for your specific circumstances.

Before opening a retail business, you should also extensively investigate what licenses and permissions are necessary for your area. Verify federal, state, and municipal government requirements because regulations vary. Some applications take a long process, so start as soon as possible.

05

Competitors

Look into the companies that provide comparable goods or services. You may learn about their target markets and the places they serve.

If they serve a comparable demographic, consider opening stores further away from them or focusing on a different market. You might also join a local chamber of commerce or entrepreneurial group to meet individuals working on similar projects.

06

record-Keeping

Before establishing your company, devise a method for tracking your sales, income, expenditures, and operational costs. With the help of an organization, you may track your expenditures and file your taxes. Consider hiring an accountant or studying software options that can automate some tasks to help you with this.

07

Payment processing systems

Installing payment processing hardware is essential. Buy payment processing equipment such as credit card readers, POS systems, or mobile card readers. Be certain that the equipment is compatible with your payment processor.

There are numerous types of credit card machines, each with its advantages. Countertop, mobile, virtual, and integrated point-of-sale (POS) systems are some of the most frequent credit card terminals. Mobile terminals are ideal for companies that sell on the move, such as during trade exhibits or events.

Takeaways

Starting a new business can be challenging but achievable by implementing the right strategies from the beginning of its inception. Consider adopting this checklist to achieve the best results for your particular venture.

With so many resources available online, you are sure to gather the best tools and resources available. Take advantage of the many advances in technology that will allow you to automate common tasks and processes. This will allow you to free up your time to focus on your business strategy, growth, and expansion.

Likewise, Hello Lovely Living is here to support you with your business endeavors, so feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation on the many graphic, web, and digital marketing services available.

A consistent brand message across your digital marketing channels builds trust with your brand. Need branding, graphic design, or digital marketing help? Get in touch

If you are new to digital marketing, you might feel overwhelmed by the many tools, strategies, and platforms you must master. However, you will learn that digital marketing is not as complicated as it seems. In fact, with a few essential tips and best practices, you can start creating compelling campaigns that reach your target audience and grow your business online.

Here are some digital marketing tips for beginners that will help you get started:

01

Define your goals and audience

Before you launch any digital marketing campaign, you need a clear idea of what you want to achieve and who you want to reach. Do you want to increase brand awareness, generate leads, drive sales, or build brand awareness? Who are your ideal customers, and what are their needs, preferences, and pain points? A clear goal and target audience will help you choose your campaign's channels, messages, and tactics.

02

Choose the right platform

Many digital marketing platforms, such as social media, email, search engines, websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, and more, are available. However, you do not need to use them all. Instead, focus on the most relevant platforms to your goals and audience. For example, to reach young people interested in fashion, you might want to use Instagram and TikTok. For professionals looking for solutions to their business problems, you might use LinkedIn and Google Ads.

A consistent brand message across your digital marketing channels builds trust with your brand. Need branding, graphic design, or digital marketing help? Get in touch

03

Create valuable content

Content, including video content, is the core of any digital marketing campaign. It is what attracts, engages, and converts your audience. But not all content is created equal. Create valuable content for your audience, meaning that it provides helpful information, solves their problems, entertains them, or inspires them, with a focus on quality video content to enhance viewer engagement.

If you are a beginner, you can use an easy to use video editor for effective video editing for your video content. The content you create must also be relevant to your brand, reflecting your values, personality, and unique selling proposition. Finally, create consistent content across all platforms and channels, following the same tone of voice, style, and format, ensuring that video content is seamlessly integrated and aligned with your overall content strategy.

04

Optimize your content for SEO

SEO stands for search engine optimization, which is the process of improving your content's visibility and ranking on search engines like Google or Bing. SEO is vital because it helps you reach more potential customers searching for topics related to your business or industry. To optimize your content for SEO, you must do keyword research and find out what words and phrases your audience uses to search for your products or services. Include the relevant keywords in your content's title, headings, body text, images, and meta tags. You must also ensure your content is easy to read, fast to load, and mobile-friendly.

Now is also a wise time to look into implementing a Google reputation management strategy. This will go hand in hand with SEO and help boost your visibility and increase traffic to your site. It’s also an opportunity to use SEO and reputation management techniques to grow your business.

Dreamstime Stock Photos

05

Measure and improve your results

The last tip for digital marketing beginners is to track and analyze your campaign's performance and results. This will help you understand what works and what does not work in your digital marketing strategy and how you can improve it over time. A few metrics you can measure include impressions, clicks, conversions, bounce rate, engagement rate, and return on investment (ROI). Use tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Insights to collect and visualize your data. A/B testing or surveys can also be used to experiment with different variations of your content and see which one performs better.

Takeaways

Digital marketing is one of the fastest-growing segments in the online space. Content is king, and digital marketing is the vehicle in which content reaches the right audience. By utilizing the right digital marketing tools, software, and apps on the market, you could benefit from the vast amount of resources to help your business thrive.

This month, Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland celebrated their 5th birthday celebration at Upside Pizza in NYC. They have been successful in understanding their customers’ needs since the launch of their flagship product, the Jet Lag Mask, and have since launched many other products. Their nostalgic pop-up events like this one with a Self-Care shop incorporate the iconic Summer Fridays branding to achieve a memorable experience for their customers.

01

Understand Your Customers’ Schedules 

Many freelancers paid by the hour must abide by time clock rules. This often means they are responsible for logging their working hours and dedicating a set amount of time each day to a project. Understand your customer schedules and how it corresponds to your routine. Ensure you are fulfilling your contractual obligations, especially when it is tied to whether you get paid.

02

Stick To A Routine

As a freelancer, you are largely responsible for managing your time. We all have routines, and you know what works best for you. But basic rules like the time you get up, eat, and sleep will help you stick to a routine and avoid you working unusual hours that leave you feeling run-down. Try to work a set amount of hours each day, take regular breaks and create a schedule that will help you stay consistent.

03

Set Boundaries With Clients

Make it clear to your clients when you are available. If you are working with clients outside your time zone, try to find some overlap in your working day where you can connect if needed. Respect your boundaries and ensure your clients know exactly when you are and aren’t reachable. This will also help establish a good working relationship with your customers and give you a clear work-life boundary.

04

Seek Financial Advice

Seeking financial advice can directly tie into the hours you work. If you are having cash flow problems, the earlier you know, the quicker you can explore new avenues for business growth and regain control of your time. The more money you earn is directly tied to the hours you work as a freelancer, so keeping on top of finances avoids spiraling hours to make up for financial losses in the business.

It is also best to pay attention to common personal and business expenses that can easily be prevented by choosing a bank that has no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and free ATMs. These common expenses can add up, so this decision will be very important to avoid unnecessary expenses down the road. We are impressed with Chime because it checks off all the boxes and makes banking smarter. Earn $100 when you join Chime. Learn more.

Social media template and theme planning and scheduling tools can automate daily tasks that are often time-consuming.

05

Use A Project Management Tool

A project management tool like Asana can help you organize your time and meet your schedule and deadlines. When you are extremely busy, a project management tool can help keep you on track and ensure you can complete your projects to deadline and budget. Project management tools can help you break down large tasks into more manageable ones so that you can be more effective with your time.

06

Make Sure You Switch Off

Managing work-life balance as a freelancer can be challenging. Nonetheless, switching off is an essential part of being effective. Make time for yourself, whether protecting your hour lunch break or ensuring you finish at a reasonable time in the evenings. Do what helps you switch off best, whether that’s playing a video game or going for a run. 

Get social media templates and themes, scheduling tools, and graphic design support to help you be efficient with daily marketing tasks.

07

Invest In Automation

Automation can help you win back vital time as a freelancer. You might invest in social media planning and scheduling, automated email marketing campaigns, or prompts to potential customers that leave their cart on your eCommerce site. You can look at opportunities to automate tasks like sending invoices or payment follow-ups to help you win back time you can spend on other areas of your business.

08

Define A Reminder Schedule For Payments

Spending valuable time chasing your invoices? Setting a reminder payment schedule is vital to appearing professional and saving time. Following up on overdue invoices is stressful and, when done manually, can eat into your working hours. Setting clear reminders and payment deadlines is vital to saving yourself time as a freelancer.

09

Get To Grips With tracking your time

Do you know how long it takes you to complete tasks? An accurate picture of your tasks can help you manage your working hours and get the right project timelines. It also ties into your payments. Recording your timelines ensures you set accurate prices for your goods and services. Underestimate your hours, and you risk getting both underpaid and working extra hours to complete pieces of work.

10

Block Off Time

Blocking off chunks of time to focus on specific tasks can help you get into a flow state and manage your workload better. A flow state refers to becoming fully immersed in whatever you are doing. It describes when people achieve their best work with focus and clarity. Giving yourself allocated hours to focus on specific tasks can help you achieve a flow state and make the most of your time. Physically block off hours in your calendar to complete your projects.

11

Document Everything

Document all your workflows and processes. Identifying your business operations can help you identify where you can streamline and template your work. It is also great when your mind is blank, as you can refer back to something you have drafted previously as a prompt. Documentation is great to review as your business scales, as it can be used to train new employees or collaborators quickly and effectively.

12

Give Yourself Buffer Time

Even if it takes you three hours to complete a task, it doesn’t mean you should only give yourself three hours. Buffer time is essential as a freelancer. It protects you on days you feel tired and ill, days your boiler breaks or your internet goes down. You don’t need to cram your working days with constantly focused work. Give yourself some buffer time to protect yourself against life’s unforeseen events. 

If you are questioning the value of buffer time as part of your hourly rate, it is still essential. You and your clients would be much happier if you built in time for fact-checking, proofing, and project revisions.

Takeaways

It can be tough to manage your time as a freelancer. Fortunately, resources like project management software and financial advice can help you manage your time as a small business owner. Sticking to a routine, setting clear client boundaries, and managing your timelines are important resources for working effectively. There are also many chances to automate and save time, including drafting documentation, setting reminder schedules, and investing in automation. Try these tips today and see how it helps you manage your freelance business.

Working your social media marketing business from here—wouldn’t it be lovely? @hellolovelyliving

Before we dive into the world of online digital marketing classes, we should first start with a few questions:

What is digital marketing?

Simply put, digital marketing is any marketing done electronically, be it online or even a digital poster on a sign in a store to reach consumers. Most digital marketing happens on the internet.

What types of digital marketing are there?

There are several types of digital marketing. One familiar type of digital marketing is SEO, or "search engine optimization". This is why when you enter a search query in the google search bar, the first few results are usually advertisements. Another type of digital marketing that people are most familiar with is social media marketing. We have all seen the "sponsored" posts as we scroll through our online news feeds. This is the use of social media platforms to promote a product or service.

there are classes I can take that teach me how to digitally market a particular product or service?

Yes. Traditionally, classes were taken on campus, but as mankind is ever-evolving into a digital world, classes can be taken more commonly online. Additionally, with the ongoing global pandemic where social distancing is not only recommended but mandated in most places, online digital marketing classes are progressively becoming more desirable versus taking a class on campus or through a local public library.

Another amazing benefit of online classes is flexibility

These days, the world is busier than ever. From an economic standpoint, it takes two incomes to financially support a family comfortably. By taking classes online, you are able to set a schedule that works for you to accommodate your daily demands. This allows flexibility in how you manage your time between any lectures that need to be watched, workshops and homework that need to be done, and exams that need to be taken.

Another big benefit that is huge in terms of the decision of whether to take classes online or on campus in a classroom setting is you can work on assignments and read on the go. Say you are on your lunch break at work; by taking your classes online, you can tote your device with you and do your work while you are on your breaks. The point is online classes not only allow for flexibility in scheduling but in how and where you work.

Now, this last point is crucial

Being that we are discussing online digital marketing classes, by taking them online, you are literally able to transfer what you have learned from the classroom to the practical application in real time. You are able to take things learned through the course of your classes and apply them right then to see how they apply as you go. Now, apps like Canva also enable you to create content such as social media posts and videos on the go making it easy to be efficient with your time.

Say you already have a business or something else that requires marketing of some type. By taking digital marketing classes online, you could theoretically plug in your real-life company or whatever you are marketing into the space where an example is used in the lesson. Then, you tackle two birds with one stone. You gain positive lesson experience for the class and promote the business that you are actively marketing.

Takeaways

It is easy to see how taking digital marketing classes online rather than in a traditional campus setting is the right approach to effectively gain knowledge and experience concurrently. With all of life’s distractions and the business of daily life in a fast-paced world, finding flexibility and something more suited to your individual lifestyle is essential in avoiding burnout. Thankfully, in an environment that is constantly evolving, there is a space for everyone to achieve work-life balance.

@unsplash

According to the SBA (Small Business Administration), approximately 50% of all US businesses are home-based. Additionally, reports from the Pew Research Center reveal that 16 million Americans are self-employed. This makes up nearly 30% of the total workforce. The majority of these businesses are sole proprietorships; thus, every decision, be it related to inventory or financial investment, is made without any additional advice or support.  

Unlike large companies, small business owners like sole proprietors do not have a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) to advise them about their company’s financial condition or direction. Thus, home-based businesses struggle to maintain their good standing or fail to grow. What can a home-business owner do in this situation? The answer is simpler than you think: Hire a financial advisor. In this article, we discuss a few points to consider when hiring one.

What does a financial advisor do? 

Generally speaking, financial advisors assist entrepreneurs with deciding the course of action for their revenue earned. However, their role is not limited to financial advice. Rather, there are numerous services that you can select from based on your current and ongoing needs.

• Debt Management: Creating strategies to pay off debt and avoid the same costs in the future. 

• Tax Planning: This includes tax return preparation, planning tax-loss harvesting security sales, enhancing tax deductions (and exemptions), using capital gains tax rates wisely, and more. 

• Insurance & healthcare advice: Providing the best solutions for you and your teams’ healthcare on a long-term basis. 

• Budgeting: Strategies to meet business goals (both short-term & long-term) within your budget. 

Apart from this, financial advisors can also assist you in retirement and estate planning.

Signs you need a financial advisor

Though you do not need any specific reason to work with a financial advisor, certain signs call for professional assistance. These signs include: 

• You do not know how and where to invest business earnings.

• You are frequently losing money on your investment(s).

• You do not have an estate plan.

• You are currently struggling with debt payments.

• You are constantly failing at creating a budget. 

If you have already designated personnel to manage your finances and assist you with business decisions, you do not necessarily need to appoint a new person. Instead, you can connect with a financial advisor business coach to train your already appointed staff. They can help you in deepening your client relationships, and you will be able to envision your business's future growth with just a few helpful insights. 

It is important to note that not all coaches are created equal. Try to find one with a well-developed signature program that aligns with your business goals and objectives. A signature program is a coaching framework that has been refined and perfected over time, providing a structured and effective approach to achieving specific outcomes. With a signature coaching program, a business coach can help you develop new skills, improve your performance, and achieve measurable results, ultimately leading to the success and growth of your business.

How to choose a financial advisor? 

A financial advisor can make or break a business. Therefore, you must practice due diligence when appointing one for your home-based business. Some of the things you need to take into consideration when selecting a financial advisor include: 

• Is the financial advisor certified? Check the certification of the advisor.

• What types of services are offered and what are the fees? If they have connections with a prime broker for small and emerging hedge funds, that's better.

• Understand the financial advisor’s approach and beliefs, and check if it aligns with your goals. 

• Look for someone who has the appropriate tools and resources to teach you financial freedom.

Takeaways

It does not matter whether you own a small business or a global enterprise; you need a financial advisor or an entire team to help you make the most appropriate financial decisions for your business. Nevertheless, it is good to keep in mind that every financial advisor will have different strengths to bring to the table. Not any one individual receives the same level of training and experience, so you must be vigilant in selecting a professional that is knowledgeable and capable of bringing you positive results.

@hellolovelyliving using her favorite teddy bear hoody jacket to keep warm

Dressing for work during the winter season in cold climates can be challenging, especially for women. You want to feel warm and comfortable, while also looking stylish and professional.

Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to worry about this and instead go to the office with a rolled-out-of-bed look? If you work from home, you easily fall into this category—lucky for you!

Indeed, dressing for work when it is freezing outside takes a little bit of investment in useful accessories. With proper outfit planning, you can ensure that you are always prepared for any weather.

If you are looking to plan your outfits and accessories for the winter season, we have a few ideas for you. Here we will discuss a few winter-appropriate accessories that will protect you from the cold weather while also ensuring that you always look professional.

01

Long coats, scarves, and gloves

In many ways, your outfit matters more than you think, especially in an office setting. After all, this is the place where first impressions matter and where the way you dress speaks volumes about you to your colleagues and clients. You want to look presentable while also feeling comfortable.

When planning your office attire for the winter months, the best accessories to wear in and out of the office are long coats, scarves, and gloves. These winter-appropriate accessories will not only protect you from cold weather but also ensure that you look professional.

Aside from this, you will also feel comfortable and warm all throughout the day. Long coats look professional and chic in an office setting, so make sure to invest in coats that are made of quality materials that will last for years.

02

Warm hats

Some offices encourage their employees to wear anything that makes them feel comfortable during the colder months. If you fall into this category, you have more options for keeping warm.

In this case, choosing additional accessories such as hats in various styles can easily elevate your look while ensuring you are warm both indoors and outdoors.

Depending on the tasks you have for the day, plan out your desired look beforehand. If you are required to be out in the field for the majority of your day, try opting for a business casual or athleisure look where you incorporate a hat to go along with your outfit. A hat will keep you protected from the wind, rain, and cold while pulling your look together and making you appear polished.

@hellolovelyliving staying cozy during the colder seasons in Southern California

03

Eco-friendly sweaters

While it is evident that sweaters protect you from cold weather, know that not all fabrics are created equal.

For instance, if you are heading to work in a moderate climate, wearing sustainable sweaters can be a better option. You could also go for cotton fabrics which are lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Likewise, if you are heading out in extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfall, you should carry heavy wool sweaters for maximum warmth and comfort. Wool sweaters are naturally-insulating and provide optimal warmth to combat rigid weather.

04

Shawls and blazers

Oftentimes, our workplaces can become chilly—even thermostats will not always control the indoor temperature. Ensuring that you are not vulnerable to the cold indoors is also of high importance. This will help prevent common seasonal illnesses, which can happen easily when exposed to cold drafts.

For this, simply carry a shawl or extra blazer so that you can quickly warm up in a freezing office. Plus, a shawl can double as a blanket, and you can still look professional when you wrap it around your upper body or lap.

05

Layers

Before you head out for the day, check the weather forecast and plan your layers accordingly. With layers, you can easily adjust the level of warmth you need throughout the day.

In California where it can often be a combination of warm and cold on any one given day and in different settings, it is always important to keep an extra jacket in the car for good measure.

Layering a jacket over a nice blouse can make you appear professional while maximizing your comfort throughout the day. The best part is, you can take it off if it heats up. Jackets come in various styles and fabrics, so you can pick the right one that is suitable for the weather and your planned outfit for that day.

Takeaways

Incorporating winter accessories and opting for insulating fabrics that keep you warm throughout the colder months is an effective way to ensure your comfort in and out of the office. There is nothing like the feeling of being cold with no coverup in sight to quickly warm up with. Planning your outfits for the weather ahead can help you avoid these situations. You will be comfortable, better prepared to tackle your day, and most importantly, happier you took that extra step.

@hellolovelyliving displaying her finds at The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA

We’re only a few weeks away from the time when leaves begin to change colors and the weather transits into a colder phase. While many of us look forward to drinking hot beverages and delicious foods that come with the social setting of festivities, the winters can also be depressing for many. To help you mitigate the feelings that arise from the loss of sunlight and warmth, this blog will address five ways to help make winters more comfortable. In the long run, these steps will also help you live a proactive and healthier life. Without any delay, let’s dive right into it!

01

Get your vitamins in check

Several people experience a clinical condition known as Seasonal Additive Depression, but don’t realize the cause. Since it has now been established that depression is not caused due to a change in brain chemicals, it has much more to do with how our mind responds to stimuli. Changes like lessened natural light, shorter days, and an uncomfortable temperature can lead to seasonal depression.

However, the right nutrition can change the narrative and help you sail past these symptoms easily. Top up on your Vitamin C, D3, B12, A, and E from natural foods or supplements. Visit farm stands like The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, California for fresh, organic, garden-to-table produce.

02

Start consuming CBD supplements

If you’re having trouble dealing with symptoms like depression, anxiety, or insomnia, cannabidiol can be an excellent healer. In several research papers, cannabidiol has shown a substantial improvement in the mental and physical symptoms of depression, be it clinical, seasonal, or short-term. These days, the legalized status of CBD and THC also makes it easier to purchase from trusted dispensaries like Purple Penthouse. Founded by local stoner babes in the DC & NY area, you’ll be supporting WOMEN IN WEED by ordering from Purple Penthouse in the male-dominated weed space. Make sure to research your strain on the dispensary’s knowledge base to know your ideal product.

03

Work around the daylight hours

During fall and winter, the amount of natural sunlight we receive reduces substantially. This can also cause a hormonal imbalance in your body, leading to mood swings. Make sure to spend time outside during the daylight hours, or get warm lighting like UV lamps, sodium bulbs, and others to compensate for the loss of warmth.

04

Add habits that bring joy

When times become a bit gloomy, happiness can be created with comforting habits and routines. Take up an old hobby that keeps you busy and your mind occupied. Listen to uplifting music, watch good movies, and give yourself time to rest during these months as per what makes you feel great!

05

Work on therapy

Winters are also known to bring out dark thoughts if we have a history of anxiety and depression. To navigate this path, the help of an experienced professional like a therapist or counselor is essential. If you’re struggling to reign in your thoughts and regulate your emotions, reach out for therapy to receive the support you deserve.

Takeaways

By paying attention to the little things regarding your health, you can lead a happier state, especially during the gloomier months. We hope that the tips mentioned above bring you long-lasting relief from the winter blues, and let you enjoy the season of festivities instead!

Photo by Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash

A business can benefit a lot from compelling content. And it’s no secret; almost 90% of non- and for-profit organizations use content to market. With it, they can effectively showcase their products and services. They can also use it to attract customers and make them more interested in their brands. Or they can simply use it to improve their online presence.

If you’re having trouble creating compelling content for your business website, you may want to know these brainstorming tips.

01

Clearly define the purpose of your content

While you know that you need compelling content, you should also determine why you need it. Is it to improve your rankings on search engine results pages? Is it to improve the time visitors spend on your website? Is it to advertise and promote new products and services? Is it to complement the new convenient functionalities of a business app, like Jobber, that you’re using or going to use?

Even if your content is great, it doesn’t matter if it can’t help you achieve the goal you have in mind. For example, 82% of customers do business with companies because of their content marketing efforts. If you don’t clearly define your content’s purpose as content marketing, you can’t hope to experience that same benefit many businesses experience from their content.

02

Scour social media platforms to see what’s trending

There’s no denying that the top social media platforms are where most of your target audience will always be present. Before, these platforms were only exclusive to allow people to reconnect. However, nowadays, it’s become a place where people get their news, entertain themselves, and even do business in. You need to take advantage of that when creating new and compelling content.

Scour social media platforms to see what’s trending. Know what your target audience is looking for and what they want to see. Even if those things aren’t related to your business, you can always try to exploit them and incorporate them into your content. 

For example, if cryptocurrency is a hot topic right now, you can try to create content discussing if using cryptocurrency to pay for services and products you offer might or might not be a good idea. Or, if digitization is trendy, you may go for a topic that discusses how an invoice template helps your business.

03

Pick and research the topics you need for your content

As soon as you establish the purpose of your content, the next step is to pick and research the topics you want to write or create videos about. Suppose that you have a property maintenance company, and you decided to make compelling content for more people to hire you to get their properties maintained. 

With those things in mind, you may want to create content about topics such as the following:

• Why properties need to be maintained

• Why you should maintain your property while you’re on a family-friendly vacation

• How property maintenance can improve your property’s value

• Why you should let professionals deal with their property’s maintenance

Doing those things can narrow the ideas you need to bounce off during your brainstorming session. And it will allow you to be laser-focused on topics that can help you achieve your goal by creating compelling content.

04

Revisit your old content

Before you think of new ideas for your site or social media account’s new content, you may want to revisit your old content. Try to find the pieces that worked before and build on them. On the other hand, you can try to re-explore topics that your old content may have failed to cover completely. 

Revisiting old content can help you find inspiration without looking beyond what you already have.

05

Check your competitor’s content

Aside from checking your old content and social media platforms, you can also observe your competitors' websites. Imitating your rivals, and how they produce, and create content for their website would be a great idea as it saves the business’s time and effort.  

For example, if they primarily post videos as their content, you might also want to focus on creating videos. And that’s a good idea. After all, more than 62% of customers often say they love video content. So, if your competitors use video and they’re experiencing success, there’s no harm in imitating their content strategy. 

06

Keep an eye out for news related to your industry

If you’ve already exhausted most of the sources of inspiration and ideas listed in the previous sections, you may want to try sourcing content ideas from the news. The only limitation with this one is that the usefulness of news to your content depends on what kind of business you have.

For example, if your business is highly niche, the news coverage in your industry may be far fewer. However, it doesn’t mean it’s the end for you. Instead of waiting for news to happen, you may want to create one for yourself. Be always on the lookout for any newsworthy events in your business, and use those events as topics for your content.

Takeaways

Those are some tips on how you can brainstorm ideas to create compelling content for your website. Thankfully, they’re not exactly difficult to pull off, so go ahead now and start brainstorming for the new pieces of content you’ll post on your website.

Needing more assistance and support with content creation? Stina at Hello Lovely Living can help you define your goals and come up with a content creation strategy that works for you. Get in touch with Stina here.

References:

1. Demand Metric. “Content Marketing Infographic.” Content Marketing Infographic | Demand Metric. Accessed August 10, 2022. https://www.demandmetric.com/content/content-marketing-infographic

2. Zimmerman, David, Simki Dutta, and Leigh-Anne Truitt. “How Content Marketing Benefits Businesses.” How Content Marketing Benefits Businesses | Clutch.co. Accessed August 10, 2022. https://clutch.co/seo-firms/resources/how-content-marketing-benefits-businesses 

3. McCoy, Julia. “5 Big Content Trends You Need to Know Now.” Search Engine Journal, April 14, 2021. https://www.searchenginejournal.com/content-trends/329253 

4. Murray Hunter. “How to Build a Business By Copying and Improving Other Businesses.” MIC. September 22, 2012. https://www.mic.com/articles/15176/how-to-build-a-business-by-copying-and-improving-other-businesses

@hellolovelyliving at Coffee Dose in Costa Mesa, CA

The success of any business has always rested on building a brand and creating appealing designs that can spark the interest of buyers and start trends in the market. 

If there's one thing we've learned as a naming agency providing catchy and creative names for businesses, it's that the perfect brand name can make or break your business.

Take Coffee Dose in Costa Mesa, CA, for example. What started as Jeni Castro laying in bed with her husband blurting out a casual, "I want to open a coffee shop." has resulted in multiple locations across Orange County along with a cult-like following.

“It really comes down to her branding,” says Stina, Hello Lovely Living Founder. She started with a catchy name with a personality to match, and it took on a life of its own. “Visit the cafe and you will see branded mugs that say “Karen Tears” and Anti-Bitch blend coffee. You get where she’s going with her message, and that is memorable. It’s all about creating an experience.”

So, if you're looking for inspiration and are unsure of the most lucrative name to give your company, this article can help you find the best one.

@hellolovelyliving

@hellolovelyliving

Three important steps

in choosing the best business name

01

Study your brand

Besides developing an excellent product, your business’s brand is the most important component you should focus on fine-tuning and perfecting since it affects how you want your business to be seen. Crafting a trusted brand identity is one thing you cannot afford to ignore while naming your brand.

Consider the consulting firm Accenture. What strong ideas come to mind when you see, read, or hear the name? For starters, it boasts a smooth, sophisticated, and high-end tone. For one of the world's premier consulting organizations, this works quite well.

A normal digital gadget, such as the Alexa or iPhone, would not be named in the same manner. And that’s because these kinds of names would be inappropriate for their identity and what they are seeking to achieve.

02

Consider various name concepts

This is the exciting part! Gather your naming group (if you have any at this point), get some markers, a notepad, and a whiteboard, and let your imagination run wild! Remember, the brainstorming phase is not an analytical stage. You do not need to assess names right now. Simply step up your creativity and let your imagination flow.

Don't be hesitant to jot down bad names. In fact, we strongly advise you to compile a list of names that make you feel uncertain. You never know what you’d be able to make out of them. 

That said, here are some easy tools to help you with naming:

• Thesauruses

• Visual names, sometimes with a color component

• Industry jargons

• Words that rhyme

If you eventually wind up with 200 potential names at the conclusion of the brainstorming session, that's a good thing since the next stage is we’d be focusing on reducing this list.

03

Validate & Test

We all agree that your top choice from the list of names is the perfect business name for you! But before you can cheer, you must first pass a few crucial assessments. A thorough evaluation procedure will assist you in determining whether your preferred business name(s) are viable and available.

So make sure you get:

• Customer feedback: This is essential when it comes to validating your business name. And it can be done by gathering honest feedback from friends, family, or even random people you meet at a bar or cafe. Don't hesitate to tell them why you require their help.

• A Good Domain Name: A good website is essential for every company, and so you must determine whether your desired name has an accessible domain name. In an ideal world, you would have immediate access to nameofyourbusiness.com. However, this is not always the case, and you’ll have to visit a domain marketplace and pick one of the premium domain names for sale that aligns with your brand. 

• Trademark: You may despise this method because of the procedures it requires, but it can save you a lot of legal troubles along the way, as most modern words have already been trademarked in some fashion. You must therefore determine if the name of your firm satisfies the trademark standards or is encroaching on someone else's trademark. Ensure you consult with a legal professional, as failure to register a trademark could result in cease and desist letters in the future.

@hellolovelyliving

@hellolovelyliving

Takeaways

Brand names may increase sales and financial performance for your company, making it the game changer that is required to surpass the competition. Creating a business name that resonates with your company's identity is a fantastic way to pique the interest of your target clients.

Grant Polachek is the head of branding for Squadhelp.com, 3X Inc 5000 startup and disruptive naming agency. Squadhelp has reviewed more than 1 million names and curated a collection of the best available names on the web today. We are also the world's leading crowdsource naming platform, supporting clients from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies.

@hellolovelyliving

When setting up and maintaining your boutique enterprise, buying from wholesale clothing vendors will undoubtedly be the most cost-efficient and profitable method of sourcing items to fill your shop with. Buying in bulk almost always allows purchases to be made at a lower cost per item, so you can turn your attention to growing the choice of clothing available at your shop instead of worrying about the financial side. 

Another great thing about purchasing wholesale women’s clothing is that there is a huge range of choices. Dear-Lover, a leading online wholesale fashion marketplace, sources fabrics for its clothing from over 650 vendors, so each piece is unique and of a bespoke style. 

That said, an extensive collection can make it difficult to decide what to place an order for. Even if you’ve been working in the industry for years, it’s always tricky judging what will sell. This is where it’s paramount to truly understand your customer and their needs. Below are a few top tips to help judge what your consumer wants. 

Choosing the Best Wholesale Women’s Clothes According to the Customer 

There are several factors to consider when making a bulk purchase of boutique clothing, and properly thinking about each one will ultimately help you source the very best selection for your business. 

No.1

Clothing Trends 

Consumers of fashion are largely led by what they see each other wearing, with particular emphasis on the current style of celebrities and others on social media. If you take a walk around your city and see hundreds of people all wearing, for instance, denim shorts or skater dresses, you might feel tempted to follow suit. This is how trends emerge and spread across the population - it’s important to stay attuned to these clothing fads! 

No. 2

Seasonal Dress

Part of selling successfully in your boutique is choosing to source, dependent on the season. You don't want to buy a surplus of cozy, knitted jumpers just as the weather starts getting warmer. Customers tend to buy according to their current desires, as opposed to thinking about their future wardrobe, so you should really maximize your efforts to select clothing that is optimal for the appropriate season and weather.

No. 3

Quality Materials 

When buying wholesale women’s clothes, it’s important to assess the fabrics and materials used in creating the final product. Customers look for clothing that will last—they want to wear and enjoy pieces for several years to come, particularly those hoping to save money. 

No. 4

Versatility 

Customers love buying clothing that can be worn for different occasions and events. To cater to this, try procuring styles that could be dressed up or down such as lace blouses or long skirts. With different shoes, jewelry, and a change of hairstyle, a whole new outfit can be made from the same few clothing items.

Takeaways

Choosing boutique women's clothing can be a time-consuming task, but put yourself in the customer's shoes, and the rest will come easily. It is with a comprehensive understanding of your consumer base and clear knowledge of what wholesale clothing vendors have to offer that your business will have the opportunity to flourish. 

@hellolovelyliving

Thinking of booking a vacation? While it is essential to plan every detail, from flights to hotels, you must also determine where you’ll stay. Whether renting a cottage or condo, staying in a B&B, or booking a cruise cabin, numerous accommodation options are available. Each type offers unique experiences, personal service, and cost savings. To help you choose the suitable accommodation for your upcoming trip, we have listed some things that you must consider when choosing the right place to stay:

What is your budget?

A vacation can be costly. Although many people associate vacationing with luxury, not everyone can afford that accommodation. It is best to start with the basics to avoid spending more than you can afford. If you want to stay in a hotel, you can look for special offers and discounts online. You can also consider renting a vacation home through websites such as Airbnb. If you have a larger budget, you can always look for luxury or five-star hotels like Costa Rica Villas. If you have a smaller budget, you can still find quality places to stay. Sapphire Resorts reviews can help you determine accommodations suitable for you.

Is the location easily accessible?

If you are traveling with your family or friends, you might want to choose a conveniently located place like Jamaica Villas. You don’t want to make plans to visit multiple areas of interest and be out of the way. If your accommodations are conveniently located, you can walk to nearby shops and restaurants. If you are traveling with a group of colleagues, you might want to consider booking centrally located accommodations. This will make it easier to attend meetings within a short distance from the accommodations. It is also helpful if you travel solo and want to explore the city.

@hellolovelyliving

What amenities do you need?

When choosing a vacation accommodation, you need to decide what amenities you need. Hotels often offer swimming pools, fitness centers, restaurants, and more. Vacation rentals such as condos, cottages, or cabins can have similar amenities. Hotels provide privacy, but vacation rentals provide a more intimate experience. If you are traveling with a family, you might need a vacation home that features a kitchen. Some vacation home rentals even come equipped with washer and dryer facilities. Hotels might provide kitchenettes, but they might not offer the same level of convenience. If you are traveling with a special someone and want a romantic getaway, you might wish to book a Bed and breakfast. Hotels might have romantic amenities, but B&Bs provide a more intimate and personal experience.

What are your language skills?

If you are traveling to a country where the primary language isn’t English, you need to be aware of the level of communication with the staff. Hotels might employ multilingual staff, but vacation rentals might only offer English-speaking staff. This can be a critical factor when choosing your accommodations. Many people are not fluent enough to make their own way in a different country and while it is a good idea to learn some helpful phrases, nothing can prepare you for conversing with locals if your language skills are limited. While this might not seem important, knowing the language can impact the experience you have and you might find it easier to stay at a resort that has English-speaking staff for convenience.

The rolling hills of Central Coast, California. @hellolovelyliving

The world has reopened its borders, and many people are allowed to travel freely again. After being in quarantine and lockdown for the past two years, you can finally travel across the world, which means it’s time to plan your next destination and pack up.

There is a lot to prepare as a solo traveler. Make sure you have your Apple or Android Phone, your passport, travel documents, and of course, proper attire. Simultaneously, you must plan on where you are going.

For solo travelers, it can get tricky to decide which country you want to visit, especially if you do not have a partner to discuss the pros and cons, costs, or available attractions with. To help make it a lot easier, we have compiled a list of countries that we recommend you visit that may inspire you with ideas for your next solo traveling adventure.

No. 1

Iceland

Most often, when people travel on their own it is to gain a sense of solitude. Iceland is the perfect place for travelers to do so. Iceland is expansive enough for travelers to experience the isolation they need. Plus, it has amazing views and attractions for you to experience all on your own.

At the same time, it has a close and inviting community of residents and guests, solving boredom and loneliness. What’s more, there are a variety of activities you can try while in Iceland. For instance, you can go horseback riding, whale watching, and snorkeling, among other activities available.  

Iceland is also the perfect destination for women who are considering traveling solo. This is because Iceland has low crime rates and high regard for gender equality. As a result, the women here feel very safe and have a lot of personal freedom.

No.2

Ubud, Indonesia

If you feel like you’re in need of self-reflection or self-healing, you may head on over to Ubud, Indonesia. Ubud is on Bali Island and is the island's center of healing and love. It is a perfect place for solo travelers to come relax, reflect, and recharge.

Bali is a year-round destination with its peak season during the summer. With sunscreen SPF 50+ protecting your skin as you hang around Ubud, you will surely recharge yourself from the inside and out. However, Bali also has a quieter and calmer environment during the rainy season if you wish to visit it then.

In Ubud, you will be able to attend Yoga classes independently without having anyone judge you. You can ask for a table for one in many restaurants available around Ubud. Not only that, but you can even check yourself into one of the many available health retreats.

No. 3

Singapore

Singapore is a multicultural and tourist-friendly country. Locals are friendly enough for you to ask for directions when you get lost. Not to mention, it is also a clean and safe country to travel to, an ideal location for women who want to travel alone.

This country is a mixture of modern and old with the buildings and attractions. For instance, you have the modern Marina Bay Sands Sky Park with beautiful city views. On the other hand, you have the Raffles Hotel with colonial architecture that dates back to 1887.

Other than the views you can get at Marina Bay Sands Sky Park, you could go to Mount Faber Park, where you can enjoy views while dining. Take the cable car up to the park, and you will be able to find trendy bars and watch as the city skies change colors.

In Singapore, you can even visit Resorts World Sentosa. It is a theme park built on the south island of the country. The best way to get to it is to ride the cable car up to Faber Peak. Then you may enjoy the Universal Studios Singapore theme park, parrot shows, stroll in gardens, or even relax on the beach.

No. 4

Rome, Italy

Next, you may want to add Rome to your list of countries to visit. Whether you are visiting for two days, a week, or a month, there is much to see in Rome so you will never get bored. This city is bursting with lively locals, historical attractions, culture, and delicious food.

Rome has everything for everyone; for instance, for nature lovers, you have the Villa Borghese. For artsy and museum enjoyers you could visit the various museums available around the city. There are also shopping places such as Via Dei Condotti or the streets of Piazza di Spagna for shopaholics.

If you are in Rome for history, then every corner of the city will amaze you. You can wander around the city and view the architectural details, or you could join a Rome walking tour. While on the Rome walking tour, you will get to learn as well as admire the city.

There is a lot to do in this Italian city as a solo traveler. For example, you can have your pictures taken with gladiators, visit the Pantheon, taste authentic gelato, and walk around the Roman Forum, among other activities.

No. 5

New Zealand

New Zealand should also be on your list of countries to visit as it has many great attractions. It is also a popular destination for solo travelers alike, which you will be able to see in Queenstown. In addition, New Zealand is safe for solo women travelers and is a great destination for beginners.

The places in New Zealand should be one of the reasons why you should visit the country. Auckland, or the “City of Sails,” is surrounded by volcanic craters and features a harbor where you can watch ships sail by. In addition, you can grab some food at Jellicoe Avenue for freshly caught fish. Plus, Auckland’s waterfront will have live music and movies if you travel during the summer.

You can even visit the country’s first Marine Reserve at Goat Island in Auckland. You could also climb Mount Eden for panoramic views of the city. To see the city from another high point, you may even visit the Sky Tower, which is the focal point of the city.

No. 6

Turkey

If you are looking for a place rich in history, Turkey is the perfect destination to get outside of your comfort zone. Explore the contrasting environments that encompass Turkey—a large peninsula that bridges the continents of Europe and Asia and is surrounded on three sides by the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Aegean Sea.

If you are a nature lover, there is much to be seen in Turkey. Mt. Ararat, a natural wonder held sacred by its people, has two snow-capped mountain peaks that can be seen throughout the year. Great Ararat is 17,000 feet high—the highest in the region and is believed to be where Noah beached his ark after the great flood.

Another sight to behold is Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish. This town in western Turkey is known for its white mineral travertine terraces where rich thermal waters flow down through hillsides. Neighboring areas are also rich in historical ruins like Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Get a view of the ruins there, which include a well-preserved theater and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2km. The Antique Pool is also a must-see for its famous submerged Roman columns, which are the result of an earthquake.

Takeaways

It is important to note that you need to plan thoroughly and do research before traveling to any country. You may choose a lightweight laptop and your travel luggage to do some searching while on the go.

It is also important to make sure that you are prepared to leave. Being spontaneous and acting on impulse may be thrilling and fun. However, since you are traveling to another country, it is better to take precautions. Have a safe trip!

Confidence spreads like wildfire. It is a trait that all leaders have in common, and it is crucial for your career, your overall quality of life, and ultimate success. Confidence can also be difficult to develop for some, and innate for others. If you often succumb to self-doubt, it can feel like a very painful, uphill battle. However, if you develop this area regularly and practice healthy habits to maintain your confidence, you will attain the confidence you desire. You must work on loving yourself and being happy with who you are. Once you have done that, you have won half the battle, and you can work on believing in your abilities even further. Follow these simple steps to go down this path and be surprised at what a difference it makes in building your confidence.

No. 1

Adopt a health-conscious beauty routine

Developing healthy habits is a fundamental way to feel good about yourself. From your diet to your beauty routine, practicing healthy habits daily will take you further in gaining confidence than any piece of clothing will. Whatever we ingest shows up on the exterior more than we care to admit. If we pay attention to this simple fact, we can avoid many common stresses that have a significant effect on our confidence as a whole. For one, the types of foods we eat play a crucial role in our outer appearance and confidence. In particular, switching to a fruit and vegetable-based diet will provide phenomenal results in your energy levels, and in effect will cause you to be healthier and more prepared to present your best self to the world.

Similarly, improving or changing your diet can help you manage your weight, clear up your skin, address health concerns, and help you feel great on a daily basis. If you wash and moisturize your face twice daily and work on combatting acne or any other skin conditions, you can ease through a more natural beauty routine rather than just relying on makeup to cover up underlying issues. All you need to do is start focusing on perfecting a beauty routine that is naturally healthy for you in the long run. Additionally, simply understanding the importance of proper water intake can make all the difference in our body’s ability to function optimally. So, if you are concerned about your skin and overall health and how that affects your confidence levels, simply drink more water daily.

No.2

Learn Something New Every Day

Learning is a very powerful and empowering activity that we can partake in every single day. To start, read and develop your communication skills and knowledge base, or take classes and improve your social skills. If you do these things regularly, you will find that you have more to offer, and that is what builds confidence over time. Get out there into the world and learn about things first-hand or enjoy a documentary after work. By learning something new every day, you better yourself every day. The result is an empowered feeling over time, and it is a great way to build confidence, effortlessly. Find what you enjoy learning about and make it a natural fit in your daily life. Knowing that you are invaluable with so much to offer the world and others will enable you even further along your confidence-building journey. We like to feel needed and have the persistent desire to feel heard, noticed, and appreciated. Doing the above will provide a way to achieve that in any environment. Challenging your brain daily is also a great way to keep it active and engaged in any and every situation.

No. 3

Be mindful of your appearance

I’m sure you have heard the phrase, “first impressions matter.” Well, this is a very true statement because as human beings, we subconsciously judge appearances all the time. It’s a natural way for us to gather information about a person, place, or thing based on appearances first. In that regard, fashion is a way to express who you are without even speaking. We can be happier with who we are and how we present ourselves if we let our creativity and individuality shine through in the way we present ourselves and maintain our appearance consistently. It might sound vain, but feeling good about how we look is an important part of loving ourselves.

If your current attire does not reflect your genuine sense of style or taste, it may reflect negatively on the way you present yourself to the world. You may not feel as confident when meeting people for the first time or you may not have a cohesive first impression that matches other obvious reflections of yourself. If this is the case, you can apply simple changes. For example, this is especially true if your clothes are too tight or make you feel uncomfortable. Dressing for your body type is the best way to feel good in your clothing, look better, and acquire more overall confidence. Look for clothing that feels comfortable and looks good on you, not just what is trending at the moment. Spend some extra time and effort on identifying common dressing troubles such as the best bras for large busts or finding brands that cater to your particular body shape or type.

No. 4

Travel alone

If you really want to test your confidence and build it at the same time, travel alone. Solo travel, especially if you are a woman, is often seen as dangerous or taboo, but it can actually be one of the best ways to travel the world and cultivate your independence. After all, when you are by yourself, you have more incentive to make friends along the way. You are in charge of your future and your safety, and getting through your trip and enjoying it is one of the most empowering things you can do for your self-development. You are completely in charge of your own decisions, and you must learn to rely on yourself and the decisions you make along the way. This will in turn give you confidence in your own decisions after you finish your adventures, and everyday life will suddenly seem that much easier.

takeaways

There is no right or wrong way to become more confident. In fact, the only thing that matters is that you believe in yourself and know your worth. Each of us has so many reasons to believe in ourselves and to feel empowered because we all possess unique gifts that equip us for our life experiences. Allow yourself to naturally discover the things that make you feel distinct from the rest, then focus on that as the mechanism upon which your confidence is built. Only you know the answer to that. Once you go inside yourself, you will be able to lift whatever hinders you so that you can reveal your true nature and self. You deserve to become the confident, independent person you dream you can be. Look within.

@design_hunger

Building a business is a demanding and time-consuming endeavor. Once this occurs, it is natural if you have let other priorities go as a result. On the other hand, failure to maintain a healthy lifestyle for an extended period of time may cause undesirable consequences. If you do not maintain your health, you run the danger of being burnt out. In fact, 78 percent of business founders have admitted to having gone through it.

It is critical to establish good habits from the beginning in order to avoid the development of stress-related side effects over time, such as insomnia and anxiety. It is not necessary to wait until your company has gotten off the ground to begin attempting to achieve an appropriate work-life balance. Eventually, you will discover that there is always an excuse to put off taking care of your mental and physical health.

According to statistics, burnout is more likely to occur within the first two to ten years of your company's existence. This is precisely why it is necessary to take quick action in the following areas:

Diet

Grabbing lunch on the run is appropriate once in a while, but the phrase ‘quick and easy’ should never be used to describe your diet. Instead of feeling that you are too busy to enjoy regular, healthy meals, consider the possibility that you require regular, nutritious meals because you are so busy. It goes without saying that food is fuel and that without it, your body is susceptible to a breakdown. The first step you should do is to designate a certain lunch hour for yourself. You must commit to eating during this designated lunch hour each day, ideally away from your work if you want it to be considered a priority.

Rather than consuming sugary meals that provide a rapid burst of energy followed by a crash, choose foods that provide sustained energy throughout the day. This includes proteins, carbohydrates, cereals, and legumes. Preparing nutritious snacks for the workplace, such as nuts and dried fruit, will allow you to breeze through the day.

Everyone has heard it before, and it is still true today: “Breakfast is an essential meal of the day.” No matter how many times you have heard it, it is just a non-negotiable at this point. Set your alarm for a time when you will have enough time to eat so that you may begin your working day in the best possible manner.

Sleep

What is the significance of addressing sleep first? Quite simply, when you have a hectic schedule, it is generally the first area to suffer. This is a serious problem, as the importance of getting enough sleep at regular hours cannot be stressed. After all, getting enough sleep is one of the most crucial things you can do to stay healthy. It is a natural healer that aids in the reduction of stress levels in the body. Sleep deprivation impairs your ability to concentrate, problem-solve, and make judgments, all of which can affect your ability to maintain your business successfully.

A few reasons why you may be sleep-compromised are due to environmental stresses such as noise pollution that occurs when living in the city and urban areas. For example, you may live in NYC, so finding soundproof windows would be of paramount importance for removing up to 95% of outside noise. It will also significantly reduce dirt and drafts that usually can affect the quality of the air in your home.

If you are having difficulty getting a good night's sleep, there are several actions you may take. To begin, the most obvious and, at times, the most difficult step is to decrease your screen usage at night. For computers and mobile phones, this means imposing a rigorous cut-off time when they are used beyond certain hours. You should also refrain from drinking coffee after 3 p.m. and avoid eating large meals immediately before bedtime.

health

When we are busy, we often neglect our existing health concerns and may put them off repeatedly. We think that unless there is something urgently wrong with us, we can wait to speak to a professional or seek help. The truth is that prevention is always better than a cure. Whether it is routine appointments with your medical care provider, or if you have medical conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia or diabetes that require a medical professional to keep a close eye on you, it is vital that you stay up to date with the medical care you require.

Mental health

Taking care of your physical well-being is one thing. Another thing to remember is to look after your brain. They are, nonetheless, intricately intertwined. Exercise, for example, has been shown to have anti-depressant properties.

Another strategy to maintain a healthy frame of mind is to establish relationships with other people. Working long hours might cause you to become estranged from your family and friends, which may have a negative effect on your mood. What is the solution? Concentrate on carving out quality time with them, and most importantly, put your cell phone aside while you are doing so.

If you have the opportunity to spend quality time with friends or family in nature, even better. Even a limited period of time spent outside can have a significant impact on lowering the risk of developing anxiety, stress, and depression.

In 2015, the cannabis market was valued at $90 million. According to Grand View Research Inc, that number will jump to $22 billion within the next year - and a staggering $146.6 billion by 2025. A combination of widespread legalization, significant investment and increased research has resulted in a complete shift in the way consumers look at cannabis.

It’s safe to say that CBD is indeed much more than just another trend. But what does this mean for you? Is there some kind of untapped potential that’s worth making a business venture out of, or is it too late? Let’s take a look at the future of the CBD industry and what has made it such a compelling product.

Image Source

Vast Potential

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As you may already know, cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of the most well-documented compounds of hemp, which is a type of cannabis plant. It is free from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what the media and general public usually associate with cannabis due to its psychoactive properties.

A legal limit of 0.3% THC content applies to CBD products in the United States, but most of them contain none at all. As more and more consumers learn this fact, the stigma around cannabis continues to dwindle.

This, combined with an increase in the publication of scientific research around its health benefits, is putting CBD under a positive new light in the eyes of the general public. Its ability to treat an ever-growing list of conditions makes it a compelling health supplement for many people.

This goes a long way in speaking for its potential, as there’s a clear demand for cannabis products. While there are many entrepreneurs who have already capitalized on this, the cannabis industry is far from oversaturated.

Health Benefits

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To better understand why the demand for CBD products is something that will continue to increase, let’s run through some of its better-known and more well-researched health benefits. Keep in mind that we’re far from done when it comes to researching its effects on the human body, so there’s still much to be unraveled.

So far, we know that CBD oil is capable of reducing our risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, bone disease and much more. Its anti-inflammatory properties help protect our skin and reduce signs of aging, in addition to treating acne. This alone means there’s a significant potential for CBD in the skincare industry.

Another major concern that general consumers have today is stress and anxiety. Popular treatments usually involve the use of pharmaceutical drugs with undesirable side-effects. Numerous studies have shown that CBD oil is highly capable of treating anxiety and stress, but without all the negative side-effects.

There’s also depression, something that over 16 million Americans suffer from. Unsurprisingly, we’ve found that CBD oil positively affects our serotonin levels, thus making it capable of reducing depression and other mood disorders. This list can quite frankly go on forever, as CBD oil is also capable of treating sleep disorders and chronic pain, among others issues.

Cashing in

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This exhaustive list of health benefits means there are countless people who can benefit from CBD, which is great news for someone who wants to cash in on this industry while it’s still in its relative infancy. If you’re interested, be sure to check out this post on becoming a CBD oil distributor, which explains in further detail what you can expect.

It should be very clear at this point that now is the best time to enter the CBD industry. With enough persistence and a bit of creativity, you can easily become a key player in helping the world enjoy the benefits of cannabis products.

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Disclosure: The content in this article is from a trusted Hello Lovely Living contributor.

I’m back with another post, and today we’re talking about a few important tips to creating a brand presence that is authentic to you. On this blog, I love to discuss topics that are real and often vulnerable, and in this article, we reinforce the idea of getting outside of our comfort zones.

I often work with women that are starting a brand new blog or website, and if there’s any advice that I try to share with them from the get-go, it is exactly the advice that you will read in this article. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope it inspires you to just get out there are share your story (struggles and all), be yourself, and be confident in it all.

We recently got the opportunity to sit down with Debbie Millman: author, educator, curator, and host of the podcast Design Matters, one of the world's first and longest-running podcasts. 

As the host of Design Matters, Millman has interviewed over 400 artists, designers, and cultural commentators. In the 13 years since its inception, the show has garnered over five million downloads per year, honored with a Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, and designated one of the best overall podcasts by iTunes. 

Debbie is the author of six books and President Emeritus of AIGA, one of five women to hold the position in the organization’s 100-year history. She's a frequent speaker on design and branding and has been a juror for competitions including Cannes Lions, The Clio’s, the One Club and many, many more.

Here, she shares her thoughts on authenticity and vulnerability in branding and life. 

Debbie, tell us a little bit about yourself.  

I am a designer, an author, and an educator at the School of Visual Arts. I co-founded and run a graduate program in branding. I'm also the host of a podcast called Design Matters.
 

What tips can you offer to someone who wants to create a new brand presence for themselves?

Well, I wouldn't recommend that someone ever recreate themselves; I would recommend that they feature who they are on their best day, in a way that feels very authentic and true to their soul and being. People tend to respond more favorably to people that are being themselves, and, in many ways, holding that "freak" flag really high, because they can then relate and be able to connect with them in a much more visceral manner.

So, my recommendation would be to celebrate who you are on your best day, speak from the heart, and offer an opportunity for people to get to know who you really are.
 

A lot of people are hesitant to really put themselves out there. What would you say to them?

Watch Brené Brown's TED Talk about vulnerability. I really, truly believe that vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity, and you can't be creative and say something that is going to touch or reach other people unless you are doing it with your own open heart. So there really is no choice. If you're not comfortable with being vulnerable, my strong recommendation would be to get comfortable being vulnerable, because why else would anybody want to get to know you or pay attention to what you have to say? What are they getting to know, then? Some false friend?
 

How can people get out of their comfort zone and become more authentic?

Take small steps, small moves. You don't have to reveal everything about your childhood in your first email, but if you can share some part of yourself that you feel is worthy of connecting with other people, and people will feel is honest, then why wouldn't you want to do that?

That's what people want to know about you. They don't want to know all of the successes and all of the amazing things you're doing. They want to know how you've struggled, or how you've overcome an obstacle, or what lesson you learned in the process of doing something. And the more you can share that, I think the more value it has, both to yourself and to others.


Specifically, what kind of value does sharing your failures provide?

Well, everybody has experienced failure. And if you aren't able or capable of sharing what you've done wrong, why would anybody care if you're sharing what you've done right? And I feel that if we're putting a face forward that's only positive and only impressive, then we're manufacturing our meaning, because that's only one small part of what it means to be human, and strive, and long for things, and create things, and make things. And there is none of that without failure, rejection, vulnerability, fear. All of those things are just part of the process of being a maker.

Are there any particular failures or struggles that you can recount from your professional career that helped you become who you are today?

Well, almost anything I've done has been fueled by an enormous amount of rejection, whether it be book ideas, business ideas, or new pitches. My past is riddled and littered with rejections and failures. But, there are very few that I can actually look back on now and say, "I didn't either learn something, or overcome something to get to a better place, or create something out of that failure, that then became successful."

And, of course, it's easy to look back on it and say in hindsight, "Well, if that hadn't happened, then that wouldn't have happened, and then that wouldn't have happened, and I wouldn't be sitting right here," but I can tell you that it's really true.

Are there any other places that you turn to for inspiration in your career? 

Well, I love to read. I love to learn, so for me, some of the people that I'm either mentored by or inspired by are people like Seth Godin, who is one of the most generous, smartest, kindest people on the planet. And he does a daily blog, seven days a week, and so you can get daily morning inspiration from him. Also, Steven Heller. He's somebody that has also been enormously supportive and helpful to me, and mentored me, and inspired me, and educated me in ways that I could never have imagined. So those are two people, on a daily basis, that I turn to, both personally and professionally, online and offline.

Finally: What's your number one tip for brands who want to create a better connection with their audience?

Think about the benefit you can provide your audience. People aren't really interested in another form, or another flavor. They're interested in what kind of difference you can make in their lives. So, what can you offer your audience that will help them grow, help them become more successful, help them learn something that they wouldn't have expected or had the opportunity to do? What can you offer your audience that no one else can?

Interested in hearing more from Debbie? Check out her podcast, Design Matters! 

I hope you enjoyed that short inspirational post. I know how hard it is to be vulnerable, especially in this online space. I can personally say that I have shrunk back a little just due to a lot that has happened within the past couple years within my personal life. I feel like I have a lot to share, but I don’t know where to start. It can be overwhelming. It IS tough to share our struggles, but at the end of the day, that is what helps us get through them.

Lately I’ve just been feeling the pressure to have it all together. Perhaps this opens a new chapter for me to share more struggles that I’ve been through. This interview really brought me back to why I’m here in the first place. I want to continue to create a space that is inspiring and real. This may be the start for more sharing and being confident in my imperfect story.

A special thank you to Emma for this guest post. They have many amazing marketing resources to help you with your online business. I especially enjoy their Email Showdown series where they compare the email marketing of two brands. I highly recommend their resources, so do check them out if you are needing help with email marketing and want marketing tips from the pros!

In addition, if you are needing help developing your brand, I am here to help you from start to finish. Get in touch with me here for a free consultation.

is being vulnerable something that you struggle with and how? i’d love to have a discussion below.