The Timeless Temptations - Your Time is Now

Some people shoot to the sky like fireworks, before fading away. They can give you sunshine on a cloudy day. And when the world feels like a ball of confusion, they make you feel like you are on cloud nine. 

Timeless Time Machines

I am sure you also have people you admire, who have set new trends, transformed their field and broken new ground. For me, those people include the Temptations. The group recorded multiple classics ('My Girl', 'Get Ready', 'Papa was a Rolling Stone' among many others). Every time I listen to the above group, they take me back to the mid 60's to early 70's, as if my headphones were a time machine. At the same time their music is timeless. 

Creating "magic"

The other day I wanted to find out what happened to the members. It was a sad surprise to find out that four (David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks) of the original five members had already passed away due to drug addiction, suicide and health issues. 

The one remaining original member, Otis Williams said that "there was a magic, that will never be had like that of the original five."

Shoot for the stars

Now when I listen to their music, I appreciate what the group managed to achieve even more. There were struggles, members who eventually left, but for a few years, together they managed to create magic. 

We can do the same. We can shoot for the stars in our fields, leave a mark and create fireworks that will light up the sky for those who come after us. We just need to use our skills to best of our ability, take chances and remember that our time is now. 

Stepping Out Of The Mould - How I Challenged My Beliefs

Some of us grew up with images of ourselves that were anything but positive. One of the key benefits I gained from therapy was to challenge the view I had of myself. Fortunately I started therapy at a young age, 18, and since then, nothing has been the same. Here are some examples of how I changed preconceived ideas about myself and my life:

• I took for granted that I was insecure, while I was confident. 
• I though I was shy, when I was actually chatty and love public speaking! 
• I assumed I would live in Sweden, when for the past 16 years I have lived in 3 different countries, met people from all over the world and learnt a new language! 
• I thought I couldn't maintain a healthy relationship. On the contrary, I have now been married to my wonderful husband for 2 years. 
• I thought would complete my studies and then steadily build up a career in marketing. Instead, I decided to follow my passion and become a life coach and motivational speaker helping others create life changing moments.

I encourage everyone to challenge any (negative) preconceived notions that you been told by others or yourself. 

Step out of the mould that others may have tried to fit you in, and allow yourself to be that person you want to become. It starts in the head. You don't have to believe right now, just imagine. Then hold on to that vision, and make the changes necessary. That vision is going to take you places. 

You Are Your Own Best USP - 8 Lessons I Have Learnt from Being Self Employed

I was recently given the opportunity by Wenta to give a talk to entrepreneurs about the most valuable things I have learnt since I started trading. 

Below is a list of the 8 lessons I found most important. This is by no means a complete list and will surely be updated as I go along. I hope you find the compilation useful! 

1. Embrace feedback

This can be a challenging one, but is really the key to development. Welcome comments as if they were manna from heaven! 

• Be willing to adapt style, services/products
• Swallow your pride
• Listen for golden, game changing advice

2. Network at training sessions

Training events are 50/50 improving skills and making connections, no matter how interesting the sessions are!

• Avoid staying in the background
• Fellow participants are in the same boat
• People are likely to understand you
• Bond by sharing challenges & contacts
• Encourage each other
• Link on social media
• Participants can be potential clients
• Make sure you stay in touch via social media

3. Find your right forum(s)

Some people play podcasts like first fiddle, others flourish on Facebook while a third group triumph on Twitter. Find out which medium(s) work best for you and zoom in. 

• Podcast
• Presentation
• Blogging
• Videos
• Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram among others)

4. Update social media every day

Show others that you are alive and thriving. Don't leave your last update in 2012, bring it back to the future where it belongs! 

• Keep in touch with clients
• Say active and update regularly
• Share news and show you follow trends/research
• Allow people to get to know you

5. Work on the website

Your page is the window to the world and you want to make it easy to skim through. Help people quickly assess who you are in 10 seconds or less and they might stay on your page.

• Structure your page with a balance of text and images
• Social media icons need to be visible and at top and/or bottom of each page
• Use professional high quality PNG (adapt to screen size) images
• Paragraphs should be 3-5 lines maximum
• Make sure that website looks good on mobile phones

6. Be confident

When you speak with confidence, excitement and beam with positive energy, people feel it. We focus on who we can trust and respect. Be that person.

• Step into the role of the entrepreneur
• Be proud of your services/products
• You are your own best USP 

7. Tell everyone you know

Christmas, Easter and Diwali are not just holidays; they are also occasions during which you tell your nearest and dearest about your latest pursuits and ask if they know anyone who may be interested. Finally, do not, I repeat, do not under any circumstances forget your business cards. 

• Tell others about your business at family events
• Share updates with friends
• Always carry business cards 

8. Follow your passion, not your purse

I have had business advisors telling me do focus on intercultural training, while what worked best was life coaching and motivational seminars. Listen and learn, and in the end go with your gut.

• Make sure you focus on products/services you feel excited about
• Choose products/services that will keep you going during the late hours
• Focus on what you believe in 

I hope the above lessons helped. Feel free to contact me with comments or questions! 

Wish you good luck with your business! 

/ Hermine