5 Ways Self-Care Helps to Increase Your Bottom-Line

Hi lovelies,

As an entrepreneur who’s built profitable and purposeful companies through my lifestyle brand, Actress with Style, and my personal branding consulting service, The Billionaire Blogger Society, the single most important lesson that I had to learn to ensure the success of my businesses was to take care of myself first.

If I wasn’t full within myself then I would have nothing to give to my audience and to my clients, and before my business could flourish, I had to learn how to first flourish from within. Through building an arsenal of self-esteem building and self-care practices, I was able to show up for myself and my business in a more healthy, productive, and effective way.

What was born of this newfound mindset, is my first book, Sugar Pills: 10 Ways to Awaken Your Inner Power. From this experience of personal and professional growth, I wanted to share with you how to grow your bottom-line through healthy self-care practices. Be sure to comment on which insights speak to you and share your own story of self-care and securing the bag.

5 Ways Self-Care Helps Secure the Bag

#1: Secure the bag through inspired action

The only way that you’re actually going to make money doing what you love, is by doing it! One of the biggest hindrances to building a profitable business is by being paralyzed by fear and never getting started or by starting and then stopping the moment you hit a road bump. The way to get over this business building block is by building up your accountability, both to you self and to your team.

Self-care Tip: Awaken the Power of Accountability

The way to transform your vision, dreams, plans, and strategies, into a real life manifestation and accomplish your goals, is by holding yourself and your team accountable. Be accountable to show up for yourself, to think out of the box, to take risks, to learn from your mistakes, to not be afraid to fail, and to make sure that you surround yourself by people who are really there to support you and to cut dead weight when needed.

At the end of the day, the only person responsible for your success is yourself, so you have to take accountability and responsibility for your actions and decisions, and most importantly, for how you spend your time.

#2: Secure the bag by not settling for less than what you deserve

You have to remember that you’re running a business and not a charity. One of the biggest obstacles that I faced when building my brand was people asking me to work for free or at a discounted rate. If I had continued to devalue the work that I did for my clients, I would have never been able to quit my “survival job” and become a full-time entrepreneur.

The trick to not settling is to build up your self-esteem and self-confidence so that you’re so secure and grounded in who you are and the value that you provide for your clients, that you’re unwilling to disrespect yourself and your business by working for free.

Self-care Tip: Awaken The Power of Having Standards

Having and enforcing standards and boundaries is one of the most effective ways to activate your power. We condition people on how they treat us, so if you don’t have standards and boundaries in both your personal and professional life, then you can find yourself being stretched too thin, not fulfilled, exhausted, and worn out, because people will take from you as much as you’re willing to give, so you need to establish boundaries in order to protect your time, energy, and space. The best way to show people how you to treat you, is by example. The way you treat yourself is the number 1 indicator of how other people think that they can treat you.

Questions to ask yourself: What do I expect of myself, in terms of honesty, trust, respect, and accountability? What do I expect from other people, in terms of honesty, trust, respect, and accountability? Then make sure that your actions are in alignment with those expectations.

#3: Secure the bag by building an unstoppable team

The quickest way to manifest your professional goals and dreams is by building a team that believes in your vision and is equipped to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. The bottom-line is that your business and your brand is only as strong as your people so it’s imperative to be mindful of the employees that you hire and the friends and associates that you surround yourself with, because they will determine how far and how quickly you grow.

Self-care Tip: Awaken the Power of Your Circle  

Beware of the company that you keep. There’s a reason why the saying, “Birds of a feather, flock together,” always rings true. If you want to know where you’re at in your life and more importantly, where you’re going, just look around at your inner circle of friends. It’s super important to be able to trust the people that you surround yourself with and also make sure that you are surrounded by people that not only encourage you, but also are at a level that you aspire to be at.

You don’t want to be the most successful person in your circle and you also want to be with people that add value to your life. Take an inventory of who you have in your life and involved in your business and write-out what value they add to your life, business, and bottom-line.

#4: Secure the bag by having a vision for your life

If you don’t know what you’re going or what your endgame is, then you’ll continually to be lost and unproductive in both your life and career. Set goals and milestone for where you want to take your business and actually see yourself succeeding in those areas. You won’t be able to grow your business if you don’t have a clear understanding of what you’re trying to create. The trick here is to dream big and not limit yourself and the expectations that you have for your business because the only boundaries that your business has are the boundaries that you create for yourself.

Self-care Tip: Awaken the Power of a Vision
“Before the world can see it, the mind must imagine it.” You must know what you want your life to look before you can create it. The power of visualizing your success and life is paramount to manifesting those things into your reality. The best part is, visualizing and having a vision is 100% free and you can do it right now and start transforming your life.

Also, the vision you have for you life is a great checkpoint for how you move through your current circumstances and the decisions you make, you can ask yourself, “Is this in alignment and in service to what the greater vision for my life is?” Use your vision as a compass for daily actions.

When visualizing your life be sure to feel it. Feel what it feels like to cross the finish of your goal, to buy your dream home, ride in your dream car, have healthy and happy relationships, making your first million, or whatever it is.

#5: Secure the bag by respecting your elders

Just because we live in a digital savvy world, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and insights from those that came before us. The best way to implement a profitable plan to build your brand is by creating a blueprint based successful strategies from established entrepreneurs and business leaders. This means being strong and vulnerable to ask for help, advice, and guidance when needed.
Remember: even though it is your business, you do not have to build it alone.

Self-care tip: Awaken the Power of Mentorship

Learning from someone who is has done what you’re trying to do is one of the most invaluable resources that you can have. The trick is to find someone that you can trust and that genuinely wants to help you win and achieve your goals. You can learn from their triumphs as well as their mistakes and they can insights on how to reach your goal quicker, how to adjust your mindset, and how to up-level your circle.

I’ve had trouble finding someone to be my mentor. I would reach out to people and for whatever reason, it never really worked out. So I turned to YouTube and watch people that I admired during their interviews, masterclasses, documentaries, and videos. If you can’t find someone to be your mentor in-person, then search for their personal and professional stories online.

5 Essential Elements of a Successful Brand Partnership

Hi lovelies,

A few months ago, I attended a pre-Oscar’s Social Club event hosted by Vanity Fair. During one of the panel discussions, “A New Paradigm: The Power of the Social Influencer,” I started to reflect on my own journey as a blogger and social media influencer. As the moderator, Louise Roe, and panelists, Wendy Nguyen, Andy Torres, Marianna Hewitt, and Rocky Barnes, shared their personal stories, I was inspired to look beyond my usual fashion and beauty blogging box to see how I could stretch myself as both a blogger and businesswoman.

Based on lessons learned from the mistakes I’ve made early on in my career—from not knowing my worth to partnering with brands for the wrong reasons—just like the panelists, I’ve been able to the transition from amateur to professional.

Making a successful switch from blogging as a hobby to blogging as a business wasn’t easy, especially when it came to landing paying partnerships with credible brands while maintaining my integrity as a blogger.

But with my new perspective, I reached out to Kura Nutrition, a premium brand from New Zealand that provides grass-fed dairy protein smoothie powder to kickstart your day in a happy and healthy way. At first glance, it may not seem like a natural fit for a primarily fashion and beauty blogger. But as I learned more about the brand and was able to speak with Louise Anderson, their head of digital and commerce, I found that both our brands had a similar ethos and vision. I was able to connect with Kura on a deeper level than just Instagram likes and pay-per-clicks.

Together, we created a blueprint for what it means to have a successful brand partnership that would translate into a meaningful experience for the brand, the blogger, and most importantly, the core audience.

Below are the five elements of how to create a successful brand partnership from the perspective of both the blogger and the brand.

1. Authenticity + Meaning: From the brand’s perspective

According to Louise at Kura, authenticity married to meaning is the most important element of a successful brand partnership. Customers are intuitive and smart enough to know when they are reading a press release that is disguised as a “blog post.” When that happens, all credibility for both the brand and the blogger goes out the window.

Both the brand and the blogger must be clear on who they are, what they stand for, and what value they are adding to their consumers and readers. The partnership has to be rooted in a deeper meaning than just exposure and a paycheck.

To achieve true authenticity and meaning with their blogger partnerships, Kura is doing more editorial-type blog posts rather than just reviews. The nutrition brand prefers to align itself with engaging, entertaining, and useful content. For example, Kura partnered with Rachael Hartley of Avocado A Day Nutrition, where she shared her personal experience using the dairy-based protein smoothie powder that was connected to a bigger and more important message, you can review the post here.

2. Collaboration + Common ground + Connecting live: From the brand’s perspective

Louise advises us to create a genuine connection between the blogger and the brand prior to agreeing to do a partnership. She suggests getting on the phone or FaceTime for at least 15 minutes to discuss ideas, share experiences, and to get to know each other on a personal level before jumping into a partnership. The blogger should be prepared to discuss what his/her goals are, what trends that you’re seeing, and any preliminary ideas that you have for a partnership. The brand should do the same to see if there’s a genuine connection.

Louise makes the crucial point that those 15 minutes early on can make a huge difference when it comes to the partnership’s content and will determine the parameters of the ongoing relationship. Connecting in person can also prevent any confusion or misunderstandings as to what is expected of both the brand and the blogger. It’s best to connect live and then confirm the goals and terms of the partnership through a written proposal.

3: Diversification: From the blogger’s perspective

One thing I’ve found to be super beneficial to my professional career as a blogger and social media influencer has been diversification. This means expanding beyond my usual offerings, brands, and types of content that I cover. Instead of just focusing on fashion and beauty, I turned my focus to lifestyle, entertainment, and health brands, which led to my partnership with brands like Kura Nutrition, Yoplait, and WeTV. It has also led to branching out from just blogging and social media to creating YouTube videos and being a consultant to fellow bloggers looking to expand their reach, get specific about their branding and marketing, and begin to generate some serious income doing what they love.

What makes diversification so beneficial to brand partnerships is that it opens up both the brand and the blogger to an audience that they may never have been exposed to previously. A nutrition brand may not have been able to reach the fashion community without the benefit of a blogger partnership and a fashion blogger may night be able to expand their reach without going outside of their fashion bubble.

The trick to success through diversification is to ensure that regardless of the genre, both the brand and the blogger share a similar vision and goal. If the partnership is rooted in common objectives, it’s bound to be lucrative and meaningful for both parties.

4: Tangible results:  From both the brand’s and blogger’s perspective

Brands would love for the blog partnership to result in direct sales through coupon codes and clicks, Louise says. But there are additional ways that they measure the value and success of a blogger partnership.

For example, the engagement on the blog post and social media shares are also important along with traffic to their website. Additionally, we can’t forget about the importance and value of aligning yourself with a blogger or brand that has a strong mission and presence that can in turn strengthen your own brand’s mission and presence. Once Louise discerns direct benefits for Kura through the partnership, she typically will then expand the relationship with the blogger into a larger series or partnership.

As a blogger, before signing up for a collaboration, I get clear on what I’m looking for out of the partnership, which can range from a combination of any of the below:

• Compensation: I put a dollar amount to what I believe the collaboration is worth.

• Gifted products: Am I willing to accept only products in the collaboration? Or products and compensation? Know this before agreeing to partner.

• Exposure: Will partnering with this brand mutually increase our brand awareness and visibility to key audiences? Figure out this component before signing up and create a strategy to best leverage the partnership from a public relations standpoint.

• Brand equity: Will this partnership elevate and strengthen my brand? Does it make sense to align ourselves and our messaging? Will my audience truly get value out of this content? Be sure that you can answer these questions before going into business with a brand.

5: A clear contract: From the blogger’s perspective

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it bears repeating and emphasizing. Be sure to have a clear agreement of what is expected from both the blogger and the brand before, during, and after the campaign.

Get in alignment with the nitty and the gritty of the partnership. Things to confirm include:

• Duration of the campaign: How long will the campaign last? What are the exact dates that the campaign will run?

• Total number of blog posts: Agree on word count, number of posts, and key messaging.

• Total number social media shares: Be sure to be specify how many shares per social media platform.

• Specify the exact social media platforms that you are expected to share on: Maybe you’re not big on Periscope and want to skip that platform, just get clear on where and when you are sharing.

• Compensation: Confirm how much the compensation will be and when compensation will be received (before or after the campaign? How much time do they have after the campaign to pay you?) Be sure to agree on the exact dollar amount and/or the amount of product.

• Photography and video content: Confirm if you’re expected to provide original photography and/or video content. Also confirm if this is worth a higher rate.

• Hashtags and handles: Be sure to confirm the official and relevant hashtags and handles to use on your social shares during the campaign.

BONUS INSIGHTS FROM KURA NUTRITION:

Stand for something that goes beyond your product or blog:

For example, Kura Nutrition is a big supporter of Animal Welfare. Their cows are healthy and chomp on grass 365 days a year and roam in beautiful pastures. Unfortunately, some animals are not as lucky and Kura donates to and partners with an incredible organization called Global Animal Partnership. GAP has a 5-step rating system to help you understand the treatment of animals in the food production process and enable you to support positive animal welfare practices with your purchase. You can read more about Global Animal Partnership here.

How can a blogger stand-out from the pack and get a brand’s attention?

• Be an awesome person: Have great credibility within your community of bloggers, brands, and fans.

• Be professional: Be responsive and don’t sell out to brands on your website. Produce useful content.

• Be creative: Try different, unexpected content and channels.

• Be surprising: For example, curate your Instagram with a grid of photos along with short, on-point videos.

Where do you find bloggers for your brand partnerships?

According to Louise, Kura frequently collaborates with bloggers they already know—as a small company it saves them time and they are can get personalized introductions.

Kura also finds a number of bloggers through general Internet searches and social stalking. Louise will review social media conversations to see if any blogger stands out in the comments that might be a good fit for Kura. She will also respond to bloggers who reach out to her directly but it needs to be

an authentic, non-spammy communication in order to catch her interest.

Should a blogger work with agencies?

Louise says that although a lot of bloggers and brands work through agencies, it might be best to reduce the number of engagements and focus on quality that will result in better business for both the brand and the blogger.

Have questions or comments? Leave them below!

VLOG: 3 Ways To Make Money Online - Without Being A Blogger

7 Secrets to Writing the Perfect Pitch

Hi lovelies,

I wanted to share with you my secrets to writing the perfect pitch. This article was first published in Independent Fashion Bloggers, you can read it here and below:

Having started my fashion career as an intern in the public relations department at Louis Vuitton in New York City, I quickly learned the power of a persuasive pitch. Whether it was pitching our latest bag for the coveted September issue or pitching myself to one of the seasoned PR girls to handle the ELLE placement myself, having the ability to effectively communicate what I wanted, and get it, was paramount to being successful on any level.

Before branching out as a full-time fashion and lifestyle blogger and actress, I also did stints at two of the world’s leading brand strategy and design firms in their corporate marketing and public relations departments, which only strengthened my pitching skills.

I’ve taken what I learned from these experiences, put my own spin on them, and have used them to land sponsorships with brands including Urban Decay, Redken, and WEtv, press placements in BRINK magazine, Simply Stylist, and Popsugar’s Shopstyle Collective, as well as a land a film and television agent at ICM Partners.

Below are seven pillars to a perfect pitch that you can use to elevate your personal brand, realize professional goals, get invites to industry events, and expand your network of influencers.

But like any socially savvy and fearless woman, put your own spin on them and use your own voice to pitch you way into the life and career that you deserve. Can I get a #GirlBoss?

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH and tailor your pitch.

I cannot stress this enough. Make sure you know exactly to whom you are pitching and why. Determine your objective, i.e. why you’re reaching out, and work backwards from there. For example, if you’re goal is a brand sponsorship for your blog, here is a template for putting together the background for your pitch:

Objective: To get a paid brand sponsorship for my blog
Target brand: Madewell
Things to know before pitching:

• Past brand sponsorships

• In-house PR contact or PR agency contact

• Do they frequently work with bloggers and if so, in what capacity?

• What type of sponsorship are you seeking: advertising, blog post, YouTube video, social media activation, etc.

• Is there an authentic connection between my personal brand and the brand that I’m pitching?

• Do I already have a contact at the brand?

• What value do I add to the partnership?

Make sure the brand’s message and aesthetic are in alignment with your own. It’ll be easier “to get a yes” if the collaboration makes sense and is a natural fit and be sure to highlight that in your pitch.

Knowing who you are reaching out to is also crucial. Is it the VP of public relations or is it the brand’s marketing coordinator? I would suggest reaching out to associates, coordinators, and maybe even interns. They are the ones who are fielding queries day-to-day and are more likely to be your contact with the brand.

Once you’ve done your homework, you can then tailor your pitch to the specific brand, company, publication, or individual. It will add an element of professionalism to your pitch and set you apart from the competition.

2. Keep it short and sweet.

In the Instagram world that we happily live in, no one has neither the time nor the attention span to read long, in-depth paragraphs. Make sure your pitch is no more than a few short paragraphs and avoid using jargon, flowery language, or clichés. You don’t want your email to look spammy or too much like a chore to read. Again, you want to make it as easy as possible for people to say, “yes,” to you.

Here are a few tips to craft your email:

Intro: One to two sentences introducing yourself with a link to your site.

Body: Be very specific about what you’re asking for: whether it’s to collaborate on a project, for a press placement, to negotiate your rates, score an invite to a party, secure a job interview, etc.

You’re more likely to get a response if they know exactly what you’re asking. Include relevant links to your site, social media channels, press mentions, portfolio, LinkedIn profile, etc.

This is where you should establish your connection as well, reference a personal contact you have or explain why you/your brand are a good fit.

Closing: Include a all to action and next steps—make it clear what the next step will be. Do you want to set up a call to discuss or meet in-person? Will you reach back out in a few days if you haven’t heard back? Do they need additional information to make a decision? Make sure these answers are clear and concise. Be sure to have a signature in your email with all of your contact information.

3. Show them what you can do
.

You never want to come across as needy or desperate, but as an equally valuable partner looking to connect and collaborate. To show your value, be sure to include a few of your most impressive stats, latest media mentions, featured collaborations, you graduated top of your class, etc.

Back to the example of working with brands on your blog, make sure that the “why” is clear—this applies to any and all pitches. Why should this brand work with you? Maybe it’s because you have a strong social media following. Why should they give you a higher fee? Perhaps your engagement rate with audience recently skyrocketed. Why should they feature you in their magazine? Maybe you just landed a brand campaign and you want to promote it.

What if you’re a newbie and don’t have a ton of fancy stats and placements to use in your pitch? No problem. Remember that your unique perspective and aesthetic is valuable, even if it hasn’t been featured in Vogue. A trick to get around this is to create a high-quality example of a collaboration envision with a brand, send them a link to it. Then see if they’re open to sending you free products to do more blog and social media posts. Once you deliver consistent, quality work, then you can start to negotiate fees and more likely than not, after you’ve established a strong relationship with the brand, they will offer you compensation. Going forward you can use that project as a selling point in your pitches to other brands.

You can apply the same logic to other types of pitches. For example, if you’re pitching your boss to give you a raise or promotion, be sure to include how you’ve added value to the company in your current position and then proactively offer new ideas on what you could do if given more responsibilities, compensation, and a new fancy title.

Remember, your pitch will be much more persuasive if you come from a place of adding value rather than, “What can you do for me?”

4. Include links, not attachments.

This may seem trivial, but if you want the odds of your email actually being opened to increase significantly, definitely adhere to this rule, especially if it’s a cold email. Links are not only more convenient on both desktop and mobile applications, but it increases the likelihood of someone seeing your content.

People are wary of downloading attachments and emails with attachment files—it could be a virus, or if they’re on the go it might gobble up their precious data. Attachment emails are also more likely to end up in a spam folder. So ditch the attachments and opt for links to your website, social media channels, press placements, or whatever content you want to highlight.

5. Leverage relationships.

Second to doing your research this is the most important point. If you have a contact at a brand or company: USE IT!

Don’t be afraid to pitch friends to connect you with the appropriate people at a brand or company, give you a referral, or use them as a reference in your pitches.

However, make sure that you have their permission before dropping their name and you may even want to send them a draft of your pitch email for approval. Relationships are so important in life and in your career, so be sure to be respectful of them.

6. Create an authentic connection.

This is in conjunction with doing your research. It’s always a nice touch to add a personal tidbit that connects you with the person you’re reaching out to, even if you don’t know them personally.

Take a quick second to research their Twitter and Instagram feeds. Do they post a lot about their dog? Ice cream? Ski trips? Whatever they’re passionate about, find a way to make a genuine point of connection. Perhaps mention you saw that they went to Spain this summer and you happened to study there in college.

But when it comes to authenticity, just make sure that there aren’t any grammar mistakes or mispellings because even that can cause a lot of questions like whether you’re the real deal or a scammer (since they’re known for a certain odd style and writing. So using ProWritingAid can help. Also, be careful if you choose to use AI to write your pitch, because even that can be pretty obvious (and it’s super unauthentic).

7. Follow-up and follow-through.

Let’s face it, we’re all super busy and even I’m guilty of seeing an email and meaning to get back to it but then days go by and then it’s lost in the shuffle of my inbox. And this is the most powerful lesson I have learned in my career: Silence is not always a no.

Following up is one of the most important aspects of having a successful pitch. I would wait at least 5-7 days before following up. I’ve received the majority of my “yeses” simply because I was 1. bold enough to reach out in the first place and 2, confident enough to follow-up even when I hadn’t heard back.

However, I would follow-up only 1-2 times. If you don’t hear back after that, chalk it up as their loss and move on to your next target.

Following through is also extremely important. If they ask for your media kit, additional links, or more information, be sure to provide these materials in a timely manner. This is what separates the professionals from the amateurs. Also, if you said in your email that you would follow-up, then make sure you reach back out.

Happy pitching! Do you have any pitching techniques to add? Let us know in the comments!

Connect with Candy on Instagram to learn more fashion, lifestyle, and career tips.

3 Tips to Being a Successful Blogger

Hi lovelies,

It's Friday and I'm gearing up for a super awesome weekend with my friends. On Saturday, we're going on a Winery Jeep Tour in Temecula, CA, and I'm really looking forward to unwinding and just enjoying myself. It's a much needed mini-vacay. 

But in the meantime, I wanted to quickly share with you all three easy tips on how to grow your blog and business and become a successful blogger.

3 Tips to Being a Successful Blogger
Do these things on a daily basis to grow your blog + business

#1: Cultivate  Relationships:
Share other people's content and don't just promote your own work.

#2: Build Community:
Comment and like on other bloggers posts and photos. Don't forget to responde to comments on your own posts. Engagement is key to growing your blog.

#3: Add value:
Post a photo, blog post, or video, that is meaningful to your audience. Are you sharing a fashion or business tip? Maybe it will just bring a smile to their faces, but always know "the why" of what you're posting. 

Be sure to share this with your friends, fam, and other bloggers! Comment below with any questions or comments that you may have.

I look forward to connecting with you and if you want some one-on-one time with me, check out the The Billionaire Blogger Society, here, and start making money doing what you love. 

Five Lessons Your Brand Can Learn From Wendy Williams: #SILYMI

Hi lovelies,

Wendy Williams isn’t just a source for all things pop culture and hot topics, but she’s also a source of inspiration for any entrepreneur or brand looking to pave its own way and truly make its mark.

Starting from humble beginnings as a radio talk show host, Williams has evolved into the new queen of daytime talk, a best-selling author, reality personality, a Broadway star, Dancing with the Stars alum, and silver screen actress. I took a deep look into the trajectory of her career and extracted five key lessons you can learn from Williams to take your brand, whether its personal, product, or service, to the next level.

Lesson #1: Be authentic – stay true to who you are

Authenticity maybe a media buzzword this year, but Williams is the living and breathing example of what it means to truly embody your brand’s purpose in an authentic way.

Love her or hate her, she says exactly what’s on her mind and she isn’t afraid to alienate the Hollywood elite by staying truthful and honest with her viewers, fans, and readers. She stays true to her brand purpose of keeping her viewers informed on the latest pop culture news while giving them her unique perspective on every situation.

Key insight: Stay true to your brand’s purpose and your consumers will stay true to you. 

Lesson #2: Define your brand voice and essence – keep it consistent through out the total brand experience

Williams’ signature catchphrase “How you doin’?” is infectious and symbolic of the talk show host’s brand voice and essence. She’s approachable, down-to-earth, a best friend that you want to get a glass of wine and gossip with, and she always keeps it real.

She has clearly defined what the“Wendy Williams” brand stands for and that type of clarity and transparency truly resonates with her viewers and fans. She also calls her studio audience her “co-host” which creates a feeling of partnership and investment of being loyal to watching the show.

Key insight: Ensure that the experience at every consumer touch-point is in alignment with your brand voice and essence, for a consistent and unified brand experience. This builds consumer trust and loyalty.

Lesson #3: Stay focused on you brand vision

When Williams was asked to be the “Spinderella” of Salt-N-Pepa during her radio disc jockey days, she turned down the offer in favor of staying on her path of realizing her ultimate goal of having her own television show. She had created a long-term vision for her brand and took the necessary steps in order to make that happen, including turning down short-term lucrative deals. That choice has clearly paid off in dividends.

Key insight: Set long-term, specific goals for your brand and then make decisions based on reaching those goals that are in alignment with your overall vision. 

Lesson #4: Be transparent, engaging, and humble – people connect to what’s real and true

What I love even more than the celebrity insider scoop on  “Hot Topics” on The Wendy Show, is her personal stories about what she cooked for her husband and son, her own celebrity encounters, her struggles with thyroid disease, how her wig is fitting that day, and so on. She has a magical way of keeping her viewers engulfed in her day-to-day stories by engaging with them on a human and personal level.

She also does a YouTube video series called “The After Show” where she answers viewer questions usually submitted through Facebook and Twitter, her own reactions to guests and gossip, and what’s shaking up in her own personal life. It’s a window into Wendy that truly creates a dialogue between her and the viewer.

Key insight: Show that your brand is real and vulnerable and people will connect with it on personal and meaningful level. This level of engagement creates customer loyalty and converts fans into brand ambassadors.

Lesson #5: Diversify in ways that are true to your brand

Williams has diversified her brand and expanded her empire in ways that stay authentic to her core brand. For example, she launched a premium wig line, she proudly wears a wig due to her thyroid disease and she gives helpful hair care tips on her show. She starred on Broadway in Chicago as Mama Morton, a strong yet playful character that was perfect for Williams. She’s also reprising her role as Gail, Kevin Hart’s character’s wife in Think Like A Man 2, but is very vocal that although she acts, she isn’t an “actor” and refuses to do sex and nude scenes or gain weight for a role. It’s doesn’t anymore authentic than that.

Key insight: Create a strong foundation for your brand and expand your offerings from there, your consumers will follow. 

So whether or not you’re a fan of the daytime talk show diva, you have to respect her authenticity, transparency, humility, innovative business-savvy, and unyielding work ethic. Perhaps you could even learn a thing or two from the media maven on how to elevate your brand. How you doin’?

Let Wendy and I know what you think about this article by using #SILYMI on your social media channels.

3 Questions About Making A Claim

https://www.pexels.com/photo/numbers-money-calculating-calculation-3305/

Hi lovelies,

Claims for injuries don’t tend to be something you give much consideration to until you find yourself in a position whereby you need to. When this happens, people are often a bit overwhelmed with all of the information they find at their disposal and a bit at a loss regarding where to start. So, we’ve put a quick FAQ guide together to give you a helping hand…

Do you have a claim? There is only one place to begin and this is by determining what leads to a successful claim. The last thing you want to do is waste time on making a claim only to discover you don’t have a chance of getting compensation. Generally, you need to prove that the accident was not your fault, that it happened in the last three years and that you saw a doctor as a result of your injuries. You will want a good legal team by your side. It will ensure that you get the right compensation for the claim you make. They will further ensure that you are compensated for the emotional distress. You can visit website here to learn more information.

How is compensation calculated? A lot of people are unaware of the fact that compensation is split into two parts. First of all, you have general damages. This relates to the compensation you receive for the injury you have suffered – i.e. the severity of it and the impact it is having on your everyday life. Nonetheless, this not the only type of compensation you receive. You will get special damages as well. This is compensation for any costs you have encountered as a result of your injury. This can be anything from childcare costs to medical expenses. If you are wondering about the cost of claiming itself, there are lawyers representing auto accident victims from all walks of life, offering flexible payment structures to ensure you are able to claim.

Do you need to see a medical professional? From motorbike accidents and car crashes, to repetitive strain injury and construction accidents, to slips and trips… the incidents that can lead to no win no fee claims vary dramatically. However, there is one thing that all of these scenarios have in common, and this is the need to see a doctor! Of course, if you have been involved in an accident it is likely that you will see a medical professional anyway. You need to ensure you receive proper treatment for your suffering. Nonetheless, when people suffer a minor injury they are often tempted to cope with it themselves. After all, there are a lot of individuals that literally hate going to the hospital! However, if you do this you will ruin your chances of getting compensation. You need to be professionally diagnosed with your injury to have a good chance of making a successful claim. You can’t expect to be given compensation just because you say you were injured. You need proof. This is why it is imperative to see a medical professional, no matter how minor or major your injuries may be. 

So there you have it: some of the most common questions about claiming answered. We hope these details are helpful to you.

How To Turn Your Passion Into A Business

Hi lovelies,

If you've always wanted to own your own business and there something you're passionate about, but you don't know how to go about turning into a business, then look no further. What you do for a living is so important to your happiness and wellbeing, and you deserve to be doing something that you love and are passionate about. So, how do you turn your passion into a money-making business?

Work Out How You Could Do It Better
Whatever your passion is, if you think there is a better way to do it than what current established businesses are already doing, then that is what you need to concentrate on. As a consumer, you know where the holes are in the market and what could be done better within the industry. Have a think about how you can create something sustainable. Identify problems where things are going wrong and what could be improved and go from there to create a strong business plan. 

Become An Expert 
This shouldn't be too hard as this is already your passion, but you need to make sure you really are an expert on your chosen industry, but you also need to get educated on the business side of things too. You need to know what you are talking about, so if you need to up your business knowledge and skills, then you might want to look into online MBA programs or if you need to brush up on your knowledge of the industry you want to work in then read the right books, keep up to date with current industry news and get to know it inside out. 

Start With A Side Hustle
In the beginning, when you launch your new business, it's going to be very beneficial to keep your day job at the same time. While it's going to be hard work, if the side hustle is your passion, then it shouldn't feel like work, and if you keep your eyes on the end goal, it'll be well worth the hard work. Start small and build your confidence, gain more knowledge, and get more experience before you jump in completely. If you quit your day job based on your passion, you may find yourself in a vulnerable position and put too much pressure on yourself. Take your time. It's important to know the market properly, do your research and make sure that the product or service you are offering solves a problem or adds value. 

Get Support
There is loads of support out there for new businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups, there is funding available, schemes, hubs and mentors to take advantage of. Find out about what is available for you, and while you might need to apply for the support, if you get it, it could be the difference between your business making it or not. Also, take advantage of coworking spaces, as many offer resources and learning opportunities for their members. Some are also tailored toward specific categories of entrepreneurship and their unique needs too, so have a look around, find like-minded people and make sure you're in the right place to meet them.

A Change In Your Career To Help Others

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Hi lovelies,

When growing up, a lot of people claim their dream job is something that helps people, and if it's not helping people, it's being famous. Today, though, the focus is more on helping people. However, while these people may have grand dreams about saving the world through their work, life gets in the way. People change, their situations alter, and they need to adapt to whatever they find in front of them. 

When this happens, many dreams of helping others need to fall by the wayside. You've got to earn a living, even if you don't have the time to follow your dreams. Once you've managed to stabilize your finances, you've found a place to live and settled down, it's time to start thinking about changing your career and finally pursue what you always wanted to do. 

If you still want to help others, here are the best jobs around that will allow you to do just that. 

Doctor or Nurse
Arguably the most common career where you help others, doctors and nurses are a fantastic option for those who want to assist others right at the source. Of course, becoming a doctor and nurse isn't easy, so you'll need to check the qualifications for a doctor or nurse practitioner requirements if you want to get serious about such a career. 

If you are serious, though, and you're willing to get the qualifications, this can be an ultimately rewarding career for anyone. With such a range of departments within medicine, you can find something that works perfectly for you. You can be a surgeon, a pediatrician, a cardiologist, or an optometrist. You can also check out this website that gives you information on telemedicine, another avenue through which you can assist others in the field of medicine. Telehealth solutions is the latest arm of value-based healthcare. There is such a range of potential disciplines for you to explore that you are sure to find something that suits you. 

Counselor or Therapist
Counselor or therapist careers are superb options for those who are excellent listeners and are passionate about helping people overcome their problems safely and sensibly. Many people are put off the idea of therapists because of the depiction in movies. However, the reality is far from what you see in the media. 

You can work with people suffering from mental health issues to those battling addiction. Through this, you can offer advice and suggest coping mechanisms that allow your patients to be the best person they can be. Other therapy or counseling careers include family or child psychology if you want to focus on improving relationships. Through this, you can help mend family communication and help them overcome their issues for the better. 

Social And Community Service Manager
You might want to indulge in a career that helps as many people as you possibly can, even if they don't work with you directly. In this case, a social and community service manager could be the perfect career for you. 

This job puts you right in the heart of the community, and you are responsible for ensuring programs and funding gets fulfilled to make your town, village, or district a more enjoyable place to live. You will work with charities and local organizations to improve the lives of everyone, and you will also be responsible for writing proposals and meeting with government representatives to plead your case for funding. 

Lawyer
Yes, lawyers might have a bad reputation amongst a lot of people, but just like therapists, this is because the media has convinced us that they are all evil. The truth is far removed from this, especially if you're thinking about being a public defender or a lawyer that doesn't work for a large corporation. 

Instead, you can work in the civil court, work with families, or even help protect the environment from pollution or destruction by large enterprises. Despite the bad reputation, lawyers are committed to helping those that cannot help themselves, so it's definitely something to think about. 

Interpreter or Translator
If you have a flair for languages and love to travel, working as an interpreter or translator is a fantastic option for you, and one that not many people would think to do. 

Translators and interpreters can work across the world. Still, if you're thinking of somewhere closer to home, foster communities or areas with a lot of immigration or asylum are always on the lookout for someone who can communicate with them. Similarly, you can work in hospitals, schools, courtrooms, or even the theater (if you know sign language) to make it easy to understand what is going on around them. 

Physical Therapist
A lot of people can feel like their life as they know it will change forever following a severe injury, but as a physical therapist, you can help them get back to how they were before. 

We've all seen the videos of people in wheelchairs surprising their carer and family by standing up and walking. It's heartwarming, and this is what you can do to help others. It's especially useful for those who suffered sports injuries, but it is not restricted to that. As sudden injury can affect anyone, physical therapists are always appreciated. 

Teacher
Arguably one of the most exceptional professions, teaching is something that most people respect, even if they are convinced they cannot do it. If you love to pass on knowledge and witness both kids and adults learn and grow, it's certainly an option for you.

Teaching can be a hard industry to break into depending on where you live, though, and with how many people think they want to be a teacher and then realize they don't, it poses quite the risk. To get an idea of whether teaching is for you, consider covering night classes or exploring ESL options either at home or abroad to help you get a feel for educating. 

Doing Good
 Making a change in your career so you can help people is one of the noblest and respectable things you can do. If you have a passion for doing good and helping those less fortunate then you, no matter what the situation, a career that helps others live a better life is something for you to consider. 

4 Tips for Effective Time Management

Hi lovelies,

A day has 24 hours, but some people seem to make use of this time than others. Effective time management helps you use every minute to achieve your goals. If you have not been managing your time well, planning your time well can be hard. People who are used to wasting time are often addicted to unproductive activities. Fortunately, you can avoid this and make more use of your time through time management.

Image via Shutterstock by Lallanan

Time Management Tips

Set goals

Setting goals is one of the best ways to help you manage time. Failure to have goals means you do things with nothing to measure your success. Therefore, there is nothing to keep you on track, and within a short time, you will fall back. Get one of the used omega watches to keep you on your toes. When you use every minute properly, you will achieve meaningful things.

Have limited time for each task

Having limited time for each job keeps you focused. You will not procrastinate or get distracted, and at the end of the day, you can look back and be proud of your accomplishments. It becomes a habit with time, and any task that is not completed on time eats up your leisure time. Since you do not want to miss out on your other plans, you will work hard to complete all work on time.

Plan your day

Waking up without any plan on how to spend your day is the worst thing you can do. You should know what needs to be done every day a few days before. Failure to have solid plans leaves you with ample time to wander aimlessly, which means you won't accomplish anything constructive. Here are ways to plan your day:

• Before closing work for the day, come up with a list of things to do tomorrow. It should not take you more than 15 minutes, but the benefits are immense.

• Plan in the morning. Make it a habit to always come up with important things to do every day early in the morning. It also helps you concentrate on the most productive things.

Delegate some tasks

It is not easy to trust other people with your work. However, if it's too much for you, find someone to help you. It is possible to find experts, but you can also train people to handle your tasks exactly how you want them done. This leaves you with plenty of time to grow and expand your business in other areas.

Bottom Line

One of the biggest problems that people have to deal with is time management. Business owners are the most affected because the market is demanding, and they cannot find a balance between hard work and enough rest. It takes effective time management to juggle between work and personal responsibilities. If you are not careful, you can easily reach a breaking point, which definitely renders you unproductive. You should know what to prioritize while ensuring you remain productive. Time management doesn’t mean working continuously; instead, it helps you finish your work on time and have enough time to rest and meet up with your friends.

The Most Important Benefits Of Competition In Business

Hi lovelies,

It is human nature to try and win. In the world of sport, athletes often achieve optimal performance levels when competing against their toughest competitors. This can also be said of businesses. Competition may seem like an obstacle, but it can actually bring out the best a company has to offer. The infographic below outlines the most critical benefits of competition in business.

The first advantage is innovation. Businesses push each other to do more, and this often contributes to new inventions and changes in the way companies operate. Forward-thinking firms are always on the lookout for ways to boost efficiency, to improve customer experience and to create products that fill a gap in the market. Without innovation, we’d be stuck in a rut, and we wouldn’t have access to the incredible inventions that have become part of our everyday lives. 

Another key benefit of competition is credibility. Competition sets standards and encourages companies operating within an industry to strive for high standards of quality and service. Customer service, as you’ll see from the infographic, is another feature of a competitive marketplace. When you have others breathing down your neck, looking after customers and rewarding client loyalty become more pressing.

Finally, competition helps to stamp out complacency and promote continuous improvement. Real-life examples like Apple and Microsoft and Pepsi and Coke demonstrate the importance of competition and the impact it has on the market. Intense battles between leading brands promote growth and provide customers with a choice between reputable businesses that set a standard for innovation, customer service and product quality. 

Infographic Produced By University of Alabama Birmingham

Making The Most Of Your Technology

Hi lovelies,

With life now thriving in a digital age, nearly every household contains a wealth of different technological masterpieces such as laptops, gaming devices and kitchen equipment galore. However, many people invest thousands in this technology yet fail to truly make the most of their products, whether this be through miseducation or failing to take appropriate care of their goods. This can mean that you lose out on a whole load of money as well as time, but it doesn’t have to be this way! There are a few simple steps that you can follow in order to make the most of your technology, and it couldn’t be easier to get started today. So, if you want to know more about how you can advance in the digital age, then read on to uncover some of the best tips and tricks that you can make the most of to get as much out of your technology as you can. 

Read The Manual & Watch Tutorials
When you buy any technology, it comes with its own personal instruction manual that includes all of the different features the product has and how you can have them. Far too many people leave this manual in the box and end up throwing it in the trash, and this is a terrible mistake to make. Everything that you need to know is contained inside the manual, and it’s recommended that you skim through the pages before use to ensure that you are able to make the most of the product and avoid any injuries whilst doing so. If you’re not keen on reading and don’t learn information in this way, then there’s bound to be a wealth of video tutorials online where other users record themselves operating the technology to show you exactly how you can use the product. 

Search For Upgrades & Additional Features 
There are many different technologies that also come with additional features or upgrades that can take your experience to a whole new level, so these may be the perfect investments for you. For example, TroyPoint offer guides that can help you to supercharge your entertainment devices to unlock new components, so you can say goodbye to average TV and turn your night in into an advanced adventure. As well as this, there are many extra devices that you purchase which will further improve your experience. A perfect addition to any home is a surround sound speaker system, because whether you’re watching a film or listening to some tunes, you can be sure that you hear every single detail in high definition to get the best audio extravaganza ever. 

Making the most of your technology has never been so simple when you are able to take advantage of the top tips and tricks detailed above. Start off by skimming through the instruction manual and searching for helpful video tutorials online, and then find some extra additions and upgrades that can take your tech to a whole new level like you have never experienced before.

Tips To Increase The Value Of Your Property

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Hi lovelies,

Increasing the value of your property can certainly give your home the much-needed boost it might need. Not to mention that if ever you do decide to sell your property, hopefully, you’ll come away with a bit more of a profit than before. Here are some tips to increase the value of your property.

Focus On The Outdoors
The outdoors of your property are important to get right because you’ll often find that you focus a lot of time on the inside of your home. Your garden and outdoor space might need a little pick me up, so look at what could be changed. Think about the current layout of your garden space and the use of different textures and materials. Perhaps you want to use something like https://www.nichiha.com/modern-homes-applications added to your home too? Really give your home curb appeal, and where possible, add onto your property. Perhaps you can extend your driveway and create an extra parking space. There’s no end to what you can create in your outdoor space, so start getting creative.

Create More Of A Smart Home
Technology has certainly changed the way that we interact with our homes, and creating more features that help make home living easier is essential. Try creating more smart features in your home because that’s what a lot of current homeowners of a younger generation might be looking for. Remote or panel-operated lighting and a thermostat you can control on your phone from outside your home. Think about what the latest in technology is out there for home appliances and what can be operated at the touch of a button. The more you add, the more financial gain you’re likely to get from it.

Add More Space
Space is a factor in your home that will definitely boost it’s value if you try to add more of it. Of course, you need to check you have the planning permissions to add on extensions to your home, but they can certainly do a lot for you financially if you can add on an extra reception room, bathroom, or bedroom via a garage or basement conversion undertaken by expert remodelers such as garmanbuilders.com. Some additional space to your home can also make your home feel more spacious but be aware of the building process that’s involved when it comes to the construction and how that might affect your living environment temporarily.

Convert The Loft Or Basement
The loft space or basement are two areas of the home that can often be neglected. It’s important that you see what can be done about these spaces, whether that’s transforming the basement into a wine cellar or converting the loft into another room. Again, check any planning permissions or regulations to do with the property and those around you before proceeding.

Increasing the value of your home is one that can definitely help you for the future. Make those changes that will also bring a lot of value and love for you home to you too. Even if you don’t end up selling, it’s worth doing.

Ditch Hotels & Start Saving Money When Traveling

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Hi lovelies,

Traveling is a gift that we should cherish and take advantage of. Life isn’t complete unless you travel to different places and broaden your mind to things that seem foreign to you. The big issue is that it costs a lot of money to travel all the time. 

Well, it’s possible to find cheap flights that take you to a country where you can then move around by public transport to lots of nearby areas. The main problem is where you stay. Most of us book hotels when we go away, but they can be terribly expensive. 

So, what if I said that you could save a lot of money by ditching hotels? No, you won’t sleep in a car or camp on the side of the road! There are other accommodation options that are more affordable than hotels, yet still let you have a fun experience when you travel. 

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Stay in hostels
Instead of hotels, look to book into a hostel. Here, you’re usually in a shared dorm with other travelers. It sounds strange, but there’s a camaraderie that comes when you stay in a hostel. It’s a brilliant way of meeting new people, and they’re usually the cheapest option around. Hostels are great options if you’re traveling on your own and looking for budget accommodation in big cities. They have loads in places like Thailand and South East Asia, as well as in cities like Paris or Barcelona. 

Rent a vacation home
This idea has risen in popularity - particularly amongst family travelers. If you’re heading off on a long vacation with your family, then you need a place to stay. Vacation homes are ideal as you don’t pay for the extra hotel luxuries, so the overall price is more affordable. You see a lot of them in coastal resorts like California. In fact, you can get some excellent Sea Ranch vacation rentals that give your family a beautiful home to stay in during your trip. There are loads of other popular seaside locations around the US with great vacation homes, but they’re also a fantastic option throughout the Mediterranean coast in Europe. 

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Go camping
I know I said that you don’t have to camp on the side of the road, and I stand by that! By camping, I’m talking about staying in actual campsites. All you need is a tent and some supplies, and you will save a fortune. Again, like hostels, it’s a great way to meet people and form long-lasting friendships. It’s ideal for family travel too, and you could even rent a caravan for more home comforts. Camping is a brilliant choice if you’re staying somewhere with loads of outstanding natural beauty. For example, the Grand Canyon in the US, or somewhere like the north of Italy in Europe.

Look for B&B’s
Lastly, if you want a similar hotel experience - but on a smaller scale - then B&B’s are your best bet. You get to stay in a nice home, but you also have food provided for you. It’s still much cheaper as B&B’s cost less money to run. 

Essentially, hotels are expensive because they cost a lot for businesses to run. You’re not just paying for a room, you’re paying for everything that comes with it. Most of the time, you don’t even use any of this. How many times have you used a hotel gym or actually ordered room service?! Don’t pay for things you don’t need. If you want to save money on your next vacation, then think about ditching hotels. 

3 Signs That You Should Look For A New Job

Hi lovelies,

Searching for a new job is always tough, especially when so many people apply for each position. But if you stick at it and don’t give up, you will eventually land that dream job. Except, sometimes, it doesn’t turn out to be the dream job that you thought it was. The truth is, some companies are just terrible to work for and they won’t treat you right, so you need to get out of there and find a new job. But when you first start a new job, it’s easy to overlook some of the warning signs and convince yourself that you should give it a chance. These are some of the biggest signs that a company is bad to work for.

Not Paying Wages
This is the biggest thing to watch out for and you should have a zero tolerance policy here. Even if you like your job, you’re not there for fun, you’re there because you need to earn a living and if your wages are not paid in full, that can cause you a lot of financial problems. Some employers may try to under pay you, and that’s a big problem as well. If you find yourself in this situation, you need to get in contact with the experts in wage theft claims and take legal action against them. A business has a responsibility to pay all of their employees on time and if they can’t do that, you should start looking for another job right away. 

Lack Of Support From Managers 
A good manager doesn’t just delegate work and then sit back and do nothing while their employees do all of the hard work. If you want people to be productive at work, they need support from their superiors. If you find that your managers don’t support people and they are largely absent unless they need to ask you to do something, that’s not a good sign. You want to work for a company that is invested in you and is there to help you develop your skills. 

High Staff Turnover 
If you interview for a job and they are very eager for you to start right away, that can be a bad sign. In some cases, it might just be that they have lost somebody unexpectedly and they’re in a bit of a tricky situation. But it can also be an indication that they have a high staff turnover, and that is a cause for concern. If people are always leaving the company, there has to be a reason for that. It might be that they don’t pay very well or the management are useless. In some cases, people might be leaving because the work environment is toxic and discrimination and bullying is a big problem. Whatever the reason, a high staff turnover is always a sign that something is wrong with the company and you should start looking for a job elsewhere.

You shouldn’t ignore any of these signs when you first start a new job, you should start thinking about other options.

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You Can Make Money And Nourish Your Creative Spirit! Here’s How

Hi lovelies

Born to create! That is how many of us feel. However, when you are stuck behind a desk in a grey office, your dreams of living a creative life can seem very far away indeed. Happily, the good news is that you don't have to grind away at the typical 9-5 to survive in the world. In fact, there are plenty of ways you can use your creative passions and talents to earn money. Keep reading to find out what they are. 

Artwork 
Being a working artist used to be one of the toughest of professionals. In fact, it has a reputation for paying barely enough to live on. However, things have most definitely changed. Mainly due to the digital revolution, which means every artist has access to platforms that can market and sell their works to customers around the world. 

Of course, it's worth noting that such platforms will charge you for this privilege. Therefore, some artists prefer to create their own sites and sales funnels so they can maximize the profit on each piece they sell.

However, such fees are usually a great deal cheaper than those charged by IRL galleries, with the potential to sell work more consistently over the year too. Something that makes them an excellent option for any budding visual creatives looking for a way to monetize their skill. 

Blogging 
If your tool of choice is the pen (or should I say the keyboard?), then blogging may be the right creative money-making avenue for you. In fact, you will find that some of the more successful bloggers pull in not just a living wage, but some serious money each and every month. 

Before you work your way up to that stage, you'll need to know the basics of how to start a blog and make money from your writing. Although there is lots of great advice out there, that should allow you to craft your very own little corner of the internet and talk about issues that are important to you. All while making some moolah at the same time. 

Music 
Music, like art, has also gone through something of a democratization recently as well. In fact, in many cases artist works is no longer even purchased or downloaded, streamed instead. Of course, they do receive remuneration for each stream that occurs. Although, this does mean that the system is based around getting as many listens of your work as possible. 

In fact, to do this, you may need to go a bit beyond just putting out the best tunes and beats that you can come up with. With additional marketing strategies being used to get your work reviewed and in front of more people. Something that should help to boost revenue and allow you to keep pursuing your passion while making money while you do it. 

Podcasting 
Does your creative talent lie in talking and interviewing people? Are you great at getting down to the nitty-gritty of a topic? Can you do all this, in an exciting and entertaining way? Well, then maybe the way you should use your creativity to make money is by setting up a podcast.

For the uninitiated, you can think of a podcast like a radio show, but one that isn't broadcast. Instead, it is up to the individual listener to subscribe and download an episode of the ones they like. With revenue coming from sponsorship, or via sites like Pateron.  

Crafting 
Of course, some folks fulfill their creative urges by making things IRL rather than online. That doesn't mean they can use an online platform to sell them and make money, though. In fact, if crafting such as sewing, modeling, or crocheting is your thing, there are a range of ways you can monetize this. 

The first is selling in real-life stores. There is even a trend for vintage and handmade style venues where you can rent a booth or a shelf for a certain amount a week. Additionally, there is plenty of craft sites online like Etsy. Even Amazon has its own handmade section now. 

Finally, don't forget that there is another way to monetize crafty talents as well, and its by offering tutorials or pattern instructions on how to make such things.  

After all, many people love to craft, and as a skilled person in this field, you can offer them guides that will enable this. In fact, selling multiple patterns and guides can be a very cost and time-effective way of making sure that your craft skills pay.

A Foolproof Guide To Planning A City Break

Hi lovelies,

When you get the opportunity to plan a city break, there are so many different options and locations to choose from. Each different city offers its own way of life, as many cultures tend to come together to create a diverse and inspiring location that’s perfect for a short vacation. Ensuring that you have the best possible experience on your trip couldn’t be simpler, as there are just a few key steps that you must take in order to achieve holiday heaven. So, if you’re in the early stages of planning a city break and want to know more about how to truly make the most of your time, then read on for some of the best top tips around to ensure you create memories that can last forever. 

Set Your Budget First
Setting your budget before you make any decisions is the most important step to take. Allowing yourself to begin searching with no cap on money will either leave you with a huge bill, or give you a sense of having to ‘settle’ for something that’s closer to your price range. Take everything into consideration, including spending money, and make a plan of how much you can afford to shell out on each day of your trip. 

A Comfortable Stay
The hotel that you choose to stay in for the duration of your trip has a massive impact on its overall success. There are so many on offer in each city that choosing the option which boasts both the highest standards and best value for money seems almost impossible. Begin your search by identifying the amenities that you value most: perhaps a king sized room, a pool or gym, complimentary wifi and other technology such as TV’s and air conditioning. An example like this hotel in Butte, MT offers each of these things and more, but just remember to book up as far in advance as you can in order to secure the best room on your chosen date. 

Research Activities Beforehand 
There's nothing worse than arriving in the hustle and bustle of a new city only to be swept up by the flowing currents of people with no sense of direction or aim for your adventure. Researching the different activities that are available to you before you reach your destination will help to structure your days, and cut out the usual tourist blunder of wandering the streets for hours on end. Its even beneficial to find some restaurants and bars that offer options you might like, as this will save you so much time during your trip which you can utilise more productively instead. 

Planning a city break has never been so simple with these top tips to aid you in your adventure. Always begin by setting your budget before anything else, and source a top quality hotel to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Do some research before you arrive to save yourself heaps of time, and don’t forget to pack your camera to snap some pictures of your perfect trip!

3 Things That You Should Not Do In Order To Save Money

Hi lovelies,

We all want to save money, it is great to have more money in our pockets than we have to pay out on bills each month. As such, there are so many brilliant ways of saving money and cutting your costs that we would recommend to you, but then there are also those ways that might seem like a good idea at the time but can actually cause you more problems in the long run. That’s why today we are sharing with 3 things that you should not do in order to save money. 

Buy fake items
This is one that seems so harmless and tempting, and yet it can actually do us more harm than good. There are so many fake products flooding the market now that it can seem like you are just getting a good deal, when in fact you are getting cheated.

You will want to avoid buying fake sunglasses as they are unlikely to offer the UV protection that the genuine article would, fake car parts could be very unsafe and fake baby products can harm your child in some cases. 

If the price seems too good to be true, then there might well be a reason for that. Pay attention to trusted websites and brands and people’s reviews of products in a bid to avoid inadvertently buying fake products. 

Cancel your insurance policies
We know that it can be frustrating to pay out for months, often years, on insurance policies that you have yet to claim on. We can see why this would be a tempting area for you to cut your costs. However, you really do need to weigh up the risks if you plan to do this.

Some insurances are compulsory anyway, so you definitely do not want to cancel those unless you want to be in trouble with the law. Aside from those, do be realistic and honest with yourself about the potential repercussions if you do not have insurance in place. 

If you have no pet insurance, are you willing to have your pet put down if they need expensive medical care, or can you actually fund it? If your home is burgled, can you really afford to replace anything taken?

Cheap home improvements
Many of us carry out home improvements every year and in most cases they add value in terms of our own satisfaction in our home and in the monetary sense. 

Of course you should shop around before purchasing and you should get a few quotes from tradesmen before committing to your project. You might also be able to carry out some of it yourself and can substantially reduce the cost that way. However, it can sometimes be tempting to cut costs in other ways on home improvement projects and we would not recommend that.

Where we would advise caution is in cutting any corners on your renovations. You might find that your home then no longer meets regulations, aside from being unsafe for you, it will result in your home being devalued. If your builders are suggesting working in this way, tempting as the prices might be, walk away and find people that will carry out the work complying with all regulations. 

Photo credit for this collaborative post: Image Pixabay - Pixabay License

Three Life-Changing Cities That Everyone Should Visit

Hi lovelies,

The world is full of iconic cities. When planning a trip, you might struggle to decide on a particular place to visit. You have so many options but only so much time and money. How can anyone pick? Well, if you want a little guidance, then this article might just help to point you in the right direction. These are four life-changing cities that everyone should visit, so you should bump them up to the top of your “must-see travel destinations” list. You won’t be disappointed after a trip to any of these breathtaking locations.

New York City, U.S.
We’re all inundated with images of New York City on a regular basis. For many of us, this started when we were children. New York was everywhere. It was in the films we watched, the adverts we saw on TV, and even the magazines we read. This is still the case today. And it doesn’t just apply to American citizens. People all over the world are bombarded with pictures and videos of the Big Apple on an endless basis. It makes sense, then, that so many of us want to visit this magical and intriguing city. It might be one of the most impressive promotional campaigns for a city in history.

If you’re wondering what to do in this overwhelming megacity, you should start off by exploring some of its iconic landmarks. The Empire State Building might no longer be the tallest skyscraper in the city (it hasn’t been the tallest building in the city for a long time), but it’s still one of the most famous skyscrapers in New York City. Going to the top deck and looking out at the concrete jungle from a higher vantage point will really help to put its beauty into perspective. And, obviously, it wouldn’t be a trip to New York if you failed to see the Statue of Liberty. You should also head to Broadway, of course. If you have the time and the money, seeing a theatrical Broadway experience is otherworldly.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Whilst it might not be as famous or as popular as New York City, that doesn’t take away from the cultural and historical significance of Kuala Lumpur. This gigantic city is visually impressive, but it’s also a fascinating place. Admiring its huge skyscrapers is unavoidable, but there’s more to this city than tall buildings. That being said, the Petronas Towers (the two most iconic skyscrapers in the city) are worth exploring first. But you should also visit Chinatown if you want to experience Kuala Lumpur’s multicultural heritage on a first-hand basis. The city is so big that it might be worth renting a condominium whilst you visit this wonderful destination. This will give you enough time to see and do as much as possible.

Picture Source

NYC is a never-ending sea of skyscrapers.

Dubrovnik, Croatia.
It’s also worth visiting Dubrovnik if you want an unforgettable trip. This Croatian city has been a bit of a hidden gem for many years, but it recently became popular with tourists because its Old Town was used as the filming location for Game of Thrones. If you’re a fan of the TV show, then you’ll probably find yourself quite giddy at the prospect of seeing King’s Landing and the Red Keep in real life. You should definitely book yourself a walking tour whilst you’re there; you’ll want to make sure you see all of the filming locations for yourself. You won’t want to miss anything. Plus, a tour will give you a bit of a history lesson and explain what purpose these ancient castles and city walls served in the real world.

Whilst mass tourism has overwhelmed the city over recent years, it has brought this fantastic place to the attention of the world. And it deserves to be noticed. It’s absolutely beautiful. Regardless of its recent fame, Dubrovnik has a lot to offer in its own right. You should take a kayak ride around the stunning Lokrum Island. You might also want to take a ferry to the island; it’s a stunning place. You’ll see everything from an ancient monastery to wild rabbits hopping around. As important as it is to appreciate culture and history, there’s no denying that the beautiful animals on the island seem to intrigue visitors the most.

There are too many incredible cities in the world for one person to explore. Hopefully, the three suggestions in this article will satiate your hunger for stunning new destinations to visit.

*This is a collaborative post.

7 Things You Mustn’t Forget When Travelling Abroad

Pixabay. CCO Licensed

Hi lovelies,

Many of us forget items like toothpaste or sunglasses when travelling abroad. As irritating as this can be, it’s usually not the end of the world – such items are easy to replace once you’re out there.

However, there are other items and documents that you can’t afford to forget. In some cases, you may not be able to travel without these items. In other cases, your health could be at risk by not remembering them. Here are just 7 essentials that mustn’t forget when travelling abroad.

Passport
Without a passport, you won’t get further than the airport. A passport generally isn’t needed when travelling on a domestic flight, but for any flight or boat trip abroad it will be mandatory.

If you don’t have a passport, you should give yourself a couple months to apply for one. Passports expire after time, so it’s also important to check the dates and renew your passport when necessary (some flights don’t allow you to travel on a passport that has less than six months on it, so you may want to renew your passport before it runs out just in case).

Visa
Many countries also require you to apply for a visa before entering the country. There are usually different types of visas depending on whether you’re travelling as a tourist or travelling for work. Tourist visas tend to be fairly cheap and straightforward, whilst working visas can be pricier and more complicated.

Nowadays most visas are electronic – you may not automatically get a paper copy (although it can be worth requesting one). To apply for some visas, you may need other documents. For example, you may need a flight reservation for a visa or you may need proof of accommodation. Make sure to do your research so that you have everything you need – there are companies that can help with visa application process.

Money
Unless you plan to beg whilst you’re out there, you’ll need some money (or at least, access to money). Some countries may not even allow you to enter without proof of available funds. It’s often worth having a combination of cash and card – some countries will be largely cashless, whilst others may rarely accept card, so having both forms of payment covers all bases.

In the case of cash, it’s sometimes cheaper to buy currency whilst you’re out there, so you may only have to bring a card. Alternatively, you may find it’s cheaper to buy cash beforehand to get the best rate. There are pre-paid travel cards that you can also look into to avoid exchange fees – you’ll want to buy these beforehand.

Your phone/charger

Most of us are so attached to our phones that forgetting them is unlikely, but it can happen – particularly if you leave your phone on charge overnight and have an early flight. In most cases, it’s the charger that gets forgotten. Whilst you may be able to buy one abroad, your phone may die before then if you’re on a long-haul flight.

You technically don’t need to take a phone (people used to travel without them), but most people wouldn’t dream of it nowadays. Besides, apart from offering emergency contact, phones are often used for navigation, translation, taking pictures and various other purposes.

Travel insurance
If you need medical attention when abroad, it could pay to have travel insurance. Without being able to afford treatment, some hospitals may refuse it.

Travel insurance can also be handy for reimbursing you if your flight is cancelled or if baggage is lost. You should shop around for insurance before you leave to find the most affordable and comprehensive plan. Make sure to print off confirmation documents too just in case they are required.

Hotel/flight booking confirmation
Most hotels and airports will have booking information stored online, but in cases of technical problems or admin issues, it’s worth taking paper copies of your booking confirmation as a backup. Paper copies could also be useful for finding flight information or directions to a hotel if your phone isn’t working.

Medication
Certain medication could also be important when abroad. If you have a serious allergy, you don’t want to forget your EpiPen. Similarly, you don’t want to forget malaria tablets when travelling to a high-risk malaria zone. A basic first aid kit could also be useful in the case of an emergency.