chelsieT

Meet The Entrepreneurs Behind The Cover Of The May 2022 Issue Of Global Millionaire: Solar Energy Partners

In 2017, brothers Alex and Clint Williams and Founding Partner Dave Madrid poured their skills and entrepreneurial drive into starting Solar Energy Partners, also known as SEP. After developing their business model around the philosophy that “more options means more deals, which means more savings,” the trio went to work partnering with many of the largest, highest-rated companies in the solar industry. From there, SEP began to take off.

This growth coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited social interactions and meant salespeople could no longer work on their original direct-to-home, door-to-door sales model. Additionally, tariffs implemented on solar panel imports made the challenge of staying operational even more monumental. However, Alex, Clint, and Dave stepped up to the challenge and approached it with innovation and proactivity, pivoting their operations and bringing their business to fruition during a time when many were struggling. During this period, SEP experienced such high growth that it provided employment opportunities for more than 1000 new representatives, including many struggling musicians, actors, and others in creative industries across Southern California.

The Global Millionaire magazine recently caught up with the Solar Energy Partners Founders to discuss their journey in starting and growing SEP, and here’s what went down.

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about your company and how your company started?

Our organizaton has evolved significantly from when we originally launched to where we are today. We started with the same mission: to offer the best customer and consultant experience in the solar industry; that hasn’t changed. The most endearing aspect of building a business is that, at some point, the business takes on a life of its own – today, our purpose is to spread that message and reinforce positive change in every community we touch.

Clint, Alex, and I founded the company after crossing paths in the solar ecosphere multiple times. Eventually, we were able to find common ground, and it only made sense to work together. From the moment we were able to actually sit down and start discussing our perspectives on the current and future shape of the solar industry, I think we all looked at each other and said, “how have we not had this conversation sooner?”- I love the moment when something symbiotic just ‘clicks.’

From that moment, as previously mentioned, we’ve grown from that existential vision that we all shared into something capable of growing. At this point, I think we’re looking at things on more of a universal scale.

How does your company approach recruiting a new person?

We always approach recruiting with an open mind. We want to keep the doors open to those who want to pursue a new career path with their inherent talents and skills while providing the knowledge to pave the way for success in a new career. Of course, we’re interested in working with people that are self-starters, but what’s unique about the experience is that we offer the scholarship opportunity to pursue the industry from start to finish; novice to master.

Most companies generally look for individuals with outright solar experience – we’ve always believed that everyone is born with the same potential; it’s just a matter of one having the right opportunity and mindset to foster success… that’s what we’re all about: fostering success.

What are some significant events that have made your company the company what it is today?

There have been so many, but walking away from a high-level corporate position at a billion-dollar company to pursue my own business, realizing I could make a bigger difference on a smaller scale, is probably where it started. It really came to fruition when we noticed the business snowballing, not just in sales but also in the quality of people joining our ranks. I think that all comes down to the culture we’ve developed from the ground up. We genuinely wanted to change things; we had a mission to fill the void in solar where so many customers were let down and consultants felt abandoned; we aimed to be the solution. Once we noticed that our dreams were starting to lean closer and closer to reality, we knew this was real.

Do you think the solar industry is mobilizing in this day and age?

That’s a great question. I believe it’s moving and becoming more efficient. Still, the truth is it’s still the wild wild west in the solar industry – with all of the growth; it feels like the industry has to capitulate at some point to remain healthy. I think that it will be the entities that provide the best, most authentic service that will inevitably stand the test of time.

How is your company adapting to the Coronavirus in its daily operating model? What has it been like for your employees?

COVID was inevitably a game-changer for any business. We had to pivot to stay afloat, and ultimately we found that it served us well. We were able to utilize our knowledge from door-knocking in the past and translating that information over to a more virtual model, which we’re still using today. Even as COVID becomes more endemic, we’ve noticed that the business has forever changed – we’re now perpetually thinking outside the box.

How do you balance the need to respond to a crisis like COVID-19 rapidly while at the same time keeping a long-term, resilient course?

With an anomalous situation that rocks the world as COVID-19 did, the only option was to stagnate or progress. Given that the renewable industry is a constantly revolving door in terms of information, litigation, adoption, etc., it seems like we’re generally used to swimming upstream in one way or another. When the pandemic became tangible, we did what we do best: evolve.

How has your company gone about the arduous task of engineering a change in company mindset?

Personal and professional development are two things we’re perpetually fixated on; we’re constantly engineering change in mindset across our business. We want to unlock our consultant’s innate potential so they can make legitimate changes in their lives and the lives of others. When someone is brought into the fold working here, they have the opportunity to grow without fear of a ceiling progressively. One of the critical factors of succeeding in entrepreneurship is the never-ending belief in yourself- sometimes that fire requires a little tinder, though. Through our scholarship, we provide constant motivation and dedication, which we’ve found has fortified our purpose as an organization: to make a positive difference.

What are your company’s main priorities, hopes, and aspirations looking ahead?

We’ve always had big dreams. We’re looking forward to further expansion on a national scale as well as fostering new and exciting partnerships in the next year. Ultimately, everything we do is in the best interest of the people we work with, as well as the people we work for.

We’re looking forward to 10,000 installs per year in our future and taking our organization international. As far as the immediate future, stay posted for all of the news and updates via our Instagram @solarenergypartners.

Where do you see the most growth opportunities in the solar industry right now?

Another great question… all I can say is that the company that gets creative with financing as more liquidity enters the renewable market in the United States will make serious waves.

What advice would you give to those hoping to follow in your company’s footsteps?

Work hard, play harder, and never lose track of your dreams.

chelsieT

Elon Musk Reveals He Doesn’t Even Own A Home Despite His Billionaire Status… Yes, You Read Right.

Elon Musk has decided to finally address the ongoing issue about his billionaire status in a new interview with the head of TED, Chris Anderson.

As most people would know, Elon was recently declared by Forbes magazine the richest person on the planet, with an estimated net worth of more than $200 billion. He’s the CEO of Tesla and the founder of the rocket company SpaceX. Elon is also the founder of an infrastructure and tunnel construction services company called the Boring Company and co-founder of a neurotechnology company called Neuralink.

In the interview, Chris pointed out the criticisms surrounding Elon’s massive wealth. Many people seem to believe that billionaires are “unethical” given the fact that a massive chunk of the global population are living paycheck to paycheck, and homelessness is still a major issue across the globe.

“There are many other people out there who can’t stand this world of billionaires,” Chris stated. “They are hugely offended by the notion that an individual can have the same wealth as, say, a billion or more of the world’s poorest people.”

To which Elon responded, “I think there are some axiomatic flaws that are leading them to that conclusion.”

“For sure, it would be very problematic if I was consuming billions of dollars a year in personal consumption. But that is not the case.

“In fact, I don’t even own a home right now,” he surprisingly revealed. “I’m literally staying at friends’ places — if I travel to the Bay Area, which is where most of Tesla engineering is, I basically rotate through friends’ spare bedrooms.”

Elon further revealed that he doesn’t even make any massive luxurious expenses. “I don’t have a yacht, I really don’t take vacations, so it’s not as though my personal consumption is high,” he added. “I mean, the one exception is a plane, but if I don’t use the plane, then I have less hours to work.”

Chris further asked how Elon feels about criticism of his and other billionaires’ status in this day and age. “How upsetting is it to you to hear this constant drumbeat of, ‘Billionaires, my god. Elon Musk, oh my god.’ Do you just shrug that off, or does it actually hurt?”

Elon simply responded, “I mean, at this point, it’s water off a duck’s back.”

chelsieT

5 Essential Must-Have Skills To Succeed As An Entrepreneur

Any entrepreneur can earn considerably well from owning a firm if things go well. Still, they also take on a significant level of risk—far more than a typical employee of the business. This entrepreneurial risk can take many forms, including financial risk, career risk, emotional risk, and overall business risk.

Because there is so much at risk when it comes to the beginning and maintaining a successful business. There are very particular talents that every entrepreneur should have to be successful. We’ve highlighted five of them below.

1. Communication

Every entrepreneur must have excellent communication abilities. Whether a person is a lone founder or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, they must be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders and potential stakeholders who have an impact on the company. An entrepreneur must communicate effectively with workers, investors, customers, creditors, colleagues, and mentors.

If an entrepreneur cannot explain the value of their product, it is doubtful that the business will be successful. They must also be proficient in all modes of communication, such as one-on-one and in-person interactions, group discussions, written communication, and email or internet messaging.

2. Sales

Develop entrepreneur skills in sales. The soft skill of sales is inextricably linked to the communication skills necessary for success. As an entrepreneur, a person must be able to sell everything and anything. A business person must have the skills to sell the idea to potential investors, the product or service to customers, and oneself to employees.

An entrepreneur who can effectively communicate is better positioned to promote their original ideas and products. Entrepreneurs are accustomed to being the first salespeople at their numerous businesses. These selling skills are necessary to demonstrate value to all stakeholders, both inside and outside the company.

3. Focus

Attention is a crucial one among the numerous must-have characteristics for an entrepreneur. The road to success as an entrepreneur is fraught with ups and downs. There are highs from triumphs and lows from disappointments. A successful entrepreneur must be able to focus on staying on track when things become difficult.

This skill is also known as thinking with the end in mind. Regardless of the difficulties an entrepreneur faces, a successful entrepreneur has the attention required to keep steadfast sight of the final objective and drive himself to achieve it.

4. Curiosity

A healthy curiosity has always been the most exemplary business talent. This will prompt you to investigate what your rivals are doing and use new technology to simplify your business and even reach out to new clients. When your only limitation is what you can envision and apply, almost anything is conceivable.

5. Strategy For Business

While a competent and successful entrepreneur must have developed a successful firm, business planning is the fifth most essential talent that every entrepreneur should have. Entrepreneurs frequently attain success in their firms by sheer force of will.

An entrepreneur may develop a company plan on the fly by using good communication skills, sales abilities, a keen focus, and a sense of curiosity. However, while establishing and expanding a firm, the structure and development plan must be founded on strong business sense and talents. Among the traits of successful entrepreneurs, business strategy is a must.

Final Words

These are the top qualities of a successful entrepreneur. While there is no perfect formula for becoming a successful entrepreneur, those who do tend to have mastered the following set of skills: excellent and effective communication; the ability to sell both themselves and their idea or product; strong focus; curiosity to learn, and be flexible; and a solid business plan.

chelsieT

Billionaire Elon Musk Reaches Game-Changing $44 Billion Deal To Buy Twitter

CNN confirms that Twitter has decided to sell itself to Elon Musk, the world’s richest man in a whopping $44 billion deal.

Musk apparently made an offer to buy Twitter (TWTR) and take it private, believing that the company needs to be “transformed.” He recently purchased 9.2% of Twitter stock making him the largest shareholder in the company.

The mega-deal, which was reportedly approved by Twitter’s board, is expected to get finalised this year. Musk revealed last week that he has $46.5 billion in financing to acquire one of the world’s most influential social networks, which apparently forced Twitter’s board to seriously consider the offer. T

CNN confirms that under the terms of the deal, shareholders will receive $54.20 in cash for each share of Twitter stock they own, matching Musk’s original offer and marking a 38% premium over the stock price the day before Musk revealed his position in the company.

“Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated,” Musk said in a recent statement. “Twitter has tremendous potential — I look forward to working with the company and the community of users to unlock it.”

Twitter stock was reportedly up by nearly 6% following the announcement of the mega-deal, floating around $51.84. The deal is pending approval from shareholders and regulators.

Editorial credit: Rokas Tenys / Shutterstock.com

chelsieT

5 Crucial Ways To Lead A Business Through Crisis

Running a business is already a psychologically complex undertaking under normal conditions. Taking the helm during a moment of crisis and uncertainty, on the other hand, is a whole different ballgame. The Covid-19 epidemic was the type of disaster that may rock the global economy. The sort compels corporate executives to reconsider and rethink our entire strategy for dealing with a catastrophe.

Unfortunately, for many, this procedure seemed more like an autopsy, with you gazing back in regret at what you wished you had done differently. Others were luckily able to eke out a living but are fully aware that drastic adjustments are required. For the business leaders, the previous two years weren’t without their worries; however, the following five tips for leading a business through a crisis will help you.

1.    Keep The Core Intact

A good leader in a crisis will definitely keep the core intact. When the entire economic impact of the epidemic became clear, many businesses promptly furloughed or lay off personnel to save money. If a crisis occurs and the first question your employees have is, “Will I still have a job next week or next month?” they will not be focused or involved in the problem-solving effort.

If your organization conducts onboarding and hiring well — that is. Suppose you invest time and money finding individuals who are a good fit for your company culture. It would help if you acknowledged this as your most valuable asset. If you work in a service-oriented industry, such as the event industry, you understand that the experiences your employees create for your clients are everything.

2.    Deliver Consistently

Even though many obstacles and causes are beyond their control, the most exemplary leaders manage a crisis and accept personal responsibility in every situation. They coordinate team attention, develop a culture of accountability, and build new measures to assess success.

As a business leader, you must be aware of and connected with a daily dashboard of priorities. Leaders should record their top five goals clearly (on half a page or less) and ensure that those above them are on the same page. Examine performance against those things regularly — if not daily, then at least monthly — and ensure that leaders communicate this information with direct reports. At the end of each day or week, go over and update your “hit list.”

3.    Adapt Bravely

Strong leaders anticipate, respond to changing situations, and effectively lead through a crisis. They seek feedback and information from various sources, are not embarrassed to confess their lack of knowledge, and bring in outside experts when necessary. You and your leaders should do the following:

  • Determine what you will not do. Put a stop to primary activities and costs, and prioritize ruthlessly. Make your “what not to do” decisions public.
  • Toss out the playbook from yesterday. The past acts that drove outcomes may no longer be applicable. The most outstanding leaders adapt fast and devise new strategies.
  • Improve (or create) direct linkages to the front lines.

4.    Participate To Make A Difference

No job is more vital than taking care of your employees during a crisis. Influential leaders are aware of their team’s conditions and diversions. Yet, they find methods to engage and encourage their team members by clearly and completely delivering vital new goals and information.

This aspect demands particular emphasis since, while the COVID-19 epidemic is, of course, a health problem, it has also triggered a financial crisis. In this time of continual and intense change, your leaders must constantly reiterate new goals to maintain sustained alignment.

It would help if you interacted with specific team members to lead through a crisis. Reach out to at least five people daily for a “pulse check”; set out a time on the calendar to do so. First, relate on a personal level, and then focus on the job.

5.    Get Prepared To Reallocate Resources

Identify unnecessary costs and programs in various functional areas that might be reduced to save capital and resources during a crisis. Evaluate and identify the significant business drivers and the sales and lead generating areas that are truly pushing the needle.

Prepare to eliminate laggards and underperforming projects while reallocating resources to the stallions that provide the most returns. Everything, large and little, is tracked and managed. Know your numbers and handle them with vigor. Concentrate on critical and consider delegating, automating, or eliminating anything else.

Final Thoughts

Consider taking these actions while leading a business through a crisis; we believe you’ll come out stronger and better positioned as a consequence. As a leader, you must navigate new and shifting priorities with little response time. Small efforts in support and coaching may go a long way toward increasing the effectiveness of your leaders.

chelsieT

Billionaire Elon Musk Once Lived On Just $1 A Day

 

Do you think you have what it takes to sacrifice like a bonafide entrepreneur?

If you think you have what it takes, then try limiting your spending to just a dollar a day for an entire month- because that’s exactly what Elon Musk once did when he was a 17-year-old college student at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

Talking to Neil deGrasse Tyson in a 2015 interview on the podcast StarTalk he said, “My threshold for existing was pretty low… So I figured I could be in some dingy apartment with my computer and be okay and not starve.”

The CEO of SpaceX and Tesla tried this experiment to determine whether he could really live spending so little on food. Turns out, a $30 CAD monthly grocery budget was enough to get by.

“You sort of just buy food in bulk at the supermarket,” he stated, though he admits that “you get really tired of hot dogs and oranges after a while.” So he started getting into Pasta and green peppers as well.

Please note that this experiment happened a while back, and Musk warns against trying this experiment in this day and age. “I would not encourage anyone to live on $1 a day,” he told Business Insider. “That would not be super fun. Also, I did this back in 1990, so a dollar went a lot further back then. Would be much harder to do that today.”

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

chelsieT

5 Surefire Ways Property Managers Help Add Value To Investments

Some new property investors get tempted to scrimp on property managers, shopping around for the cheapest option they can find or even trying to do it all themselves. But almost all seasoned and successful investors agree that a great property manager is worth their weight in gold.

In this article, we explore what it is that a property manager brings to the property investing equation and how they can protect your asset and help you maximise your returns over both the short and long term.

Why use a property manager?

A common misconception is that a property manager’s duties are limited to simply collecting the rent on your behalf. While it’s true that rent collection is one of the fundamental tasks they perform, it’s really only a small part of what they do.

The reality is that property is an active investment and one that involves ongoing management and involves some degree of risk. A property manager helps alleviate some of the burdens by making sure the day-to-day is taken care of and that risks are minimised.

Here are some of the ways they do just that.

1. Property managers will work to keep vacancies to a minimum

One of the main responsibilities of a property manager is to find tenants whenever the property is likely to become vacant. This includes advertising the property, holding open inspections, screening applications, and negotiating terms with tenants.

But the best property managers take don’t just do the minimum here. They do everything they can to make sure the property is leased, holding inspections outside of regular hours, and longer inspection times if they need to, to make sure as many prospective tenants see it as possible.

Finding the right tenant for your property can be an onerous job. Done well, it can also be a skilled one. That’s because there’s more to it than simply securing any tenant. You need to secure the best tenants – the ones most likely to take care of your property, give you the fewest headaches and pay the rent on time for the long term.

A good property manager will be well attuned to the signals and context and will do the right research to know exactly which tenants are best for your investment.

2. Property managers are strategic advisers

Speaking of which, there may be times when you have multiple rental offers on the table. So which do you choose? A property manager will be able to advise you based on their research, their knowledge of the market, their experience with tenants, and the reference checks they perform.

But a property manager’s strategic advice doesn’t end when they’ve found your tenants. They’ll also advise you on what type of lease to sign, what conditions to include, how long your lease should be for, and – most importantly – what rent to ask for. They’ll do this based on their knowledge of the market and where it’s headed so that you maximise your income and minimise your pain.

They can also advise you on depreciation schedules and even help you put together a long-term property plan.

3. Property managers will help maintain your property

In an investment property, small maintenance issues, if not resolved, can accumulate over time and have a big impact on your finances. A good property manager will help notice these and correct them before they get out of hand. For instance, a small leak in a bathroom may go unnoticed by your tenant but could eventually lead to water damage and mould problems.

A property manager who knows what to look for is likely to spot the problem early, saving you thousands in the longer term. They’ll also usually organise the trades you need to repair anything efficiently and with a minimum of disruption to your tenants and your income.

Through regular inspections, a property manager will also help make sure that your tenants are looking after your investment. And, if they’re not, they can help rectify that, using their negotiation skills to let the tenant know what’s expected of them and how they need to improve or resolve any issues.

4. Property managers guide you through the rules and regulations

There are many rules and regulations governing the landlord/tenant relationship and getting them wrong can be an expensive exercise. For instance, a tenant has certain rights when you give notice of inspections or increase the rent. On the other hand, landlords have rights too, especially when it comes to the tenant ending the lease and the condition in which they need to leave the property.

A property manager can help you make sense of these so that you avoid unnecessary risk.

5. Property managers help you maximise your return on investment

Cashflow management is one of the most important factors in property investing, especially for first-time investors. At a minimum, you need to make sure you’re covering your mortgage each month and that your investment doesn’t result in ongoing financial stress.

But to really grow your wealth you also want to be confident that you’re maximising your returns and minimising your outgoings. A property manager can do both. Helping make sure your investment delivers a strong yield in both the short and long term so that your cashflow runs smoothly and your rental return remains high.

If you’re looking to grow a property portfolio a property manager can also advise you on your next move, using their knowledge of the market to single out properties with potential for capital growth. They can also advise you on the right time to consider acquiring a new property and help you understand what it means for your day-to-day finances as well as for your future wealth.

In short, a property manager can save you time and money, helping you make the most of your current investment while using their expertise in the property market to ensure you do everything you can to maximise your wealth in the long-term wealth too.

Source: The Property Investors Alliance

chelsieT

Meet The Serial Entrepreneur Behind The Cover Of The March 2022 Issue Of Global Millionaire: Meeta Vengapally

Notoriously known for founding and successfully exiting a fitness and tech platform Garnysh, Meeta Vengapally has made a place for herself as an investor, advisor, and Board of Director in the business world. The woman serial entrepreneur is also a writer and Top Influencer in the industry noted by Forbes and momager to Winston and Sitara Vengapally. Recently she was also seen at the judges’ table for the Ms. California Pageant. Highly sought-after by wide genres, including tech, lifestyle, fashion, and beauty companies, this self-made multi-millionaire continues to pave the path and inspire women and men. As of 2022, Meeta’s net worth is reportedly estimated at 10 million.

Meeta also holds an M.S. in Psychology, and she wrote her thesis on mindfulness which has been published and is currently available on Google Books. She has continued to write about women in business and current social issues for major publications. Because of her status and influence, she has been featured in top-tier publications such as Forbes, MSN, Entrepreneur, BuzzFeed, Thrive Global, Inc among others. As a top influencer, she has also worked with several high-profile brands such as Kat Von D, Sephora, Elizabeth Arden, Pixi, and many others.

Meeta’s entrepreneurial roles include being an investor and part of the Board of directors to several Silicon Valley startups and several global companies. Most of her time is split juggling between being an entrepreneur and managing her kids Winston and Sitara, who happen to be actors.

Global Millionaire Magazine recently caught up with Meeta to discuss her journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself and how you started your business?

I’m known as the founder and CEO of a fitness and tech company formerly known as Garnysh, which was acquired right before the pandemic. I’m also recognized as one of Forbes’ Top 5 Social Media Influencers. Currently, my entrepreneurial roles include being an Investor and part of the Board of directors to several Silicon Valley startups as well as some global companies. Most of my time is split between doing that and managing my kids Winston and Sitara, who are actors.

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

To be honest, I’m currently in a balancing act game, trying to manage everything on my plate. But even so, the entrepreneurial spirit stays open to any new opportunities, ideas, and projects. I am grateful for my team to tackle everything that directly correlates to my focus, drive, and undying desire to do it all.

What social media platforms do you usually use to increase your brand’s awareness?

Mostly Instagram and Facebook, but I have to admit that social media sometimes needs to be on a snooze mode to stay focused.

What is your main tactic for making more people aware of your brand and engaging your customers? How did your business stand out?

Authenticity and openness to failure go a long way. I learned that in the initial days of my business. Staying original to the idea, no matter how big or small I think, leads to the roadmap of the business. Then it’s a matter of taking small steps daily, which eventually become part of the big picture. I believe my business’ uniqueness was how we approached our initial customers. We built a product purely based on our beta testers’ feedback. I failed and pivoted, then failed and pivoted, and just kept going through this cycle until one day, our platform crashed due to too many orders. That was a true a-ha moment in the face of panic.

What form of marketing has worked well for your business throughout the years?

We didn’t spend anything on marketing. Part of our vision is to be face to face with our customers. This is probably not the fastest or the quickest way to scale at mass levels, especially when you are just starting with limited team members. However, it was very important to me to start local, gain feedback from the get-go, and have a personal touch.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

Saying no to opportunities due to too much going on. Because I’m directly managing both of kids’ acting careers, I’ve had to make some choices to make room for this adventure.

What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

I wouldn’t call it a mistake per se, but I do understand one thing which I think some people can benefit from. You don’t need to spend a lot of capital when starting out. And another huge trend I noticed as a new founder and now as an investor is that people ask for funding too soon in the game. We don’t invest in ideas; we invest in proof of concept and the team. I am humored when the wannapreneurs try to “pitch me” their idea but have nothing to back it up with.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

You will never influence the world by being just like it.

What new business would you love to start?

I would love to contribute to the mental health space. I’ve always had a passion for it, so I’m currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Psychology. I don’t know about business, but I would like to give back by doing what I can in that space.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I’d change my narrative and the self-talk. I’d love to have seen me get started sooner than I did without ever doubting myself or my drive.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Outgrind, outwork, outhustle everyone and look at your competition as your inspiration for improvement.

“This is an Advertisement Feature”

chelsieT

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Get To Know Brock Murray, The Co-Founder Of Digital Marketing Agency Seoplus+

Brock Murray is the co-founder of Seoplus+, a Canadian digital marketing agency serving clients globally. He started the business in 2012 as a web design and online marketing firm that evolved into a full-service digital agency.

Brock also kicked off Seoplus+ with a friend and business associate, Eddy Abounehme. They had worked together previously in IT, and they partnered up to create a web design firm. They didn’t know where it would go, but with Eddy’s mentorship and advice and Brock’s digital marketing skills, they saw the potential of growing their business to be a leader in their industry.

Global Millionaire Magazine recently caught up with Brock to discuss his journey as an entrepreneur, and here’s what went down:

When did your entrepreneurial flair first reveal itself?

Since I was a young child, I remember having an entrepreneurial spirit. I come from a family of entrepreneurs – my aunt, uncle, and grandfather all had their own businesses. This gave me the insight and opportunity to help them in their business, all the while setting the stage for me to do the same.

Even at the young age of 9, my sister and I created AMBRO’s community newspaper (Amanda + Brock). She would write articles about anything from the Spice Girls to the Ottawa Senators to book reviews, and I would go door-to-door around the neighbourhood to sell issues and pitch local businesses to have their business cards included in our issue. 

Coincidentally my sister Amanda is the General Manager at seoplus+, so we have continued the trend of creating content and helping local businesses in our community.

How did your life look like before being an entrepreneur?

Before being an entrepreneur, I worked for many businesses in various roles. I did everything from telemarketing (cold calling), media (cameraman and audio technician) for local sports teams, for a local IT firm, as well as doing freelance web design for customers in various industries. 

As an entrepreneur, what is it that motivates and drives you?

The thing that motivates me the most is helping people. Nothing is more rewarding than hearing from a business owner or marketing team that I have helped them grow their business. That ties directly into our company mission to make life better for our team and our clients.

In one word, describe your life as an entrepreneur and explain why.

Growth.

It’s all about growth – both personally and professionally. You need to grow as an individual, looking for ways to improve and keep up with trends and opportunities. As a business, if you aren’t growing, you are dying. At times it can be uncomfortable, but this is when you are truly growing. So be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

What were your top three motivations for starting your business?

My top three motivations for starting a business were: 

(1) Following my passion. I love digital marketing, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

(2) To be my own boss. Being a Leo, I am a natural leader, and I always wanted to lead a team.

(3) Control my destiny. I always envisioned being a part of something big, which would give me freedom later in life.

What would you say are the key elements for starting and running a successful business?

The key elements for starting a business are:

  1. Have a plan. Conduct market research and be real about the opportunity, so you don’t fly blind.
  2. Build an amazing team. Have a strong vision, mission, and values that your team can get behind. Build a strong culture and get buy-in to ensure company success.
  3. Know your strengths and leverage them. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to look for ways to make the most of your strengths and have others care for areas where you aren’t as strong.

8) What are three biggest challenges you have faced growing the business and how did you overcome them?

The three biggest challenges I faced in growing the business were:

  1. Building predictable revenue. Initially, we launched as a web design firm. This was a challenge as web projects are typically a one-time/project-focused revenue model versus recurring. We wanted to create a predictable, recurring revenue model that would allow us to grow consistently while having the cash flow to fuel that growth. So we pivoted to create a new brand and service offering that allowed us to do just that.
  2. Creating demand. When I started the business, I had very few connections – my business network was very small. I had to find a way to create demand for a service (SEO) that many businesses didn’t even know existed. They most certainly didn’t have the budget for it. I started by leveraging any contacts I did have, attended networking events, got involved in the community, and bit by bit, was able to get bigger and bigger clients by being a trusted resource for businesses.
  3. Building a strong culture. Roughly five years into the business, we had a rough patch with staff turnover. For a company of approximately 15 people, we lost about 5 in about a month. At first, I took it personally. Where did I go wrong? What did I do? The biggest thing was the lack of clarity and communication around our mission, vision, and values. We then clearly defined these, lived them out daily, and included them in everything we did. I committed to leading by example – day in and day out. This was a turning point in our business, and we haven’t looked back since.

What form of marketing has worked well for your business throughout the years?

What is beautiful about our business is we practice what we preach. Our core service offering is SEO, so we led with just that and dominated locally first (for terms like “SEO Ottawa”) and eventually ranked for national terms (“SEO Services”, “SEO Canada”), which generated countless business opportunities for us. At this point, we generate a ton of referral business – where our clients refer their associates to us. We care deeply about our clients, and we always go the extra mile.

As you grew the business, what have been some of the most important leaderships lessons you have learned?

The most important leadership lesson I learned in business is always to evaluate challenges with the “people versus process” question. If there is ever an issue, problem, or challenge, always ask: was the issue related to a (broken) process or people (problem). Typically managers/owners tend to look at the people first versus asking how we can fix the process to protect the employee and the customer. When you make incremental improvements to your processes, this helps improve the customer experience, enabling you to scale your business and helps protect your employees.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

The best advice I ever received in business was to read Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Red Book of Selling

The book taught me to win business by being a trusted expert, network myself, the business of being a thought leader and around personal branding. It’s not who you know; it’s who knows you.

This helped push me to deliver presentations at industry events and attend networking events, which took a ton of energy but has paid dividends over the years.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

The advice I would give to a newbie entrepreneur setting up their first business is to follow your passion. Being a business owner is a rollercoaster. The highs are high, and the lows are low. When you are following your passion, this helps you through the tough times. I am a huge fan of the quote, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

chelsieT

High Rises Vs Houses: What’s Better For You?

 

With house prices constantly soaring and populations growing rapidly in major cities, apartment living seems to be the way of the future. Our busy, fast-paced lifestyles have meant that the dream of owning a house in the suburbs is transitioning to feature a high-rise building instead.

In addition to these factors, it helps that apartments these days offer a broad range of benefits that you don’t have in a traditional house. People are increasingly gravitating towards apartments from lobbies that rival expensive, five-star hotels to communal pools and gyms.

Here are just a few reasons why this is happening in your city.

Apartments offer a unique lifestyle and affordability options

Apartments tend to create more of a community feel than houses do since you’re in the same building with anywhere from a handful to hundreds of other residents. Most apartment complexes also come with communal outdoor areas, which are great for relaxing and socializing. Additionally, since apartment living is generally concentrated in city centers, there’s always something happening right on your doorstep. Not to mention the transport and shopping convenience that living in close proximity to a city would offer.

Most notably, apartments are usually significantly cheaper than purchasing a house, making the lifestyle more accessible to a broader cross-section of the community.

Major maintenance and amenity convenience

Apartments tend to have a lot less maintenance work attached to them than houses do. Green spaces tend to be smaller and more basic; oftentimes, professional maintenance staff are paid for using strata fees and they handle all the gardening and upkeep. No mowing and cleaning mean that you get to save a lot of time and energy.

In addition to maintenance convenience, apartment complexes often come with facilities such as pools, roof decks, entertainment rooms, and gyms. Still, some newer developments will even offer pet-sitting, laundry, childcare, and car washing services. What better way to meet neighbors and make the most out of the place you live?

Security and peace of mind

Unlike a conventional ground house, an apartment offers a lot of security. At the very least, you’ll need a key to get in through the security doors, but some newer developments offer concierge and keycards, similar to a hotel. Access to lifts and amenities is also limited to residents only, and CCTV monitors many apartment complexes. Whatever your reason for wanting that extra security, apartment living can offer you peace of mind.

If apartment living sounds like a future you’d want to be a part of, PIA can help. They offer a wide range of rental properties in Sydney, purchase and investment options – including off-the-plan projects.

This article was sourced from the Property Investors Alliance

chelsieT

Meet The Entrepreneur Behind The Cover Of The February 2022 Issue Of Global Millionaire: Carl Runefelt

There is no shortage of wealthy people in today’s world, but a few special minds have changed their fortune miraculously. Where contemporary entrepreneurs struggle to gather thoughts and strategies with plans of progress with half or full decade stages – Carl Runefelt has done wonders in just a few years; it is a tale worth narrating. There are very few smart people around us. These smart brains made it possible in less time, with minimum effort compared to others, and the only thing that makes them unique is being perceptive and modern about their method toward their goals.

Founder of The Moon Group, Carl Runefelt is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. The Moon Group is a group of companies in the cryptocurrency space. Currently, his establishments are working on numerous projects to increase the adoption of crypto into the mainstream economy using blockchain technology, not just financial markets.

Carl is most known for his success on YouTube and his huge following across all social media platforms. He confirms that he has the largest crypto analysis channel on the platform and is one of the biggest Twitter personalities in the crypto space, with over two million followers across social media. Runefelt is the fifth most influential person in the crypto industry, according to Hackernoon.

In an exclusive talk with The Global Millionaire, Runefelt said, “The power of my social platform has greatly assisted my abilities to bring mass awareness to crypto and showcase individuals on how they can use crypto to better their lives, just as it did for me. It’s a great way to reach and impact others.”

Carl said, “My net worth has exploded in the past 3 years due to my 350 plus investments in crypto start-ups, my yield farming strategies, and the increase in the valuation of all my crypto companies. My goal for the end of this year is to be among the top 100 wealthiest people globally, making me the youngest person on that very list. I’m the founder of multiple companies, and Kasta is one of the companies I co-founded. Kasta is a payment solution; it enables us to make crypto payments instantly and for free. Kasta will help mainstream the adoption of crypto which aligns with one of my long-term goals”.

Twenty-seven-year-old Runefelt mentally transformed himself into a person. From where he was to where he is and now to where he’s headed. It’s been a shift of mindset and approach towards life. Self-belief and optimism about the future provided him with the enthusiasm, courage, and strength required to go through the barriers. The entrepreneur dropped out of school early because he was unable to concentrate due to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). He started working in a grocery store to make a living. During that time his daily routine consisted of working at the store and sitting at home watching YouTube videos but essentially being unproductive. He realized he needed a change because if he continued to live like this he’d never have the life of his dreams. More than anything, Runefelt wanted to do something that would make his parents proud.

Talking to The Global Millionaire, he said, “When I was working as a cashier in a grocery store, I was watching luxury content on YouTube and Instagram of successful billionaires; this inspired me. I was so motivated by watching these people with their Bugatti’s and expensive watches that it helped me visualize my dream life; it helped me to get where I am today. Now that I am in the same place as the people I watched back then, I want to give back, that’s why I am showing people my luxury lifestyle. By showing them my Bugatti, my office, my million-dollar crypto punk NFT, I wish to show people that you can go from working in a grocery store to buying a Bugatti within 3 years if you simply use the Law of Attraction and prioritizing mindset, realizing, that mindset is everything.”

Carl is also a philanthropist, sharing a bit about his social work he said, “previous year I donated an amount to a charity for disabled children. This year one of my goals is to donate a lot of money to charity through smart campaigns. I’m currently developing a few that I am excited to release publicly soon.”

The entrepreneur wants to be remembered for his extensive career. The creation of wealth is no longer a motivating factor; he wants to contribute to society through philanthropic ventures. He says: “I want to be remembered as a great person who did great things. I already know that I’ll be one of the wealthiest people in the world, so it’s no longer a big motivator anymore. I want people to remember me as someone who did well for other people, and made a positive impact for many humans in this world.”

He believes achieving success is not a matter of luck; it is a decision. He said: “I thank myself every day. I decided to become the person I am today because I wasn’t happy with who I was before. The way to become whoever you want is to believe in your mind that you’re already that person. Act as if it’s already your reality, and you’ll attract it. When I was working in a grocery store, I was visualizing myself with a Bugatti and flying in a private jet on a weekly basis. Now it’s finally my reality.”

Explaining why he presents his lifestyle extravagance on his social media he said, “sharing my luxury lifestyle has a huge symbolic value, hopefully inspiring millions of people to go out there and realize that they also can achieve their dream life if they just put their mind to it. One of my biggest missions right now is to teach people about the Law Of Attraction and how it can change your life, just like it changed mine completely.”

Carl now employs over 120 employees, working for him directly under The Moon Group. This is an enormous achievement as he directly impacts his employees’ lives. He is very happy with himself, and so are his parents. The fact that he was able to get to this point in such a short period of time working on creating his crypto empire is incredible.

“This is an Advertisement Feature”

chelsieT

Facebook Loses Nearly $332 Billion Of Value In One Afternoon

Facebook parent company Meta tanked 26 percent overnight, shaving more than a whopping $US237 billion ($332 billion) in overall market value – the biggest one-day drop in history according to ABC, at the same time shaving $US29 billion ($40 billion) off the personal wealth of Mark Zuckerberg.

Mr. Zuckerberg’s nearly $US30 billion loss in personal wealth was the second-largest one-day personal loss in history as per US news outlet CNBC.

This huge drop marked Meta’s worst one-day loss since its Wall Street debut back in 2012 and the biggest single-day loss of dollar value by any listed company. CNBC confirms that the biggest one-day personal drop in wealth was a massive $US35 billion loss for Tesla CEO Elon Musk back in November.

That said, Mr. Zuckerberg will be financially still okay as he still has an estimated personal fortune of nearly $US85 billion ($119 billion) according to the Forbes real-time billionaires index.

Editorial credit: askarim / Shutterstock.com

chelsieT

6 Ways To Keep Your Costs Down If You’re Isolating

Spending more time at home means you are using your utilities and appliances more than you might typically, so your costs are bound to skyrocket. This means that you’re probably using the internet more for work and at the same time keeping you entertained for longer than usual.

Here are six ways to keep your costs down if you’re currently self-isolating because of the Coronavirus or working from home.

Set a budget

Set yourself a budget and make sure your essentials are covered first. But don’t forget to do your research so that you don’t miss out on any discounts.

Only buy what’s necessary

Only buy what you need because stockpiling adds up, and try to use free local delivery services to save on costs.

Run your appliances on efficient cycles

Run your appliances on energy/water efficient cycles, and only run when it’s absolutely necessary.

Wear appropriate clothing

Popping on another layer and dropping the heating temperature down by even one degree will save you plenty of money.

Turn off non-essential lights and power points

You can keep your electricity costs down by turning off non-essential lights and power points; you’ll be amazed at the savings across the year.

Shop around for value for utilities and internet packages to get the best deal available. Consider the many ‘no lock in’ contracts available that enable you to roll back at a later date…and watch how much you are spending on subscriptions.

Don’t spend money on non-essential items

In current economic uncertain times, it’s not advisable to spend money on non-essential items, luxury bags, and expensive watches – even if they are on sale. There’ll be plenty of retail opportunities down the track.

Don’t forget to check what’s coming out of your account as an automatic subscription. While each may be small – they can add up to a considerable amount. You can pause or unsubscribe from entertainment and gaming app subscriptions and pause any charity donations that will be difficult to maintain.

This article was sourced from the Property Investors Alliance

chelsieT

5 Realistic Tips To Build A Successful Startup Business

Getting into the business world is not easy because it comes with many risks and chances. Most entrepreneurs think that having a business plan, some capital, and a workforce is enough to survive in the market. The case is not so. Even the most confident entrepreneurs who have all the resources to maintain a strong position in the competition fail. This is because they do not consider the minute things that will determine their position in the market.

Here are some essential points that can make your business an instant hit with the masses:

Overestimate the Expenses and Underestimate the Revenue

Keep this in mind; there is a high chance that your expenses will exceed your expectations, whereas your revenue will realistically be relatively less. When you are conservative with numbers, your ability to accept reality is weak. Therefore, it is better to estimate figures that will not be shocking for you and not put your morale down.

Let Your Customers Create Your Business

No one is a bigger marketing genius than the customers. It is up to them to decide whether something is worth staying in the market or not. Do not get into a guessing game while assuming what your customers might be looking for. Instead, do the market research and actually find out the current demands of the people. Talk to them and identify their problems and their needs.

Know Your Competitors More Than You Know Yourself

Stepping into the market is definitely not easy. You need to know what you will be facing. It would help if you won the hearts of the consumers, so you can be a step ahead of your competitors because that will make your business stand out in the crowd.

Keep Discovering New Cost-3Effective Method 

Obviously, there is no success in the business until a handsome sum of money hits your bank account. One of the best saving methods is discovering new and reliable techniques to save your cost and increase your profit.

Keep Learning During the Process and Never Miss on Expert Advice

Remember that the process of learning never comes to an end. You will keep discovering new methods, and innovative creations will continue to pop in front of you. If your first formula was a success and ensured a good running of your business in the first season, then the second one doesn’t have to do the same. You might need to strike a new chord to maintain your success.

Keep the points mentioned above in your mind, and you are good to start your venture. Make sure that you never run out of capital to cover up for small losses, which might sum up to create a massive problem in the future.

chelsieT

Meet The Entrepreneurs Behind The Cover Of The January 2022 Issue Of Global Millionaire: Dennis Koutoudis And Emily Pappas

LinkedIn is a social media platform that has risen to the top of professional and entrepreneur networking sites in recent years. It now has over 700 million registered active members. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many have migrated to online work-from-home mode, increasing the importance of LinkedIn even more. Now, if you really want to increase your presence on LinkedIn and elevate your game to another level, then you need to get in touch with LinkedSuperPowers. This is where Dennis and Emily come in. LinkedSuperPowers is a global Social Media Consultancy that has successfully assisted individuals and businesses in elevating their LinkedIn game for the past seven years. Fittingly, they’ve been mentioned in several high-profile publications such as Forbes, Fortune, Entrepreneur, HuffPost, CNN, as well as other major international publications and various TV Channels.

Dennis Koutoudis is the LinkedSuperPowers’ founder and CEO. He’s a rising LinkedIn master and a Social Selling guru – a successful entrepreneur with a Harvard University certification in Social Media Marketing and Disruptive Strategy. He is also a well-known public speaker. His business ventures led to the formation of LinkedSuperPowers, a company specializing in assisting individuals and businesses worldwide, helping them unleash their “superpowers” on LinkedIn.

Emily Pappas is a social media and social selling expert and a #1 International Bestselling Author. Her commitment to reaching her greatest potential has earned her a household name. She is the co-founder of LinkedSuperPowers. Emily’s efforts have paid off, as she has been featured on some of the world’s leading news and information sites, including CNN and HuffPost. She has worked with the majority of the Fortune 500 corporations and, with her partner, has even ventured into the book sector.

Global Millionaire Magazine recently caught up with Dennis and Emily to discuss their journey as entrepreneurs, and here’s what went down:

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourselves and how you started your business?

We were social media marketing managers of various companies from various industries, utilizing mainly LinkedIn to accomplish the unique targets each company we were employed by had. One day I decided with Emily to create a company that could help millions of individuals and businesses accomplish their professional dreams. Hence, LinkedSuperPowers was born!

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

I network with target prospects through LinkedIn and form strategic professional relationships with them, combined with super targeted PR activities.

What is your experience with paid advertising, like PPC or sponsored content campaigns? Does it work?

We have mainly grown our business through organic growth methodologies on social media. That being said, we are aware of companies that have utilized paid advertising with good results.

What is your main tactic when it comes to making more people aware of your brand and engaging your customers? How did your business stand out?

Networking with the right individuals through LinkedIn and nurturing those relationships to the point that a solid collaboration is formed. I believe one way we stand out is that we interact with people with a networking mindset and seek win-win collaborations instead of a “sell our services” mindset. After all we are co-authors of the book “The Superpower of Online Networking.”

What form of marketing has worked well for your business throughout the years?

LinkedIn Marketing, most certainly. LinkedIn can become one’s most powerful tool for professional growth if utilized in an effective way. And this is exactly how we help our clients achieve their goals.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

To put our trust in a new promising vendor regarding PR. We’re confident we’ll see a considerable return on investment, though. We’re big believers in constantly re-investing our company’s revenues back into the business.

What mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

We wouldn’t try so hard to make something work when we had an indication that it wasn’t working. We’d be more flexible to change course, especially early on in our entrepreneurial journey.

What new business would you love to start?

We very recently expanded our service offering to include some super targeted PR efforts for a select number of clients. We’d love to expand this new service offering further.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

We’d focus more on things that brought maximum results early on, rather than dividing our energy to other things that were not so effective for the growth of our business.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Nobody owes you anything in this life. It is up to you and only you to create the life of your dreams.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Economic cushions and support from family and others usually very quickly evaporate. In order to achieve professional success nowadays, you need to rely 110% on your own capabilities. And remember, working hard is just not enough anymore. Just think about this: how many hard workers do you know that are barely making enough to cover their expenses? To succeed nowadays, you need to love what you do, have extreme and constant focus on your targets and work in a super hard and simultaneously super smart way.

“This is an Advertisement Feature”

chelsieT

7 Self-Improvement Tips To Get your life Back On Track

Always remember that as long as you are alive, you can change your ways and succeed in life. You have the power and the opportunity to do what you want and be the person you want to become. If you want to improve yourself and achieve your goals, you should follow these self-improvement tips.

  • First and foremost, you need to take full responsibility for your self-improvement. You need to know your true self, the things you’re interested in, and how you’re going to actively pursue them. If you don’t have any idea where you should go, you’ll probably just end up where other people want you to go.
  • You need to set realistic goals and stick to these objectives as well as find ways to achieve them. Such a thing, however, is not enough.
  • Learning continuously is also important. There are skills and techniques that you can adapt to improve your life. Never stop learning. Many people know how important this tip is. You need to continue learning in order to succeed.
  • Look for effective ways to learn new things and improve your skills. Realizing the power of learning can encourage many people to become better in various ways and achieve what they really want. Remember that if you learn new things enthusiastically, you’ll achieve self-growth and succeed in living a more content life. You will become happier and live the kind of life you have always wanted.
  • You also need to change your bad habits. There are many times when a person’s life is dominated by bad practices. If you really want to become a better person, you need to change these habits and stick to the positive changes you’ve made.
  • Being persistent is also important. Some people give up too easily. Always remember that your perseverance will serve as the driving force that will encourage you to do things you think you cannot do.
  • When you focus on a goal, it is important to keep your mind on it. Don’t let yourself get distracted by other goals. Many people cannot focus on anything related to work for a long period of time. It is difficult to do especially since our culture is full of reasons and distractions that force us not to bother a lot with attaining real success.

There are a lot of excuses that we can say so that we don’t do anything productive. If you want to improve yourself and achieve your goals, you need to prioritize every action. Even when you’re not seeing any major progress, you should keep going towards the completion of your goal.

Keep at it and you’ll reap the rewards in the end. There are self-improvement books that provide life-changing ideas and advice that you can integrate into your life. Discover and learn things that can benefit your pursuit of self-improvement. Always remember that learning new things can do you a great favor. Continuous education will certainly help you succeed.

chelsieT

How To Style Your Property To Get The Best Property Sales Result

The Sydney real estate market has really taken off and has become very competitive. To get buyers’ attention and secure sales, your property must stand out.

Property styling is essential in achieving this. Beyond being a visual selling tool, property styling allows prospective buyers to see the full potential of a space and envision their future home. It is about capturing their imagination with rooms styled to reflect their ideal lifestyle and trigger that urgent desire to purchase.

Deciding on how to style is a task which experienced property stylists are equipped to help you with. Armed with interior decorating and design expertise and a keen understanding of your target market, they know which look will suit your property and delight your potential buyers.

To ensure the best results, here are key points to remember

1. Style to complement your property and attract your target market

Before selecting a particular look, one must ask the following questions – Who is the target market, and what makes them tick? What look and kind of lifestyle appeal to them? What type of property is being presented? The answers to these questions will determine which look to choose.

As each project is different, we at Valiant Property Styling enjoy this initial stage. One day, we’re creating a coastal luxe look for an up-market coastal penthouse unit. On a different day, we’re doing a traditional look with modern touches for a heritage home.

With the growth of urban units, one of the styles we often use is ‘contemporary.’ This look does wonders for city apartments aimed at young middle-class families. It’s modern, practical, and effortlessly flatters a wide range of properties. Its versatility allows for a variation of looks – you can do luxe, chic, or even arty – and it appeals to a wide range of potential buyers.

2. Play up the property’s best features

Each property has features that make it special and give it character. It is one thing to recognise these; it is another to know how to highlight them. There are subtle yet effective touches to bringing out the potential of these amazing features and adding that extra dimension to a space.

The property boom has brought many brand new apartments and units into the market. Two amazing features these tend to have in common are great views and/or generous light beaming through the space. There are different ways to take advantage of these, but some our favourite tricks are:

– The use of low furniture pieces with slender legs
– Furniture with reflective surfaces such as marble tabletops, mirrors, or pieces with shiny finishes.
– Introduction of a mirror to amplify the natural light in the room
– The use of light colour

3. Picking the correct furniture sizes

It is vital to use appropriately sized furniture to showcase the optimal use of space and further play up its best features. A small room doesn’t necessarily mean you should use small furniture or a large room and big furniture. Using the wrong scaled furniture only highlights the room’s weaknesses and misses the opportunity to showcase its real potential.

For small spaces, many assume that small furniture and accessories are the way to go. On the contrary, a few strategic large pieces can do wonders in widening the feel of the space. For example, a rug that spreads all the way under the lounges creates an illusion of a larger lounge room. Additionally, using rounded edge pieces, like a round coffee table, help create flow. Edges can slice up a room and make it feel even smaller.

When it comes to larger spaces, it’s about furniture positioning. One trick is to float furniture off the wall and arrange pieces to form living spaces within large floor areas. This way, you don’t leave blank spots, and you create a sense of coziness and intimacy while allowing potential buyers to feel the largeness of the room still.

4. Create consistency throughout the home

Having one style applied throughout the property creates a strong sense of continuity and brings different parts of the home together. Doing otherwise disconnects one room from the other. It’s important to create that cohesive viewing experience and present the property as a whole, no matter the size of the property.

5. Leave ample space for people to walkthrough

Part of styling property is finding that balance of empty and filled space. The rule is to allow a little more than enough space for people to move open for inspections comfortably. The aim of property styling is to enhance to fill every space with furniture or accessories.

6. Enhancing with the right accessories

Accessories are always a lot of fun. Like icing on a cake, it’s amazing to see how the space comes together once the little details are added. To maximise the effect accessories can create, balance is always needed. One can easily over accessorise and distract viewers from seeing the features of the space, while with under accessorising, you miss the opportunity to bring a space to life.

Always remember, styling to sell a property isn’t just making a space look beautiful; it’s bringing the correct design elements together to appeal to your buyers. Make sure this is done well to enhance your selling prospects and get the best results.

chelsieT

3 Simple Ways to Fatten Up Your Wallet

By: Michelle Baltazar

Just like your body, there’s no point putting your purse under a crash diet. Slowly but surely, getting rid of high-sugar expenses is the way to go.

What happens if your bank account is fat-free? When you count the minutes to your next paycheque? Or maybe your credit card blues are starting to give you the twitch?

Don’t stress. Millions of Australians are in the same boat. According to research, many are weighed down by their mortgage payments, mounting credit card bills, and rising prices of just about everything (food, petrol, and alcohol included). No wonder there are plenty of Aussie battlers!

But with the new year comes a new chapter in your life – a good excuse to scratch your money problems in 2022. Here are three tips from the experts.

1. Don’t go ‘cold turkey’.

Find out what you can cut from your expenses and what you can’t – but go slow on changing your lifestyle or else you’ll revert back to old habits, says experts.

For example, if you buy coffee from your favorite deli every morning, cut it down to only twice a week (to coincide with the days you really need a pick-me-up).

New year’s resolution? Buy your own percolator and coffee beans. It’ll cost you a fraction of what you usually pay and you can avoid those long 9 am queues.

2. Visit the markets.

For sightseeing on a lazy Saturday morning, go to the Bondi Markets, the Glebe markets, or the one in Paddington. But for a serious “oh-my-god-I-can’t-believe-how-cheap-it-is” feeling, go to Paddy’s Markets or somewhere away from the city (like the suburban markets of Blacktown and Flemington).

In Paddy’s Markets Chinatown for example, a bag of snowpeas cost $2 (can cost double that at major groceries), or a punnet of strawberries for $1 ($2.99 in groceries), or a bag of mushrooms for $2 (can be $4 for the same bag in groceries).

Markets are also great for buying birthday and Christmas gifts. Pre-loved items that look good as new are a-plenty. In Blacktown markets, for example, one happy buyer snagged an uber-cool lamp for $5 while another bought a rare, retro doll for $2. Less practical but more memorable than the usual soap and shower gel set!

3. Get running

Research shows that all types of exercise can help keep your brain sharper than if you didn’t do any exercise at all. Aerobic activity (gets your heart pumping for more oxygen) also prevents you from getting mental-related illnesses in the future. It has something to do with the synapses in your brains remaining connected and fired up with regular exercise.

Why is running a money-saving strategy? You don’t need a gym membership for it and you can save on huge healthcare bills in the future. Oh, running to your favourite store during a sale doesn’t count as exercise. Sorry.

Source: The Australian Filipina

chelsieT

Meet The Shepreneur Behind The Cover Of The December 2021 Issue Of Global Millionaire: Dr. Roya J. Hassad

Dr. Roya J. Hassad is a premier, award-winning physician, educator, speaker, and the founder of Hope, Life, and Dream Centers, the most prominent Anti-Aging medical centers in New York.

The anti-aging market is a booming sector, valued at approximately USD 44,124 million in 2020, which is set to maintain an upward spiral. Dr. Hassad is spearheading this sector with her innovative first-class services in anti-aging medicine.

From a tender age, Dr. Hassad has always had a burning passion for everything health, beauty, and wellness. Everything she has done in life has been streamlined to achieve this purpose – a professional who transforms the lives of others. She originally hails from Iran, where she managed to earn a degree in medicine from the prestigious Iran University of Medical Science. After migrating to the U.S. in the early 1980s to pursue her dream, she continued her medical education at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and St. Joseph Medical Center of Family Medicine, both of which are based in New York.

With longevity comes experience; with experience comes greater expertise; Dr. Hassad has put in the work, and today, the results speak for themselves. Due to her influence, there’s a palpable difference in how people view age prevention practices such as hormone treatment or facelift surgery. The idea that anti-aging treatments should come at one’s nether years has been challenged by the good doctor, which, she believes, should be a holistic lifestyle – women should practice whenever they desire.

“I am passionate about all things anti-aging and regenerative medicine, which is something that I have held near-and-dear to my heart since I was very young,” said Dr. Hassad. “I don’t believe we should have to accept premature aging and visible signs of wear-and-tear on our skin and our faces. I knew there had to be alternative options, which is why I have dedicated my life from a medical perspective to championing the anti-aging movement.”

True to form, Dr. Hassad has treated thousands of patients with hormone deficiency disorders related to aging, such as menopause or diabetes mellitus. She has also developed innovative treatments such as Bioidentical Hormones, which incredibly mimic hormones found in the human body.

Dr. Hassad is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the medical field. She is the medical director of Advanced Medical Health Services. She is also affiliated with some of the top medical institutes, such as Mount Sinai Hospital and Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. She is a board-certified anti-aging specialist and has extensive experience in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. In fact, Dr. Hassad has been recognized as one of the top family practice physicians in the U.S.A. Her practice center, Advanced Medical Health Services, is the premier medical and health clinic on Long Island. She was also selected as a top family physician in 2016 and 2017.

To sum it up, there is no doubt that Dr. Roya J. Hassad has built a fantastic reputation in her field. Renowned for her medical practice, particularly regarding wellbeing and anti-aging – it’s no surprise that she has been a leader in the field of anti-aging for decades. With the way she’s going, there’s really nowhere else to go but up.

chelsieT

How To Attain Your Life Goals Through Self Improvement

Always remember that as long as you are alive, you can change your ways and succeed in life. You have the power and the opportunity to do what you want and be the person you want to become. If you want to improve yourself and achieve your goals, you should follow these self-improvement tips.

  • First and foremost, you need to accept that you need to take full responsibility for your self-improvement. You need to know your true self, the things you’re interested in, and how you’re going to actively pursue them. If you don’t have any idea where you should go, you’ll definitely end up where other people want you to go.
  • You need to set realistic goals and stick to these objectives as well as find ways to achieve them. Such a thing, however, is not enough.
  • Learning continuously is also important. There are skills and techniques that you can adapt to improve your life. Never stop learning. Many people know how important this tip is. You need to continue learning in order to succeed.
  • Look for effective ways to learn new things and improve your skills. Realizing the power of learning can encourage many people to become better in various ways and achieve what they really want. Remember that if you learn new things enthusiastically, you’ll achieve self-growth and succeed in living a more content life. You will become happier and live the kind of life you have always wanted.
  • You also need to change your bad habits. There are many times when a person’s life is dominated by bad practices. If you really want to become a better person, you need to change these habits and stick to the positive changes you’ve made.
  • Being persistent is also important. Some people give up too easily. Always remember that your perseverance will serve as the driving force that will encourage you to do things you think you cannot do.
  • When you focus on a goal, it is important to keep your mind on it. Don’t let yourself get distracted by other goals. Many people cannot focus on anything related to work for a long period of time. It is difficult to do especially since our culture is full of reasons and distractions that force us not to bother a lot with attaining real success.

There are a lot of excuses that we can say so that we don’t do anything productive. If you want to improve yourself and achieve your goals, you need to prioritize every action. Even when you’re not seeing any major progress, you should keep going towards the completion of your goal.

Keep at it and you’ll reap the rewards in the end. There are self-improvement books that provide life-changing ideas and advice that you can integrate into your life. Discover and learn things that can benefit your pursuit of self-improvement. Always remember that learning new things can do you a great favor. Continuous education will certainly help you succeed.