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Safeguarding Your Business: Essential Steps to Protect Against Internet Blackouts

 

A reliable internet connection is crucial for businesses to function seamlessly in today’s technology-driven world. However, unexpected internet outages can disrupt operations, leading to productivity losses and potential financial setbacks. This article presents valuable insights and practical steps to protect your business from internet blackouts and minimise their impact.

Diversify Your Internet Service Providers

Relying on a single internet service provider (ISP) leaves your business vulnerable to prolonged outages. Consider diversifying your ISP options by subscribing to multiple providers. This approach ensures that if one ISP experiences an outage, your business can swiftly switch to an alternative connection, mitigating the impact on your operations.

Implement Redundant Network Infrastructure

Investing in redundant network infrastructure is an effective strategy to protect your business from internet outages. By setting up redundant routers, switches, and servers, you create a backup system that can automatically take over when the primary network fails. This redundancy ensures uninterrupted connectivity and keeps your business operational even during an internet outage.

Utilise Mobile Hotspots and Cellular Data

During an internet outage, mobile hotspots and cellular data can serve as reliable backup options. Equip your employees with mobile hotspots or encourage them to utilize their smartphones’ tethering capabilities. This allows essential tasks to continue even when the primary internet connection is down, ensuring your business remains functional and responsive.

Embrace Cloud-Based Services

Leveraging cloud-based services offers significant advantages during internet outages. By storing critical data and applications on the cloud, your employees can access them from any location with an internet connection. Cloud services also provide built-in redundancy and backup options, ensuring data integrity and reducing the risk of losing crucial information during an outage.

Implement Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems

Power outages often accompany internet outages, exacerbating the impact on businesses. Installing uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems safeguards your business by providing temporary power during an outage. UPS systems can keep essential network equipment, such as routers and switches, running for a limited period, allowing for graceful shutdowns or providing time to switch to alternative power sources.

Establish Communication Protocols

Develop clear communication protocols to facilitate efficient internal and external communication during internet outages. Establish backup channels, such as alternative email addresses or phone numbers, for employees and clients to stay connected. Regularly update contact lists and ensure everyone is aware of the backup communication methods.

While internet outages can pose significant challenges for businesses, proactive measures can help protect against their adverse effects. By diversifying ISPs, implementing redundant network infrastructure, leveraging mobile hotspots, embracing cloud-based services, utilizing UPS systems, and establishing communication protocols, you can fortify your business against internet outages and ensure continuity in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Financial Freedom Unleashed: A Gen Z Guide to Achieving Financial Independence

 

In today’s fast-paced world, achieving financial freedom is a goal many individuals, including Gen Z, strive to attain. Having been the first generation to be born in the digital age, when it comes to managing their finances, Gen Z’s face unique chances and difficulties. This article will explore practical strategies for Gen Z to pave their way toward financial freedom and secure a prosperous future.

Establish a Solid Foundation

Building a solid financial foundation is crucial for long-term success. Make a budget that includes a breakdown of your income, expenses, and savings goals. Keep track of your spending patterns and look for places to make savings. Develop good financial habits, such as paying bills on time, saving a portion of your income, and avoiding unnecessary debt.

Invest in Knowledge

Educate yourself about personal finance. Utilise the information available online, including books, podcasts, and educational resources focused on financial literacy. Recognise the fundamentals of investing, saving, budgeting, and managing credit. Empower yourself with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.

Save and Invest Early

Among the most effective methods for financial freedom is compound interest. Start investing and saving as soon as possible, even if it’s a small amount. Take advantage of retirement savings options like employer-sponsored plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Explore investment opportunities that align with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.

Embrace Entrepreneurship

Gen Z has a natural inclination towards entrepreneurship and side hustles. Leverage your skills and interests to create additional income streams. Whether freelancing, starting a small business, or monetizing a passion project, entrepreneurship can accelerate your path to financial independence.

Develop Marketable Skills

Invest in developing skills that are in demand in the job market. Gen Z is known for its digital proficiency, so consider acquiring skills in areas such as coding, digital marketing, data analysis, or graphic design. These abilities can provide you access to higher-paying employment options and a competitive edge in the job market.3333

Leverage Technology and Fintech

Gen Z is well-versed in technology and should leverage it to their advantage. Embrace fintech apps and platforms that offer convenient budgeting, saving, and investing tools. Automate your savings and utilise programmes that round up your purchases, then put the leftover money to use. Keep up with market developments and new technologies that may help you become more knowledgeable in your financial decisions.

Seek Mentorship and Networking

Connect with mentors who have achieved financial success and can guide you on your journey. Join professional networks, attend industry events, and engage with like-minded individuals. Building a solid network can provide valuable opportunities for career advancement, collaboration, and access to resources that accelerate your financial growth.

Achieving financial freedom as a member of Gen Z is within reach with the right strategies and mindset. By establishing a solid financial foundation, investing in knowledge, saving and investing early, embracing entrepreneurship, developing marketable skills, leveraging technology, and seeking mentorship, Gen Z can pave the way to financial independence. Take control of your financial future, make informed decisions, and unlock the doors to a life of financial freedom. Start today, and let your financial journey be the springboard to a prosperous and fulfilling life.

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Top 10 Tips Before Starting An Innovative New Business

Innovation is the cornerstone of building a successful new business in today’s highly competitive market. As an entrepreneur, it is vital to stay ahead of the curve and constantly evolve your products, services, and processes to meet the changing needs of your customers.

Here are some tips for building an innovative new business:

Identify a gap in the market

To build an innovative new business, you must first identify a gap in the market that you can fill. Conduct market research to identify areas where customers are underserved or unmet needs are not being addressed. This can involve studying customer behavior, surveying potential customers, and analyzing market trends.

Focus on solving a problem

Innovation is about solving problems in new and better ways. When building a new business, focus on solving a specific problem that customers are facing. This could entail developing a new product or service, improving an existing one, or introducing a new process or technology to make a task more accessible or efficient.

Foster a culture of innovation

Building an innovative business requires a culture that fosters creativity and experimentation. Encourage your team to share ideas, experiment with new approaches, and take risks. Create a safe space where failure is viewed as a chance to learn and develop rather than a reason to give up.

Embrace technology

Innovation and technology go hand in hand. To build an innovative new business, you must embrace new technologies and find ways to leverage them to improve your products, services, and processes. This could involve using artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other cutting-edge technologies to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience.

Build a diverse team

Diversity is crucial to innovation. When building your team, look for people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. This can bring fresh ideas and new approaches to the table and help you better understand your customers’ needs.

Focus on customer experience

Innovation is ultimately about improving the customer experience. When building a new business, focus on creating products and services that solve real problems for your customers and make their lives easier or better in some way. This could involve developing new features, improving the user interface, or streamlining the customer journey.

Keep an eye on the competition

Innovation is a constant process, and keeping an eye on the competition is essential to stay ahead of the curve. Monitor your competitors’ products, services, and marketing strategies, and look for opportunities to differentiate yourself and offer something unique to your customers.

Stay agile

Building an innovative new business requires agility and adaptability. Stay flexible and be prepared to pivot your strategy or change direction as needed. Be open to feedback from your customers and team members, and be willing to make changes based on what you learn.

Invest in research and development

Investing in research and development is critical to building an innovative new business. Allocate resources to explore new technologies, develop new products and services, and experiment with new approaches. This can assist you in adapting to changing demands and staying on trend to meet the changing needs of your customers.

Don’t be afraid to fail

Finally, don’t be afraid to fail. Innovation involves taking risks and trying new things; not everything will work out as planned. See setbacks as a chance to grow and improve, and use what you’ve learned to pivot and try again.

Building an innovative new business is a challenging but rewarding process. By identifying a gap in the market, solving a specific problem, fostering a culture of innovation, embracing technology, building a diverse team, focusing on the customer experience, keeping an eye on the competition, staying agile, investing in research and development, and not being afraid to fail, you can build a business that stands out from the crowd.

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Top 8 Tips to Build an Empire in 2023

Building an empire is a challenging and rewarding endeavor. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a creative professional, or a leader in your field, there are vital steps you can take to create a lasting legacy. Let’s take a look at some tips for building an empire.

Develop a clear vision

The first step in building an empire is to develop a clear vision for your business or career. This means defining your mission, values, and goals. Take some time to consider your strengths, passions, and areas of expertise. Then, consider how to use these to create a unique and impactful brand or product. This vision should guide all of your decisions and actions moving forward.

Build a strong team

No empire is built alone. You need a strong team of collaborators, advisors, and supporters to achieve success. Identify people who share your vision and bring complementary skills and perspectives. Invest in relationships with mentors and allies who can provide direction and support as you navigate challenges and opportunities.

Embrace innovation

Innovation is a crucial driver of success in today’s rapidly changing world. To build an empire, you must be open to new ideas, technologies, and ways of doing things. Keep up with your field’s best practices and trends, and be willing to experiment and take risks. Encourage creativity and collaboration among your team members, and be receptive to suggestions and helpful criticism.

Focus on quality

Quality is a non-negotiable aspect of building an empire. Whether you are selling products or services, your customers and clients expect nothing less than excellence. This means investing in high-quality materials, technologies, and talent. It also means being attentive to detail and consistently delivering on your promises.

Build a strong brand

A strong brand is essential for building an empire. Your brand should reflect your vision, values, and unique identity. It should be memorable, distinctive, and consistent across all channels and touchpoints. Invest in branding and marketing efforts that resonate with your target audience and help you stand out from competitors.

Nurture relationships

Relationships are at the heart of any successful empire. Cultivate meaningful connections with customers, clients, partners, and stakeholders. Show genuine interest in their needs and concerns, and go above and beyond to exceed their expectations. Build a reputation for trust, integrity, and dependability that inspires loyalty and repeat business.

Stay agile

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, agility is essential. To build an empire, you must be able to quickly change course in reaction to a changing environment, market conditions, new opportunities, and unexpected challenges. Stay nimble and adaptable, and be willing to experiment and iterate until you find the right formula for success.

Invest in yourself

Finally, building an empire requires investing in yourself. This means prioritizing your health, well-being, and personal growth. Take time to recharge, reflect, and seek out activities to energise your body, mind, and spirit. Invest in ongoing learning and skill-building to stay at the top of your game.

In conclusion, building an empire is a challenging but rewarding process. By developing a clear vision, building a strong team, embracing innovation, focusing on quality, building a solid brand, nurturing relationships, staying agile, and investing in yourself, you can create a lasting legacy of success and impact.

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7 Major Life Changes You May Experience As A New Entrepreneur

 

Starting a new business venture is an exhilarating and challenging time. As a new entrepreneur, you will face many significant personal and professional life changes. These changes can be overwhelming, but you can navigate them successfully with proper planning and mindset.

Here are some of the significant life changes you may experience as a new entrepreneur and how to prepare for them:

Financial Instability

Starting a new business venture is expensive, and it may take some time before you start generating income. You may have to cut back on personal expenses and live a more frugal lifestyle while you build your business. It’s essential to have a financial plan in place, including a detailed budget, to help you manage your finances during this time.

Time Management

As an entrepreneur, you must wear many hats and juggle multiple responsibilities. Time management is critical to your success. Setting priorities, creating a schedule, and delegating tasks to others when possible is essential. Time blocking can be an effective technique to manage your time and stay productive.

Loss of Routine

Starting a business means leaving behind a steady job and a predictable routine. You may find yourself working long hours and sacrificing personal time. Creating a new routine that supports your work and personal life is essential. Schedule breaks, exercise, and time with family and friends to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Stress and Anxiety

Starting a new business can be stressful and anxiety-provoking. You may feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty and risk involved. Finding ways to manage your stress and anxiety is essential, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a therapist. Always take care of yourself and prioritize your mental health.

Support System

Starting a business can be a lonely journey, and having a support system is crucial. Seek out mentors, join networking groups, and connect with other entrepreneurs in your industry. Surround yourself with uplifting and encouraging people who can offer guidance and advice.

Decision Making

As an entrepreneur, you must make many critical decisions, from product development to marketing strategies. It’s essential to develop your decision-making skills and trust your instincts. Gather information, take a look at all the pros and cons, and make decisions that align with your business goals and values.

Learning Curve

There is a significant learning curve when starting a new business. You’ll need to learn new skills, such as accounting, marketing, and sales. Embrace the opportunity to learn and develop new skills. Seek resources like online courses, books, and workshops to support your learning.

In conclusion, starting a new business venture involves many significant life changes. Financial instability, time management, loss of routine, stress and anxiety, support systems, decision-making, and the learning curve are just a few of the challenges you may face. However, you can navigate these challenges successfully with proper planning, mindset, and support. Remember to prioritize self-care, seek out support, and trust your instincts. Starting a new business can be a tough journey, but the rewards can be significant with persistence and determination.

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7 Surefire Ways To Find Your Niche And Succeed At It

Finding your niche is essential to achieving success in your career or business. It refers to a specific area of expertise or industry in which you are passionate and have knowledge and skills. By focusing on a niche, you can stand out from the competition, become a subject matter expert, and provide value to your audience or customers. Below are some tips on how to find your niche.

Assess your interests and passions

Start by making a list of your interests, hobbies, and passions. What do you really enjoy doing in your free time? What topics do you like to read about? What makes you happy and fulfilled? These questions will help you identify areas of interest that you can turn into a niche.

Identify your skills and expertise

What are you good at? What knowledge and skills do you have that others may find valuable? Consider your education, work experience, and certifications or licenses. These may give you an advantage in a specific industry or area of expertise.

Research market trends and gaps

Look for gaps or untapped opportunities in the market. What needs are not being met? What problems can you solve? Research the market to find prospective niches that align with your interests and skills.

Find your unique angle

Once you have identified potential niches, think about what makes you unique. What can you offer that others cannot? What sets you apart from the competition? You can position yourself as an expert in your niche by finding your unique angle.

Test your idea

Before committing to a niche, test your idea. Start by creating a minimum viable product or service and getting feedback from potential customers or clients. Use this feedback to refine your niche and make any necessary adjustments.

Build your network

Building a network of like-minded individuals can help you find your niche. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with others in your niche. Building relationships with others allows you to learn from their experiences and get support and advice as you develop your niche.

Be flexible

Your niche may evolve over time as your interests and skills change or as market trends shift. Be open to adapting and adjusting your niche as needed to stay relevant and meet the needs of your audience or cusfffffffftomers.

In conclusion, finding your niche takes time and effort, but it is essential for success in your career or business. By assessing your interests and passions, identifying your skills and expertise, researching market trends and gaps, finding your unique angle, testing your idea, building your network, and being flexible, you can discover a niche that totally aligns with your strengths and passions and provides value to others.

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Positive Thinking Pays Off: How To Adopt The Mindset That Can Make You A Millionaire

While becoming a millionaire may seem like a far-fetched idea for most people, it is actually quite possible with the right mindset and approach. One of the main elements that can help you become a millionaire is positivity. Positivity is not just about being happy and optimistic. It is a way of thinking that can change your life and help you accomplish your goals. Here are some ways positivity can help you become a millionaire:

A positive attitude attracts positive outcomes

When you have a positive attitude, you attract positive outcomes. It’s called the law of attraction. When you really put your focus on something and have faith that you can make it happen, the universe conspires to make it happen. This means that if you focus on becoming a millionaire and believe that you can achieve it, you will attract opportunities and resources that can help you get there.

A positive mindset helps you overcome challenges

Becoming a millionaire is not easy. It requires hard work, persistence, and the ability to overcome challenges. An optimistic outlook makes it easier for you to overcome obstacles. Equipped to deal with challenges. Instead of getting discouraged or giving up when things get tough, you are more likely to keep going and find solutions to problems. This resilience is essential for success in any field.

Positive energy attracts positive peoplec

The people you are always around can significantly impact your success. When you have a positive attitude and energy, you attract positive people who can help you achieve your goals. These could be mentors, business partners, investors, or employees. You are more likely to succeed when you surround yourself with people who believe in and support you.

A positive mindset helps you take calculated risks

Becoming a millionaire often requires taking calculated risks. You’re more likely to take these chances when you have a good outlook on life because you have confidence in your abilities and your ability to succeed. This doesn’t mean that you take reckless risks without thinking things through. It means you are more willing to gamble and leave your comfort zone when the potential rewards are high.

A positive mindset helps you learn from failure

Failure is a part of any journey to success. An optimistic outlook will make you more capable of learning from failure and using it as a stepping stone to success. Instead of getting discouraged or giving up after a failure, you are more likely to analyze what went wrong and how you can do better next time. This growth mindset is essential for achieving long-term success.

In conclusion, positivity can help you become a millionaire by attracting positive outcomes, helping you overcome challenges, attracting positive people, helping you take calculated risks, and helping you learn from failure. Developing a positive mindset is not always easy but can be learned and practiced. Start by focusing on the positive aspects of your life and cultivating gratitude for what you have. Surround yourself with positive people and resources that support your goals. With a positive attitude and the right mindset, anything you set your mind to can be accomplished, including becoming a millionaire.

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How to Develop an Effective Influencer Marketing Strategy In 2023

Influencer marketing has gained traction in the world of digital marketing in recent years. It is a type of marketing that leverages the influence of popular individuals, known as influencers, to promote a product or service. Below we will provide a guide to influencer marketing and explain how businesses can use it to grow their brand.

What is Influencer Marketing?

Influencer marketing is a type of marketing where businesses partner with popular individuals who have a significant social media following. Influencer marketing seeks to capitalise on the influencer’s authority and popularity to promote a product or service to their followers. This type of marketing can be effective because consumers trust influencers and are more likely to buy a product they promote.

Types of Influencers

There are different types of influencers, and businesses need to choose the right type of influencer based on their goals and target audience. The most common types of influencers are:

  1. Mega-Influencers: These are celebrities or social media stars who have millions of followers.
  2. Macro-Influencers: Individuals with a significant social media following, typically between 100,000 to 1 million followers.
  3. Micro-Influencers: These individuals have a smaller fan base., typically between 10,000 to 100,000 followers.
  4. Nano-Influencers: These individuals have a very small following, typically less than 10,000 followers.

Choosing the Right Influencer

Businesses should consider their goals, target audience, and budget when choosing an influencer. Mega-influencers are expensive but can reach a large audience, while nano-influencers are more affordable but have a smaller reach. Businesses should also consider the influencer’s niche and whether their audience aligns with their target audience.

Creating an Influencer Marketing Campaign

Once businesses have chosen an influencer, they must create a marketing campaign. The first step is to set clear goals and objectives for the campaign. This could increase brand awareness, drive sales, or promote a new product.

The next step is creating content the influencer will share with their followers. This could be a product review, a sponsored post, or a social media challenge. The content should align with the brand’s message and be engaging for the influencer’s audience.

Assessing the Performance of an Influencer Marketing Campaign

Determining the return on investment (ROI) requires measuring the effectiveness of an influencer marketing strategy. To evaluate the campaign’s success, businesses should monitor KPIs like engagement rates, reach, and conversions. They should also consider the long-term impact of the campaign on brand awareness and customer loyalty.

Influencer marketing is an efficient technique for firms to promote their goods and services and reach their target market. Businesses can increase brand awareness, drive sales, and build customer loyalty by working with the appropriate influencer and producing interesting content. With the right strategy and measurement tools, influencer marketing can be a valuable investment for businesses of all sizes.

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8 Best Strategies To Help You Raise Business Capital Effectively

Raising capital is a crucial step for any business, whether it’s a startup or an established company. The funds can help finance product development, expand operations, or improve marketing strategies, among other things. However, finding the right investors or lenders can be challenging, especially in today’s competitive market. Here are some tips to help you raise business capital.

Develop a comprehensive business plan

A solid business plan is the foundation of any successful fundraising campaign. Your plan should clearly articulate your company’s mission, goals, and growth strategy. Investors want to see a well-thought-out plan that outlines how you will generate revenue, reduce costs, and, ultimately, achieve profitability.

Know your target investors

Investors have different investment criteria, so you must tailor your pitch accordingly. For example, venture capitalists are interested in high-growth companies with disruptive technologies, while angel investors may focus more on the management team’s experience and the market opportunity.

Build relationships

Fundraising is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Building relationships with potential investors over time is essential, even if you’re not actively seeking funding. Attend industry events, join networking groups, and connect with investors on social media. The more investors you know, the better your chances of finding the right one for your business.

Leverage Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have become increasingly popular recently, especially for startups looking to validate their products and raise initial capital. Crowdfunding allows you to reach a broad audience and test the market demand for your product before approaching institutional investors.

Explore government grants and programs

Governments at all levels offer various grants and programs to support businesses, particularly those in the technology and innovation sectors. Look into federal, state, and local government programs that align with your business goals.

Consider alternative financing options

Traditional bank loans may not always be the best option, particularly for startups without a solid credit history. Alternative financing options like revenue-based financing, equipment financing, and merchant cash advances are worth considering, depending on your business’s needs and financial situation.

Prepare a compelling pitch deck

A pitch deck is a crucial tool for fundraising, and it should be visually appealing and persuasive. Your deck should include a clear value proposition, a detailed financial plan, and a roadmap for growth.

Demonstrate traction and proof of concept

Investors want evidence that your product or service has a market fit and that customers are willing to pay for it. Ensure you can demonstrate traction and proof of concept, such as customer testimonials, revenue growth, or partnerships with reputable companies.

In conclusion, raising business capital is critical to any successful venture. You can increase your chances of finding the right investors or lenders for your business and securing the funds you need to achieve your goals by following these tips. Remember, fundraising is a continuous process, and you should always build relationships and explore new financing options to support your growth.

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Entrepreneur Spotlight: Meet Award Winning Actor, Director and Choreographer, Darrin Henson

Darrin is an award-winning talent who has been successful in the entertainment industry for three decades! – Known for working with stars such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, NSYNC, Xscape, and Jagged Edge, and appearing on fan favorites like Soul Food, Stomp The Yard, and current shows The Family Business and Double Cross, Darrin is showing no signs of slowing down. He is only evolving, taking command of his career by telling stories that matter to him and creating opportunities for other rising talent within the TV/Film industry. He also has a recent documentary in negotiations with major networks/ streaming services. 

We recently caught up with Darrin to discuss his journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:

When did your entrepreneurial flair first reveal itself?

As an entrepreneur, it really kicked in when I was about 18 years old. I was traveling to Japan and commissioned for a certain amount of money. Once I got there, I saw many opportunities, but I had to manage my schedule more effectively. I realized that I could make more money if I managed my time properly. That is when my flair for entrepreneurship kicked in.

What did your life look like before being an entrepreneur?

It looked like a guy from the Bronx who had a lot of big dreams, creativity, and energy – and it was dispersed all over the place. In other words, I had a lot of ideas that were just ideas. As an entrepreneur, I was able to make those ideas work. When I put those ideas to work, they started manifesting material gain through money and resources. So, we all have ideas, but until we can utilize them to help other people, then chances are, they will just continue to be dreams and ideas. I figured out that when you put your ideas to work, and they help someone else, you can create value for yourself and earn from that.

As a choreographer, actor, and author, what is it that motivates and drives you?

As a choreographer, it was creating dance steps that the whole world would do. As an actor, it’s being able to make people feel, and as an author, it is bringing information to the masses that helps them become more of what they want to be. 

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

Expanding: As an entrepreneur, I sold dance steps. As an actor, I sold emotion, and as an author, I sell philosophy and ideas. I am still growing and expanding, and my business is growing as I continue to do so.

What were your top three motivations for becoming a choreographer, actor, and author?

Michael Jackson for choreographer. For acting, it was Denzel Washington, John Travolta, and Charlton Heston. As an author, it was Walter Mosley. These people motivated and inspired me to pursue success in these three areas. I saw their success and their greatness, and that motivated me to want to be successful and great.

What do you put your success down to?

I attribute my success to consistent learning. I am a perpetual student. 

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

It would help if you had a well-thought-out business plan and a great team to help you execute it. 

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

Marketing to a diversified audience, growing the brand beyond the black diaspora and protecting the brand from being stolen. 

I overcame them by 1) Making the effort to engage with audience members from different backgrounds by asking them questions and learning about what their needs were 2) Being able to speak different languages. I speak French, Spanish and Japanese. That helped me to sell to different audiences. I want to be able to inspire people of all races. When we are really trying to assist society in growing, we need to expand our consciousness to learn how to communicate with all kinds of people. Language is a key way to do that. Interestingly, sometimes people of other backgrounds are surprised. And to that, I say: “Utilizing the tools of education will surprise the uneducated and the educated when used properly.” 3) Copywriting and Trademarking. Anyone can be inspired by your product, use the phrases and work you have created, and make their products just like yours. You want to protect your brand from being hurt if you feel it is of value. You don’t want it to be used in any way you didn’t intend for it to be used.  

Does the loneliness of the entrepreneur really exist?

I think it can. Being a dreamer and a high achiever, only some people will understand your vision, and not everyone was given your vision. You can be around 100 people and still feel alone. There are times when I feel lonely. People don’t always get your fire; they don’t always get your vision and your focus. That can be lonely. But, being alone allows you to build even greater, so those people who don’t get you fall away. Those who do get you can help you meet a new level of growth. When you allow yourself to go through the pain of growing, remarkable things happen. They call them growing pains for nothing. So, in short, yes, loneliness does exist. It is a place that is necessary for growth. 

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

To listen to the customers. To seek out new ways to communicate with your audience. To stay abreast of social and economic changes and to keep on top of different ways to process merchandising. 

What do you hope to see happen in the near future for small businesses worldwide?

That they grow into large businesses. I don’t believe in starting a business and, ten years later, still calling it a small business. If it remains small, it means you still need to grow it. I also hope that people find and learn the value of small businesses. I think when you are paying attention to the consumer and creating an answer to their needs, you create value. We create value for ourselves and our businesses if we listen and create products and services that people need and want to support. 

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Justin Bieber’s Net Worth Dramatically Increases After Selling The Rights To His Music

Justin Bieber has reportedly sold the rights to his music to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for a massive sum.

NBC confirms that the deal includes a back catalog with over 290 titles, including mega hits such as “Sorry” and “Despacito.” The agreement is between Justin and U.K.-based Hipgnosis Songs Capital, which includes all of Bieber’s music released before Dec. 31, 2021.

Merck Mercuriadis, the founder and CEO of Hipgnosis Song Management, said in a statement. “The impact of Justin Bieber on global culture over the last 14 years has truly been remarkable… At only 28 years of age, he is one of a handful of defining artists of the streaming era that has revitalized the entire music industry, taking a loyal and worldwide audience with him on a journey from teen phenomenon to culturally important artist.”

Mercuriadis reveals that the acquisition ranked “among the biggest deals ever made for an artist under the age of 70.”

“Such is the power of this incredible catalog that has almost 82 million monthly listeners and over 30 billion streams on Spotify alone,” he further said.

NBC further revealed that Scooter Braun, the CEO of Hybe America and Bieber’s manager of 15 years, referred to the latest agreement as a “historic deal,” confirming in a statement: “When Justin made the decision to make a catalogue deal, we quickly found the best partner to preserve and grow this amazing legacy was Merck and Hipgnosis.”

“Justin is truly a once-in-a-generation artist, and that is reflected and acknowledged by the magnitude of this deal,” Braun revealed. “For 15 years, I have been grateful to witness this journey, and today I am happy for all those involved. Justin’s greatness is just beginning.”

The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that the deal was expected to reach around a massive $200 million value. However, TV1 News was not able to confirm the amount. 

Editorial credit: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

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Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos Admits Giving Away His $100 Billion Plus Fortune Is “Very Hard”

Amazon head honcho Jeff Bezos has revealed that it’s actually ‘not easy’ to give away his estimated over $100 billion fortune.

The Amazon founder revealed that he plans to give away ‘most’ of his massive fortune to various good causes. In fact, Bezos has already committed to giving $10 billion by 2030 to the Bezos Earth Fund to help combat climate change. He also recently gave a $100 million grant to country music superstar Dolly Parton so that she can continue her philanthropic work. Parton received the Bezos Courage and Civility Award from Bezos and Sanchez earlier this month. The award ‘recognises leaders who aim high, find solutions, and who always do it with civility’ according to Sanchez.

Bezos has also admitted that giving away his massive fortune is actually ‘very hard’. When he was interviewed by CNN, he said: “The hard part is figuring out how to do it in a levered way.”

“It’s not easy. Building Amazon was not easy. It took a lot of hard work, a bunch of very smart teammates, hard-working teammates, and I’m finding – and I think Lauren is finding the same thing – that charity, philanthropy, is very similar.”

He further said: “There are a bunch of ways that I think you could do ineffective things, too. So you have to think about it carefully, and you have to have brilliant people on the team.”

Editorial credit: dennizn / Shutterstock.com

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Spotlight On Proxima: The Next Big Platform To Watch Out For In 2023

Thirty years ago, Justin Wang came to Australia to achieve financial freedom. However, he initially found it very difficult to make money in Australia. Even though the income is higher in Australia than in China, he could save only a few dollars.

He quickly found a way to remedy the situation. This was how PIA was born. Wang credits the realization of his dreams to his two-fold approach to prosperity: invest in a business and then advise others to do so. He feels that if he didn’t do that, he probably would not have achieved as extensive a portfolio as he currently holds today.

For Wang, a business owner’s priority always lies with the stakeholders. This includes all parties to the arrangement and the interests of society as a whole. This holistic approach is the cornerstone of Wang’s success and functions as a valuable lesson in entrepreneurial tactics.

Justin Wang is the embodiment of the self-made businessperson. From unassuming beginnings to life as a property magnate – he now personifies the paradigm for financial freedom. It always comes down to abundance as generated by collaboration.

Global Millionaire magazine recently caught up with Justin to discuss his vision for 2023, and here’s what went down:

Can you tell us about your vision for PIA in 2023?

I started the business in 2005 with a powerful mission, goal, and purpose: to achieve financial freedom. After 17 years of working hard, I eventually achieved that goal, so now I have new goals for 2023. My plan for 2023 is to keep the property management service in-house and integrate the agents from the PIA agency to the Proxima platform. We are managing 7000 properties in Australia which in hindsight is 5 billion worth in assets. I want to make sure our clients are looked after. I am also planning to set up the PIA school to continue promoting the PIA success formula to get more people to succeed. Even though many people already know the PIA concept, I still feel that you need someone to guide them and ensure they’re on the right path, and that’s what the school is all about.

Can you tell us more about Proxima? What’s this all about?

Proxima is an agent service platform that engages and promotes the PIA concept. I want hundreds, even thousands, of people to have their own businesses even though they still have their day jobs through this new platform. Proxima will take the hassle away from agents and will engage a large number of the broader community. Through this new platform, I hope to help the bigger community achieve financial freedom through Sydney residential property.

What are your personal goals for 2023?

I came to Australia in 1993. I was here roughly 30 years ago, and I’ve already achieved my personal goal of achieving financial freedom. To be honest I don’t have any more goals to achieve personally. Now my personal goal is about how many people I can help get into the property market. I want to teach as many people as possible on how to take advantage of the market and how they can benefit from it in the future.

What are your tips for people who will be affected by the high-interest rates next year?

Many people are hesitant to enter the property market because they feel that the high-interest rate will stop them from borrowing more money or won’t allow them to enter the property market. While everyone is so busy worrying about the soaring interest rates, people are forgetting that immigration numbers are high once again, so more people will be looking for a place to stay. Once supply increases, the demand will also increase. Yes, the interest rates might continue to rise, but who will bear the increase in interest rates? The tenants. Decade after decade, year after year, century after century – there will always be a time when the interest rates will keep going up. Still, if you know how the market works, you’ll keep the property you own because, eventually, you’ll be the winner when the interest rates drop. Do you want to think short-term or long-term? If you’re considering selling your property to avoid a higher mortgage, you’ve probably dodged a headache in the short term. But if you think long term, you have to keep in mind that rent will continue to increase yearly, so you’ll be the winner if you decide to keep your property.

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Entrepreneur Spotlight: Get To Know The CEO and Visionary Behind Proximo Marketing Strategies

Courtney B. Riley is the CEO and visionary behind Proximo Marketing Strategies, an international marketing firm based out of Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Driven by passion and a calling to serve, Courtney leverages her talent for innovative thinking with a genuine enthusiasm for seeing others succeed, to help her clients find and pursue their true purpose while also providing them with the necessary tools to position their brands in the marketplace successfully. She is an active and appreciated member of her community, serving as adjunct faculty at local colleges, educating students on best practices for marketing in the 21st century, and serving on the board of several non-profit organizations. A published author and recent recipient of the 40 Under 40 and Woman of Excellence award, Courtney Riley has been called “One to watch in the marketing world,” by Authority Magazine.

With a decade of success behind her, Courtney now focuses her efforts on helping other entrepreneurs, CEOs and visionaries employ the principles of the Love-Centric Business Model to not only achieve success and fulfillment for themselves, their employees, and their customers but to do it all on their own terms.

Of course, more important than any professional accomplishments are the blessings Courtney counts in her personal life – her husband, Matt, teenage son, Dominic, and toddler, Bella. Yes. You read that right – a teenager and a toddler! Needless to say, Courtney knows a thing or two about chaos and overwhelm and practices what she preaches not only on the job but also at home, recognizing that living a life of love has also meant loving herself enough to prioritize self-care. When she’s not helping entrepreneurs thrive and build love-centric businesses, Courtney can be found soaking up family time and sunshine in the backyard, relaxing with yoga or enjoying a quiet moment with God’s word.

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

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

Nurturing relationships. Right now, as the world struggles to navigate a staffing crisis and heavy turnover, I’m investing time and energy into nurturing the relationships I have with my team and encouraging them to do the same with one another. Loving people that love our clients have a beautiful trickle-down effect! I’m also keeping the relationships we have with our current clients at the forefront of all we do, continuing to cultivate those relationships, and exploring how we can add even more value. 90% of our new business comes from happy clients that see what we can do, and share the impact with other business owners and leaders that they know. The best part about that? We get more clients like the ones we have (and love!). It’s a win-win!

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

Honestly, it’s pretty ironic, but I’ll always be a grassroots girl at heart. Cultivating relationships that already exist, and investing time and attention to those around me, has had the greatest ROI. I genuinely want the people around me to succeed, and I believe they feel that. Naturally, when people they know need to experience that same love and support, I’m the person they refer.

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

Facebook, Instagram, and (recently) TikTok.

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

Declining work. Good work, with good prospects, We are BUSY. And if that busyness gets in the way of us delivering what a new client deserves, I refuse to take them on. It’s tough when you support a team financially, and even tougher when the prospect is someone that you’d genuinely WANT to work with. But no amount of money is worth your integrity (or quality of service) taking a back seat.

How has your business been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

I hate to say it, but it’s been a season of growth, in a big part from the impact of the pandemic. For years, businesses did things the same way they had always been done. Conservative entrepreneurs, who had once been innovative leaders, had become complacent. The pandemic shook the boat. It pushed people to embrace change that they had shied away from for decades. Suddenly, people that had watched my team and I help our clients take their business to new places, from the sidelines, needed and wanted us to help them navigate the changes they were forced to implement. In short, the pandemic shook the boat and made space for us to help people navigate the turbulent waters of marketing.

How have you adapted your business operations in response to COVID-19 and its associated impacts?

Fortunately, we were virtual prior to the pandemic, so we felt minimal hiccups in that regard. The unprecedented growth we experienced, however, took quite a bit of navigating. In fact, it’s still something we spend intentional time nurturing. We have weekly team meetings, quarterly (if not more frequent) team get-togethers, and even brought on a team member to help co-shepherd our team with me. She spends time in leadership development, and personal and spiritual growth, and acts as a safe-zone sounding board for our crew. Learning to love in a way that makes this team unique has been one of the most impactful adaptations our team has experienced!

What have been some of the most important lessons you have learned because of this pandemic?

If nothing else, the pandemic reminded me how little control we truly have, and how IN CONTROL our Heavenly Father is. I heard an analogy recently about a farmer that worked diligently on his land; tilling, planting, and watering his soon-to-be crops. Just like him, we are called to work with excellence in all things that we are given to steward, including our businesses, clients, and employees. We pour into them, invest into them, and nurture them with all that we have. But at the end of the day, whether the sun shines, rain falls and photosynthesis happens is not within the farmer’s hands. Similarly, after all of the hard work we put into our career tracks, God Himself has the final say on what sort of fruit they produce. The pandemic has increased both my faith and my resiliency!

What do you hope to see happen in the near future for small businesses all over the world?

I hope people let their boats shake. I hope they embrace change as gracefully as they can, and above all else, I hope that they prioritize the PEOPLE in their corner. Their clients, their employees, and their families deserve to be loved fiercely, at all costs.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up a new business in this pandemic?

Surround yourself with a tribe of people that are willing to pour into you. You need people that will be brutally honest and cheer you on, all at the same time. Find the ones that have been in the trenches and are living a life that you aspire to have, then humble yourself and ASK. FOR. HELP. We were ALL where you are right now, once!

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Meet Lindsey Carnett, The CEO & President of Marketing Maven

Lindsey Cartnett started Marketing Maven after working at a public relations firm in Los Angeles, being the Marketing Director for a Scandinavian publicly-listed biosciences company, and starting a PR division for a multi-million-dollar advertising agency in Los Angeles. After many hours on the road commuting, at 26 years old, she was fearless and started Marketing Maven at the beginning of the Recession. She wanted to bring accountability to the public relations industry the same way that direct response advertisers brought attribution to their media dollars spend. She announced that she was doing PR for DR, meaning Public Relations for Direct Response, and launched into the direct-to-consumer marketing world, which had been her work experience from the early part of her career.

Global Millionaire recently caught up with Lindsey to discuss her journey as an entrepreneur and here’s what went down:

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

Today, Marketing Maven looks very different than it did in 2009. When Marketing Maven was born, the service offerings included Public Relations only. We have since added social media marketing, digital advertising, influencer marketing, email marketing, event support, market research, and creative services, including copywriting, graphic design, and website development. Marketing Maven is now bicoastal, with its headquarters in the Greater Los Angeles area and offices in New York City.

Marketing Maven continues to grow because we practice what we preach. We contribute articles to noteworthy media outlets, speak at conferences, have award-winning campaigns, announce significant agency news, and establish strategic partnerships that allow us to advance.

We also put our money where our mouth is in terms of having the core value of a growth mindset. This means being lifelong learners- something of paramount importance in a constantly evolving industry. Marketing Maven allows for education time for each employee and even sponsors it, so we are investing in employee education to improve our skill sets, learn more about the industries our clients work in, and cross-train our fellow staff. Our emerging leaders are strategically placed in leadership development programs and acquire new skills that they bring back to Marketing Maven.

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

Marketing Maven uses LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram to increase brand awareness. Each platform is important for current and prospective clients, new hire recruiting, and employee engagement.

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

Paid advertising only works if you have a solid strategy and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that you’ve established to gauge success. It’s important to start with a competitive analysis, understand your target audience and know what’s going to drive them to convert into qualified prospects. It’s more than getting a lead to your website. You must have a plan to keep them, as a nurture campaign with a series of relevant emails that have a substance of value to ultimately convert them into a valuable client.

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?

Pre-pandemic, we’d walk tradeshows with clients, and they would do all of the selling for us. The best advocates are your existing clients who can show others the great work you’ve done for them. Today, we are working with our clients on case studies they are proud of that we can share with prospects to showcase our work. We are also submitting case studies for awards so we can highlight award-winning campaigns in our marketing efforts. It’s great for our clients and for us!

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

Word of mouth is the best form of marketing that has worked well for Marketing Maven throughout the years. Most of our business comes via referrals, so LinkedIn connections, one-on-one consultations, and a customized approach have proven successful year after year. We often do unique direct mailers before trade shows to request appointments and express our interest in working with specific brands.

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

The toughest decision I had to make in the last few months was about office space. It’s hard to predict the post-pandemic office environment, but I think the hybrid office is here to stay, at least during the next 5 years.

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

When I started Marketing Maven at age 26, I thought it was bad to get a business loan, so I put all my expenses on my personal credit cards. It wasn’t until I got more education about business financing that I realized that was a big mistake. I received an excellent education about business finances through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

What new business would you love to start?

I have many ideas for new businesses in many industries. Some are service-based and others are product-focused.

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

I would have invested more money in seasoned industry veterans with proven success in my industry who weren’t already from my existing network. I think that would have accelerated our growth even more meaningfully. The flip side is I have many great memories with people who I know, love, and trust. And to know I helped them get started and trained in their careers is very rewarding.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

The best advice I received was from my first PR boss. He told me that to be successful in this industry, I needed to have tough skin. I couldn’t let the little stuff get to me or it could eat me alive. I was to think of oil and water and just let anything negative roll off me. I still remember the pep talk to this day!

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

My biggest advice to a newbie entrepreneur setting up their first business is to ask for help. I didn’t realize the number of free resources for entrepreneurs until I was years into my business. There’s SCORE, SBDC, WEV, and the list goes on! Many entrepreneurs are too proud to ask for help, but I will assure you that there are many blind spots along the journey, and being humble will get you a lot farther than being proud. Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. And to sit with that thought and being okay with it is the first step to seeking help from someone more seasoned with your best interest in mind.

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It’s Official: Rihanna Is Now The Youngest Female Self-Made Billionaire

Rihanna is now officially the youngest person at 34 years old on Forbes’ 2022 list of self-made female billionaires in the United States amassing a whopping net worth of $1.4 billion.

Back in March 2019, Kylie Jenner held the title of youngest self-made billionaire after signing a distribution deal with beauty retailer Ulta for Kylie Cosmetics products. Forbes reported that this move helped increase Kylie Cosmetics’ estimated worth to “at least” $900 million, making Kylie a billionaire. However, in May 2020, Forbes published an article saying that their staff “recalculated Kylie’s net worth and concluded that she is not a billionaire,” but rather a “more realistic accounting of her personal fortune puts it at just under $900 million.”

Rihanna⁠ (co-owner of Fenty Beauty and holder of a 30 percent stake in her Savage x Fenty lingerie line⁠) also happens to be Barbados’ first billionaire, according to Forbes, as well as the only woman under 40 on this year’s list of female billionaires in the U.S.

Rihanna⁠ has been teasing that she has new music in the works, so her net worth may soon go up once her new music hits the music scene.

“I’m looking at my next project completely differently from the way I had wanted to put it out before. I think this way suits me better, a lot better,” she told Vogue. “It’s authentic, it’ll be fun for me, and it takes a lot of the pressure off.”

Editorial credit: Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock.com

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

Screenshot from TED’s YouTube account

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.”

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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

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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

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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