Monthly Archives

September 2017

6 Busted Myths & Truths About Business Coaching Every Entrepreneur Must Know

Not a lot of entrepreneurs know the significance of business coaching. Some of them even believe that coaching is a waste of time and money. Truth is, an effective business coach doesn’t only allow growth to entrepreneurs and businesses, it can also be the channel for acquiring more opportunities.

“Business coaching is management training for entrepreneurs specifically tailored for their unique situation,” says BDC’s Business Consultant Nyron Drepaul. “It helps you make better decisions and become a better leader.”

Myths about business coaching can be one of the reasons behind its misconceptions. Here, we will crack the myths once and for all, and reveal the counter truths.

Myth #1

“Coaching is costly and it will not help me save money.”

Business coaching helps you detect both the inefficiencies and strengths of your business. Coaching will help you have a healthy, well-managed business, which results in both cost savings and profit growth.

“Coaching is about learning how to identify inefficiencies in your company and learning how to fix them, so you can save more in the long‑term,” says Drepaul. “Not fixing these problems means profit is leaking away every day.”

Myth #2

“Business coaching is time consuming and I’m too busy for it.”

Most entrepreneurs think they don’t have time for business coaching because they are too busy finding solutions to their problems. However, fighting fires instead of learning how to face the fundamental challenges of your business will just result in repeating problems that will probably get worse over time. Business coaching is the best way to learn how to deal with the challenges that entrepreneurs may face. Thus, it’s never a waste a time when you’re finding the right solutions to your current problems and the possible business-related issues you may face in the future.

“A business coach can help you identify and resolve the root cause to get out of this vicious cycle,” Drepaul says. “I structure my clients’ time, so they make the most progress within a set and manageable period—usually, two to three hours per week.”

Myth #3

“I don’t need coaches to tell the problems of my business, I already know what’s wrong.”

Coaches have specialized on the toss-and-turns of every type of business. They know the root of the problems that need the most attention. Typically, when entrepreneurs detect problems in their business, they only see the symptoms and not the bigger issues. Business coaches are adept in the thorough and careful assessment of business problems, so they don’t only find a cure to superficial symptoms, but to the root of existing issues.

Treating the symptoms of the problems in your business is a waste of time and finances. If the cause of the problems will not be detected, the issues will happen again, and may even get worse in the long run. A business coach does a holistic approach in identifying the problems of a business. They dig deeper to its cause, and suggest the best ways to fix it.

Myth #4

“Coaching will not change anything in my business or company.”

Coaching will be no good for your business if you don’t understand the benefits it can bring, and how you can make them happen. Otherwise, the right business coach will help you enhance your leadership skills, and will enlighten you of all the corners of your business. With their help, you will know how to implement the changes that will bring a positive impact to your company.

“Coaching helps entrepreneurs become more confident,” Drepaul says. “At the end, you have a better understanding of your business’ strengths and weaknesses and know how to make it more successful.”

Myth #5

“I don’t need some who will give me advice. I need someone who will fix my problems.”

Coaching is an essential learning experience for entrepreneurs. It’s where experts in the field hand over their knowledge to you and your management team. Having someone who will fix your problems for you will not allow you to grow as an entrepreneur. Coaching will give you the abilities and the knowledge to face and fix the problems when you’re on your own if ever the situation demands. It will strengthen your leadership skills, and your expertise in entrepreneurship.

“Business coaching is about teaching you how to fish, not fishing for you,” Drepaul says. “It’s about teaching you the knowledge and skills to address problems on your own.”

Myth #6

“I already have an accountant and lawyer who give me advice. Why should I hire another person to do it?”

Though accountants and lawyers provide valuable business-related advice, their knowledge about entrepreneurship is limited. Experienced business coaches, on the other hand, have a broader expertise. They can see your business as a whole, and the causes of your problems. Coaches will not only help you solve the issues of your business, but most importantly, they will teach you how to solve them when you’re on your own. Issues of your business can be strategic, operational or HR‑related, which are all in the expertise scope of business coaches.

“Beyond the advice, the right business coach will provide you with a systematic approach and tools you can use to address fundamental issues with confidence.”

September 28, 2017 0 comment

Business

Ways to Turn Your Naturally Negative Brain into a Positive Mind

written by Feras Antoon

Have you ever wondered why it seems like being happy needs a lot of work? Well, because our brains are not made for happiness. For survival purposes, the mind produces happy chemicals (dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin) in short spurts, which are then quickly metabolized. Thus, motivating us to do steps to feel happy again.

Due to the nature of the brain, positivity can be hardly met. It’s normal to receive surges of negative chemicals, as you find your way to your happy chemicals, especially during a stressful day at work. Cortisol, the chemical responsible for our bad feelings, has its own survival purpose. It helps the brain navigate its way to the happy chemicals when an obstacle hurdles the path to achieving your needs. Once the brain succeeds to get past the obstacles, and the happy chemicals become have been released, the brain will go back to scanning possible obstacles again.

Meaning, the mind is developed to look for problems. According to Loretta Breuning, PhD, Founder of the Inner Mammal Institute and Professor of Management at California State University, her Dog Poop Paradox explains how the mind works. She says, in the past, pet mess were everywhere because picking up after your dog wasn’t the norm. Until the times have changed, and the streets became cleaner. However, this change didn’t make anyone happy. Instead, when one poop misses to hit the trash, it becomes a problem, a disappointment. It’s because the brain has evolved, and is now skilled at scanning problems. The brain is naturally looking at a negative point of view, but there’s a way to rewire how it works. There are steps that we can do be more positive instead of negative, and it’s all about the right mindset.

Build a positivity circuit

According to Dr. Breuning, “negativity will engulf you unless you build yourself a positivity circuit. To do that, spend one minute looking for positives, three times a day for forty five days.” This is one of the best ways to manipulate your brain to counter its negative nature. It trains your brain to look for positivity, the way it scans for negativities.

It can be difficult to be positive if you’re living in an awful world. However, it’s just a matter of perspective. We can find positivity everywhere, in every situation, even in the smallest and simplest things. The easiest way to train your mind to be optimistic is to learn how to appreciate little things. In the case of the Dog Poop Paradox, simply valuing the absence of pet mess in front of you will help your brain develop neural connections. It can be tough to be positive when negative things are too apparent, but again, it’s just because the brain sees the world in a false, negative lens that needs correction.

PARE with Positivity

In order to reach success, you must be able to PARE with your negativism. Build your positivity circuit in Personal Agency and Realistic Expectations. No one can ever predict the future, but you can always take pleasure in choosing your next steps towards your goals or needs.

Know that you will REAP

The surge of cortisol brings unpleasant feelings. When this happens, remember to keep Realistic Expectations. This will be your alternative for the times you get feelings of survival-threats. Cortisol surge typically happens when you fail to receive rewards for your efforts. However, you must know that nowadays, human achievements don’t usually come from efforts that result in instant benefits. Practice patience, and adjust your expectations when results become disappointing. Besides, in any circumstance, you always get to choose your next step.

According to Dr. Breuning, “PARE and you will REAP, because Realistic Expectations lead to Acting Personally.” We can blame genetics, and evolution of how the mind works. However, we are in the age of the world where human composition is adapting to the current changes. Life has changed, and so is the way of survival. The real battle now is in the mind. Positivity is the key to success, where the right mindset plays a major part. We can now choose to trigger our happy chemicals, instead of wait for the world to bestow it to us.

September 25, 2017 0 comment

Today's Generation Doesn't Buy Houses+Cars

World

Here’s Why Today’s Generation Don’t Buy Cars and Houses Anymore

written by Feras Antoon

Millenials, a fresh term that has been overly used in articles, studies, and conversations these past years. Seems like something is irresistibly interesting about this generation. We can say, it could be the era of the human existence leap; where the innovators of the future sprout. I tend to think that Millenials, with their atypical developing behavior, indicate their intelligence and extraordinary perspectives – compared to clichés and traditions.

As for money-spending behaviors and the Millenials’ viewpoint of success, apparently, a shift has been noticed as well. Nowadays, young people don’t purchase expensive things anymore such as, cars and real estate. In contrast with the traditional belief and measurement for success, possession of material things doesn’t anymore count as assessments for a successful life.

According to one study, the millennial generation who were born in the years 1982-2004, rarely buys houses or cars. In fact, in the US, people under 35 are called ‘the generation of renters’. The big question now is, why?

If you’re a millennial, and you typically get the ‘my parents don’t understand me’ life circumstances, it’s because maybe, they really don’t. Experts say that today’s generation of young people have different values compared to the values of their parents. Youth today sees the concept of success as:

Successful people rent, they don’t buy properties
Successful people invest in experiences such as traveling, doing extreme sports, building their own startups

Basically, the current young generation considers success as having the freedom of time, and getting geographical independence. For that, the Millenials would rather choose flexible schedules than acquire a sense of stability working in jobs that require strict hours.

Today’s generation is not interested in material possessions

The technology has made renting convenient more than ever. For instance, Uber or taking a cab is almost as convenient than having their own car, and it’s not even more expensive. They can also rent a place through Airbnb in any corner of the world, instead of buying a house in a beautiful place, and go there for vacation. Here are more reasons why young people don’t invest in real state:

The young generation likes to travel and they are uncertain how long they are going to stay in one place
Mortgage requires you to pay for 40 years, and renting your whole life is just about the same
The young generation typically changes job about every three years, and renting won’t stop them from moving if career shift demands

Experiential purchases are more valuable than ownership of things

According to The Atlantic’s columnist, James Hamblin, “Over the past decade, psychologists carried out a great amount of research proving that, in terms of happiness and a sense of well-being, spending money on new experiences is much more profitable than buying new things. It brings more joy.”

Social interaction has become more significant

Choosing experiences over material things can enhance social interaction, and result in friendships. Friends and social interaction are crucial to wellness, and young people value interaction with others. For that, experiential purchases are more valuable because it makes interesting conversations. Just like what Hamblin’s said:

’Turns out people don’t like hearing about other people’s possessions very much, but they do like hearing about that time you saw Vampire Weekend.’

Material possessions can lead to worries

You know it. Expensive things that we buy tend to make us worry. We worry about its condition, we worry if we lose it, we worry if we don’t get enough of its value. If we buy a luxurious car, we fret every time it sounds an alarm. If we fill our house with expensive things, we worry about it getting robbed. We may worry when our brand new television gets damaged faster than expected. Costly possessions can make us worry because we want to get the most out of it. Compared to experiences, however, no one can take them away from us.

Most material purchases depreciate over time

The times have changed. Compared to the generation of parents where there weren’t a lot of opportunities for new creating businesses, there weren’t many options to get freedom of time, and travelling was more difficult to go to places they want to see. Thus, the parents chose to invest in buying houses and cars. Furthermore, most material things depreciate over time. Even real estate properties get a lower value during a crisis. This may be the reason why the young generation prefers to get as much experience as they could. As for that, experiential purchases cannot be robbed, or damaged, and you can treasure them as long as you live.

September 21, 2017 0 comment

Tech

Google Blocks for Easier VR Creation is also Helping Small Businesses Thrive

written by Feras Antoon

We’re living in a 3D world, but creators design objects on 2D surfaces. Experts say, it could be one of the factors why the technology is experiencing a slow rate of adoption – but not for long! With the new Google Blocks, it’s now easier to create 3D objects in the realm of virtual reality.

How Google Blocks Works?

Google Blocks is a VR app where people can immerse easily when creating objects. In integration with HTC Vive and Oculus Rift VR headsets, users can make volumetric objects while being in a 3D world. This app eliminates the need to create objects on 2D surfaces, which makes the creation process a lot easier and less complicated. Once the user enters the VR world using the Google Blocks app, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift VR headsets, they will have access to six tools for creation such as, Shape, Stroke, Paint, Modify, Grab, and Erase.

Using Google Blocks tools, it’s now easier to create complex and simple objects for a wide range of use. The models can be utilized for projects involving augmented reality and VR. Google Blocks also allows sharing the objects on websites or social media sites, as well as for creating GIFs. There are a ton of applications for the 3D models created using Google Blocks. Clearly, the new app proves it’s the game-changer of design and creation. https://youtu.be/1TX81cRqfUU

Simplifying the VR and AR World

If Digi-Capital’s prediction comes true saying, the AR/VR market is slated to hit $108 billion in 2021, Google Blocks will be groundbreaking in a few years. With this new app, better and competent content can be achieved. For companies like Google, there will be greater opportunities for new software, hardware, and content builder tools.

Google Blocks in Helping Businesses

For every field that blooms, new business opportunities arise. For Google Blocks, it allows businesses to optimize AR and VR for their goals. Now that 3D objects can be created easily using Google Blocks, businesses can provide services or products for remote guidance, specialized training, advertising, or premium apps. Furthermore, more customers are expected to use VR technologies since the price of VR headsets continues to drop. All of this means that new opportunities for different businesses are heading, which can all be optimized using Google Blocks.

September 15, 2017 0 comment

Tech

7 Technology Trends to look out for in 2017

written by Feras Antoon

Emerging technologies continue to stupefy us. Newborn, out-of-this-world ideas for innovations convince us that we really are living in the future. Now, pocket-sized devices can give us access to any information we need, and with just a few clicks, global communication can be done. Not many of us knew that predictions about the technology from years ago will become reality swiftly, in just a short time.

No matter how advanced the world and the technology had been now, we know that it doesn’t stop there. At least, not soon. Everyday a new idea comes and is turned into an actual product, service, or system. We can’t help but wonder what other tech marvels are heading next.

So far for 2017, several technological trends are anticipated to become huge. If you’re an entrepreneur or aspiring to become one, venturing on these technologies could be a good idea. Here are the technology trends that may dominate this 2017!

#1 Internet-of-things & Smart Home

IoT has been around for a while now, as well as the possibility of an interconnected smart home. However, competition between brands causes the technology’s slow growth. This year, predictions say that there will be more collaborations to allow a seamless user experience. Appliances and apps to make smart homes possible will arise, as well as the solutions for its implementation. 2017 will be the year of IoT, especially when big companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple are getting involved to create a uniform user experience.

#2 AR and VR

In 2016, the biggest trends in AR and VR began to emerge. VR gaming was made possible by astounding consoles like the Oculus Rift. There had been numerous launch of thousands of VR apps and games that took place last year. AR games such as the groundbreaking Pokémon Go, were used by millions of people last year. This 2017, there will be a big leap in AR and VR when the market has done preparing the new devices and apps for full optimization. The new iPhone X is even integrated with Apple’s very own VR and AR features for gaming and communication. The market for AR and VR will grow larger this year with new advances, and more powerful devices.

#3 Machine Learning

Machine learning has improved greatly in the past few years. From Google’s assist to search engines’ algorithm, we can notice how the machines are integrated to our daily activities. Though for now the applications of this technology is still limited, it won’t be long before machine learning will be merged to almost any type of consumer application. This 2017, we may notice an increase of machine learning applications when offering better recommended products based on prior purchase history, and improving the user experience of an analytics app. Technology buffs predict that this type of artificial intelligence will become the new normal when it comes to fundamental components of every technology.

#4 Automation

Though some people see automation as a threat for job security, technology experts like Elon Musk, believe it will be huge help for humanity. In 2017, automation will become a bigger mainstay since we now have advanced technologies that can support automation. Tasks that are exclusive for humans, including white collar jobs, may be automated to boost productivity. In fact, there are now robotic journalists that can automate creation of particular articular. It’s just a matter of time before they make another leap into more practical types of articles. Especially when advancements for machine learning are in-progress, combining AI with automation will produce sensational improvements in technology. A huge step for automation is expected to happen in 2017.

#5 Humanized Big Data

We have access to big data for years. However, it has been misused due to lack of critical components to make it visual, empathetic, and qualitative. Predictions for 2017 say that big data will be finally humanized, and will be able to target the features it must contain to be fully optimized by humans. Once it happens, humanized big data can work better for planning medical treatments to executing better marketing campaigns. Humanization of big data will close the gap between AI and humans, allowing them to converse, so data can be understood easier. This technology will become more empathetic for better interactions, and employment of common sense. Data will be more accessible for 2017 when better visualization takes place, and quality will be polished.

#6 Physical-Digital Integrations

Today, online shopping has become extremely convenient for consumers. It has eliminated the need to use time and energy when choosing and buying products in physical stores. This is just one of the many benefits of physical-digital technology integration for people. For 2017, more innovations are predicted that will emerge now that reports say, big companies like Amazon and Walmart are developing store maps and product trials to improve and optimize the integrations between physical and digital realities.

#7 Everything On-Demand

Now it’s easy to have everything that’s on demand. With the power of our devices and smartphones, we can have an easy access to getting rides, food deliveries, and instant lodging just by downloading apps. Whatever we want, or what we want to do has been made a lot easier to achieve due to technology, and experts believe it will evolve further this year.

Predictions for the future of technology is, of course, not certain. Though these guesses are based from careful observations and studying the flow of technological advancements, we can not disclose for sure what will happen in the future. Surprises in the tech world frequently happen because on-going developments are rarely released unless intended.

Nonetheless, it’s fun to think about what will happen next in technology. Also, futuristic predictions may help entrepreneurs when it comes to planning for marketing strategies when venturing on new technologies. We’re sure, you, too, think about what will come up next for technology – and it’s pretty exciting, right?

September 13, 2017 0 comment

Business

Turning Up Your Instagram Game for Your Business

written by Feras Antoon

If you think no one is really on Instagram, you’ll change your mind when we give you the numbers. There are 700 million monthly active users , and 300 million of them check their page daily. Yes, there are that many people on their phone, checking out photos, and you’re missing out on that bunch of customers if you are not instagramming that biz shiz.

Though there are countless businesses that have created their Instagram feed, not a lot of them know how to optimize their IG account to its full potential. There are many ways to attract customers on Instagram. With the following steps, you’ll supercharge your feed which should result in increased traffic, and potential profit growth. Let’s have a look!

#1 Make a cohesive Instagram feed

A cohesive Instagram feed is something that customers would love to scroll through. Improve your profile so you can constantly attract people. Just like when you invite people to come over to your house, you want to make sure that your home is clean before they arrive. It’s similar to creating a cohesive website. You de-clutter, add décor, and help your guests navigate to your feed.

The very first step when creating an Instagram account for your business, is making sure it looks beautiful. Besides, that is what this social media platform is for; to produce visually appealing photos, and feeds. So, do the best for your business.

Here’s 6 ways to create a cohesive Instagram feed:

Choose the right color + background
Edit photos
Enhance image content
Create a distinct voice
Think of your Audience
Create a Schedule

#2 Optimize your hashtags

Using the right hashtags is the best way to get discovered on Instagram, and entice new customers. It isn’t advisable for businesses to hunt down prospects on Instagram, otherwise you’ll end up looking like a spammer – and no one wants to get spammed. Therefore, increase your chances of getting noticed is by using hashtags. For businesses, it’s not enough to use ‘popular hashtags’, since your aim is to sell, and not to hoard likes. First, you need to create 30 best hashtags for your business, which must be related to your product or services, and then group them into 3:

Descriptors/Components of Image
Customer Centric (the most important!)
Community/Business Related

#3 Craft an engaging caption

Captions are powerful. With your engaging captions, people can interact with your site. It can initiate comments which Instagram considers one of their algorithm factors for the exposure of your post. The more comments, the better. It gives your feed a higher probability of getting discovered. To write an engaging caption, make sure to include these two most important elements:

Give readers something to respond to
Provide a call to action

#4 How to fix common mistakes

We are all prone to mistakes, and when building your Instagram feed, you can make a handful of errors. However, don’t need to waste time regretting your mistakes, when you can do something to fix it. Below are some of the most common flubs so you can avoid them in the future:

Using hashtags that only highlight your shop, not your target customer
Seldom posting or taking long (unannounced) breaks
Posting poor product photos
Using text heavy sale or promotional graphics
Not using your brand hashtag to engage with customers
Launching your page without “inventory”
Not including link in profile
Using your homepage as your main link
Failing to respond to comments
Posting only promotional product shots
Posting repeating images
Not optimizing the geo-tagging
Setting your account to private

#5 Best cheap backdrop ideas

Backdrops will make your photos stand out and look professional. Good news, you don’t need to spend too much to create one. You can even have stunning backdrops for as low as $10! Here are a few ideas:

Poster board
Colored + Printed paper
Art canvas
Contact paper
Textiles
Rugs and blankets
Tile
Tabletop surface

#6 Schedule your posts

It’s no surprise why you need to schedule your Instagram posts. If your goal is to acquire as much exposure as you can, you need to publish photos during the time that viewers are the most active. You must also choose the time when you can engage with your customers. Now it’s easier to schedule your posts without manually waiting for each tick of the clock. Use free scheduling tools, and you will never miss an opportunity for a sale again!

#7 Instagram stories for business

Optimizing Instagram stories is the new trend for business exposure. The platform has even allowed sponsored stories where viewers can go directly to links after seeing an Instagram story. According to one report, customers are 64% more likely to buy a product online after watching a video. Furthermore, 90% of users say product videos are helpful in the decision process. You just need to be consistent and wise when choosing your content for your IG stories so you can successfully attract viewers.

#8 Beating the Instagram algorithm

Keep this in mind, Instagram algorithm is a friend rather than a foe. It will help your feed get discovered by new customers ONLY IF you’re doing it right. The algorithm’s only goal is to serve the content that viewers want. Instagram knows your account has good content if regular interactions happen on your posts. So, to work with the IG algorithm and let it benefit you, the key is to produce interesting, high-quality posts.

#9 Focus on Likes, Shares, and Comments

Aside from the number of followers, the amount of your Instagram likes, shares and comments also matter. We have already mentioned why comments are important, while the significance of getting likes is a no-brainer. On the other hand, though Instagram doesn’t naturally have a “share” feature, it also counts to your brand exposure. People who re-gram your posts expands your reach, while tagging others to your posts is also a way to ‘share’. Make sure you optimize these numbers, and you will be successful in no time.

#10 Planning your Instagram account launch

One of the biggest mistakes of businesses is their sloppy Instagram account launch. Not a lot of entrepreneurs know why it’s important to plan and prepare for the IG kickoff. If you’re using the platform for business, you will thank yourself for planning in advance. However, planning and preparing doesn’t mean you need to lose your Instagram authenticity. Your preparation just allows you to feel assured that you have covered all that you need before you launch your account. Spend at least 90 days for ticking off the boxes in your list. Below are the most important factors you need to work on before your launch:

Line up promotions
Date your events
Photo planning
Build partnerships

September 11, 2017 0 comment

Business

Best Coaching Habits of Excellent Leaders

written by Feras Antoon

Our habits can either save us or destroy us. Our patterns of doing things, including the way we think, are like mind programs that work automatically. Most of the time habits are a subconscious way of doing things like when we walk, we do not think about putting one foot in front of the other. Complex habits of driving to home from work sometimes surprise us thinking, “Oh my! How in the world did I get here?” Or when wake up in the morning and head directly to the toilet. These are the things that we do repeatedly that have been programmed in our mind, which became habits.

Fortunately, we are in control of our habits. We can start making new habits that can benefit us, and eliminate those that are not good for us. For leaders and coaches, there are also ways to build habits to become better at what we do. It’s essential to acquire healthy coaching habits to help our team grow and thrive. If you want to improve as a leader, here are the five habits of excellent leaders to begin with:

Explaining expectations
Asking questions
Involving team
Measuring performance
Appreciating people

Begin with baby steps

Small steps lead to big places. When adapting a new habit, the first thought to keep in mind is to be patient with yourself. Change takes time and practice, and habits as well. The key is to start small, but maintain consistency. Healthy habits always begin with consistent baby steps, that will be eventually programmed in your mind.

As one of your initial steps to building good coaching habits, it’s important to know yourself. Analyze who you are and distinguish what you need to change in order to improve. Just like what they say, “your greatest liability is the one you are unaware of.” Thus, define your strengths and weaknesses so you can leverage your strengths, and polish your flaws.

Know your triggers

As a part of knowing yourself belongs the step of identifying your triggers. Sometimes, circumstances that we face push us back into our poor habits. For instance, when you are feeling stressed, you tell your team what to do, instead of asking for their input. It’s necessary to reflect on your triggers so that you can employ the 5 excellent habits stated above. Another trigger could be when things are running smoothly, and your team is doing good, everything is too smooth that you don’t feel comfortable. So you find something trivial and tell your team to improve, instead of appreciating and acknowledging your team’s good work.

You need to identify such triggers in your life so you won’t fall into making bad habits that can affect your team. Spend some time reflecting, and writing down the triggers that you need to neutralize, so you can consistently use excellent coaching habits.

Commit to the team

True leadership is about other people, not ourselves. Remember that every time you engage on a bad habit, a life in your team is affected. On the other hand, maintaining good coaching habits enhances a team member’s life and work, which will create a ripple effect to your business and yourself. Engaging in good habits do more than it does in your personal growth. It also helps the people around you, your business, and goals.

Know that every time you choose to engage in bad coaching habits, you are taking away opportunities for your members to grow. Letting your bad habits win over the good ones also means you’re robbing your team members’ ability to contribute, succeed and make a positive impact in your life, and other people’s lives. You must realize within you that there is a deeper purpose of building excellent coaching habits as part of your leadership. Accept changes, and share it with your team.

September 8, 2017 0 comment

World

7 Notable Life Tips from Angelina Jolie in Finding Balance Between Life and Work

written by Feras Antoon

Angelina Jolie, one of the brightest stars of Hollywood who turned humanitarian has inspired millions of people with her strength and achievements. Just like many of us, life has not been an easy road for the mother of six. After all the challenges that Angelina has experienced in the past years, she remains standing.

Just recently Angelina had marriage issues with her husband, Brad Pitt. Prior to that, she battled with cancer and has undergone surgeries to prevent the sickness. Despite of it all, Angelina continued working as a director, actress, humanitarian volunteer, and a responsible mother for all her kids. How she did that? Here, she shares valuable tips to help everyone find balance between life and everything else.

#1 Life is short, keep it full

Jolie wears many hats. She does more than acting, directing, or being a mom. She’s also busy inspiring the world just like when she guest-lectured on women’s rights at the London School of Economics. Angelina sure lives a full-on life because she believes we should do so. She’s a living proof that every time you think you can’t do more, there’s always more to pack in. Jolie holds on to a belief that we must make the most of life by doing what we love. Don’t let others stop us from doing more, and tell us our limits. They key is to listen to our hearts, and keep going.

#2 You just have to do your best

After Jolie’s split with Brad Pit, things have never been easy for her. She admitted to Vanity Fair magazine that what happened affected her family, and the only thing she’s left to do is give her best. All of us pass through the rocky trails of our lives. For the times we do, always keep in mind that we all have our own struggles, and we’re not alone in our battles.

#3 Raise your children well, they’re our future

The six children of Jolie and Pitt have been all raised well. Though they are privileged kids, they are polite, kind, and normal. Jolie believes in the proper upbringing of the younger generation, as they hold our future. It’s important not to spoil the kids, and teach them discipline. Children must learn empathy, and good manners, no matter how rich they are. Furthermore, kids must learn the true value of material things, which are less important than experience and life.

#4 You can rebrand yourself

Change is constant. Jolie said that anyone can rebrand their self, and we should not be afraid to do it. Though the actress admitted that she experimented with drugs during her younger years, she was able to change herself. Her image has now been far from who she was years ago, when she was married to Billy Bob Thornton.

After all the bad girl, and sexy portrayals, Jolie is now a prominent humanitarian and an influential inspiration. She discovered her current self when she engaged in altruistic works in Cambodia, adopted her first child, and crafted her passion for helping others. Jolie is a lesson to all that you can re-sculpt your reputation if you keep a sturdy standpoint, and work for it.

#5 Take care of your health, it’s a prime self responsibility

Jolie took the courage to get a double mastectomy when she discovered that she was a carrier of the cancer gene BRCA1. Her mother died at 56 due to ovarian cancer. Thus, Jolie took a bold move to get her ovaries removed. People praised her for courage, and for taking care of her health. Just last year, the actress was also diagnosed of Bell’s Palsy. Though her condition had been treated, Jolie reminds the public to prioritize health above all. Health is the only thing that matters the most. All your possessions and wealth don’t mean a thing if your health retaliates. Thus, make sure to always take care of your body.

#6 Everyone experiences self doubts

No one is truly one hundred percent sure about his life or his self. Even Angelina experiences life tormenting days where she doubts herself. For the times you question your abilities as a worker, human, business owner, parent, entrepreneur, etc., remember that it’s normal. All you need to do is try to clear your mind of these doubts or just let it pass. Drowning yourself in negative thoughts won’t do any good.

#7 Be yourself

Jolie knows herself and pursues what she wants to do. In interviews, Jolie said that she cannot stand still and live a pedestrian life. Her goal is to make a difference, and lead a bold life. So, she does. Despite her adventures, she never fails to accomplish her responsibilities for her family. In fact, last year she spent most of her time at home, and taking care of her kids. All that she does is what her heart desires. Jolie is a proof that we must be true to ourselves, since we only have one life to live. The only way to live it is to do it our way.

September 6, 2017 0 comment

Business

6 Sites To Get The Best Business Card Templates

written by Feras Antoon

Yes, we’re in the 21st century. Yes, we’re living in the age of prototype robots and flying cars. But believe it or not, though it’s already year 2017, business cards still come in handy for businesses and professionals — and yes, you still need one.

Every professional who desires to get as much opportunity as he can, needs a business card. Especially for entrepreneurs, business cards can be the best marketing tools. However, the design of your business card says a lot about you and your business. Your card marks the first impression of your brand. Thus, your business card must reflect your personality or your venture, but should still look aesthetically pleasing. If you haven’t yet figured the details of your business card, you can acquire the best-looking business card templates from the following sites:

Moo

Moo offers a wide variety of business card templates to choose from. They provide high-quality cards in full color. You can opt for two sided-printing, and customized designs with matte or glossy finish. Aside from business card templates, Moo’s greatest product probably is the NFC cards (Near-Field Communication). These cards allow you to transfer your contact information to another person’s smartphone just by tapping the card to their device. Moo’s also has a user-friendly site, where you can create your own business card designs using a wide list of fonts, templates, and different card sizes. The company’s production and shipping typically take up to 5 days.

Price: starting from $19.99 for 50 business cards.

Canva

Canva is a well known site where you can create image assets for presentations, isntagram, facebook and others. Now, Canva offers a professional printing services, delivering business cards directly on your doorstep.

With Canva Print, you have the freedom to choose different finish options for your design. Matte finish gives your designs a silky-smooth finish with a low sheen while a Glossy finish renders a reflective finish similar to magazines and photo prints. Uncoated designs offer a deluxe texture that’s also easy to write on.

VistaPrint

VistaPrint has a good reputation when it comes to business building. Their name has been known for a while, as they are one of the best business card printers online. If you’re looking for a wide selection of business card templates, VistraPrint is the site to go to! They offer a selection of unique designs that come with affordable fees. They also give away free business templates, if you don’t mind the VistaPrint logo on the back.

Though you can’t fully customize your business card designs on VistaPrint, you’d love their options for matte or metallic finish, raised print, double-sided printing, and matching letterhead and envelopes. You can also upload images like your business logo if you want to include it on your cards. VistaPrint’s production and shipping time take about seven business days.

Price: starting from $16 for 100 business cards

GotPrint

If cheap things excite you, GotPrint plays your game. They offer the most inexpensive business cards, but comes with decent quality. You can choose from different card stock, sizes, and shapes including circles, ovals, and squares. Though their business card templates are limited, and their design options rely quite a bit on stock photos, you can create your own design using the Advanced Designer. It’s a third-party feature from which you can upload your finished design to GotPrint. Then just choose your finish whether you want to add UV coating, in full color, or use front and back printing.

Price: starting from $8.40 for 250 business cards.

Jukebox Print

JukeBox Print is where you’d want to go if you want your business cards to stand out and be different. With their unique business card ideas and card stocks like textured pulp, recycled paper, and wood, you will leave a marking impression as your hand out your cards to your clients. They have a wide variety of card colors, and card shapes to choose from, which can be in the form of circles, rounded corners, hearts, and cupcakes.

Your business cards will be printed in full color with finishes in matte or gloss, and foil or pearl coated. They also offer two-sided printing, and bleeding edges in high quality results. JukeBox Print also allows you to choose from their business card templates, or design your cards from scratch. If you want to be sure of what your business cards will look like, you can ask for business card samples or a PDF proof of your order before purchasing. JukeBox Print’s production and shipping time are eight business days.

Price: starting from $59 for 500 business cards

Elite Flyers

Elite Flyers are truly for the elite. They offer of-a-kind business card ideas, like the 3D Lenticular cards or the velvet type with raised spot UV coating. You can also purchase in different quantities, whether in bulk, or in a small batch of custom. Elite Flyers can also design the business cards after your taste, with professional design fundamentals. You only have to pay for $50 for the consulting fee. However, Elite Flyers have a limited selection of business card templates. The production time depends on the complexity of the order, but standard business cards typically take between 3 and 5 days from order to shipping.

Price: starting at $35 for 1000, or $25 for 250.

OvernightPrints.com

Easy, fast and affordable. If these are the most important factors that you consider when looking for business card printing services, OvernightPrints.com targets it all. When it comes to mass printing, you can count on them. When designing your business cards, you can choose from their pre-defined templates, upload your own design, or customize your cards using the site wizard. Though they have fewer customization options, the value is in the name. They provide decent, high quality traditional cards in high quantity without you needing to break the bank.

September 5, 2017 0 comment

Tech World

World Insider : The ‘TalkTalk’ Indian Scam Center

written by Feras Antoon

Cyber Security Attacks

The scale of the criminal operation has been elaborate by the three sources. The World Health Organization says they were used by two front-companies created by a gang of expert fraudsters. The sources describe scam operations in “call centers” in two Indian cities.

They say as many as sixty “employees” add shifts in each geographic point, phoning TalkTalk purchasers and deceiving them until they offer their bank account information. The whistle blowers say they used a script and were told to claim they were employees at TalkTalk. The employees would then work to convince victims to unwittingly accept a virus onto their computers.

A separate team would then use that virus to gain access to victims’ on-line banking, they add. So far the sources have given very elaborate accounts of the scammers’ ways that correlate very closely with previous reports of fraud targeting of TalkTalk customers. A victim of the fraud was conned out of £5,000.

TalkTalk was hit by a cyber-attack in 2015, but that hack appears to be unrelated to the Indian fraud. Instead, it has alleged the fraud is coupled to problems throughout the country by a specific broadband provider. In 2011, TalkTalk outsourced a variety of its call-centre work to the municipality of (Calcutta), the geographic point of Wipro, one of India’s largest IT service firms. Last year, three Wipro workers were arrested on suspicion of selling TalkTalk consumer data. The World Health Organization alleges identical data was obtained by a criminal gang on a number of seized USB keys.

Internet Banking Fraud

The criminals then used the data to setup a minimum of three call centers where workers earned £120 per month to take part in the ongoing scam. The whistle blowers said that victims get tricked into giving the criminal complete management over their machine. The victims are then offered a compensatory payment that they have to log into their on-line banking profile to receive. Thanks to the virus, the fraudsters unit able to gain access to the victims’ bank accounts when they log in.

Why the whistleblowers appear credible:

Although the BBC cannot be bound of the whistleblowers claims, the following suggested they were telling the truth:

The information given by the three whistleblowers in the USA, namely the scripts use during fraudulent calls, correlate to a high degree. One of the individuals even shared a reproduction of his license, confirming his identity.

All three said they were unaware of the full scale of the fraud with two of them trying to share the information of UK victims they had spoken to, and asked American officials to warn the victims before they fell prey to the scam. So far, nearly £100,000 has been stolen as a result of this criminal act.

Questions keep surfacing about the speed with which TalkTalk became of the data breach at Wipro, which is believed to have occurred in late 2014.

“We are aware that there are criminals targeting customers in the UK and international firms, and we will implement strict measures to safeguard our customers very seriously,” said a voice for TalkTalk.

The World Health Organization proactively blocks over ninety million scam and nuisance calls a month.”

Wipro did not reply to requests for comment. When contacted, the two firms named by the whistleblowers vehemently denied any involvement or knowledge criminal behavior, and insisted their businesses was legitimate.

September 1, 2017 0 comment