Written by: Alina Machita, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. My Dearest Woman, You do not serve yourself, your man, or the world by shrinking yourself for love. Woman, I know you have heard for a lifetime that you’re too much of something, too deep, too needy, too smart, too loud, too opinionated, too demanding... too happy, too sad, too large, too emotional, too expressive, too loving… too “whatever” the complaint may be. So you learned to dim yourself down in countless ways. You learned not to show up the way you want, but the way you’re expected to. You learned to second guess and shrink yourself. Watch yourself disappear in a room full of men because you wouldn’t speak up to the fullest expression of YOU as a woman. And even when you tried, you still felt like no one could truly “see” you. Instead, they saw a ghost of your true self. Which only then makes you feel like you’re not valuable and somehow not enough. It’s painful and tragic. And it feels like you can never win. But you can. The secret? You’ve Been Stuck In A Cycle Of Lies That Gets Broken Today . A cycle of shrinking yourself for someone else that’s stacked the cards against you. A cycle, like any other, that can end whenever you want. You have to remember a few key truths: You do not serve YOURSELF or get a man to love you deeper by shrinking yourself to fit inside his limited capacity to love you. You do not bring him closer anyway when you are mentally focused on LACK. You cannot scare off any man – or human – who is genuinely ready to learn how to love all of you. You’re perfect, JUST as you are. And you must learn to trust this if you want to explore who you are and accept yourself truly. No one else will accept you unless you teach them to accept you. Because like I said – we are always teaching others how to treat us by showing up ourselves. So yes … You Are Perfect Just As You Are But that doesn’t mean that you still don’t have inner work to do. You, just like all men and women, are raised by the same fast-paced society that programs our thoughts, our patterns, and our behaviors every day – whether that’s through social media, major news networks, or even your career. So that means we all have “programming” where we are unskillful and trained to act from fear, just like we’ve been shown in just about every movie, NetFlix show, and media storyline we’ve ever seen. Instead of responding through love, self-trust, and the inner-awareness that’s available to us inside, once we know how it works. When most people get into a relationship, they almost AUTOMATICALLY fall into these same old, false, self-limiting beliefs that push love and connection away. So it’s never been your fault, not for one single day. Never forget that you’re here to express the FULLNESS of you, dear woman, full spectrum. You are a multi-dimensional soul, and it’s time you learn to trust who you are at your core – moment by moment, from your agony to your ecstasy. If you’re truly too much for someone, then you do not serve that someone by shrinking yourself just to keep them close. You will know it’s time to move on if ANY human constantly resists you, puts you into a box, or tries to shrink you into something they can “understand and manage” because... YOU Are Meant To Be Loved, Not Understood Because the truth is that kind of person that cannot accept YOU as you are – can not truly accept THEMSELVES as they are. And they will keep running away from you because they cannot face THEMSELVES! Anyway, why would you want to be with someone who keeps showing you they aren’t at least willing to learn how to love you – for you? You aren’t here to just be a “good girl” who’s easy to put up with. A man truly worthy of your trust, surrender, and heart is one who’s willing to show up through conscious self-love and fight whatever dragons arise inside him that disconnect him from his heart and prevent him from offering his love to you! Look, none of us have been taught how to love. We have been taught the OPPOSITE regarding real love and relationships by everyone who raised us. We’ve been taught that logic and reason should prioritize our emotions and feelings, which most of society views as just “annoying obstacles to progress and productivity,” which may be why you feel people overlook and misunderstand you – especially men stuck in their head. However, your willingness, your courage, your gift to offer all of you, even the uncomfortable parts, is your invitation to get your MAN out of his head and into his heart with you. If a dude is defiant toward seeing and hearing you as you really are – please don’t suffer yourself until he figures it out. If he is fully committed to resisting the fullness of you, let him resist and let him go. Letting him go just might be the wake-up call you both need to figure out that you’re here on this planet to learn how to TRULY love, anyway! Besides, if he’s a genuine guy and ready to love you, he’ll be willing to love and nurture his passion and fire and fight those demons that guard the gates to his heart. For that’s the only way he can ever appreciate, recognize, nurture or claim the massive treasure hidden inside yours. But you must wake up, dear Goddess, and claim your own inner fire. It’s time for you to stop holding yourself back. And BE YOU The ENTIRE WORLD truly needs you to be awake, empathetic, alive, and TOTAL lit up in the fullness of you. Please stop shrinking yourself for love because that is not the way. I know that as you are sitting here reading this, you can feel deep in your heart where you know there’s SO much more than this “small love” you’ve been going through. And I know in my heart that you didn’t come here to play small in love. You didn’t come here to enable others to play small in love, either. You, dear WILD WOMAN, are the reason the planet is waking up. The Divine Waking Up Inside Us All I know it can be scary, especially when we find our own “inner light,” and people are afraid of it. Men are afraid of you. Which totally sucks. I get it. For a long time, I have frightened men with this fierce feminine power inside me that I had no idea how to wield … So I want you to know that you are not just “okay” as you are … you are EXTRAORDINARY … you are pure fire … When you are just being YOU. Pure Soul. Pure Fire. F*cking extraordinary. It’s time for you to light up the world and stop holding yourself back. Love yourself anyway (I love you) Enjoy your day, Alina For more info, visit my website & follow me on Instagram ! Read more from Alina ! Alina MaChita, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Hi, I’m Alina. I’m an empath, a transformational healer and a Subconscious mind Specialist. I have an unshakable passion and gift to help women stop self-sabotage, unlock their subconscious mind, release trapped emotions and subconscious blocks, keeping them from living in love, accomplishments, and balance. Most of my work is done directly within your Subconscious Mind where your Power is; utilizing muscle testing is a way to communicate with the subconscious mind and sophisticated systems like Emotion and Body Code and Raising levels of consciousness, removing physical and emotional blocks and stored trapped imbalances that can keep you from abundance, creativity, emotional balance and lightness of being.

Written by: Denise Ritter Bernadini, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. When a professional voice user (singer, speaker, educator) becomes ill, and the voice can't perform in top form, it can be very frustrating. For singers and speakers, their body is their instrument. Often professional voice users don't think of themselves as vocal athletes. However, if you make a living from your voice, you will need to protect it in the same way a professional athlete protects their body. When a baseball player catches a cold, they can still play. Professional athletes are, however, very protective of their limbs. They know if they are injured, their hard work and sacrifices may have been for naught. If they break a foot or hand, they may have to sit out half of the season. The good news for athletes is that often their contracts have injury clauses. They still get paid. Not so for professional singers or speakers. When a singer or speaker gets ill, and the vocal folds or respiratory system becomes inflamed, the ability to breathe, sing, and speak become exponentially more difficult or may not work at all. The flu, cold, or sinus infection can have various telltale signs and symptoms, ranging from fever and dry cough to more extreme symptoms such as difficulty breathing and laryngitis. Being vigilant about the instrument's wellness and care becomes very important when a paycheck is directly affected by the professional voice user's ability to perform. "No speak" equals "no pay," a powerful motivator if your livelihood is directly related to your voice. Given how reliant professional singers and speakers are on their bodies' health, here are some ways to stay healthy throughout the year, especially during cold and flu season. First, a couple of things to note: No vitamin, supplement, or food can guarantee you won't get ill. Being smart about washing your hands, staying out of crowds during the height of flu season, and perhaps getting the flu shot can also lessen the chances of getting ill. Flu shots are very controversial, but if you are a person who gets immunizations, then this option is probably for you. Vitamins and supplements may interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications. To be sure you are supplementing safely, always notify your doctor about all the drugs and supplements you are taking. You can also check out this site to be sure you are aware of possible interactions. https://wholisticmatters.com/interactive-tools/drug-nutrient-interaction-tool/ All vitamins are not created equal. As the saying goes - You get what you pay for. If you buy a generic multivitamin from a discount store, you may not get full absorption and are most likely flushing them down the toilet. It's hard to know which vitamins to take as there are thousands of brands from which to choose. If you are lucky enough to have a Functional Doctor in your area, they will probably have some suggestions for you. If you take your vitamins with fat, this will help increase absorption. What vitamins can help prevent the flu and colds? Vitamins such as B, C, and D, as well as zinc and selenium, may help boost your immune system and fight an illness in the same way they can help you get over a cold or flu. Here is why and what they do: Vitamin C - Generally, vitamin C can help you fight a cold faster or ease your cold symptoms if you take it regularly. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C, can help lung inflammation, which is a severe flu symptom, which is why flu can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. Start taking vitamin C now to be proactive. Vitamin D - Vitamin D helps your body maintain optimal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, boosting the immune system. It is wise to have your healthcare professional check your vitamin D levels annually. Some people have difficulty absorbing vitamin D naturally and supplementing with cofactors such as vitamin and chelated zinc. According to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, Vitamin D can also help you fight a respiratory infection. B Complex Vitamins - There are several kinds of B vitamins, each with its own function. B6 is essential to keep your immune system in top condition. A methylated multi-B complex with B3, B6, and B12 is best. Zinc - Zinc is a cofactor to vitamin D, an essential element for bolstering the immune system. Taking a chelated zinc is best because of its ability to be fully absorbed by the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, zinc has also been found to help activate T-cells, which trigger the body to respond to infections. There is new evidence that T-cell health and activity may be the breakthrough for curing cancer and viruses like COVID-19. The correct dose of zinc is 75 mg. If you're taking more than one zinc medication, you should first check with your doctor. Taking more than 150mg per day could cause toxicity. The following suggestions may be a little out of the mainstream but may help keep you healthy and combat colds, flu, and bacterial infections such as a sinus infection: Herbs: Elderberry - Some studies suggest that elderberry extract reduces the duration of the flu. Full of antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, elderberry syrup is used to remedy colds, flu, and bacterial sinus infections. Elderberry reduces swelling in the mucus membranes. The vocal cords are considered a mucous membrane. Swelling in the vocal cords causes the voice to be hoarse, raspy, crack, or unable to phonate in extreme cases. Astragalus - Astragalus is an herb root often used in medicine. Astragalus is typically used to treat the common cold, upper respiratory infections, seasonal allergies, swine flu, bacterial infections, and viruses. However, according to Medicinenet.com, one should take 160 mg of astragalus root extract by mouth daily for 3-6 weeks to improve symptoms such as a runny nose, or itching, and sneezing associated with allergies. Many immune-boosting teas will list astragalus as one of the ingredients. Andrographis - A plant used in medicine for various ailments, andrographis is frequently used as a painkiller and fever reducer to treat colds and flu. Taking andrographis extract combined with ginseng may improve symptoms when started within 72 hours of feeling sick. In a double-blind placebo study, researchers found that patients with the flu who took a specific andrographis extract combined with Siberian ginseng felt better more quickly than those taking a drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The test subjects also experienced fewer complications like sinus pain, breathing problems, and bronchitis. Not certain if it should always be capitalized Licorice root - If you have a sore throat, licorice root may be used to soothe the pain when used as a gargle. Licorice root may loosen congestion and reduce swelling in the throat. You can find it in many common teas. Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Licorice might act like estrogen in the body. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use licorice. High blood pressure: Licorice can raise blood pressure. Pelargonium sidoides - Also known as Umckaloabo, a flowering plant that is native to South Africa. Its roots are used for medicine. Pelargonium sidoides is commonly taken by mouth for upper respiratory infections and the common cold. Taking extract of pelargonium sidoides seems to help reduce symptoms and clear up the common cold after ten days of treatment. Curcumin - Curcumin, derived from the Curcuma longa plant, is commonly known as turmeric and is used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic activity. Curcumin can help fight inflammation and aid the body's immune response. Foods: Mushrooms - Mushrooms are an excellent natural source for selenium and B vitamins. They also contain polysaccharides, riboflavin, and niacin, which help to keep the immune system optimal. Garlic - Garlic's antiviral properties may help reduce the severity of symptoms in colds and flu. A study from the University of Maryland Medical Center showed that people who took garlic supplements during the cold season caught fewer colds than those who took placebo pills. For even more garlic potency and antimicrobial magic for your immune system, eat garlic raw. Try crushing a garlic clove and let it sit for about 10 minutes before eating it; this will release vital enzymes that convert into allicin. Allicin is similar to antibiotics and will kill bacteria. You can also find raw garlic in powder, oil, extract, and tablets. Brazil Nuts - Brazil nuts contain selenium, which is a mineral and potent antioxidant with various uses, including preventing bird and swine flu. However, some autoimmune conditions react negatively to selenium and may impact their immune system. Three brazil nuts a day will give you your daily allowance of selenium. Acai berry - Acai berry is such a potent antioxidant and stimulator of the immune system. Researchers are studying it as a potential treatment for all kinds of conditions. It's often touted as support of general health and immune function. Try them covered in Dark Chocolate - It's a win-win. This ongoing flu season try adding the above foods, herbs and vitamins to your daily regime and see if you can stay off the bench. It’s really hard to say “put me in coach” if you can’t talk. Visit my Linktree and my website for more information! Denise Ritter Bernadini, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dr. Denise Ritter Bernardini has taught voice on the University level for over 20 years. She holds degrees in Vocal Pedagogy/Science and Vocal Performance. Her focus on voice science, resonance, athletic training, and the power of the breath has given her students the ability to go on to international careers. Her experience as an international performer, her training in voice and breath anatomy, and her work with Speech-Language Pathologists give her the expertise and knowledge necessary for an award-winning coaching practice. Dr. Bernardini’s passion is biohacking, and helping singers and speakers maintain optimal vocal health. Her book Mindfulness of Singing: a transformational journey using the power of the voice is due to be released in 2021.

Written by: Charmie Torres, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Before the pandemic hit, 35% of employees had not experienced working from home. The traditional office setting was the norm for most industries. But with the rapid shift to remote working, many organizations had to relearn how to manage all business operations outside the confines of an office in almost an instant. Business operations involve all the processes that happen within an organization to keep it running and earn a profit. Plans and actions must be set organization-wide and within teams to work towards meeting the goals of the company. One of the best ways to achieve this is having the best set of resources, whether it be people, equipment, platforms, or processes. And of course, with the guidance and leadership of business owners and managers – navigating the new ways to conduct business operations lets you stay on track. The rapid shift, however, didn’t bring all sunshine and daisies that normally come with remote working. It introduced many disadvantages like downsizing, inefficient collaboration, mental health lows, and work-life boundaries being crossed. Because of this, experts have suggested being prepared to work from home for the next 2 years or even permanently. By being prepared for the transition of completely remote teams, it helps you achieve two things: first, to overcome the challenges of non-face-to-face collaboration, and second, to effectively continue thriving as an organization. Let’s take a look at several practices and questions you and your team can assess to ensure if you’re journey to transition remotely will be successful. 1. Good leadership while setting clear expectations – Implement the new standard of conducting business by setting clear expectations, key roles, and responsibilities for the team. Identify any additional responsibilities your team will take on during this time. 2. Right set of collaboration tools and resources – Are you equipped with the right collaboration tools and resources? Is everyone comfortable using certain software or platforms? Clearly communicate which project management apps you’ll be collaborating in like Microsoft Teams, Google Suite, ClickUp, or Slack. 3. Is your team projects-based or regular ongoing work? Most jobs that are remote are project-based. According to a Harvard Business Review article, restructuring jobs to work as remote positions long-term or ongoing is optimal. Enough time is needed, especially for new hires, to acclimatize to company culture and standards. 4. Are you able to provide training and support fast enough? – Identify the jobs and competencies that are flexible and those that are not. Offer training to address those skills given that face-to-face training is put on hold for the foreseeable future. 5. Do you have experience using external providers? – Outsourcing talent like digital marketing, virtual assistant, IT consultants, or web development will continue to rise within the next few years. It’s best to leverage on this strategy to work with the right people for your business. 6. Offshore Remote Teams work best for businesses that need cost-effective , performance-driven execution work as opposed to strategic input. With the economy at a standstill, coming up with other ways to maintain high standards of conducting business while being cost-effective is key. Working remotely is proving to be the best option for businesses of all sizes, and if you’re looking to hire a remote team that is capable of working efficiently and meeting deadlines without breaking the bank, consider Löngun Services. Löngun can provide business owners with extremely affordable fees for accounting and customer service work as well as give you the opportunity to grow your business without compromising the quality of your services. To learn more about our service offering, visit our website . For more information, visit my website and follow me on Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn ! Read more from Charmie ! Charmie Torres, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Charmie Torres is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Löngun, a business process outsourcing company. Löngun was conceived in 2018 in response to clients who needed more than accounting services. Born and raised in the Philippines and studied in one of the top universities in the UK, Charm aims to bridge both worlds to develop a diverse work culture and environment. “It was a knee-jerk reaction to offer administrative, virtual assistance, and graphic design services as well because this is what many of our customers needed to grow their ventures.” With a team of well-rounded and experienced professionals (a motley crew of accountants, customer service professionals, technical experts, graphic artists, and administrative personnel), Löngun’s mission is to help business owners focus on scaling their business by taking care of the company’s non-core activities and streamline their workflow. Also, serve as a catalyst to her Filipino employees to reach their fullest potential.

Written by: Jenn Taylor, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Recently, I sent out a newsletter and discussed updates and changes in my podcast. Some of the changes were based on having the podcast for over 3 ½ years and putting in a lot of time and effort. Compound Interest is working for me. Some changes were statistics and analytics — I love the black and white of stats as they just truly are. There isn’t necessarily a good or bad, just a barometer of where you are currently compared to where you were and where you want to be. Podcasts are a unique platform. The actual, complete, for-real, honest statistics are nearly impossible to come by. There is no clear and certain way to gather accurate information across all of the places they are distributed. The statistics I posted were based on Spotify, which is connected to my podcast host and automatically generates annually. It’s an accurate depiction - but limited exclusively to Spotify specific statistics only. The analytics showed my podcast growth this year, and the numbers had most definitely improved, which is something to be proud of. Spotify looked at the information from several vantage points, and I was excited and pleased with the information. I have two goals with my newsletter: to provide value and to interact. It stands to reason if I’m providing value, people will engage one on one, and it is my absolute favorite inbox message when people respond, telling me how they are doing. It was unexpected and a bit surprising that some of the feedback triggered me negatively with this newsletter. “It’s wonderful to see how SUCCESSFUL you are.” A phrase I heard several times in different ways made me look hard at my success views and why the word triggered me negatively. Success seems to be determined predominantly in two ways: Money and Numbers. I see that as a popularity competition where you are paid. Not at all, how I want anyone to view my business, podcast, coaching, speaking, etc.… While it’s true that being paid is often a standard exchange in business, and there is an inability to make a difference in the lives of people unless they know who you are, there is so much more to success than those two criteria. First, let’s look at what success does not need to be about - and how to flip the script on how we determine how success feels: Other people’s level of expectations or achievements In the podcast example, the goal doesn’t need to be downloads, audience size, or comparing yourself to another person’s perceived success. You aren’t necessarily sharing the same goals with other people, and it’s highly probable you don’t know their entire story. Putting people above or below where you’re at There is most likely someone (or multiple people) who are ranked higher than you, and there are also people just starting out. Comparing yourself to where you have been and where you are going is a better barometer of success than where you believe other people are at Monetary gain With the belief that money is simply a form of energy passed between people, money is ONE way of exchange between two people. Although paying bills is a necessity, there are many ways to exchange energy. Exchange of products, services, or information, shout-outs, shares to social media platforms, etc., are all examples of an equitable exchange. Sticking with the podcast example, if guests share their episode, subscribe, and leave a review, it helps exponentially - the same goes for listeners. That kind of compound interest (small actions that add up over time) goes a long way in growth. Social media, statistics, and/or numbers Stats are a way to track where you are at to determine that growth is occurring. Growth means your audience is getting larger, and the message is reaching more people, which sounds like a good thing unless we consider it may be better to have fewer, more connected followers than a large audience. Someone I know has a podcast for people with fibromyalgia. The numbers may seem low, but the following is strong. Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and Mark Twain said, “Comparison is the death of joy.” Truer words have never been spoken. I realized my negative triggering was due to comparison, and my feelings of wanting more - in numbers or financial gain - was desired to somehow prove to myself that I was worthy of the word success. When I evaluated the trigger, I took a deep dive into the reasons I started the podcast and some barometers for success that have nothing to do with money or numbers. Provide content that helps other people and makes a positive difference Help people feel less alone in their struggles - knowing there is someone who understands them. Provide tools, tips, tricks, etc.… for listeners to build a bigger toolbox to get through personal struggles faster, easier, and more supported. The message that every person’s story is relevant and deserves to be shared Guests come from referrals, repeat interviews, word of mouth. Interaction with people and companies/agencies outside of the podcast as a direct result of the podcast Growth over time of statistics, number of interview requests, interactions with people As I considered my original goals, without the “noise” of how other people might gauge success, I realized that all I really needed to do was say, “Thank you.” For more info, follow Jenn on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and visit her website! Jenn Taylor, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jenn Taylor is Mom Of 18 and The Naked Podcaster, a Mindset Coach and Motivational Speaker. She is also an NLP Practitioner and has 15+ years in the foster care sector as both a parent and a trainer, has written the blog - Mom’s Running It - for 9 years, and is a published author of a self-help memoir "Hello, My Name Is... Warrior Princess". She teaches Compounding Joy, bringing fast, easy, actionable exercises to people to increase their joy and gratitude. She is also married to an amazing man in Reno, NV, is a runner, minimalist, and healthy lifestyle enthusiast. Compounding Joy - Using the theory of compound interest to create a happier life! If you’ve attended events or heard speakers in the past and gotten excited about making changes only to return home and not know what to DO with the information, or feel frustrated at not knowing HOW to implement the information, you’ll love this talk! Compounding Joy brings fast, easy, actionable exercises to people to increase their joy and gratitude. Not only will you walk away with WHAT to do, but you’ll also know HOW in quick, easy steps.

Written by: Yunlong Wang, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. The medical device market ushered in a golden age globally. The demand for high-end medical devices in the Chinese market is also rapidly increasing. Whether it is government policy encouragement and guidance, or capital promotion and stimulation, these provide rare opportunities for European medical device companies to enter the Chinese market. So, how is the market actually changing and how can European Medical Device companies take advantage of this? How is the market changing? Many people remember medical devices produced by Chinese manufacturers as items produced at a low cost and at large volumes. This is rapidly changing, and China is producing more and more medical device products of higher quality today. As indicated by Yangni Liu, an author at Equal Ocean, the proportion of people being over 65 years old in China reached 12,5% in 2019. Moreover, there has been an increased spread and normalization of chronic decease throughout the country. The demand for qualitative medical devices has, therefore, increased, and products such as household medical equipment are in strong need. What also is worth mentioning is that the Medical Devices market is growing a lot faster than the average market growth in the country – for several years, the amount of money that the Medical Devices industry has accounted for in healthcare expenses has increased by approximately 20% each year, according to Quasar. Liu also explains how the market achieved CNY 10.36 billion in 2018, and that amount is expected to increase to CNY 12.5 billion now in 2020. Simultaneously, the Chinese government is increasingly investing in healthcare expenditures, and the policies are clearly promoting a need for more medical devices and further development within the category. Regulatory changes ease the transition. For foreign companies that a few years back wanted to either cooperate with or enter the Chinese Medical Devices market, several obstacles made this difficult. For instance, intellectual property laws restrained local manufacturers from working with multinational companies, and devices that were produced in China could not easily be marketed abroad. However, according to the East-West Bank, regulations have changed since 2018. European MedTech companies can now import innovative devices into China without getting certificate approvals. Thus, making the process to put devices for sale in China much smoother for international manufacturers. However, MedTech companies will need a deep understanding of the Chinese market to succeed with their pricing and, therefore, be careful under the new system. The effect of Covid-19 on the market. Living in a time of a worldwide pandemic has also triggered the need for the market to accelerate its growth pace. It has resulted in a sharp increase in demand for both low-value and high-value medical devices all over the world, and it will probably continue to grow after the pandemic, although not at an equally high pace. Especially for China, this has meant that the Medical Devices market has had to quickly mature and is now about to step into the golden 10 years. How can European companies take advantage of the market? China’s market is expected by some analysts to soon become the world’s largest, which means huge opportunities for companies that manage to quickly adapt to this change. Also, since the demand for medical equipment is big, there is definitely room for European companies to transition into China and contribute with innovative devices into the market. A benefit of the Chinese manufacturing supply chain for local producers is that it is quite robust and offers highly qualitative and cost-effective raw materials and efficiency among manufacturers. There are thus many opportunities for European companies in the Chinese Medical Devices market. However, they will, in the future, need to manufacture locally in China and produce higher-quality medical devices to overcome their Chinese counterparts and reach success. Conclusion With a growing demand for innovative medical equipment and new beneficial regulations on the Chinese Medical Devices market, there is now a unique opportunity for European companies to enter this hugely profitable market. The push from China's policies to expand the market also indicates that there will be more capital focusing on this industry in the following years. Therefore, it is time for foreign companies to consider the opportunities to enlarge their footprint by manufacturing medical devices locally in China, as the market continues to grow. Sources: Equalocean, Quasar-med , and Eastwestbank To learn more about Yunlong, you can visit his LinkedIn or contact him at: yunlong.wang@vikcess.com Read more from Yunlong! Yunlong Wang, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine Yunlong Wang is apart from being the CEO & Founder of Vikcess Business Group, a VC, Writer, and Startup Coach. His main focus is on how the innovation tech changes the business and our world. He devotes most of his time to innovation management, achievement transformation to adapt to new markets, technology transfer to apply in a wide range of industries, and startup acceleration with capital support. He is playing the role of a bridge, as Vikcess does, which connects Europe and China, to pursuit communication, collaboration, opportunities, and the future.

Written by: Natasha Bazilevych, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Do people always listen when you speak? Imagine if your listeners would not only pay attention every time you spoke but trust you and take action. Imagine if every story you tell and every speech you give changes somebody’s life. Wouldn’t that be fantastic? Having a powerful voice can help you with that. It will grab your audience’s attention and hold it till the end. It’s a public speaking crime to deliver a wonderful speech with a monotonous voice. It kills the message and leaves no witnesses of the crime. Why? Because nobody paid attention. So, what are the main techniques you can use to release the power of your voice? 1. Practice Tongue Twisters This is my favorite exercise. Tongue twisters help you practice enunciation, articulation, and rhythm. They’re powerful, and they’re fun! Just search on the Internet, and you’ll see a huge variety of tongue twisters. Here’re a few examples: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. Betty Better bought some butter, but she said this butter’s bitter. ... She sells seashells on the seashore. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? ... How can a clam cram in a clean cream can? 2. Practice voice relaxation If your throat muscles are tight, they will close the pathway for air and sound. It will result in a bad projection of your voice. You’ll basically pitch it back to your throat, and you'll sound like a thud. So, what should you do? Simply relax your articulation organs: jaw, throat muscles, and lips. You can also practice saying “me-mo-me-mo-me-mo-me.” This little exercise will make your jaw more flexible. Another way to relax your voice is to yawn on purpose. Open your mouth wide, and then say “hum” after the yawn. Prolong this “hum” word as much as possible. 3. Do breathing exercises I’m sure you’ve heard about the usefulness of breathing exercises for our health: for sleep, to calm down, to relax, etc. They’re also a powerful tool for our voice. A couple of easy exercises will help you take control of your voice even when you’re extremely anxious and nervous. They will teach you to project the voice. They will make it stronger and more manageable. Here are a few of them. Breathe in from the belly, stop, exhale, and count “one-two-three-four-five.” Repeat while lying down, sitting, or standing. Breathe in from the belly, and say every letter of the alphabet on each exhale. Inhale, exhale while saying “A,” inhale, exhale while say “B.” And so on. Laugh heartily with a big “Ha-Ha-Ha” until you exhale all air from your lungs. Breathe in and repeat. Then laugh soundlessly through your nose with your mouth closed. 4. Add vocal variety Have you ever had to sit through a boring lecture? There’re lots of ways the speaker could make it more interesting. One of them is to add variety to your voice. Play with your pitch, change the rhythm, increase or decrease volume or pace, and finally, add powerful pauses. Don’t be monotonous. Like I said before, it’s one of the biggest public speaking sins! 5. Project your voice Would you like to know if you’re projecting your voice correctly? Hum “Happy birthday’, and see if you feel the air on your lips. Make sure you don’t pitch your voice back to your throat. Your lips will even get a little itchy. Practice enunciating words and phrases. Pronounce them, making emphasis on every syllable. Tongue twisters are rather helpful in this case as well. Remember always to carry your voice forward when speaking. And the audience will feel its power. Would you like to learn more about the power of YOUR voice? Would you like to become a confident speaker who prepares clear, persuasive messages? Are you ready to work 1:1 with a public speaking coach? Then contact me, and we’ll schedule a call. It will be the best decision you’ll make in your life. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and visit my website for more info! Read more from Natasha! Natasha Bazilevych, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Natasha Bazilevych is an international speaker and business trainer. She teaches business owners, top managers, and entrepreneurs to give powerful presentations and reach audacious goals. Natasha has been teaching business skills for 13 years, has two bachelor's degrees and an MBA. Her signature program, “Speak With Power,” is a unique experience after which each participant knows how to overcome fear, craft powerful messages and deliver them with confidence.

Written by: Moira Hutchison , Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. If you are new to affirmations, this is a great time to get started. These positive statements can be incredibly powerful. A recent study confirmed the effectiveness of affirmations. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people under high stress did about 50% worse on a problem-solving test. However, when they used a brief self-affirmation first, they did just as well as the other participants. Let us explore the benefits of using affirmations and how you can get the most from them. The Benefits of Affirmations: 1. Improve your performance. In addition to overcoming stress, affirmations can also help you learn from your mistakes. They promote flexible thinking that makes it easier to spot your weaknesses and form new habits. 2. Feel better. This is medicine that tastes good. Skillful self-talk cheers you up instantly. It is like giving yourself a hug. 3. Enjoy better relationships. It is easy to slip into defensiveness when you feel tense. Affirmations give you a more constructive method for dealing with difficult issues so you can remain open to what others have to say. 4. Protect your physical health. Chronic stress triggers inflammation and interferes with your metabolism. Simply relaxing reduces your risk for many health conditions. 5. Draw on your strengths. Perhaps you excel as a parent but struggle with public speaking. Affirmations remind you of your most important strengths and help build your confidence in weaker areas. 6. Take them everywhere. Colleagues or clients may look at you funny if you interrupt a meeting to get a massage. On the other hand, you can recite uplifting messages out loud or silently wherever you are. 7. Discover more meaning. Most importantly, affirmations welcome more meaning into your life. You will be more mindful of your choices and how your actions contribute to fulfilling your purpose. A Few Easy Rules about Affirmations: 1. Time it right. Prepare yourself for challenging tasks. Perform an affirmation before you give a presentation or depart on a long flight. 2. Clarify your values. You can apply affirmations to any area of your life, from baking a cake to putting out forest fires. Affirmations have the greatest impact when you tie them to your top priorities, whether in your business, family and friends, or world peace. 3. Write it all down. Recording your statements in a journal makes them feel more tangible. Spend about five minutes, jotting your thoughts down. Identify what matters most to you and figure out the reasons behind your values. 4. Take supporting actions. Naturally, your behavior needs to match your words. If it is important for you to be a great tennis player, work on your backhand. To write a best-selling book, start writing and drafting the plot. 5. Use a combination of resources. Blend your affirmations in with other sources of assistance and encouragement. Devote time to spiritual practices or talk with a friend about a conflict to get their perspective. 6. Develop a strong intention. Forceful wishes create mighty affirmations. Reflect on your motivation and give your full attention to what you are saying. Engage all your senses to produce a vivid experience. If you are trying to grow your own vegetables, imagine how they will look and taste. 7. Be sincere. Analyze your affirmations to be sure they feel authentic for you. Go ahead and proclaim you are a top salesperson if you really believe it. Otherwise, you may want to build up gradually by praising yourself for each call or visit you make. Affirmations can lead to exciting breakthroughs, whether you want to lose weight or acquire new clients. Focus on your core values and let them guide your actions and affirmations. For more information and tips on accessing your inner guidance to align with YOUR best success, follow Moira on Facebook , Instagram , or LinkedIn , join her Facebook Community , or visit her website ! Read more from Moira ! Moira Hutchison, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine As an Intuition Cultivator and Mindset Mentor, Moira Hutchison guides her clients to access the inherent power they have available when they ignite their personal trinity of trust, inner awareness, and self-confidence. Moira works with professionals who feel that there is something better in life for them, but they have no idea how to access it. However, they have a yearning to be guided by their intuition and align with their unique calling. What makes her distinctive and different in this work is that she has developed the ability to take complex energetic, and spiritual ideas and interpret them in ways that people find easy to understand, integrate and implement.

Linda Terjesen is an International sought-after Certified Nutritionist, Health & Fitness Expert dedicated to helping middle-aged women worldwide build consistency, lose belly fat and boost metabolism to feel and look confident for life with a sustainable, real food approach. After Linda lost her only brother at age 45 to a sudden heart attack, Linda decided to follow her passion for health and fitness and help others live their healthiest life. As a relatable Coach who truly cares about her clients and their success, Linda has served over 100 Clients worldwide, providing a wealth of accountability, support, and education. Who is Linda? Hi, I'm Linda Terjesen, and I created my company name from my initials 'LT'. I love to exercise, and I want everyone to be active, so that is another reason I came up with the company name LTLTE, which stands for Learn to Love to Exercise. I'm 53 years old, in full menopause, and I'm in the best shape of my life! I help other women achieve great health as I have. I'm a Certified Nutritionist and a Certified Yoga Teacher. I graduated later in life from California State University in Fullerton, where I was interviewed and selected to do the Commencement speech for the Communications department on graduation day. I live in a place I used to dream of, Southern California. I have a 20-year-old cat, Mr Pumpkin, who I bought for $100 at a flea market in North Carolina, and he came with fleas! I've lived in 3 countries and 5 states. I love to travel. I grew up in Norway and all my family, except for my mom, lives in Norway. My mom lives in Florida, and we are best friends. My boyfriend and I met 8 years ago on LinkedIn, and although I gave him a hard time to start with, well, I sometimes still do, lol, we have a great relationship, and we have lots of fun together. 14 years ago, my life changed forever, as I lost my only brother, Frank, to a sudden heart attack. Frank is my "Why" as to why I want to help others improve their health, reduce or eliminate medications, and live their best and healthiest life. What is it that you do for your clients? As a Certified Nutritionist, I help educate my clients on proper nutrition to create a sustainable lifestyle change. My clients receive customized workout programs designed for their needs, goals, limitations, and location. As mindset is the biggest growth factor, we work on a variety of mindset activities throughout the program. You can find out more information and see some great client testimonials on my website. Potential clients are also invited to join my free Facebook group LTLTE Health & Fitness Group for daily value, tips, and inspiration around health and fitness, and to obtain free and helpful guides to start implementing healthy habits on their own. Who should hire/work with you? Middle-aged women, around age 40-60, who truly desire a lifelong healthy change. Women who struggle with menopause who have extra belly fat, body fat, and/or body weight they want to reduce. Women who have a hard time with consistency and who lack support. Women who are not sure what, when, and how much to eat and are confused about nutrition. My clients desire and are willing to make a change in their mindset, nutrition, and movement. My ideal client wants to work on their health, they long to be fit and happy, and they are ready to prioritize themselves, take action and implement what is suggested to them. My clients are committed to investing in their health with effort, time, and money. My ideal client is open to receiving guidance and getting out of their own way. How can someone "learn to love to exercise"? There are so many activities out there that one can find an activity to love—kind of like eating vegetables. There are so many vegetables that we can all find one that we love. Think of all the activities: walking, pilates, swimming, running, surfing, Zumba, yoga, kayaking, weight training, gymnastics, karate, etc. It's easy to find something to enjoy. The most important factors are that one is willing to try something new, truly desire change, and put in the effort to make it happen. The process is a lot easier if one has a professional to be accountable to and has made a financial commitment. What is your big goal? Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now? My big goal is to travel and speak on stages worldwide, sharing stories of all my client successes and what it truly takes to succeed with your health. My goal is to personally take on just a few clients that I can work with privately 1-1 at an advanced level that will be a serious commitment and a life-changing experience for my clients. LTLTE team coaches, who are trained by me, guide other clients in THE NEW ME Academy in various courses. Personally, I continue growing and evolving with my own Coach(es) that I hire to improve myself and my business. My life is abundant, with time and money freedom, an abundance of clients, and an abundant mindset. In 10 years, I will have a few homes and rental properties in various locations across the world. I'm happy, independent, and free. Oh, and of course, I am a Millionaire. My mission is to make the world a healthier and a lighter place. If it sounds like I’m telling you my goals as if I’ve already achieved them, I have, because my goals have already originated on the inside, I have decided, and I believe they will happen. It all starts in the head! What are your top 3 tips for people who are trying to lose weight? Move your body consistently. Start with something easy like walking. Eat your veggies every day, served raw, steamed, boiled, grilled, or baked. Drink water, min 64 oz or about 2 liters daily For more information, follow Linda on Facebook, Instagram and visit her website! Read more from Linda!

Written by: Lynn MacDonald, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Has this happened to you? The other morning, I went to look for an important document I left out the night before. It wasn’t there. I felt a sense of panic then began to frantically search everywhere for five minutes. Suddenly, out of the blue, a fresh new thought appears, “Look here!” Guess what? “Look here!” is exactly where the document was found! What a relief! You gotta love it! Have you ever had that feeling of knowing that a difficult situation beyond your control would work out peacefully and okay? Did you already know your flight would be delayed before you got to the airport? Have you ever veered off your regular exit to go home because you had a feeling traffic could be backed up? Did you ever receive a solution to a problem while in the shower? Did you have insight into something that was bothering you that totally cleared it up for you? I am sure you’ve had many experiences like this. This is your wisdom speaking. Wisdom comes from within. Often arrives out of the blue as a fresh new thought and is accompanied many times by a good feeling. How does this happen? Well, we humans have a default feature we are born with. It’s called innate wisdom. It’s our internal GPS that guides us through life. It’s always there. Like the blue sky, it’s constant; it never goes away. So how do you access wisdom? When our mind simmers down from thought storms, which it does, because the mind self-corrects itself, wisdom speaks. Most people say, “how do I do that?” They look outside for “how-to” strategies to quiet the mind down. Have you experienced glimpses of overwhelming feelings of peace, joy, happiness, and contentment for no reason at all? Most people I talked to have had this experience. This is exactly what happens when the mind simmers down. We have access to living more in the flow of life regardless of circumstances. We often have misguided attempts to find clarity, peace, calm, happiness, wisdom, etc. Truth be told, you have all that already. It’s always there; it never goes away. Every human has access to it. The more we look outside for “how-to” is when we are further away from living from our innate gifts. In fact, you don’t need to do anything. This is the BEST kept secret. The mind's natural state is clarity. Through clarity, the mind self-corrects, you’ll automatically be brought living more from innate wisdom, innate resilience, and innate well-being. Recognizing you are in a thought storm minus analyzing or poking the bear is that is needed. From that place, something new will occur on how to deal and handle a problem or a solution, to something that will arise. A new idea may appear. Whatever it is, you’ll know what to do at that moment. Wisdom allows people to see beyond their filters of conditioned thinking. Their heart is open, and they see people with more love and understanding. They spend life thriving instead of trying to cope, manage or survive in life. Wisdom brings common sense to those who can hear it. Amazing, right? I’ve got so much more, which is why I am bringing to the world in Jan of 2021 The Best Gift Ever Program! Would you like to hear about the best gift ever? You might be thinking, “A trip to the Bahamas!” or “A manicure” or “That new designer purse I’ve been eyeing.” And not that those wouldn’t be nice... but when you go to the Bahamas, get a manicure or show off into that new purse, you’re still who you’ve always been on the inside. But what if you could get a full upgrade on your inner experience so that every outer experience you have feels newer, richer, and more fulfilling? People get into trouble because they think their feelings, thoughts, and moods are generated from the people, events, and circumstances outside of them, but what’s really true is that we’re creating it all - and we don’t see it - because we don’t understand - how the mind - actually - works. However, when you understand how the mind works, you start to create your life consciously minus looking for how to do so with tips, tools, or strategies. Once you know how something works, you have less on your mind. You don’t have to remember how your car works; you get in and drive. Same thing, when you know how your mind and the nature of thought work, you see it for what it, there’s nothing to do, you know how it works. And this is exactly the foundation of my new 8-week game-changing course called “The Best Gift Ever” program. “Wisdom cleans the channels of your mind and brings sanity into your life. You must find it for yourself.” — Syd Banks You're always okay. You always have self-care available to you. It’s only when you think you’re not okay. Are you ready to start to live all the unlived life in you? I invite you to check out the link here. Follow me on Facebook for more information! Read more from Lynn! Lynn MacDonald, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine I’ve been a corporate trainer for a Fortune 500 company. I’ve been a yoga teacher with consistently sold-out classes and a professional hypnotherapist, successfully curing some of the biggest fears and phobias people have. All of this, plus studying with some of the highest level teachers on the planet, has led me to understand human nature that I use to help strengthen professional women, shed their old beliefs, and become the potent, prosperous leaders they’re here to be.

This post is sponsored Over a thousand goods are produced within a second around the globe. This is a typical example that the production and manufacturing industry is a growing sector of the world’s economy. The sector is growing at a fast pace, as it is believed that there won’t be consumption without production. Production of some of the goods may not have been possible without utilizing technological equipment. The hygienic movement of heavy weighted goods using lift tables within the production area would be complicated if there were no equipment. Today, technological equipment focused on production activities help businesses within this industry rule their world. This post concentrate on four important equipment widely used by production and manufacturing-focused businesses across the world. 1. Checkweigher Checkweigher is a piece of highly innovative equipment used mainly in the food processing industry. The equipment is used to weigh items and confirm their exact weight as they pass through the production stages. Weighing an item during production is an essential activity; it enables the production team to determine overweight or underweight products. Furthermore, the checkweigher machine checks and balances the weight of an item and gives a full interpretation if they meet the initial product specification. 2. Conveyor One piece of equipment that has stood the test of time and is still relevant is a conveyor. Its function is as simple as ABC, but it delays the manufacturing process when it is not done appropriately. A conveyor conveys product from one position to another where they are needed for other production processes. Sometimes, the conveyor is automated to carry out a repeated task from start to finish. Conveyors have several types, which include an electric powered conveyor and a gravity-powered conveyor. 3. Storage Tank In the manufacturing sector, wastage is an inappropriate act. Hence materials are expected to be utilized in portions that are rightly measured. When the material is excess, then storage is advised for future use. This is where a storage tank comes in handy. An industrial storage tank is a container used to safe-keep bulk quantities of materials. While the materials are store in a storage tank, the tank ensures that they do not lose their original quality and nature. Therefore, their integrity is highly maintained. A storage tank is available in different shapes, sizes, and accordance with industrial act regulations. 4. Lifting Table As the name suggests, a lifting table helps transport an item, especially heavy weighted ones, from the ground level to a higher position. In other terms, a lift table can raise and lower materials or person to a desired height. The lifting is hygienic and makes working within the factory more ergonomic, and eliminate the need for a manual lift. Final Thoughts All the equipment mentioned in this post is used during the process of manufacturing a product. They help to get the job done faster and do this efficiently. A few of them require an automated process, while others can work perfectly even without automation. Furthermore, if you seek to purchase any of this equipment, you must contact a reliable and reputable company or individual supplier.

Written by: Samantha Touchais, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. In case you’ve been living under a rock lately, you will know that the world kind of shut down this year. For some, it’s been a terrifying time full of uncertainty, job losses and concerns about loved ones. For others, it has been a time to self-reflect and really think long and hard about the kind of world they want to step back into once the virus restrictions are lifted. For me, it was a mix of both. The restrictions have been hard in ways I hadn’t anticipated; Cancer diagnoses with close family members on both sides of the family. The death of a loved one. Both parents turning 80 and not being able to celebrate with them. The cancellation of a trip to my home country that had been in the making for four years. Children not seeing grandparents. The realization that I had to be super careful as I have a condition that makes me vulnerable to the Coronavirus, which led to a sudden aversion to strangers. But as the world starts to re-open again, we all have the opportunity to think about what kind of world we want to re-enter. And that is a gift not to be wasted. I am a business and mindset coach and I work with busy women who want a safe and secure way to launching their own business. My work involves empowering women and teaching them how to empower themselves, to make decisions that will lead to a better and more fulfilling life. Trust me when I say that no-one gets to the end of their life and says that they were happy they spent the best part of their waking hours in a dead-end job. That is definitely not something to strive for. And yet, this is exactly where so many of us find ourselves. Putting food on the table and paying the bills becomes a habit that is fed by the steady paycheck each month. Mediocrity becomes the norm, and once that happens, it is very hard to step away. What if this time has been a blessing… But I think this time has secretly been a blessing for many people. I do happen to be an optimist and will always find the silver lining, but life can be so fast-paced and any opportunity to slow down and re-assess is truly an opportunity to be coveted. Have you asked yourself what kind of life you want to step back into? If you dig deep into your heart of hearts and put aside your fear for a moment, what is it that you truly desire? Most people will not be able to answer this question straight away as it is not how we were raised. Society prizes education that leads to a ‘good’ job. An entrepreneurial spirit is often squashed in favor of security. But I am here to tell you – even great jobs can disappear overnight. Are you holding on to the supposed security that you fear you will lose if you step out on your own? Are you afraid to change jobs because you are afraid of uncertainty? If you truly could not fail, what would you be doing? Where would you be living? Who would you be living with? What would you do for fun? I am not encouraging everyone to rush out and start their own business. There are many benefits to being an employee. But if you find yourself filled with dread at the thought of stepping back into your previous life, to a job that doesn’t bring you pride or satisfaction, then you need to question the choices you have made. As 2020 slowly comes to a close, I suggest taking the time to reflect on your life to date and how you truly would like to continue. Be honest with yourself. We are about to enter a new year full of possibilities and opportunities. How do you want to leverage that? Key Questions to ask yourself:  What dreams did I have as a young child that were not realized? Where will my life be in one, five, and ten years if I keep doing what I’m doing? Is this where I want to end up? What is my purpose? What do I want to get out of life, and why? How can my job and career help me achieve that? What will I regret at the end of my life if I don’t do it? What would I do if I had nothing to fear? Change can be uncomfortable. Change requires effort. But we have an extraordinary opportunity right now to create a life that we look forward to stepping back into . One that brings meaning to our days and allows us to sleep peacefully at night. Don’t remain stuck where you are not truly happy. Find support, get clear on what you want, and GO FOR IT! You can find Samantha on her website , wellbeingseries , and LinkedIn ! Read more from Samantha ! Samantha Touchais, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Samantha Touchais is a Business and Mindset Coach helping women create a safe and secure path to launching their dream business by providing them with the support and tools to make it a success. She has over 20 years of marketing and strategy experience working for large international companies worldwide, and it was her love of how the mind works and how to create the right mindset for success that led her into coaching. She lives and breathes marketing and mindset and loves sharing her learnings with others. Author of four books and the creator of the Well Being Series (a collection of apps and books that provide meditations and affirmations for well-being based on the latest neuro-science), she loves exploring Europe, where she has been for the last 14 years, but misses the beaches of her native Australia.

Written by: Jane Parmel, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. “When I worked for a big company, I had no trouble charging the customer and explaining terms and conditions of the sale, but as a small business owner, I never have that conversation – I’m just not comfortable.” I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that sentiment from colleagues and competitors alike, whether they have been in business for themselves a short time or for decades. And it is a scary thought for someone to have in their heads. Confidence in business is so important. Human nature includes haggling and negotiation – both feed off fear, which many small business owners “let show” even when they think they are not. Fear comes in the worry which you express and don’t even realize it. That worry is multi-leveled: What if this customer walks away? Then I lose a sale. Then I lose a referral. Then I could get a bad review. Then I lose other customers. Then I’ll have to layoff staff. I won’t be able to handle the work I do have. Customers will be more upset. The customers will all leave. I’ll be out of business. Welcome to the world of "Spiraling Out of Controlled Business"!! Not the place you want to be. It’s doomsday thinking, and it has no place in a growing business. So here are a few tips to remind you of your greatness: 1. It’s one customer. Not every person you speak with is your ideal customer. 2. Don’t assume that the customer that chooses not to work with you actually ever gives a referral any time – for you or anyone else – EVER! 3. Bad reviews can be counterbalanced with good reviews, so make sure you actively pursue those customers who have told you VERBALLY that they love you, and you have done a great job. It is out of many people’s comfort zone to do this but ASK for a written review. It is an honor for some people to see their name after a recommendation so give it a try! 4. One customer does not make for a “death spiral.” Leave it in its place – don’t let it affect the rest of the work or the staff. 5. Use social media or your blog to let people know what you are about – your vision, your mission, why you do what you do. Be personable and let them know you as the person behind the business – stories personalize otherwise uninteresting interactions. Tell yours! Whatever you do, remember that you have a reason for doing it, and some days will be better than others. Keep your chin up. Let people know what you really represent and how you wish to serve them in business. Tell your story, widen your audience, and be heard! For more information, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and visit my website! Jane Parmel, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jane Parmel, the creator of "The Profit Project," helps women to powerfully transform their businesses by up-leveling their money mindset, signature system, and pricing to recognize their value and create a more profitable business through authentic marketing and efficient operations. She makes your bottom line the high point of your business! Jane is also the NY Global Business Connector for the Women Speakers Association, hosting events connecting women with resources to amplify their role as a “Phenomenal Message Maker” – clarifying their message, increasing their visibility, and growing their audience.