Andrea Cristancho, founder of www.andreacristancho.com is a Holistic Business Coach helping female entrepreneurs in the wellness space. Through her signature program The UpLevel Method, Andrea integrates the entrepreneurial mindset with practical business tools that re-engineer existing businesses to achieve their next level of growth. As an international business mentor with Latin roots and serial entrepreneur, she has run her own businesses in 3 continents in a number of different industries. In the process, she has discovered that having a signature program, a personal brand and the right mindset is the key to taking off your entrepreneurial success. – I'm a Holistic Business Coach, holding a bachelor's degree in International Affairs and a Masters in International Trade, also certified health coach and money breakthrough business coach. In brief, I'm an international entrepreneur, a proud mother, as well as a yoga teacher. Quite a mix, I know! On a mission to empower female entrepreneurs growth by designing programs that sell helping them create their Signature Systems! But it wasn't always like this! I've run my own businesses in 3 different countries, 3 different continents. That only means I've got a couple of stories to share with you. I'm Latina to the bone, mixed Colombian, who was born in Venezuela and raised citizen of the world by visionary parents. For those who aren't familiar. What exactly is a Holistic Business Coach? – The term has been coined in recent years and used by International Coaches looking at their clients as “whole beings” doing business. I subscribe to that tendency since, in my business, I combine elements of my health coaching education with my own international business expertise. Holistic Business Coaching, for me, means to learn how to fuel yourself and your business to sustain growth at all levels. I use tools such as the wheel of life and the value ladder to assess fit, but that’s just the beginning. In my holistic coaching business, I develop a relationship with my clients that encompasses best business practices, whole nutrition, and mindset shifts as the core when embarking in my programs. You started your journey as an entrepreneur while studying. – Yes, I was a 24-year-old living in Shanghai, China, when my first flair of entrepreneur desire found me. I’m an idea think tank, very much solution-driven. In mainland China, back in the day, the market lacked much of the western world, and I saw an opportunity to join the “Doing Business in China” game by doing not just research, got family funding to embark, and played my cards testing my entrepreneurial skills. I haven’t looked back ever since. Reading on your website, you have run your own business in 3 different countries. Which countries, and was anyone a "better" country to work in, and if so, why? – Yes, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to test markets by doing and living there. I’ve owned and run business in Mainland China, Hong Kong, South Africa, and now Switzerland. I can not call myself an expert in any market, but I’ve developed a system that works to lunch and grow in any business ground by developing my personal brand and a solid network, with a sound business plan. Each market has had its advantages and disadvantages, and they have all been fun while being there running the type of business I’ve run. For example, I love China’s market speed, things get done quickly, but it’s very expensive to do business there. – Hong Kong’s open market back then was a great international springboard too. I welcome the challenges the South African market brings with it because the opportunities there are unique, however, it takes longer to develop a solid network. I embrace the efficiency of the Swiss system when running a business, mainly the support given to entrepreneurship, and the maturity of the market, but you’ve got to be patient to see your efforts flourish and try not to get distracted in the process because here things go at its own pace. It hasn't always been easy for you. At one point, you "crashed". How did you manage to get out of that black hole? – Yes, my first encounter with “failure” (a term that I no longer use btw) got me to doubt myself, my ideas, and my entrepreneurial spirit. I was young and alone very far away from home. I did it all by the book but lacked mentorship. So, I managed to get out of that black hole by revisiting my mindset, sitting in long hours of meditation seeking clarity and encouragement. I then pivoted and came out winning on many fronts. My big learning then which I still apply today is that at times we might be ahead of the market, or having a different perspective, and that’s alright as long as you believe in yourself and stay focused. The mantra I was toughed from very young, and my mantra still is: It’s all in your mind! "I'm empowering female entrepreneurs growth by designing programs that sell helping create their Signature Systems!". You are focused on helping females. Can a male turn to you for help? – I often get this asked, and I must confess. I laugh. Of course, male entrepreneurs are welcome. However, I practice what I teach, I truly believe in having a narrow market segmentation to focus your market efforts and target your ideal clients. That means, the only requirement for male or female to work with me is to be authentic entrepreneurs, have a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, an existing business, and be passionate about what they do, or would like to achieve; only then I can help their growth. Tell us a little bit about The UpLevel Method. – This is my signature approach in my coaching programs. I’ve developed processes along my years as an international entrepreneur that can be applied to existing businesses and business owners to help them earn more, uplevel their mindset, and increase their productivity through living a healthier lifestyle. No matter the market, the industry, or the language. It’s pumping up the volume systematically and in auto-pilot to match career experience and a healthy lifestyle in combination with running a profitable business from the heart with clarity and ease. Who should hire/work with you? – On a daily basis, I bet on the growth of female entrepreneurs worldwide as active contributors supporting the global awakening of female empowerment. I come from a linage of strong Latin women, I believe in the unique female touch we bring to the international business arena, and every program I develop is designed to provide tools to empowered women in search of international business growth. So, entrepreneurs and corporations with similar goals tend to join my ideal clients’ list, together we create Share your three best tips for young female entrepreneurs out there? – I’ve been blessed to have had the opportunity to teach at university level young entrepreneurs in China, have also worked with young international talent alongside, and I’ve seen the one commonality they all have, a strong desire to dare, to test out, to create what they believe is right or the market lacks. My best advice to them is: build a solid network, find mentors and coaches to help you grow, and invest in yourself frequently. These last 3 tips I’ve applied myself in my entrepreneurial journey and still do. Paired with a positive mindset and a go-get-it attitude! Follow Andrea Cristancho on Facebook , Instagram and visit her website for more info! Read more from Andrea!

Written by: Olesya Oligradska, 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. I know! I can hear you say ‘I’ve heard this so many times before!’, so why haven’t you taken action? I know it’s a foreign concept. I know you don’t believe that it can make an impact on your life or business. Or maybe you’re under the impression that meditation will somehow alter your religious beliefs. But hear me out! Meditation is so much more than closing your eyes and not thinking about all the things you have to do later. In this short article, I want to open your eyes to the possibilities that mediation can bring and share the 3 proven benefits to starting a meditation practice. Ivy League schools such as Harvard University have dedicating time and financial resources to research so that the world can see the power that a regular meditation practice can bring. Meditation is not just about closing your eyes and trying not to think about things. It’s about bringing awareness to the inner self. Practicing self-awareness is one of the most powerful tools we can use to help us step out of reaction mode and into conscious action. As humans, we are hard-wired to be reactive as this was part of our survival for thousands of years. Ages ago, we needed our reactive nature to help keep us safe from animals or other human tribes. But at this point in our existence, we have time to think about what we need to do next. It is not longer life or death decision-making mode. This is why we have to resort to finding modalities that will help us step away from being a reactive person. When we are in a fight or flight mode all the time, called stress in 2020, we are not in an ideal state that our body should be functioning at. There has to be a better way, and one of those is meditation. 3 benefits of daily meditation Here are the top 3 benefits to start a daily meditation practice that will help you create a balanced internal environment so you can thrive in business and personal life. 1. Decrease in Blood Pressure Studies have shown that those who practice daily meditation can see a decrease in their blood pressure because meditation helps lower stress levels. Stress has been linked to high blood pressure, so if anything, try meditating daily to help decrease your blood pressure. 2. Increase Sense of Empathy Having a better understating of others helps us build stronger relationships. Human relationships are essential for our mental and social health. When we are open to understating others better and accepting them as they are, we create stronger bonds and open our hearts to endless possibilities. 3. Strengthen Sense of Self When we sit in mediation, we get the opportunity to tune inward and observe our state of being at that point. It’s a great time to check-in, ask ourselves how we are feeling, observe emotions we are experiencing, and bring ourselves back to our breath so we can let our mind slow down and open up to new possibilities. I hope that this short article has sparked your interest in exploring meditation. I know that meditation can feel foreign and unfamiliar, but I promise that if you are open to expanding and moving towards being the best version of yourselves, meditation is a great place to start. If you have any questions or would like to explore this life-changing method. Don’t hesitate to reach out! Follow me on Instagram and visit my podcast on Apple or Spotify. For more information please visit my website. Read more from Olesya! Olesya Oligradska, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Olesya Oligradska is an exercise rehab specialist turned business and mindset mentor. Her passion lies in helping women rewire their beliefs and reclaim their worth so they can sell and growth their business with confidence. She is on a mission to help women build a life of freedom and choice through holistic growth inside and out. She is also the host of The Soulful Selling Podcast, a platform where sales is no longer a dirty word and abundance gets to be the new norm.

Spiritual Teacher, Motivational Speaker and Certified Life & Relationships Coach. She is an advocate of sisterhood and empowerment but most importantly of God’s unconditional love. Founder of the Healing and Self Love Retreat for women called Can’t Break Me Retreat. A leader and woman on a mission, and that mission is to empower women worldwide to recognize their worth by acknowledging who they are trough God’s eyes. As a highly respected dating expert & coach, she provides advice for women on Self-love, abusive relationships, heartbreak and grief. Dedicated to helping women received Love & Healing and to discover the peace, spiritual connection and purpose they've been seeking. Read the full interview with Kristel Robinson below! – My name is Kristel Robinson Bailey. I’m from Costa Rica, Mother of 3. I am a Spiritual Teacher, Life and Relationships Coach and Motivational Speaker. I love traveling, learning about other cultures and meeting new people. I’ve always been skilled at bringing people together and working towards common goals, therefore I combined my passion with purpose to empower women and help them overcome challenges through self-love and self-compassion. "When I was nine years old, I was sexually abused by one of my cousins." You say that your mission is to strengthen, empower and guide women facing heartbreak and grief. Tell us a little bit about your background. What have you gone through? – I believe that we should use our truth to empower others and empower ourselves. When we realize all the challenges we have overcome and still have the courage to stand up and keep pushing forward, we become resilient, and our lives have a purpose. We don´t allow our circumstances to reduce us, instead, we rise to the occasions. – When I was nine years old, I was sexually abused by one of my cousins. I keep that a secret until I was 25 years old. I never dealt with the consequences; I just put it behind me and kept living. I grew up thinking that that was normal and the only thing to me. At 19 years old, while I was studying dentistry, I got pregnant, and at that time, my family made me choose between having an abortion or been disinherited, therefore running from shame and trying to make up for disappointing people I cared about, I jumped into a marriage with someone who did not love me. – This led to years of settling for abuse, mistreatments disrespect and domestic violence, allowing to be used by men with no intention to love me, a circle of fake friendships, and toxic family members. I was in an abusive marriage for 17 years, and instead of walking away I would find myself looking for love in the wrong places. Reading on your website, you describe how you, at one point, just crashed. What did you do that made you go through this challenging time in your life? – In 2015 I had a baby while married, and my husband was not the dad. I became the woman "who had a kid with another man". I was living in shame and condemnation. My secret was revealed by my cousin, just weeks from my friend passing away, my beautiful mom. My soul was bleeding out, and I felt like I was drowning, while pregnant, I did ask God to have mercy on my soul, I asked him for forgiveness, so in the middle of the storm, when everything unfolded I was not afraid, the war was part of being accountable for my actions. – The shame, guilt and my own sabotage was eating me alive. I thought I deserved to be in pain and being broken. I got used to it. I fulfilled my soul with superficial comfort and got caught in a world of heartbreak, pain, sin and grief. I hit rock bottom and was tired of looking for love and validation in the wrong places, and whenmy soul couldn’t take it anymore, I looked up.... – And HE gave me the strength to walk away, Grace and Mercy to not condemn myself anymore and unconditional love to recognize my worth. And that's how I acknowledged that I was not my mistakes; I started reading about Moses, King David, Mary Magdalene, Tamar, and Jonah, and I also found healing at Jesus' feet. I'm not a victim of my circumstances, I learned to see myself through God's eyes, and I realize that I could rise to the occasion and be everything that God created me to be. – God always has a plan for our lives. Even if we take detours, we can never run away from his purpose. That´s how Can´t Break Me Retreat was born as a space to find healing from heartbreak and trauma. It’s a sacred place to disconnect from the world and give all our burdens and pain to God. When we acknowledge who we are through God’s eyes, we become unbreakable and unstoppable. The only way to stop settling is to live to honor him. Who should hire/work with you? – I´m an advocate of sisterhood and empowerment, but most importantly of God´s unconditional love, therefore anyone who fits into this description is welcome to work together. We need more love and less judgment to stand in power together. What are the three most frequently asked questions from your clients, and what do you tell them? – My clients come to me not with overall questions, is more as a journey to heal from so much heartbreak, pain, shame and trauma. My advice, of course, depends on each individual circumstances, but I guide them to find healing through God, the world as it is can never calm our within noise, when our hearts are restless, we can only find peace in God. Reading your article, it is clear that God has a big part of your life. How important is God in your life? – I don´t know how to live without God. I don’t have plan b. My hope is in him and his promises for all of us. What content can our readers expect from you? – I love to write about hope and faith to overcome any challenges, about healthy relationships to help women to identify the love they deserve and not to settle. I root for self-love because it is the root of empowerment. But most importantly, the honor is to God. I want to encourage readers to never focus on the circumstances when we put our trust in the right place, we should never be afraid or discouraged because everything will work in our favor. Tell us about your organization and how it improves the lives of others? – Healing from within is the only way to embark on a journey of self-love and discovery. At the Retreat, we spend six days with an intimate group of sisters in a sacred pilgrimage to embark on a journey of self-love and healing. The way we think will lead us to the right path. Problems and challenges are an opportunity to grow and become wiser and stronger in life. No matter how hurt and tired we might feel, keep a good attitude, keep your faith and cast all your anxiety and fear into God. When you feel down and lost, see yourself as a seed... – With the proper care, mindset, and attitude, you can grow into the most beautiful and strongest tree. Together we heal, we grow, and we become more empowered. Do you have any advice or tips you would like to share with our readers? – No matter what you go through, you can always get up and finish the race. Seek validation from God, not the world. With God by your side nothing can break you Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and visit my website for more info! Read more from Kristel!

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. According to the Wharton University, “China has been at the forefront of fintech growth and is the largest fintech market in the world”. Yunlong Wang (CEO of Vikcess), interviewed Mi Kuang, who is an expert in the Fintech industry, to explore his professional experience and the development of fintech in China. Yunlong: Tell me more about yourself? Mi: – My expertise is in the field of financial technology. Since 1994, I have worked for the Bank of China and IBM. I was one of the top technical experts in IBM China. In 2014, I joined the preparatory group of Shanghai Huarui Bank and successively served as the general manager of the IT department, and director of the Digital Business Unit. Since 2019,. I have been the CEO of Shanghai Nudge Technology, which is my startup company. Yunlong: Based on your work and entrepreneurial background, which label do you prefer? Technology or Finance? Mi: – I think it's mixed, but more about technology. Finance is formidable, and it is rigorous, does not allow mistakes, while technology is used to break through barriers and constantly innovate, which fits my personality and background very well. Yunlong: Try to describe yourself in only three words. Mi: – I think: creative, adventurous, and passionate. I'm always motivated by things I eager to do. Yunlong: In your opinion, what is the future of Fin-tech in China? Mi: – The open banking/financing will lead the digital transformation for the financial industry with the next few years. At present, cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain and other emerging technologies have been widely used in the financial field in China. In fact, Fintech is developing very rapidly. It is changing the ecology and service mode of the financial industry. What is more, it has derived a series of emerging financial business fields such as Internet banking, Internet insurance, internet securities, consumer finance, online credit reporting, and third-party payment. The ‘Financial Infrastructure’ has been built up. – At the same time, we can see that Fin-Tech is developing further from consumer finance into corporate finance, which is exciting. Yunlong: What do you think are the future challenges of Fintech in china? Mi: – In my opinion, firstly, each technology application term has its own cycle, probably 5-10 years. From technology research to maturity stage, then participate in the fierce competition in the market, and finally, the surviving valuable innovation has the chance to get a large-scale market application. Secondly, while the financial industry is pursuing technological innovation, information security and management will become a major challenge. Thirdly, although some emerging technologies have broad prospects, such as blockchain, they still suffer multiple constraints. – Therefore, what I learned from so many years of work experience, is that the perfect combination of technology and finance needs external help to boost it, aiming to help technology transformation to serve the industry better. That's the main reason why I founded this company Yunlong: What was your vital driving force to become an entrepreneur? Mi: – To tell the truth, I have been working in large companies for quite a long time and would like to try something new. I want to pursue adventure constantly, to prove my creative ideas. So, I was excited to start my own venture. I like to pursuit challenges, keep making mistakes, and then upgrade to the next level. Yunlong: What is the biggest change in your mind after becoming an entrepreneur? Mi: – I think it should be a sense of risk and responsibility. As a professional in a big company like I did before, the risk you take is quite limited. But now, as the leader of a company, you may exposure to 100% in potential risks and should have a whole vision to take responsibility to win the trust of your teammates and your customers. That is the biggest change in my mind. Mi: – In fact, I learned a lot from IBM. The autobiography of T.J. Watson gives me lots of inspiration about doing business and running a company. On the other hand, I'm a fan of Peter F. Drucker since I just started my career. I read his books, which had a significant influence on me at that time. After that, I was obsessed with Professor Clayton Christensen's disruptive innovation theory, which has reshaped my personality and made me more creative and adventurous. It is also the biggest spiritual motivation for me to choose entrepreneurship. I'm currently reading the "Black Swan" by Nassim Taleb. Due to the epidemic in this year, it has dealt a serious blow to the global economy. We should sit down and keep calm, seriously think about our future, and deal with the unknown risks. Read more from Yunlong! To learn more about Yunlong, you can visit his LinkedIn or contact him at: yunlong.wang@vikcess.com Yunlong Wang, is apart from being the CEO & Founder of Vikcess Business Group, also 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 new markets, technology transfer to apply in a wide range of industries, and startups acceleration with the support of capital. He is playing the role of a bridge, as Vikcess does, which connects Europe and China, to pursuit communication, collaboration, opportunities, and the future.

Collaborated post Successful entrepreneurs are known for many things, ranging from their creativity and their vision, to their grit, and their determination not to give up. But if you pay attention, you’ll notice that one of the clearest and most consistent stereotypes about entrepreneurs is – for good reason – that they are very active, and tend not to spend long passively observing things before deciding on some path to take. Nonetheless, new and aspiring entrepreneurs often struggle with mindset issues including things like analysis paralysis, uncertainty, and passivity. While it’s certainly important to do your due diligence – especially with regards to ethical considerations – here are a few reasons why it’s important to stay active as an entrepreneur. Because overthinking can prevent you from actually getting the ball rolling and making progress. It’s tempting, when you’re running your own business, to try to work out all the different factors involved before making a significant professional move, so that you have the best possible chance of everything aligning in your favour, and turning out as you desire. But it’s worth keeping in mind that overthinking can prevent you from actually getting the ball rolling, and making progress – and, often, what you actually need to get started isn’t half as much as you might imagine it would be. It might be that something as simple as making the right call to a Sydney Ute Van Hire company could leave you with all the “tools” you need to actually start the ball rolling. Or, maybe you can start selling products from your garage, rather than having to rent expensive warehouse space at the outset. Building momentum is often the most important thing. Because the blessings of serendipity come more easily and frequently when you are staying active As an entrepreneur, many of the golden opportunities that will come your way in your professional life, will be as a result of sheer serendipity. They will be things that you couldn’t have foreseen, and that you didn’t actively bring about, but that seem to be happening because you are “in the right place, at the right time.” Suffice to say, the blessings of serendipity come more easily and frequently when you’re staying active, because you will be encountering more dynamic scenarios on a regular basis – and will likely be creating a lot of your own opportunities, alongside that. Because there are many things that you can only learn through experience, and can’t properly hash out in theory There are many lessons to be learned – both in the world of entrepreneurship, and also in life as a whole – that you can only really learn in a hands-on way, through direct experience. The more active you are, the more of that direct experience you will accumulate, and the more you will naturally accumulate and “embody” different lessons which can be absolutely invaluable for whatever it is you do from that point on, in your professional life. It is simply the case that there are many things that you can’t properly figure out, hash out, or internalise, from a purely theoretical perspective.

Collaborated post Communication is the bread and butter of every business. Whether it is simply communicating with your customers on your website, or talking face-to-face meetings - how you communicate matters. It might not surprise you too much to know that communication is one of the most desirable skills. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers covet it more than any other skill. Improving Communication Skill There are several smaller ways that you can improve your communication skills, these are easy to do and often simply take some time and recognition to do them. Take your time - part of effective communication is to take your time and respond with care. Most of us listen to someone, simply to jump in and respond. If you really listen, process, and then a response, it gives us a chance to consider what the real response should be. Priority - To be an effective communicator, you need to understand how much more to communicate there is than just words. More on this later. There is a lot to learn. Clarity - Say what you mean, always. Just because you feel you got the nuance and the implications correct in what you said, doesn’t mean that you have gotten your point across. If someone hasn’t understood you, the natural reaction is to be annoyed that they didn’t. But, more often than not, it is because we have failed to communicate well. Simplification - say it in fewer words. Unless what you are saying requires specific words, strip it back. Fewer, rather than ‘ there are less than.’ Several, rather than ‘there are many.’ Bigger words, while they sound great, can make things simply too long. Body Language - Over half of our communication is non-verbal. Visual signals will come from your listener about how engaged they are in the conversation. You should always be aware of your own body language too. People will often mimic when they are interested, and you’ll not arms cross when people are closed. Eye Contact - Eye contact builds trust. Make sure that you are keeping eye contact. This also applies when you are listening. Listening Skills - Top-notch communicators are top-notch listeners. They don’t get distracted by what they want to say, or what you might say next. They just listen, absorb, and form responses. Respect - If you enter a room, assuming you are better than everyone because you know XYZ, your tone and body language will tell them that. Instead, understand that you should care about the people in the room. You can’t be sure of their perspectives or needs - until you have started to have those conversations. Paying attention is one of the most simple ways to display respect. “Communication works for those who work at it.” - John Powell Books To Improve Your Communication To improve something, we need to work on it. This could be through formal learning in a classroom or online setting, or it might be a self-taught thing. There is such a wide range of books that cover everything from personality types to being more likable. We all have a style too, sometimes topics just resonate with us, better than others. Dedication to your communication will help guide you to what makes the most sense. Here are some books that can help elevate your communication. How To Have Confidence and Power in Dealing with People One of the key issues for many people is they lack the confidence to have the conversations they need. This has been a bestseller for many years and can help you find the confidence to use your voice. Bringing Out The Best In People When you see such potential but don’t know how to unlock it, it can be very frustrating. However, once you know how to speak to someone, you can work out how to unlock their potential and thrive. This is a mix of communication techniques and psychology. Teaching you how to communicate with anyone. Power Questions - Build Relationships, Win New Business and Influence Others Sometimes it can be about asking the right questions, and then just listening. Listening is the key part. This book has a list of 200 questions that can help you start having conversations that make an impact. On Speaking Well If you often find you give talks, speeches, or just want to speak exceptionally well. This book delivers what is said on the cover. Style, Substance, Clarity. Personality Types Play A Role Our personalities will dictate how we receive and process information. As well as our reaction to what we hear. There are many different personality theories, and one of the most common is the Myers-Briggs. If you haven’t found out which four-letter personality type you are, you can find Myers-Briggs tests online. The personality types are made up of the following: Introversion or Extraversion (I or E) Sensing or Intuition (S or N) Thinking or Feeling (T or F) Judging or Perceiving (J or P) Your personality type will be a combination of the letters. For example, you might be an ISFJ or an ENTJ. This will dictate how you communicate with people and how they communicate with you. And while it might be impossible to have your whole office take a personality test to help (although this is a great idea), you can feel for what communication type will be best for people in these categories. Some will prefer sharp-shooting, others like time to process and respond. If you don’t like that method, then there is a great book called Surrounded By Ideas, who can give you some indicators of personalities and how you can effectively communicate better with them. They are color-coded, and the book makes it simple to understand how you can improve your interactions. How To Communicate Effectively Over Video Call The huge surge in remote working dictates that this needs to play a critical role in how you communicate now and in the future. Video conferencing software has been so heavily relied on for most of 2020, and this will likely continue. Many people found that they were feeling fatigued from all of the calls. Being overly expressive, talking louder, listening more intently. Video conferencing does allow for a better means of communication than constant emails, but you can most likely do it better. To get the most out of your working relationships, video conferencing skills are something that does need to be worked on. It’s isn’t always the most natural feeling to be speaking via a microphone. There is added pressure to rely on other people's internet too. To communicate in the best way on video conference calls here are some guidelines: If you know the topic of the meeting, make a note of questions you have, if you are leading the conversation make a note on the point Take into account the different time zones you may be dealing with, accommodating as many people as possible Keep your phone away during the call - block out the time and dedicate it Learn all of the features of your chosen video conferencing software Don’t interrupt or jump in. If there is something that doesn’t add up, make notes, and question it after they have finished. Choose the right room in your home to have the call. Somewhere cool and quiet. Test your microphone in advance Choose your attire with care so that you are comfortable and not distracted by loose threads, buttons, and more. There are some occasions where you should ask for a different type of communication, if possible. If your internet connection isn’t strong, if there is no guidance to the topic, but a meeting is booked - these can be better taken over the phone. If there are more than 5-10 people, it can become a complicated process. These factors will impact your call quality and how well you can communicate. Communication is the key to closing a deal. Some people make decisions quickly, others need time and more information. It will become second nature for you to begin to distinguish between these characters in your selling process. The same will go for your teammates too. Learning who has particular strengths and how you can make the most of them will see many interesting changes and different people thrive. Cultivating healthy relationships is just as important in work as it is in everyday life. Once you learn how you best communicate and how active listening can revolutionize how you interact with people, your conversations will have a better outcome. Being clear in what you are saying and how you are saying it will benefit you for life. Invest in books, invest your time, and learn about those who are around you. You will find that communication, the psychology about it, and how powerful it can be will leave you questioning why it isn’t taught on a fundamental level. Communication often becomes a passion when you embark on a journey of knowledge to improve your own communication and work better with those around you. “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” - Ernest Hemingway

Written by: Melissa Gamarra, 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. Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart. Between running operations, business management, product development and bringing dollars in the door, time goes by incredibly fast and days often start to merge together. We are often so immersed in the day-to-day ongoings of our businesses; we tend to forget to prepare for worst-case scenarios. In early 2020 the whole world was shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic and everyone felt the effects. Many businesses were forced to either adapt or close, while other businesses experienced a surge in business they weren’t equipped to deal with. Regardless of where you fall in this situation, none of us were prepared to deal with this unimaginable act of God. In May of 2020, my family and I tested positive for Covid-19. We were in a mad dash to tie up loose ends with my business, inform family and friends as well as make a plan of action to keep things moving without us for the next month. All of this preparation and planning taught me a few valuable lessons when it comes to operating a business. 1. Have Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for EVERYTHING! Every good business model includes SOPs as part of the back end operations. These are the step by step instructions for every aspect of your business. They are essential for onboarding team members, ensuring quality is maintained and helping others fill gaps when a member of your team is absent for some reason (Like getting Covid-19). At the time when I was dealing with Covid-19, I only had SOPs for things I was outsourcing. This only covered the onboarding and quality assurance aspect of my operations. This did not cover maintaining business operations when a team member (me) is absent! Without me there to handle client work and bring money in the door, the business essentially ceased operations because there were no instructions for how to do my job. Having an SOP for every task in your business ensures that the business doesn’t live and die with you 2. Have Multiple Revenue Streams Regardless of circumstances, this is a solid principle for any business owner. You never want to put all your eggs in one basket because the second the handle on your basket breaks, you’ve lost everything! While I was sick, I realized I had no other streams of revenue coming in. If Covid managed to land me in the hospital, I would be without income for however long I was gone. Having automated streams of revenue or even just another way to serve your customers helps guarantee that you never have to worry about not having a plan B if plan A fails. 3. Have a Good Support Team My final, and probably most important, lesson was to have the right support team in place. Sadly, during this time, I had just lost my assistant and did not have anyone to fill in for either of us when I got sick. SOPs and multiple revenue streams are great things to have in place, but without people there to execute and maintain those things, they aren’t going to help you if you are gone for a long period of time. As I mentioned above, it’s never a good idea to be the only person in your business (except in the very beginning) because that means the business only functions when you are around. This isn’t a sustainable business model, and it certainly won’t help you grow your business in the long term. Operating a business in times of crisis is never easy; periods of growth and change rarely are. The best thing we can do is use this information to help us be better prepared for the future. Covid-19 has really highlighted the importance of preparing for worst-case scenarios in every aspect. You never know when something could happen that takes you away from your business. Taking small steps to help build a solid foundation in your business means you are more likely to weather the storm later. Start small and get SOPs put in place, doing so will allow you to do the other things with ease and make sure you are ready for anything! If you need help creating your SOPs click this link to download my free template that includes instructions on how to get started. You can sign up for a free SOP Template and get more great tips here ! Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and connect with me on LinkedIn ! Melissa Gamarra, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Melissa Gamarra is a Certified Online Business Manager and Author living in Salt Lake City. She helps online business owners create organization and business strategies so they can scale their companies effortlessly

Collaborated post If you’re looking to move into your first-ever warehouse but you don’t know where to begin then don’t worry, you have definitely come to the right place. Whether you’re struggling for space or you’re expanding on your product range, you need to ensure you’re as prepared as you can possibly be when it comes to the move. Thankfully, there are lots of questions you can ask yourself to ensure exactly that. From setting an overall budget to thinking about the equipment you need to buy, the more questions you’re asking yourself the better. With that in mind, here are 5 things to consider when moving into your first-ever warehouse as a business owner: What Is Your Overall Budget? One of the first things you need to consider when it comes to moving to your first warehouse is your budget, as you need to ensure you’re not spending more than you can afford. Moving into a new space can be incredibly expensive so if you’re not budgeting in advance, you may get caught out. This means thinking about the cost of the deposit, the monthly costs and the cost to move into the premises. Once you have a figure for absolutely everything, you can put together your overall budget. For tips and tricks when it comes to setting a budget as a business, you can visit this site here. What Equipment Do You Need To Buy? Next, you need to think about the equipment you need to buy. From arc wire spraying to manufacturing machines, you need to write a list of everything you need and source it from the best possible suppliers. For more information when it comes to arc spray, you can visit this site here. How Much Space Do You Need? Another important thing to consider is how much space you’re going to need both now and in the future. Although you may not feel like you need a lot of space now, it’s important to think about how much you want your business to grow. It’s much better to grow into space than to run out of room. You can also use a Modula horizontal carousel to maximize your warehouse’s space. How Will You Ensure You’re Being Safe? You also need to ensure you’re being safe. From setting safety procedures to hiring a health and safety professional, the more you’re doing to protect your team members the better. For guidance when it comes to keeping staff safe in a warehouse, you can visit this site here. Do You Need Help With The Move? Finally, you need to think about whether or not you need help with the move. Whether you’re asking your team members or hiring a team to help, it will make the moving process much easier. With lots of important questions to ask before the move, you can be sure you’re as prepared as you can possibly be.

Written by: Cheryl Kasper, 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 As the new school year approaches, many of us have transitioned from working outside of the home to working from home. This includes our children, who have moved to remote home school learning. Although this change is temporary, it can be difficult to adapt and create the right surroundings when you are not used to working remotely. More importantly, it can be challenging to remain productive and minimize distractions while transitioning from our usual home routine to work within the comfort of our own home...and even harder with the kids remote schooling from home. When working from home, it's easy for the lines to become blurred. Having the urge to do household chores (I'll just throw in 1 more load of laundry, and THEN I'll get started with my work), or procrastinating by snacking (yup, we all do it...) and being unmotivated because we are "working" in our pajamas, or want to watch 1 more Netflix episode… Not to mention, many parents who are now working remotely from home and are also trying to balance work, homeschooling their children, refereeing fights between their children, being a short-order cook, housekeeper, mom/dad and spouse! Exhausting! Have you secretly wished you could sneak away and hide out at your office outside of the home so you can get a few hours of uninterrupted work done? Here are a few tips to make the best of your home work/school environment: 1. Create a designated workspace When we blend our home space and workspace, it's imperative to create boundaries and not blur the lines. Make a dedicated workspace with a desk or table and a supportive chair. This does not include the couch or bed! If you are working from home with your partner, create necessary boundaries to minimize distractions. If your children are being homeschooled remotely, set them up in a workspace that also minimizes distractions so everyone can get their own work done. Keep your workspaces free of clutter. Clutter creates distractions and chaos. Remove anything from the desk except the immediate work tasks. If possible, limit any distractions in and around the room. Organize all papers into labeled folders. 2. Create a daily routine/schedule Most people thrive with a schedule and routine. Especially children. Set the alarm to wake up the same time each day. Shower and get out of your pajamas. Wear something comfortable, but get dressed. Make your coffee and eat a healthy breakfast. You will feel more motivated after showering and getting dressed. Do the same for your children. Get them up at a reasonable time in the morning, have them shower, eat breakfast, and get dressed before remote learning begins. Post the times that your workday begins and ends. Post the times of remote learning. Post the times your child should be spending working on independent school work. Post the time, you will take a lunch break, a mid-morning break and an afternoon break. You may even want to set a timer. It is helpful to have this schedule posted on a large calendar or whiteboard, so you and your children know exactly what to expect each day. Schedule in free time, bath times and meal times. You can even check the tasks off as they are completed. Kids love to do this! 3. Create a “feel good” space When surrounded by things that make you feel good, it is more enjoyable to work from home. Here are some of my favorites: Set up in a room with a window. A view and fresh air are important, so you don't close yourself or your kids off from the world completely. A diffuser with your favorite essential oil. I like ones that help with focus, concentration and energy. A plant. Plants keep the air clean and promote creativity. Water to stay hydrated. A few healthy snacks such as nuts or fruit to keep energy up. Soft music. This may not be for everyone, but some people find it easier to concentrate on soft music. Most importantly, get outside for a few minutes each day for "Brain Breaks!" Sunshine and Vitamin D are essential for keeping spirits up. Engage with your kids and do some jumping jacks, short sprints up and down your driveway and some deep cleansing breaths. Take a short ride around the neighborhood. These "brain breaks" are fun, healthy and essential to your wellbeing, productivity and gets the endorphins pumping in the brain!. For more info, follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and visit my website ! Cheryl Kasper, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Cheryl Kasper, LCSW is a Clinical Psychotherapist with a private practice in New Jersey. Cheryl is also a global Mindset & Empowerment Coach. Cheryl helps female entrepreneurs achieve balance in their life by showing them how to do the deep inner work by removing negative beliefs, blocks, Imposter Syndrome, anxiety & overwhelm to up-level their life and business. Cheryl uses a unique mix of her 25 years of experience in clinical psychology, Rapid Transformational Hypnosis, deep inner healing , mindset and strategy, to work with both the conscious and subconscious mind. She integrates psychology, neuro-science and spirituality into her practice for rapid and permanent results.

Written by: Danielle Perlin-Good , 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. Though there can be benefits to procrastination, the general idea of delaying a task will ultimately lead to avoidance. We tend to agonize and fret over minuscule details about our day, and it almost seems like the clock beats us to the punch. Before we know it, the baby pulled on the cat’s tail, the dog started whimpering, and those 50 emails in your inbox will compile and multiply before dawn. Procrastination Leads to Avoidance When we allow delay tactics into our schedules, we can become burdened with a sense of overwhelm. Attempting to create deadlines and goals is a great start. If we continue to procrastinate, which can occasionally have a positive effect on our creativity, this can lead to late nights, less sleep, less energy, less time with our families, and less time for self-care. Procrastination not only leads to avoidance, but also to a place where you become comfortable procrastinating. The part of you that wanted to do this project in the first place becomes smaller. And it almost becomes incoherent at a certain point. Make sure you’re really listening to that voice that told you in the first place why you wanted to write this book, create this piece of content, or pitch an article to this specific magazine or newspaper. When we get into this headspace, it can become difficult for us to come out. Falling into the Procrastination Rabbit Hole Sometimes procrastination comes from a place of fear. Sometimes procrastination comes from not feeling confident enough about your ideas, the writing process, or confusion regarding publishing avenues. Sometimes procrastination comes from not having the energy to put forth the effort into our own projects. We constantly have physical and mental distractions, which can easily become a rabbit hole. We fall into procrastination mode, then avoidance regarding our own deadlines (if you’re an entrepreneur like me), and, ultimately, our own self-worth. We end up putting ourselves at the bottom of the barrel. Finding Solace in Your Schedule 1. Give grace to yourself. Instead of butchering yourself when you procrastinate on a project, I want you to give yourself grace. When we exemplify kindness toward ourselves, we can fully give kindness to others and our projects. One of my favorite sayings is, “You cannot give from an empty cup.” With this in mind, consider telling yourself an affirmation such as, “I am doing the best that I can” or “I choose to be kind to myself today.” Try to talk nicely to yourself, so your inner critic doesn’t get the best of you. 2. Physically make space. When I first started working from home, I felt inundated and overloaded. There were pens all over the desk and books in every corner. If you have a desk full of things, you’re simply asking for distraction, avoidance, and procrastination. One day, I spent 20 minutes cleaning my office space (aka, my brother’s old bedroom at my parents’ house). Magically, my thoughts came more clearly that day and every day since. We don’t need a fancy office space or a romanticized getaway in order to be productive. But if we clear the space right in front of us and only utilize what we need, I guarantee your procrastination levels will decrease tremendously. 3. Remember your why. Take a piece of paper out, and write down your “why” statement. Why do you want to write this book? Why do you have this passion project? Then, I want you to put your “why” in a visible place—on your desk, by your nightstand, or on the kitchen table by your coffee maker. Remind yourself on a daily basis why you are making time in your schedule to work on this project. Allow yourself to amplify your “why” and spend time and energy on this creative endeavor. By focusing on the steps above, you won’t ever label yourself as a “procrastinator” again. Follow me on Instagram , join my Facebook group , and visit my website to learn how you can unleash your written legacy! Read more from Danielle! Danielle Perlin-Good, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Danielle Perlin-Good is The Written Legacy Coach. She helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and speakers elevate their credibility by unleashing their powerful legacies so they can transform and inspire lives. Since 2008, Danielle has edited hundreds of articles, books, social media content, e-newsletters, and more. She went from working overnight shifts at the Tribune Company to corporate digital marketing gigs, one of which was at Albert Whitman & Co., an esteemed children's publishing house. Danielle uses mindset techniques, exceptional editing skills, and visualization exercises to ensure her clients develop a beautifully crafted and publishable book that they will forever cherish.

Written by: Carolyn Thomson Twaddle, 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 Life is full of ups and downs, twists, and turns, and they can happen at any time. How can we have the endurance and resiliency we need to face the storms of life, survive them, and perhaps come out the other side even better? And how can we maintain a sense of peace and calm on the inside even when our natural response to what’s going on might be panic, fear, and anxiety? Here are 5 ways to help you get through your current storm, and also prepare you for any future storms that will come your way. Focus on the One in Control of the Storm Perhaps the most difficult part of being in a storm is realizing that it’s beyond our control. In other words, it’s bigger than we are. Whenever we’re caught in a violent storm, the sheer magnitude and strength of it remind us of how defenseless and completely powerless we are to control it. But the truth is we were never designed to do that. We were designed to depend on someone greater than ourselves both in and out of our storms. Yet, the reality is that it’s in the midst of the storms of life when we naturally become most aware of this. When we’re out in the middle where the water is the deepest and far from the safety of any shore, it’s easy to succumb to fear and fixate on all the “what if’s” and what might happen. But when we only focus on the storm, we’re greatly reducing our ability to weather it. The solution? We need to put an even greater focus on the One who can calm the storm. Don’t Go Through It Alone There’ll be times when our intense struggle and pain seem unbearable. And we wonder how much longer we can endure. It’s in moments like these when we can end up retreating, and isolating from others to deal with our pain privately. Yet, this only makes the pain worse. You see, we were never designed to do life alone, and much less during a storm. That’s when we need others in our lives more than ever. So, welcome with open arms a safe person (who genuinely has your best interests at heart) to join you and come alongside you in your storm journey. What does a safe person look like? In The Power of the Other Dr. Henry Cloud describes what a healthy connection looks like. “In the simplest terms, a real connection is one in which you can be your whole self, the real, authentic you, a relationship to which you can bring your heart, mind, soul and passion. Both parties to the relationship are wholly present, known, understood, and mutually invested. What each truly thinks, feels, believes, fears, and needs can be shared safely.” It’s critical to find at least one person like this—and to be a person like this for others—to be able to journey through the ups and downs of life together, and especially in the midst of life’s storms. As beautiful as this is to have people like these journeying through life with you, we need even more support to get us through our most difficult times. You see, we’re not only designed for relationships with each other, but also with our Maker. The reality is that we were designed for both. We cannot live fully without one or the other. In our storm journey, who better to have with us than the One who calms the waves, the One who parted the seas, and walked on water? The One who even the wind and the waves obey. The One who calms our fears and gives peace that is not of this world. And the One who will never leave us or forsake us. Do you know Him? His name is Jesus. Take Care of Yourself Taking care of ourselves is always important, and to be honest, it’s more important than we often realize in the day-to-day. But taking care of ourselves becomes even more critical in a storm when physical strength, stamina, and endurance are vital. Whenever we cut corners with our self-care, we always pay the price. A price that is usually farther reaching than appears on the surface. Take sleep-deprivation, for example. Nowhere is the devastating impact of sleep deprivation more real than in the middle of a storm. Because it’s then that if we’re exhausted, fatigued, or weak, that we become even more susceptible to injury, illness, and possibly death. Yet when we neglect taking care of ourselves (and dismiss it as not that important), the impact goes far beyond the physical, to our overall well-being. What does that look like? When we’re exhausted, we can easily become discouraged. We can feel a sense of hopelessness, which can begin a downward spiraling effect that then impacts other areas. But if we’ll continue prioritizing our self-care, even if it looks a little different from what it looked like before the storm hit, it’ll make weathering the storm so much easier. If it’s possible in any way to increase your self-care during the storm, it might just save your life and your sanity! Be Grateful We often hear how important it is to be grateful, whether we’re in a storm or not. But it’s probably no surprise that being grateful, being thankful, is even more important in the very midst of a storm. Even though our struggles, difficulties, and hardships during this time may be all around us, there are still things to be grateful for. If we’re willing to look for them, we’ll find them. It is sometimes in the hardest places that we can see the beauty of life contrasted with some of our darkest moments. And in those places, when we discover something beautiful to be grateful for, the smile and encouragement it brings will go a long way and help to keep us going. Here are a few examples of some things we can be grateful for when we find ourselves in the middle of a storm. Deeper relationships, insights gained, lessons learned, gifts received, a greater appreciation for life itself, and the simple things we otherwise easily take for granted. Be Still · Quiet · Listen Storms have an uncanny way of slowing us down, causing us to hit pause, reflect, and ask bigger questions about life. Questions that we might normally push aside for another time, a more “convenient” time whenever we’re outside of a storm. But in a storm, such questions are hard to push away, which is one of the hidden beauties within a storm. Yes, there are some beautiful things to behold within our storms, and this is one of them. It’s when those things that typically occupy our days outside a storm, the mundane, the trivial, and the petty, are rightfully put in their place. When they’re recognized for what they are, as unimportant, and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, especially when they typically crowd out what actually is important. In other words, during our storm journey, we can be faced with some new situations or circumstances that force us to pause, reflect, and reconsider. It’s times like these when we take a fresh look at what ultimately is important and what isn’t . It’s also when we’re given a new opportunity to let go and release what is of little or no value, and put a renewed focus on that which is , such as our relationships. It’s often during our storms when we’re faced with our frailties, limitations, and insecurities ... when we become keenly aware there is more to life, because there is. And when that happens, something else beautiful takes place. Not only does our focus change, but our priorities do too. Ironically as our lives are turned upside down, other things end up being turned right-side-up again. The challenge is if we’ll allow them to stay right-side-up once we’re no longer in the storm. What will make our storm journey a “success” is if those shifts, those new priorities stay with us long after our storm subsides. If we do that, our lives will be richer, fuller, with fewer regrets in the end, and we’ll also be better prepared to weather the next storm when it comes. Follow me on Facebook , connect with me on LinkedIn or visit my website for more info! Carolyn Thomson Twaddle, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Carolyn is a Personal & Professional Coach to Entrepreneurs, Online Entrepreneurs, and Small Business Owners. She is in the process of being certified as an Integrative Adult Sleep Coach. She has a natural calming effect on people and helps them slow down and focus on what’s most important in life. Carolyn specifically helps Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners to stop sacrificing today for one day, or someday, and to discover that they’re actually better off and more successful if they don’t sacrifice their lives for their businesses. Carolyn is the author of LIVING IN SYNC: WITH YOUR GOD-GIVEN DESIGN where she answers some of the biggest questions about life, helps you discover how God designed you to live and to thrive (even in a broken world), and how you can experience His peace no matter what’s going on around you. A book that’s powerful · simple · practical · surprisingly insightful · and easy-to-read.

Written by: Rita Hurry, 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. So what is this, and how can it help you be more productive and successful in life? Well, let’s dive deeper! The Awe Mindset is one of the seven mindsets of Flow. Flow is a scientific evidence-based concept that enables an individual to tap into that unlimited human potential of oneness in who they are and what they are doing, whilst gaining the ability to release negative thought patterns and therefore, gain the experience of being more productive and fulfilled in life both personally and professionally. Awe Mindset triggers the initial zest for life. All too often, many struggle to keep going, and especially during these times of uncertainty and anxiety, it can be so easy to lose the motivation and momentum in what you are doing and feel disheartened by the routine of life. This is where adopting the Awe Mindset comes in. When you adopt the Awe Mindset, you are looking at life as: “Looking through the eyes of a child.”, which means each experience you are going into, you adopt that fresh and new approach as if you have never seen this before, and it’s an entirely new experience. Now, this might sound crazy, especially when you find yourself doing the same routine over and over again. Still, when you change your perspective on life and experiences, you see the outcome changes. That once mundane outlook suddenly brightens up, and the excitement comes back into play. Children have a great ability to bring new energy to things they do each and every day. Even if they are playing with the same toys every day, don’t you notice how they look at the toy with a new excitement and continue finding new ways to play with the toy that keeps them focused for a while? This is the same as adopting the Awe Mindset. By seeing everyday experiences as new, you are allowing your mind to expand and reach out for new possibilities, which you probably may not have noticed before. You are allowing yourself to see the wonder of possibilities and hopes and dreams that can be fulfilled when you take a fresh approach to life. Each new day is a blessing and just being aware of the existence of your life on earth should fill you up with the energy to start each day with new energy. This energy becomes more vibrant as you begin to adopt the Awe Mindset into your daily life. Imagine seeing each new day as a fresh start. The old has gone, and the new day is filled with the energy of new exciting experiences that you can focus on and enjoy…how does that feel?Awe Mindset provides the basic energy needed to sustain this level of flow and leaves you feeling back in control and ready for action. Give it a go and notice how things change around you. I am sure you will find a new appreciation for life and loved ones. Visit me on my Facebook , Instagram , Podcast and Website ! Rita Hurry, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Rita´s mission is to help individuals in the Creative Arts, Media, Music and Film Industry, believe in their dreams and never give up on making them come true. Making the impossible - I'm Possible. She began Life Coaching in 2003 and has never looked back since. She is a great believer in Personal Development and Mindfulness work, whether it is practically or spiritually. Rita is a Subject Matter Expert in Law of Attraction & Flow Coaching, Mindfulness & Meditation, Business as well as Nirvana Fitness and Energy Healing. She was was awarded Best Law Of Attraction Coach in 2015. She has coached many clients across different professions. For example, CEOs and Entrepreneurs; Casting Agents; Actors; Singers; Musicians; Authors; Artists; DJs; and so many more across the globe and nationwide, including those working in the education industry. She currently is the co-founder of RIME Entertainment and co-hosts and co-produces an online Interview Show called RIME Entertainment Showcase where she and her co-host interview people from all over the globe who have overcome hurdles in life and are now fulfilling and living their dream.