by Brenda The Soulutionist | Nov 29, 2023 | Wellness
Welcome to another Wellness Wednesday dedicated to caring for your mind, body, and soul. As entrepreneurs, we can get so caught up in our work that we must be reminded about the importance of staying connected with the people we love. That’s why today’s theme is so important: Digital Hugs and Family Narratives Day. It’s a day where we celebrate the connections we have with our loved ones and share cherished narratives that define who we are. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s get into the spirit of this powerful day.
What Is It All About
Digital Hugs and Family Narratives Day is all about staying connected with our loved ones, even when we can’t be physically close to them. In today’s world, technology allows us to keep in touch with anyone, anywhere, at any time. So, take a moment today to reach out to the people who matter most to you. Schedule time to send a text, call, or video chat with someone and let them know how much you care. Even a simple “I love you” can go a long way in making someone’s day. I have a large circle, so I make time to rotate my outreaches. I often text or call friends and family to let them know I am thinking about and praying for them because I never want to take them for granted.
What Is Your Story
Everyone has a story; it is one of the reasons I became a self-publisher and started my podcast. Family narratives are the stories that define us and where we come from. They are the memories we cherish and pass down from generation to generation. One of my favorites is the entrepreneurial spirit passed down from my grandmother, pictured in the thumbnail in her fancy car. If you know the model, please let me know. Today, take a moment to reflect on your family narratives. What stories have been passed down to you? What stories do you want to pass down to your children or grandchildren? Write them down and share them with your loved ones. You never know; you might discover something new about your family history that you never knew before.
Make The Connection
Connecting with our loved ones and celebrating family narratives is good for our emotional well-being and has positive effects on our physical health. Staying in touch with friends and family has been an essential part of my mental well-being protocol. Studies have shown that people who have strong social connections and a sense of belonging are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. So, take the time to nurture those connections today. You’ll be doing yourself a great favor in the long run.
Do Not Miss Out
In the spirit of no opportunity wasted, today I challenge you to think about how you can create new family narratives. It may be taking a family vacation, starting a new tradition, or simply spending more time together. The possibilities are endless. Creating new memories gives you new stories to pass down and cherish for future generations.
The Wrap Up
Digital Hugs and Family Narratives Day is a day to celebrate the connections we have with our loved ones and the stories that define us. As entrepreneurs, it’s important to remember that there is more to life than work. Taking care of our emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of our physical health. So, take the time to reach out to your loved ones, reflect on your family narratives, and create new memories today. After all, life is about making every opportunity count. Take the opportunity to give someone you care about a digital hug and create a family narrative you will remember. Be Blessed.
by Brenda The Soulutionist | Nov 27, 2023 | Business
As an entrepreneur, do you already know marketing is essential to your business’s success? I have discovered that many new entrepreneurs still need to grasp this concept. While some of you may have already established your branding and marketing strategies, do you know your marketing assets? Knowing and gathering your marketing assets is crucial to your business’s growth and sustainability. It took me a while to understand this, and my lack of understanding cost me time and money. This article will discuss the importance of your marketing assets and introduce you to some essential marketing tools you may want to use for your business.
Show Them Who You Are Visual Branding
One of the most important marketing assets for any business is visual branding. Whether you are designing business cards, social media posts, or website pages, having cohesive and visually appealing branding elements is crucial. When I started my business, I needed something to help match the hodge-podge branding I created. I chose Canva due to the free trial and ease of use. Canva is a graphic design software that allows you to create professional-quality marketing materials quickly and easily. Canva offers a wide range of templates, fonts, and graphics, making it easy to create stunning visuals for even the design-challenged among us, like myself.
Get The Word Out With Email Marketing
Another vital marketing asset for your business is email marketing. Email campaigns are an effective way to reach your customers directly and can lead to increased traffic, sales, and customer loyalty. I did not use email initially because I did not see the value, and I have never enjoyed getting the many emails I receive. Besides, my word of mouth was working well. I soon learned that gathering emails was necessary to gain, keep, and discover clients. Email is also a vital part of revenue generation. I chose MailChimp, the free version, and only moved to paid when my business grew. MailChimp is a popular email marketing tool that offers a variety of features, including customizable templates, audience segmentation, and analytics tracking. Mailchimp also integrates with social media and other third-party apps to help you grow your audience and business.
Show Them Who You Are Social Media
Social media is another critical marketing tool for your business. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formally known as Twitter), and YouTube are powerful tools for reaching your target audience quickly and effectively. I spent hours posting everywhere and became overwhelmed until I learned about batching and social media posting software. I chose Vista Social because it offered a lifetime deal at an affordable price at the time of purchase. Vista Social is a social media planner that helps you create and schedule social media posts, track analytics, and manage your social media accounts all in one place. With Vista Social, you can stay on top of your social media game without spending all day on your phone or computer. It is one of my favorite time-saving assets.
Get Your Finances In Order Use SCORE.org Templates
One often overlooked marketing asset is financial templates. Understanding your business’s finances is essential to its long-term success. I was using spreadsheets I created and pen and paper when I started. I quickly learned there was no need to reinvent the wheel. Resources like SCORE.org offer a wide variety of financial templates, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections. These templates can help you track your financial health, plan for the future, and make informed business decisions.
Finally, Do Your Research
The best part is that there are many software and tools besides the one I listed waiting to be discovered. Do yourself a favor and research to find the right tools for you and your business. Knowing and gathering your marketing assets is essential for your business’s growth and longevity. With tools like Canva, Mailchimp, Vista Social, and SCORE.org‘s financial templates, you can create stunning visual branding, effective email campaigns, and a strong social media presence. Additionally, you can gain access to valuable training and community support when you join The Soulutionist Portal an affordable paid group coaching for passionate entrepreneurs hosted on Convene Communities, the Platform with a purpose that anyone can join for free. Don’t waste any opportunities, and start building your marketing assets today to live your best life NOW!
by Brenda The Soulutionist | Nov 25, 2023 | Business
Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are two of the year’s biggest shopping days. These two days are essential for small business owners to bring in revenue and boost their bottom line. However, if you have yet to plan for these events or this holiday season sales, you may miss out on significant opportunities to increase your revenue. I used to miss out on events like this simply because I did not know about them. As we move into 2024, it is critical to start thinking about your selling specials and overall marketing strategies. In this article, we’ll discuss the things you need to consider to succeed during Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or any special sales event with a bit of pre-planning as you move into the new year and beyond.
Start Planning Early
The earlier you begin to plan, the better. Start by creating a list of products or services you want to promote and the best ways to market them. Consider your target audience’s channels, such as email, social media, or paid advertising. Decide what promotions or discounts you will offer and how to showcase them. Tie your sales events to holidays or significant milestones in your business or personal life. I love doing offers for my birthday. I will turn sixty-one this year, so I plan to have discounted strategy sessions in December to commemorate my memorable day.
Utilize Social Media
Social media is your best ally when it comes to marketing for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or any special selling event. With artificial intelligence (AI) integrated into almost every program nowadays, content creation is a breeze. For entrepreneurs and small businesses with limited budgets, using AI in your marketing is an excellent way to save and make money. With or without AI, create a social media plan in advance to create content and schedule posts. Implement social media ads to drive traffic to your website or physical store to promote events and sales. Share teasers, sneak peeks, and exclusive deals with your followers on social media to ramp up the excitement.
Make Your Website and Landing Pages User-Friendly
Your website will be the first point of contact for many potential customers. Ensure it’s user-friendly, visually appealing, easy to navigate, and the links work. Create unique landing pages for promotions or discounts to highlight your best deals. Review and update your website when needed. Removing outdated offers, fixing broken links, and periodic maintenance is critical to making your band stand out. Remember, you want to make a great first impression and generate traffic to convert to purchases.
Create a Sense of Urgency
A sense of urgency can help push potential customers into making a purchase. Consider creating a countdown clock for sales and promotions. Use language that suggests that sales will quickly expire, encouraging customers to make a decision faster.
Follow Up with Email Marketing
Email marketing is a powerful tool to follow up with those who may have expressed interest in your products or services earlier. AI is a valuable enhancement to use in your email marketing. Send personalized emails to potential and returning customers, reminding them of upcoming special events like Black Friday and Small Business Saturday and all sales and deals. It’s also the perfect time to promote or showcase new products or services they may be interested in purchasing.
Plan to Succeed
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and special sales events are significant opportunities for small businesses to boost their revenue and create loyal customers. Planning is essential to maximizing the effectiveness of these events so that you can take advantage of the crowds that will be out shopping during national events and your pre-announced events for your company. Consider the five tips discussed in this article to plan, strategize, and execute your Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or any other sales plan. AI can increase your productivity, saving you time and money. Remember, the earlier you plan, the better chance you have of standing out amidst your competition and succeeding during these annual and special events you plan. Want more guidance on how to prepare your business for success gain knowledge, and make connections? Get information to Join the Soulutionist Portal group coaching, where entrepreneurs close the gap between desire and reality to grow their businesses.
by Brenda The Soulutionist | Nov 20, 2023 | Mental Health, Veterans
The holiday season can bring joy and happiness, but for individuals like me with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it can also be a time of increased stress and triggers. Having strategies for compassionate care for yourself and others can ease tensions that often occur during the holidays. I am not a doctor; you should seek a professional for medical and mental health advice. However, when family, friends, and co-workers educate themselves, they can become a fantastic support system and reduce holiday-related stress for those of us dealing with PTSD in addition to our professional support teams.
Taking time to understand the unique challenges faced by those with PTSD during this time is crucial. In this article, we will explore different factors I have experienced since my PTSD diagnosis and provide ten actionable and positive mental health tips to help individuals manage their stress levels effectively. I have used each of them occasionally to enjoy the holiday season with those I care about. Remember, you are not alone, and by taking proactive steps, you can navigate the holiday season with confidence and self-care if you keep an open mind and allow others to assist you as well.
1. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about PTSD and its triggers. Understand that holiday-related stress may intensify symptoms and identify specific triggers that affect you personally. Please do not assume the people in your circle understand the effects of PTSD and how it affects you. Create learning opportunities before the holidays that will enhance your relationships and reduce everyone’s stress.
2. Seek Support: Ask for and seek support. It is a sign of strength. Connect with trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can offer understanding and empathy. I am a member of the I-Inspire House on Clubhouse, which meets every Sunday at 3:00 pm EST. I can share and learn from others in a safe environment. Sharing your experiences with others who have similar struggles can provide validation and comfort.
3. Set Boundaries: Prioritize your well-being by setting clear boundaries. Communicate your needs and limitations to loved ones, letting them know what you are comfortable with during social gatherings or events. Allow them to set boundaries as well. Everyone may not be prepared to provide the support you require.
4. Practice Self-Care: Incorporate self-care activities into your routine. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, taking walks in nature, or practicing mindfulness meditation.
5. Deep Breathing Exercises: When feeling overwhelmed, practice deep breathing exercises. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This technique can help calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety.
6. Avoid Triggers: Identify potential triggers and plan accordingly. If certain situations or environments exacerbate your symptoms, consider avoiding or modifying them to minimize stress when those around you know your triggers; they can be allies in helping you manage them.
7. Create a Professional Support Network: Reach out to mental health professionals experienced in working with PTSD patients. They can provide guidance on coping strategies and help develop a personalized plan to manage holiday-related stress.
8. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for consistent and quality sleep. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and avoid stimulants before bed. Sufficient rest can significantly impact your overall well-being and ability to manage stress.
9. Practice Mindfulness: Stay present in the moment and practice mindfulness techniques. Engage your senses, focus on your surroundings, and engage in activities that anchor you to the present, such as deep breathing or grounding exercises.
10. Maintain Healthy Habits: Focus on maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Incorporate regular physical exercise, eat nutritious meals, and avoid excessive alcohol or substance use, as they can worsen symptoms and disrupt sleep patterns.
Remember, healing takes time, and being kind to yourself and those wanting to support you is essential. Asking for help is not a weakness. Advocating for yourself is a sign of strength. Strategies for compassionate care may require additional support; consider contacting professional resources like therapists, helplines, or organizations specializing in PTSD. Help is available twenty-four hours a day. If at any time you feel like harming yourself, call the National Crisis Hotline at 988 – Veterans Press 1. You are not alone; there is hope for a brighter holiday season and future.
by Brenda The Soulutionist | Nov 14, 2023 | Wellness
Happy Motivation Monday! Are you struggling to get up and get moving on this fine day? You’re not alone. Finding the motivation to start your day right can be challenging, especially if you’re feeling groggy or stagnant. However, incorporating some form of exercise or movement into your daily routine can make all the difference. Not only does it improve your physical health, but it also has incredible benefits for your mental and emotional well-being. In this article, we’ll explore five (5) simple ways to get moving and start your day off on the right foot.
Random Dancing
Dance is one of the simplest and most fun ways to get moving. Dancing is one of my personal favorites because you don’t need to be a dancer or have any skills to do it. Put on some good music and let your body move to the rhythm. Even if you rushed to get out of the door, take a minute to let loose. Freely moving your body to a fantastic beat can release tension in your mind and body and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Yoga or Meditation
Maximize the benefits of movement by incorporating mindfulness and stretching into your daily routine. Whether you prefer yoga, meditation, or a combination of both, taking just a few minutes to center yourself can profoundly affect your overall well-being. Even a short, simple practice can set the tone for a calm and focused day ahead.
Walking
Walking is one of the most straightforward and accessible forms of exercise. You don’t have to be a marathon runner to enjoy the benefits of a good walk. Whether a quick stroll around the block or a longer walk to work, moving your body in the fresh air and sunshine can improve your mood, energy levels, and focus. I often take time to pray during my daily walks. Praying while walking is a great way to incorporate spiritual practice while moving and a great mood booster.
Workout Routine
If you’re looking for a more structured approach, incorporating a workout routine is a great way to challenge your body and improve your fitness level. Even if you don’t have time or access to a gym to run a great workout, a simple routine consisting of push-ups, sit-ups, squats, or any exercise that gets your heart pumping should suffice. Make it fun by doing it with upbeat music. If the gym is not your cup of tea, create or watch a workout online that you can do at home.
Make use of Available Resources
One of the biggest challenges to sticking to a daily routine is the need for more accountability in the form of a partner or fitness group. Luckily, plenty of online resources offer support, motivation, and guidance for incorporating movement into your daily routine. Check out the Soulutionist Portal. It is the complete solution for your motivational support, with expert mentors who can guide you through daily challenges and a community of like-minded people to support you and keep you on track.
Consider This
Incorporating movement into your daily routine can seem challenging, but it doesn’t need to be. Whether you choose to dance, walk, workout, or meditate, the important thing is to find something that works for you and that you enjoy. Remember, a daily routine that includes movement is a great way to improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Don’t hesitate to try one of the ways mentioned and get moving to kickstart your day. Let’s make the best of now and live our best life starting today. Give yourself the gift of movement and feel the benefits unfold over time. I hope this post motivates you to prioritize yourself and your health in your daily routine. If you need help, join The Soulutionist Portal. Cheers to a happy, healthy, and productive day ahead!
