Tag: Spotlight

Spotlight: Lesette Jackson

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Lesette Jackson is in the Spotlight this week.

What can you tell us about yourself?

I am Lesette Jackson (known as Lee).
A wellness practitioner, herbalist, healer, and advisor, I launched Conscious Lee in 2015. I am also a paralegal with a health and human services background, and I have worked in the medical field for over 20 years. I make products such as body soaps, body butters, body oils, sea moss, herbal teas, and crystal infused candles.
My passions are my family, nature, spirituality, and helping you live your best life!

What were the origins of your business?

This journey began after a type 2 diabetes and hypertension diagnosis. My doctor gave me 6 weeks to make changes. I realized I was neglecting myself. Then, I implemented detoxes (green smoothies and herbal regiments only), flushed out my system, started going to the gym, and incorporated sea moss and herbs into my diet. I focused on what I was putting in my body, increased my water intake, and eliminated things that were not good for me.

What aspects of your background have helped you the most?

As women, we need to feel better and take care of ourselves. Mom, wife, and daughter roles are taxing because there is so much responsibility. Women have to use nature to help us. We have so many natural remedies. Westernized medication is not effective. Black women need to take advantage of holistic options. Nature is the remedy to all, not prescriptions. I push accurate and beneficial information. I also provide a healthy alternative for cures and prevention.

What were the main challenges you encountered at the beginning?

Being a Latina-Black woman, financing for women of color (banks, credit unions); businessmen who do not take me seriously; lack of support/backing; pushback from those who don’t see me equal; those who prefer Westernized medication instead of natural remedies.

Who was the most supportive of your idea?

The most supportive was my immediate family, close friends, and repeat customers.

Have there been any changes in your business approach after Covid-19?

Yes, clients are more conscious of health. People are more interested in alternative wellness options. I have seen an increase in customer interest in holistic options.

What makes your offer unique?

I am honest, and I share my personal experience acknowledging my shortcomings and not hiding failures. I build trust with clients because I have used the products and implemented the recommendations I make to my clients.

Do you have any other passions?

I am passionate about spirituality, my family, and respect for life, all forms of life.

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

I would not have ruined my credit!

What challenges do you see ahead?

Rebuilding my credit.

What future projects does your business have?

We are planning a podcast, a new line of products, and a spiritual Spa.

What message would you send to your followers?

Whatever you do, do it consciously.

If you were to define your business in one sentence, how would you do it?

Authentically balance: mentally and spiritually.

Contact Info

www.conscious-lee.com
www.twitter.com/myconsciouslee
www.instagram.com/myconsciouslee
https://www.facebook.com/consciousl33

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Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.

What is Personal Branding?

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Personal branding.

Brand photography is a powerful business tool. It helps you develop your personal brand.

But, what is personal branding?

Personal Brand
Odette Photo+Art Branding session with TrueDent Family Dentistry | www.truedentfamilydentistry.com

Personalbrand.Com defines it as “The intentional effort to create and influence public perception of an individual by positioning them as an authority in their industry, elevating their credibility, and differentiating themselves from the competition, to ultimately advance their career, increase their circle of influence, and have a larger impact.”

They add: “A personal brand is rooted in the minds of people in the market. Personal branding is the effort to communicate and present your value to the world.”

Personal branding is perfect for entrepreneurs, influencers, speakers, professionals, actors, and small business owners. But, building a personal brand isn’t exclusive to them. We all need a compelling personal brand to make an impact in this world.

Before people spend money or do business with you, they like to feel like they know you. Studies show 70-80% of people research a company before doing business. That’s why personal branding is so important. It highlights your unique set of skills, experience, and personality.

How to build a personal brand.

The aim is to create a powerful brand, online and offline. That’s how we build relationships and connections with people throughout the world.

Personal branding tips

1. Sell an experience, not just a product.

Discover what’s special about you and your brand: your unique selling proposition (USP). That’s the secret sauce that will make you stand out from the competition.

2. Show your authentic self.

Your personal brand allows you to show current and potential clients your skillset and strengths. That way, you build trust with the people that matter. This is key to developing a successful personal brand and becoming genuinely influential.

3. Be consistent.

Choose a niche and stick to it. Create the content your audience is interested in, not what you think they want. Then, get your content in front of the right people at the right time in their buyer’s journey.

Personal Branding
Branding session with TrueDent Family Dentistry | www.truedentfamilydentistry.com

Pro tip:

Your social media must be visually appealing on every platform.

Show the real you with professional branding images that will enhance your brand, do the selling for you, and make you money while you sleep.

Tell your story consistently, and more people will engage/follow/share your content.

headshot
Branding session with TrueDent Family Dentistry | www.truedentfamilydentistry.com

To build your personal brand, you can ask yourself these questions:

What’s your skillset?

What makes you different?

What’s your niche?

What are your core beliefs and values?

What problem do you solve?

What’s your message?

Who are your ideal clients?

What do you want to be known for?

 

Check these successful personal branding examples.

headshot
Branding session with TrueDent Family Dentistry | www.truedentfamilydentistry.com

Final words about personal branding

By serving and helping your audience, you will build a community of like-minded people that value your skills and sees you as an expert in your industry.

If you are asking yourself when you should start building your personal brand.

The answer is “Now”.

This article was first published in What’s Personal Branding by Odette Photo+Art

Spotlight: KVP Custom Orthotics

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

KVP Custom Orthotics

For this week’s Spotlight, we want to present you a company that leads the veterinary marketplace when it comes to custom orthotics: KVP Custom Orthotics

KVP Custom Orthotics
KVP Custom Orthotics

 

What can you tell us about KVP Custom Orthotics?

We founded KVP Custom Orthotics in 1964. KVP entered the veterinary marketplace with the introduction of its Saf-T-Shield™ Elizabethan Collar. Widely praised by veterinarians and their technicians as innovative, highly effective, and a great value, the Saf-T-Shield™ collar set the standard for every KVP product that would follow. More than 50 years later, KVP offers the world’s largest selection of recovery collars — from mice to mastiffs.

Our product line doesn’t stop there. We have the world’s largest selection of recovery collars, quality surgical supplies, and effective patient care products. KVP proudly carries the full KONG® catalog, including the veterinary-exclusive KONG® Blue™ as well as products from the well-loved brands FURminator® and Nature’s Miracle™.

What makes your offer unique?

We deliver the best quality braces, and I will write original good quality content for your website.

What are the advantages of online Orthopedic Braces for dogs?

After surgery, your dog will heal quicker. When your dog undergoes surgery, the brace is a perfect way to help them heal faster. This knee brace enables routine healing and new scar tissue development, which dramatically decreases re-injury risk. Often, your dog will avoid surgery. An older dog is often not suitable for surgery, so you need to consider an alternative method. Likewise, many pet owners prefer to avoid surgery because it is costly and presents a risk of further severe complications.
Quality knee brace = No surgery
It is more likely that your dog won’t need surgery with the right knee brace because the knee will probably recover.
Your dog can lead a happy and safe life.
The greatest excuse to get your dog a knee brace is to be able to go back to being the fun-loving, happy puppet they used to be. Much like humans, dogs are not themselves when they are distressed. A knee brace makes them feel better, right away, and in the long term, and not every dog knee brace will offer you these benefits.

What braces are options available?

Here you have two options for orthopedic braces.

  • A knee brace that is ready to ship and can be at your home as early as tomorrow
  • Custom orthopedic braces for dogs (fitting knee brace) can better accommodate your dog but takes a few more days to deliver. Either way, your furry pal is going to be ecstatic again. A happy pet means a more joyful and satisfied You!

Have there been any changes in your business approach after Covid-19?

Yes, we have become more cautious and taking all the necessary precautions to help our clients. For us, clients are like our family members.

What challenges do you see ahead?

Challenges are never going to stop, and we, as a team, believe in overcoming each of them to make the best of the time we have at present.

What future projects does your business have?

Making better dog braces and try to make it affordable for everybody out there to help out the Dogs because we love pets.

What message would you send to your followers?

Please take care, be safe in such difficult times, stay with your family/friends, and support each other mentally and physically.

If you were to define your business in one word, how would you do it?

Care

Is there anything you would like to add?

All I want is to help out as many people as possible with the right knowledge and experience that I’ve gained.

Where can you find orthopedic braces for dogs?

Mainly, after some injury, your dog off-balanced sloppily sits on one side or tries keeping the leg up while it attempts to run. The reason behind this might be that your dog has torn the
cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).
It is the leading orthopedic condition in dogs. Many dogs appear to have trouble walking, either due to injury, old age, or chronic genetic disorders.
You can make their condition better using a knee brace, which can provide your dog with a comfortable and relaxed feeling. There are several ways to find orthopedic braces for dogs, but nowadays, the online option is the best, accessible, affordable, and effortless.

KVP Custom Orthotics’s Contact Info

https://kvportho.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kvportho

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Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.

Best Online Teaching Jobs

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Online teaching jobs are all the rage right now. If you’ve considered teaching online, this is definitely the time to do it. The pandemic has shown educators that they’re capable of more than they ever thought possible. So many have discovered they actually really enjoy teaching online. So that begs the question – where are the best online teaching jobs? And what are the best companies to work for?

In this article, you’ll learn all about the top 5, absolute best teaching jobs out there. Then, pick the path that’s best for you!

Let’s get into it.

Best Online Teaching Jobs

Online Teaching Jobs with Magic Ears

Being a teacher for Magic Ears seriously is one of the best online teaching jobs out there in 2020.

This online ESL company doesn’t get enough love.

Firstly, it’s important to note that Magic Ears is one of the highest online English teaching jobs out there!

Did that get your attention? Good, because there’s more.

Secondly, their platform is super fun and engaging. Kids love using it, and teachers enjoy facilitating instruction with it.

Thirdly, they have a very flexible cancellation policy. This is especially great if you want to teach English online with multiple companies or teach full-time at a brick-and-mortar school.

As online teaching jobs go, Magic Ears is one of our favorite companies.

Requirements

To be hired, applicants must:

  • Passionate about teaching! The smiles should come through. 🙂
  • Be an English native speaker from the U.S. or Canada.
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in any subject, or be a student actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree (must provide official transcript)
  • Have a 120-hour ESL Certification*
  • ESL/teaching experience preferred

Please note that they are currently holding California residents’ applications due to AB5 restrictions (as are most other companies that hire home-based, online English teachers).

Technology Requirements

After you consider your personal qualifications, you should consider the technology you have available to you.

  • Computer with: CPU: i5-6200 and newer generations.
  • At least 4GB RAM
  • Stable internet connection with: Upload speed: 5Mbps. Download speed: 20Mbps.
  • An “over-the-ears” headset with microphone.

Please note that teachers cannot use in-ear headphones to teach classes.

Application Process

This image is directly from their website, and it outlines the application process with Magic Ears:

When you apply, allow up to 2 business days for processing at each step.

Throughout the application process, there are two places where you can find updates on your application’s status:

  1. The email with which you applied (check your spam folder).
  2. The Teacher Portal

Once you start the application process on the teacher portal, you can use the “Contact Us” link in your portal to easily reach out to Magic Ears when needed.

Payment

The payment system for most online teaching companies can be a bit confusing.

Their base pay ranges from $7.50-$10 per class depending on qualifications.

With the two available bonuses, your base pay can rise to $9.50-$12 per class for a total of $19-$24/hr. Most online teachers with Magic Ears are earning between $17 and $26 per hour.

The photo below better explains the pay structure for Magic Ears:

top 5 online teaching jobs

 

Online Teaching Jobs with iTutor Group

iTutor definitely ranks as being one of the best online teaching jobs available in 2020!

One teacher in our group made over $1,000 in ten days, just from teaching online with iTutor Group.

Imagine what you could do in a month!

Unlike other online teaching jobs, the company schedules bookings for you.

This means it’s easy for new teachers to break into the market and earn quickly.

Requirements

To to be hired, applicants must:

  • Uniquely, iTutor Group does not require teachers to be native speakers.
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher
  • TESL, TEFL, or TESOL certification
  • Minimum 5 hours of availability per week during peak times in China.

Please note that they are currently holding California residents’ applications due to AB5 restrictions (as are most other companies that hire home-based, online English teachers).

Technology Requirements

After you consider your personal qualifications, you should consider the technology you have available to you.

  • Desktop/Laptop PC: Intel Core2 Duo processor or better (no netbook or tablet).
  • Windows operating system: Windows 7 or 8 Internet Explorer web browser: Version 9 or higher. Mac: OS 10.11.12 or above (no iPad)
  • RAM: 2GB or more
  • Internet Speed: Minimum 800 Kbps download, and 500 Kbps upload wired internet connection: Cable, DSL, or Fiber Optics (no wireless connection).
  • Webcam: Either built-in or preferably high quality Creative, Logitech, or comparable.

Please note that teachers cannot use in-ear headphones to teach classes.

Application Process

The application process for iTutor Group is very straightforward.

  1. Apply (very quickly!)
  2. Select an interview time (you’ll be contacted if you pass the initial screening)
  3. You’ll hear back about your interview result quickly – usually, it’s a matter of days.
  4. Once you’re good to go, you’ll set your availability and start teaching!

Payment

Your payment includes a basic rate, with incentives added on top of that.

Performance bonuses compound upon each other each month, depending on some factors, including how students rate you and how often you teach.

Online Teaching Jobs with GoGo Kid

Online teachers who work with GoGo Kid often cite how much the company cares for its employees.

This is why we’ve included it on our best-of list of online teaching jobs for 2020.

Another factor that sets GoGo Kid apart is the fact that you can teach online with GoGo Kid from anywhere in the world, so long as you’re eligible to be hired with them.

GoGo Kid has some of the most flexible requirements of any online ESL teaching company out there. However, it also means it can be competitive.

Be sure that you read all of the requirements and follow all instructions correctly the first time!

Requirements

To teach online with GoGo Kid, applicants should:

  • Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.
  • Have at least one year of experience working with children
  • Have a stable internet connection
  • Be willing to communicate not only with the students but also with the parents.

Technology Requirements

After you consider your personal qualifications, you should consider the technology you have available to you.

  • System: Mac OS 10.8x or higher. Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or higher.
  • Memory & CPU: At least 4GB RAM, Intel Core i3 above
  • HD External camera or HD integrated camera.
  • A headset with a microphone, stable output, and input
  • Wired DSL Internet Connection – at least 20 Mbps

Application Process

The application process for GoGo Kids is also very easy compared to other online teaching jobs out there.

  1. Complete an online application (Sign up + Basic Information)
  2. Schedule an interview
  3. Attend an orientation program
    • a. Orientation Quiz
    • b. One-to-Many Live Training Session
    • c. One-on-One Mock Class Training Session
  4. Submit the paperwork
  5. Sign the contract

Payment

Your payment includes a basic rate, with incentives added on top of that.

Performance bonuses compound upon each other each month, depending on several factors, including how students rate you and how often you teach.

Check out their payment matrix below:

Class Payment Per Class Remarks
Base Pay(Level 1) USD 7~10 based on your credentials and interview performance.
Base Pay(Level 2) USD 7~10 based on your credentials and interview performance.
Credit Score(Level 3) USD (7~10)+($1.5~$2)*100% Today’s Credit Score and Classes Completed Today
Credit Score(Level 4) USD (7~10)+($1.5~$2)*110% Today’s Credit Score and Classes Completed Today
Credit Score(Level 5) USD (7~10)+($1.5~$2)*125% Today’s Credit Score and Classes Completed Today
Total per one hour USD 14~25

 

Online Teaching Jobs with Q Kids

QKids is known in the online teacher world as having one of the most flexible cancellation policies.

Limited Attendance policies require 24-hour notice for schedule changes and a minimum of 5-hour notice to maintain overall attendance fee eligibility.

This makes it a great supplementary income stream for educators teaching online through other platforms.

The teaching style is also different, as everything is taught through games and play.

Requirements

To teach online with Q Kids, an applicant should be:

  • Eligible to legally work in the U.S. or Canada
  • Holding a Bachelor’s degree
  • Certified with a teaching license or holding an English teaching certificate (TESOL, TEFL, CELTA, ESL)
  • These are all required before lessons are assigned.

Technology Requirements

As it is with any online teaching company, technology requirements must be considered.

Here are the minimum technology requirements for those seeking online teaching jobs with Q Kids:

  • Minimum upload speed: 2Mbps. Minimum download speed: 4Mbps.
  • Test your speed here: http://www.speedtest.net/
  • *Cable connection is recommended.

Application Process

Here’s the application process with Q Kids:

  1. Apply with all required materials
  2. Initial screening
  3. Demo Interview 1
  4. Demo Interview 2
  5. Trial Classes & Background Check
  6. Secure your contract!

Payment

Q Kids has an involved pay structure, so see the full details laid out below:

  • $4 base pay for standby lessons (approximately 10 minutes with no teaching required).
  • $1 Performance incentive for each lesson based on family review
  • $1 Attendance Bonus for each lesson once a minimum of 15 lessons are taught in a week.

Online Teaching Jobs with VIP KID

Of course, I’d be remiss to exclude VIP KID when discussing online teaching jobs!

VIP KID is possibly the juggernaut of the industry.

On top of being one of the most popular TESL company, they also offer multiple revenue streams to teachers.

On top of teaching English online, you can earn incentives for completing classes and recruiting other people to become VIP KID teachers!

Requirements

To be eligible to apply for VIP KID, you must have:

  • A Bachelor’s degree (can be in any field)
  • Work authorization for the U.S. or Canada
  • Two years of experience teaching, coaching, tutoring, and/or mentoring
  • Highly reliable technology

Technology Requirements

Since VIP KID is such a well-established company, it has a reputation to uphold.

This means they have some pretty weighty technical requirements:

  • Desktop, Laptop, Macbook, iPad, or Microsoft Surface (no Chromebooks)
  • Windows 7, 8, and 10; Mac OS 10.X or higher operating system (Linux and Chrome OS are NOT supported by VIPKid)
  • Intel i5 processor or higher
  • 8GB RAM or higher
  • Fast and stable internet connection will make a smooth teaching and learning experience. Ideally, a wired high-speed internet connection of ≥ 25 Mb/s

Application Process

Here’s the application process with Q Kids:

  1. Apply with all required materials
  2. Initial screening
  3. Demo Interview 1
  4. Demo Interview 2
  5. Trial Classes & Background Check
  6. Secure your contract!

Payment

Here are all of the ways to maximize your income with VIP KID:

  • The base pay rate is $7-$9 per class
  • $1 attendance bonus per class
  • Extra $0.50 for every class taught after teaching a minimum of 30 lessons in a month
  • Extra $1 for every class taught after teaching 45 classes in a month

 

References

Brittany Verlenich published this guest post first here: https://travelingteachers.co/2020/08/06/the-5-best-online-teaching-jobs-in-2020/

Join the Traveling Teachers community. They’re committed to helping you find your perfect path to teaching online.

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Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.

Spotlight: Soul Essentials Healing

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Soul Essentials Healing.

For this week’s Utility Avenue’s Spotlight, we present you April Gaines: a Professional Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor. She is also a Certified Alcohol and Addictions Counselor through McBap. April has 18 different degrees and certificates in mental health, substance abuse, wellness, and spirituality fields. April is also two times over Reiki Energy Healing Master. An Ama Deus Energy Healer. A certified Hypnotherapist. A certified Auricular Acupuncturist.

What can you tell us about yourself?

I have spent over a decade in counseling, helping my clients heal from past traumas, low self-esteem, negative thinking, false beliefs, and anxiety. My passion is helping people develop permanent self-esteem and inner peace through awareness. Teaching them to have innate worth and value in this life.

As a mom of five girls, a bonus mom to her niece, and a grandmother of twelve grandkids, I value family, creating memories, teaching, and learning.
Recently, I have decided to move my career online by creating healing and spiritual courses, serving on spiritual panels as a speaker, and speaking on webinars, masterminds, and podcasts.
I want to help heal as many souls as I can in one lifetime.

What were the main challenges at the beginning?

Getting visible online. Getting out there and getting people to know about my business is the most difficult.

Who was the most supportive of your idea?

My daughters, other close friends, past clients, and even current clients are the most supportive of my business ideas.

What is the main target audience of your business?

My main audience is people who are tired of feeling depressed, anxious and who want to change. Who wants to be free from negative thinking and want to have inner peace and self-esteem that is permanent.

What makes your offer unique?

I have a unique way of explaining the ideas and concepts I teach in a way that is easy to apply and creates permanent change in the lives of the people I work with.

Do you have any other passions?

I have spent over 20 years on a life journey gaining as much knowledge and wisdom about the human mind, self-esteem, and spirituality. A psychic-medium, a hypnotherapist, an energy healer, and an auricular acupuncturist, I also have special certificates and training in addiction, and am really good at helping people learn to understand addiction and stay sober.

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

I’m not sure that I would do much differently in my life as I believe everything that has happened in my life was part of the divine plan and needed to happen to become the person I am today.

What future projects does your business have?

I have developed two courses at this time. One on permanent self-esteem. One on tarot card mastery. I plan on making a course on changing your core beliefs. Then, one on what is the psychic ability and maybe one on talking to people on the other side. I intend to write a few books as well in my time. My ultimate goal is to have these courses on Udemy and Teachable. Then, to take my story and teachings and begin speaking for a living so that I may help to heal as many people as I can in one lifetime.

What challenges do you see ahead of you?

My challenges right now are to get out there and to get noticed.

What message would you send to your followers?

I want everyone to know that you do not have to live with depression, anxiety, negative thoughts, low self-esteem. You have permanent worth just because. You can have inner peace and be free.

Define your business in one sentence.

My business: Soul Essentials Healing – The Self-Improvement Journey. Learn how to heal your soul and have permanent self-esteem and inner peace.

 

Contact Info

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Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.

Never Split the Difference, by Chris Voss

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

This week, I finished reading Never Split the Difference, Negotiating As If Your Life Depended on it. Written by former FBI lead international kidnapping negotiator, Chris Voss, it was a fascinating read on how to add emotional intelligence and empathy into the negotiation process.

I totally recommend it.

You can use the techniques outlined in the book for negotiations and everyday life: in business, at home, or when you ask for a raise or a new position.

 

Chris Voss, Never Split the Difference
Chris Voss, Never Split the Difference

Important Takeaways From the Book

Become a Mirror

Mirroring is magical. 

“Repeat the last three words (or the critical one to three words) of what someone has just said because we fear what is different and find comfort in similarity. “

The five steps of mirroring are:

  1. Use the late-night FM DJ voice– keep it calm and slow. Use this selectively to make a point. When done correctly, the late-night FM DJ voice creates an aura of authority and trust without making the other party defensive.
  2. Start with phrases like, “I’m sorry…”
  3. Mirror
  4. Use silence effectively
  5. Repeat.

Don’t Feel Their Pain, Label It.

Tactical empathy is understanding the other party’s feelings and mindset and hearing what is behind those feelings to increase your influence. 

Labeling is validating someone’s emotion by acknowledging it. First, you need to detect the other party’s emotional state and then highlight the feeling by labeling it. You can phrase a label as statements or questions. 

  • “It seems/looks/sounds like…”

People’s emotions have a “presenting” behavior (what we can see and hear) and the “underlying” feeling (the motivation behind the behavior).

Address those underlying emotions by labeling them. If you are labeling a negative emotion, you diffuse it. If it’s positive, you reinforce it. 

Beware “Yes”—Master “No”

A “No” can be an excellent opportunity to clarify what you want by eliminating what you don’t want.

“No” can often mean:

  • I am not yet ready to agree;
  • I don’t understand;
  • You make me feel uncomfortable;
  • I’d prefer to talk to someone else.
  • I can’t afford it;
  • I need more information;

A “No” can allow real issues to emerge. It protects you from making poor decisions and gives you time. It helps you feel safe and moves the negotiation process forward. That’s why “Is now a bad time to talk?” is better than “Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

And there are three kinds of “Yes”:

  • Counterfeit:  the other party plans on saying “No” but feels that a “Yes” is an easier escape route.
  • Confirmation: generally innocent, reflexive response to a black or white question. 
  • Commitment: most often leads to a definite outcome, such as signing a contract.

Also, “That’s right” is better than “yes.” You can make a summary by combining a label combined with paraphrasing.

Bend Their Reality

“Starting with a very low or high offer, using offers with specific and odd numbers or other such arbitrary factors will influence parties to compromise or accept an offer during a negotiation.”

Here’s how you can do that:

  • Anchor their emotions.
  • Let the other side anchor monetary terms first. 
  • Establish a range: instead of saying, “I’m worth $110,000,” say, “At top places like Acme Corp., people in this job get between $130,000 and $170,000.” 
  • Pivot to non-monetary terms.
  • When you talk numbers, use odd ones: ex, $87,563.
  • Surprise them with a present.

Note: People will take more risks to avoid a loss than to realize a gain. Make sure the other party sees that there is something to lose by inaction.

Create the Illusion of Control

Use calibrated questions to educate the other party on the problem rather than cause conflict by telling them what the problem is.

Here are some calibrated questions you can use:

  • What about this is essential to you?
  • How can I help make this better for us?
  • How would you like me to proceed?
  • What is it that brought us into this situation?
  • How can we solve this problem?
  • What are we trying to accomplish here?
  • How am I supposed to do that? 

Guarantee Execution

Because most communication is nonverbal, you should develop the ability to interpret body language and tone of voice.

The 7-38-55 Percent Rule

The 7-38-55 Percent Rule states that

  • 7% of a message is based on the words
  • 38% comes from the tone of voice
  • 55% from body language and face.

The Rule of Three: get the other party to agree to the same thing three times in the same conversation. 

The Pinocchio Effect: a Harvard Business School study found that, on average, liars use more words than those telling the truth. They also tend to use more third-person pronouns.

The Chris Discount: use your name to create a sense of “forced empathy” and make the other party see you as human.

Bargain Hard

If you’re trying to close a deal, you can choose an encouraging tone of voice, and ask “Let’s put price off to the side for a moment and talk about what would make this a good deal?” Or “What else would you be able to offer to make that a good price for me?”

If you’re trying to win a deal from your competitors, pitch statements like “Why would you ever do business with me? Your existing service provider seems great!” The “why” can coax the other party into working with you. 

The Ackerman Model

The Ackerman Model is an offer-counteroffer method you should prepare before the negotiation takes place.

  1. Set your target (goal) price.
  2. Set your first offer at 65 percent of your target price.
  3. Calculate three raises of decreasing increments (to 85, 95, and 100 percent).
  4. Use lots of empathy and different ways of saying “No” to get the other side to counter before you increase your offer.
  5. When calculating the final amount, use precise, non-round numbers like, say, $37,893 rather than $38,000. It gives the number credibility and weight.
  6. On your final number, throw in a non-monetary item (that they probably don’t want) to show you’re at your limit.

Find the Black Swan

“Black Swans are hidden elements that can totally change the negotiation if uncovered and used.”

Black Swans are leverage multipliers. To discover Black Swans ask about the other party’s beliefs and actively listen so you can mirror what they say. People feel safe in similarity and shared beliefs. 

Final Words

Humans want to be accepted and understood. Choose to be an active listener, demonstrate empathy, and show a sincere desire to understand the other side better.

This book is handy to handle everyday conflicts at work and home. A negotiation is an act of discovery. Listen to the other party, validate their concerns and emotions, build trust, and create a safety net for real conversations, and you will never split the difference.

 

References

A 12-Minute Summary of “Never Split the Difference” by …. https://www.freshworks.com/freshsales-crm/sdr-sales-development-reps/summary-of-never-split-the-difference-blog/

More about Chriss Voss: https://www.blackswanltd.com

 

WHERE TO BUY THE BOOK.

Buy Never Split the Difference, Negotiating As If Your Life Depended on it

Poems of Recovery, by Ananda de Jager

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Poems of Recovery, by Ananda de Jager

Ananda de Jager (1993) was born in Goes, the Netherlands. In 2020, she published her first poetry book: Poems of Recovery. After getting amenorrhea in 2018, she went on a spiritual healing journey, facing her inner demons and having a strong calling to inspire others.

Ananda now lives in Brussels, Belgium, where she wrote her first book. For this week’s Utility Avenue’s Spotlight, we bring you her inspiring story of self-discovery.

 

Poems of Recovery, by Ananda de Jager
Photo Credit: Nicholas Fotiadis

  • Who is Ananda de Jager?

Hello! Ananda is a 26-year-old girl living in Brussels, heading from the Netherlands. I’m a sister, a daughter, a friend, a colleague, a volunteer, and now also a poet/writer. 😊

  • How did it all begin?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with food and my emotions. For me, this was always present, but I never saw it as an issue. However, when I lost my period, I realized that this was a clear sign of my body that something was wrong. Further, I had many other symptoms of an eating disorder. Looking back, losing my period was the best thing that could have happened. Otherwise, I would not have worked on my underlying issues. Hence, I decided I wanted it back and began looking at my patterns, my motives. While doing so, I shared many poems and quotes on Instagram (made by other people) and got a lot of positive replies. Then, in the summer of 2019, I decided to start writing poems myself.

  • What helped you the most to become an author?

My problems (laughs). No, what helped me the most was that it was very healing in itself. Writing down your thoughts makes you go through them, and reading them back helps you to see how far you’ve come. Also, the work of other poets inspired me a lot. My goal is also to help other people so that I had in the back of my mind when writing.

  • What were the main challenges while writing the book?

The writing process was honestly quite smooth. It felt very natural to me, and I put my full heart into it. The biggest challenges came actually when it was published – sharing my story, doing interviews, shoots. Really being out there when I was not fully at ease with my body yet, despite having written a book about recovery.

  • Who was the most supportive of your journey?

For sure, my parents. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for parents to have a kid that struggles and does not allow you to help them. They were always there, did nothing wrong, and supported me in every way possible. I love them with all my heart.

  • Who is your book for?

Initially, it was for anyone struggling with an eating disorder, but I learned that even people who did not struggle with it greatly enjoyed it. For example, one reader came to me saying he had never faced eating issues himself or known anyone with such issues, but reading the poems gave him some insights on what it is like. That was really touching.

  • How have readers reacted to your book?

The responses have been better than I could have imagined. Everyone has been extremely kind, asking questions, saying how it helped them or which poems they liked. It was especially interesting to hear from people close to me how they experienced the period.

  • Do you have any other passions?

Yes! I love meeting new people, traveling, volunteering, and riding my motorbike. Next to that, I do pole dancing and weight training. I love being busy and challenging myself. I also really love trying new things and self-development. 

  • If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

I believe everything I did brought me exactly to where I am now. I don’t think I would have done anything differently. It’s easy to say I would have solved my issues sooner or I would have been kinder to myself sooner, but in the end, all the steps were needed to be where I am today. I do wish that I did not hurt certain people in the process of me hurting myself through my behavior. No one deserves to be hurt, but I have also been the villain in some people’s stories. 

  • What future projects do you have?

For the moment, I am focusing fully on this book and helping others. I am writing for a project about Brussels’ lockdown, which is a really nice collaboration. Perhaps I will write a second book. I also collaborate more with different artists, which is a nice way of expressing myself.

  • What message would you send to your readers?

Be kinder to yourself. You only have one life in this body and have to be with yourself for the rest of your life. You might as well make it worthwhile! 

  • Can you tell me the essential idea of the book in one sentence?

To help other people in their healing process by sharing my experience with recovering from amenorrhea (the absence of your period) and my eating disorder.

  • Is there anything you would like to add?

If anyone wants to know more, see more work or order the book, they can check out my website anandadejager.com. Find me on Instagram @anandaaaa or @poemsofrecovery. I try to answer messages as fast as kind. And don’t forget to add joy to your life, dance! 😊 

 

Poems of Recovery, by Ananda de Jager Poems of Recovery cover

 

Ananda de Jager’s Contact Info

Instagram: @anandaaaa

Poems of Recovery, by Ananda de Jager
Where to Buy the Book

_______________________________________
Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.

Spotlight: Wandalyn Tan

Posted on by Odette Fernandez

Caltan Training and Consultancy with Wandalyn Tan

Without clarity of  purpose, passion & career direction, you may be feeling lost, unfulfilled & unhappy with your life and career. For this week’s Utility Avenue’s Spotlight, we bring you Wandalyn Tan, who can help you build a life & career that you love that is meaningful & rewarding. Her life mission is to help others live happier lives.

If you want to know more about her, feel free to read her Spotlight, and contact her.

Caltan Training and Consultancy
Caltan Training and Consultancy with Wandalyn Tan

What can you tell us about yourself? 

After suffering from burnout in 2014, I reinvented my career. I am an Audit Manager turned International Speaker, Amazon Author, Executive Career & Burnout Coach, and CEO of my company, Caltan Training and Consultancy.

What were the origins of your business?

Training and coaching positively transformed my life. I want to pay it forward by helping others by sharing simple and powerful tools that work for me.

What were the main challenges at the beginning?

Challenge is doing everything on my own from website management, business registrations, marketing, content creation, and everything in between.

Who was the most supportive of your idea?

My kids were very supportive of my idea because they saw how training and coaching makes me happy.

What is the main target audience of your business? 

My target is helping managers and women professionals, especially working mothers break through from burnout & build a purpose-driven career & living aligned with their passion, purpose, experience, and expertise.

What makes your offer unique?

I used my mind expertise (as an NLP master practitioner) and audit expertise of 20+ years to find the gaps and offer simple solutions that help clients fast track results. My clients land their ideal job in less than 6 months even during the pandemic. 

Do you have any other passions?

I am passionate about learning. I am listening to podcasts and webinars almost every day.

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

I would be more loving and accepting of myself and stop suppressing my emotions. I will express myself more without fear.

What future projects does your business have?

I am building a training company, specific to helping working moms build a purpose-driven career and living through training and strong community support of other working moms who have been on the same path.

What challenges do you see ahead of you?

Knowing which one to do first of the many dreams in my list and finding the right partners to work with.

What message would you send to your followers?

Keep on asking because help is always available, ask yourself, ask God and ask others to move forward and fast.

Define your business in one sentence.

I am in the business of positively changing lives through training and coaching.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Connect with me on LinkedIn to get a daily dose of inspiration.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachwanda/

Wandalyn Tan’s Contact Info

_______________________________________
Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.