Harnessing Intuition: 6 Compelling Reasons to Trust Your Gut for Entrepreneurial Success

The decisions an entrepreneur must make are numerous daily. The choices can be overwhelming, From deciding which idea to pursue to hiring new employees and even setting your company’s vision and mission. While there is no one recipe for achieving success in entrepreneurship, trusting your gut can be of great help. Trusting your gut means following your instincts, relying on your intuition, and making decisions based on your inner voice. Here are some reasons why trusting your gut can be vital in achieving your success as an entrepreneur.

Intuition is a powerful tool

Your intuition is a potent tool that you should not underestimate. It is your subconscious mind trying to communicate with you, telling you what you should or should not do. When presented with a challenging choice, give your gut a chance to guide you. You might be shocked by how effective it is in guiding you.

Your gut has a wealth of experience

Your gut feeling is not just a random feeling. It is based on your experience, knowledge, and expertise. As an entrepreneur, you have experienced a lot, and you have learned a lot. All that knowledge and experience are stored in your subconscious mind, and your gut brings it to the surface when you need it.

Your gut is unbiased

Your gut feeling is not influenced by others, their opinions, or agendas. It is all determined by what you feel is right or wrong. As an entrepreneur, you need to make tough decisions that may not sit well with others. Trusting your gut instincts can actually help you make the right decision without being swayed by external factors.

It can save you time and money

Trusting your gut instincts can potentially save you a lot of time and money. When you listen to what your intuition is trying to do, you are more inclined to take actions consistent with your objectives and vision. This implies that you won’t squander time or money on efforts or projects not aligned with your business objectives.

It can boost your confidence

Trusting your gut can boost your confidence as an entrepreneur. When you rely solely on your gut while making a decision, and it ends up being successful, it reinforces your trust in your own abilities. This may instill confidence in you to make more bold and daring decisions in the future.

It can make you stand out

As an entrepreneur, you need to differentiate yourself from your competitors. Trusting your gut can help you make decisions that are unique and innovative. Following your intuition makes you more likely to generate creative ideas that can set you apart from your competition.

In conclusion, trusting your gut can be a powerful tool for success in entrepreneurship. It is based on intuition, experience, and knowledge and can help you make unbiased decisions supporting your objectives and vision. You could save time and money, increase your self-assurance and make you stand out. So when you finally have a tough decision, take some time to listen to your gut feeling. You may be shocked to find out how well it can guide you.

10 Harsh Reality Checks To Consider Before Starting A New Business

Starting a business can be a fulfilling experience, but it’s important to understand the realities and challenges involved before taking the leap. Here are some realities to consider before starting your business:

Starting a business is hard work

Starting a business is not a quick or easy process. It requires a lot of hard work, time, and effort, particularly in the early stages when you’re setting up the business and getting it off the ground. Be prepared to put in long hours and make sacrifices, particularly if you’re juggling a day job or other commitments.

It takes time to build a profitable business

Building a profitable business takes time, and it’s unlikely that you’ll start making money right away. It can potentially take months or even years to build a customer base, establish your brand, and generate enough revenue to cover your expenses and turn a profit. Be prepared to invest time and money in your business for the long haul.

Cash flow is critical

The lifeblood of any firm is cash flow, and it’s critical to manage your finances carefully. You’ll need enough money to cover your expenses, pay yourself, and invest in your business, particularly in the early stages when you’re not yet generating significant revenue. Be sure to keep careful track of your finances and have a plan in place for managing cash flow.

You need a solid business plan

A solid business plan is vital if you want to succeed. It should outline your goals, target market, competitive landscape, marketing strategy, financial projections, and other key details. Your business’s strategy will be laid out in your business plan and help you to stay on track and make informed decisions.

You need to be comfortable with the risk

Starting a business involves taking risks, and success is not guaranteed. You’ll need to be comfortable with uncertainty and be prepared to take calculated risks in order to achieve your goals. This could involve investing your own money, quitting your day job, or taking on debt or investors.

You’ll need to wear many hats

As a business owner, you’ll need to be a jack-of-all-trades, at least in the early stages. You’ll be responsible for everything from sales and marketing to accounting and customer service. Be prepared to learn new skills and take on various responsibilities.

Marketing is essential

Marketing is essential for any business, but it’s particularly important for new companies trying to establish themselves in the market. You’ll need to develop a marketing strategy that reaches your target audience and helps you to stand out from the competition. This could involve social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, or other tactics.

You’ll need to be adaptable

Businesses need to be adaptable to succeed. You’ll need to be willing to pivot your strategy, change direction, or try new things if your initial approach isn’t working. This could involve changing your product or service, targeting a different market, or adjusting your marketing strategy.

You’ll need support

Launching a business and isolating experience might be lonesome, mainly if you’re working from home or don’t have a team. It’s essential to have a support system in place, whether it’s friends, family, or fellow entrepreneurs. You’ll also need to build relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers.

You’ll need to be passionate and committed

Finally, starting a business requires passion and commitment. You’ll need to be passionate about your business and committed to making it successful, even when things get tough. Be prepared to weather setbacks and challenges, and keep your eyes on the prize.

In conclusion, starting a business can be a fulfilling experience, but it’s essential to understand the realities and challenges involved before taking the big leap.

Meet The Entrepreneur Behind The Cover Of The April 2023 Issue Of MoneyCentral Magazine: Julius Abraham

Julius Abraham holds the position of Managing Director at Direct Mortgages South Coast and is also an accredited Mortgage Broker.

Julius has a comprehensive corporate background in finance and compliance and personal experience in purchasing, selling, and renovating properties. Although he had been interested in real estate for some time, it was not until his first renovation project proved successful that he realized the significant rewards that property investment could bring.

Julius developed a passion for research and problem-solving during his corporate tenure, which he now applies as a Mortgage Broker. The role demands extensive analysis and interpretation of data to ensure each home loan application is written in an attractive manner for the lender. While each application is unique and can pose challenges, Julius finds it immensely rewarding when clients express joy and satisfaction, knowing that he has provided a financial solution for them. His regular community work also fuels his passion for serving others.

Julius prioritizes establishing an honest and transparent relationship with his clients as a Mortgage Broker. His primary objective is to assist, educate, and motivate individuals seeking to initiate or expand their property portfolio to achieve their objectives expeditiously. Julius firmly believes that property investment is a means to attain financial freedom.

MoneyCentral magazine recently caught up with Julius to discuss his journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

My primary focus was to partner up with as many reputable key professionals in the Finance and Real Estate Industry and to maintain consistency through networking. This has allowed me to partner with local Buyers Agents, Real Estate Agents, Accountants, Conveyancers, and Financial Planners. Doing so has allowed my business to present at various events and has increased exposure to a wider audience.

What social media platforms do you usually use to increase your brand’s awareness?

Facebook and Instagram have been the main social media platforms to promote my business. My brand focuses on providing education and general advice about property and finance. This ranges from helpful tips and strategies for achieving goals and raising awareness.

What is your experience with paid advertising, like PPC or sponsored content campaigns? Does it work?

Paid advertising can be helpful; however, “word of mouth” has created the most leads for my business. A stranger will likely engage with you after an introduction or referral from a mutual contact. We are drawn to connection.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

The toughest decision was taking that “leap” of starting my own business and becoming my own boss. Not knowing where a journey can lead is very scary. Uncertainty is a scary mindset. I had to accept that this journey was going to be challenging, not just emotionally but also financially. However, knowing I had the support of family, friends, and members of the finance and property industry ie mentor, other mortgage brokers, business owners, and other key professionals, their guidance and advice has helped ease a lot of the stress that one would succumb starting a new business.

What money mistakes have you made along the way that others can learn from (or something you’d do differently)?

Marketing your brand doesn’t have to come at a cost. Free social media and graphic design platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Canva have been very effective for my business. Fortunately for me, through educational articles and advice from others, I have not made any significant money mistakes.

What new business would you love to start?

From here, I would like to expand my knowledge and experience within property and finance and progress into property development. What I am learning from this experience and the people I continuously meet throughout this journey as a Mortgage Broker I know will help me transition into this field.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I had big aspirations and goals to dive into this field at 110% and give up my day job. Initially, I took unpaid leave from my day job to primarily focus on Mortgage Broking. It wasn’t long until I realized that not having a consistent income was detrimental to starting a new business. Receiving consistent income alleviated the stress of the cost of living and other financial commitments and allowed me to focus on the day-to-day running of the business. I admit it is challenging to juggle a day job and manage a business, however, I have learned to handle my time effectively to avoid burnout.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

“Your rewards in life will always be in direct proportion to your contribution or service” – Earl Nightingale.
“Any person who contributes to prosperity must prosper in turn.” ― Earl Nightingale.

What advice would you give someone who wants to enter your field?

Focus on helping others and being of ‘value’ to others. Mortgage Broking is rewarding as the role allows you to provide a service, to not only write up home loans but also improve the quality of life for an individual. Maintaining this mindset will enable you to overcome challenges and have that edge to propel you further in your Broking journey.

6 Efficient Automation Tips for Business Processes in 2023

Automation has become an integral part of businesses in recent years. It not only helps reduce manual labor but also provides a high level of accuracy, improves efficiency, and reduces errors. The success of automation depends on how effectively it is implemented in the business processes. Here are some ways to enhance business automation:

Identify the right processes for automation

The first step in enhancing business automation is identifying the right automation processes. Not all processes are suitable for automation. Identify the processes that are repetitive, time-consuming, and have a high chance of errors. These processes are ideal candidates for automation. Once you have identified the processes, prioritize them based on their impact on business operations.

Evaluate the available automation technologies

Once you have identified the processes to be automated, evaluate the available automation technologies. There are different types of automation technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), and machine learning (ML). Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses. Choose the technology that is best suited for your business processes.

Integrate automation with existing systems

Integrating it with the existing systems is essential to enhance business automation. Communication with other systems should be possible between the automation technologies such as ERP, CRM, and HRIS. This integration will ensure that data is shared seamlessly across systems and the automation technology can access the required data to perform its functions.

Ensure data quality

Automation is highly dependent on data. If the data is inaccurate, incomplete, or inconsistent, it can lead to errors in the automation process. Therefore, it is essential to ensure data quality before implementing automation. This can be done by identifying the data sources, cleansing the data, and creating data governance policies.

Test and optimize the automation process

Once the automation process is implemented, it is essential to test and optimize it. This involves monitoring the automation process, identifying issues, and resolving them. It also involves analyzing the automation process’s performance and identifying improvement opportunities. Continuous optimization of the automation process can lead to increased efficiency and accuracy.

Train employees

Automation may require employees to learn new skills or adapt to new working methods. Therefore, it is essential to train employees on new processes and technologies. This will help reduce resistance to change and ensure employees can work effectively with the latest automation processes.

In conclusion, enhancing business automation requires identifying the right processes for automation, evaluating the available automation technologies, integrating automation with existing systems, ensuring data quality, testing and optimizing the automation process, and training employees. Automation can significantly benefit businesses, but its success depends on how effectively it is implemented and managed. By following these steps, businesses can enhance their automation processes and improve efficiency and accuracy.

5 Surefire Viral Marketing Tactics to Rapidly Expand Your Reach

Viral marketing is a powerful tool businesses can use to increase brand awareness and generate buzz around their products or services. Unlike traditional forms of advertising, viral marketing relies on social sharing and word-of-mouth to spread the message. In this article, we will explore five secrets of viral marketing that can help businesses create successful campaigns.

Emotion is key

One of the essential secrets to creating a viral marketing campaign is to evoke emotion. People are more likely to share content that makes them feel something – whether it’s happiness, anger, or surprise. For example, a heartwarming video about a dog who overcomes adversity is more likely to be shared than a dry product advertisement. By tapping into emotions, businesses can create content that resonates with their audience and increases the chances of it going viral.

Keep it simple

Another critical element of viral marketing is simplicity. Complex or confusing messages are less likely to be shared, as people often do not have the time or energy to decipher them. To create a successful viral marketing campaign, businesses should focus on creating simple and straightforward messages that are easy for people to understand and share.

Timing is everything

Timing is also an essential factor in viral marketing. Businesses should aim to release their campaigns when their target audience is most likely to be online and receptive to the message. For example, a campaign targeting college students should be released during the school year when they are more likely to use social media. Timing can also be affected by current events or trends, which can be leveraged to make a campaign more timely and relevant.

Harness the power of influencers

A powerful marketing strategy that can be implemented is influencer marketing to amplify the reach of a viral marketing campaign. Businesses can reach their audience by collaborating with influencers with a sizable following – increasing the chances of the campaign going viral. Choosing influencers who align with the brand’s values and message is important to ensure the partnership feels authentic and genuine.

Encourage sharing

Finally, businesses should make it easy for people to share their content. This can be done by including social sharing buttons on websites or creating shareable graphics or videos. Businesses can also encourage sharing by running contests or giveaways requiring participants to share the campaign with friends. By making sharing a part of the campaign, businesses can increase the chances of it going viral and reaching a wider audience.

In conclusion, viral marketing is a powerful tool that can aid companies in generating buzz about their brands, products or services. By tapping into emotions, keeping messages simple, timing campaigns effectively, harnessing the power of influencers, and encouraging sharing, businesses can create successful viral marketing initiatives that connect with their target market and get results.

9 Practical Tips to Dramatically Improve Your Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging in today’s fast-paced society. Many people work long hours, neglect their personal lives, and feel stressed and burnt out. However, achieving a better work-life balance is crucial to increase happiness and productivity in all areas of your life. Below are some practical tips to help you achieve a better work-life balance.

Set clear boundaries

One of the most vital things you can do to achieve a better work-life balance is to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. This means establishing specific times for work and sticking to them, and disconnecting from work-related technology during non-work hours.

Prioritize self-care

Looking after yourself is essential for achieving a better work-life balance. This entails obtaining enough rest, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise. It also means taking time for hobbies and other activities that bring you joy and help you relax.

Learn to say no

Many people struggle with saying no to work-related tasks and commitments but learning to set limits and say no when necessary is essential for achieving a better work-life balance. It’s acceptable to put your needs first and decline offers that don’t support your personal or professional objectives.

Focus on productivity, not just hours worked

Instead of measuring your success based on the number of hours you work, focus on your productivity and the quality of your work. This can help you be more efficient and effective and ultimately allow you to achieve more in less time.

Make time for friends and family

Maintaining solid relationships with friends and family is integral to achieving a better work-life balance. Make time to connect with loved ones regularly, whether that means scheduling regular date nights, family dinners, or simply making time for a phone call or video chat.

Take regular breaks

Regular breaks are essential for avoiding burnout and maintaining productivity. Take frequent breaks throughout the day, whether that means taking a short walk, practicing meditation, or simply getting up from your desk and moving about.

Manage your time effectively

Effective time management is critical to achieving a better work-life balance. This means prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and using specific tools such as calendars and to-do lists to help you stay organized and on track.

Be flexible

Achieving a better work-life balance is not always a straightforward process, and it’s essential to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. This may mean adjusting your schedule or priorities or finding creative solutions to balance work and personal life.

Seek support

Finally, don’t be afraid to seek support from colleagues, friends, or family members if you’re struggling to achieve a better work-life balance. Talking to others can help you gain perspective and identify new strategies for managing your time and priorities.

In conclusion, achieving a better work-life balance is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, as well as happiness and productivity in all areas of life. By setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, learning to say no, focusing on productivity, making time for friends and family, taking breaks, managing time effectively, being flexible, and seeking support when needed, you can create a healthy balance between work and personal life that works for you.

5 Side Hustle Ideas To Make Extra Money In 2023

The pandemic has pushed many people to rethink their career paths and explore new avenues of income. Side hustles have become a popular option for those seeking additional income streams. With the sudden popularity of the gig economy and technological advancements, there are plenty of side hustles to choose from in 2023. Here are five of the best side hustles to consider.

Online Tutoring

Online tutoring has become a lucrative side hustle with the shift toward online learning. Whether it’s math, science, or language tutoring, the demand for online tutors will be much higher in 2023. Platforms like Chegg, TutorMe, and Skooli offer opportunities for tutors to connect with students globally. Online tutoring provides flexibility in terms of hours and location, making it a perfect side hustle for those passionate about teaching.

E-commerce

E-commerce has been on the rise for years, and the pandemic has only accelerated its growth. Starting an online store on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or Amazon allows you to sell products from anywhere in the world. You can create your own products or source products from other suppliers and actually resell them at a markup. With the right marketing strategy, e-commerce can be a highly profitable side hustle.

Delivery Services

The pandemic has seen a surge in demand for delivery services, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. Companies like UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub offer opportunities for delivery drivers to earn extra income by delivering food from local restaurants. With the rise of online shopping, delivery services for packages and groceries are also in high demand. Platforms like Instacart and Shipt provide opportunities for drivers to deliver groceries to customers’ doorsteps.

Freelance Writing

Freelance writing has been a popular side hustle for years, and with the rise of content marketing, it’s expected to continue to be in high demand in 2023. Freelance writers can create content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr provide opportunities for writers to connect with clients globally. Freelance writing offers flexibility in terms of hours and location, making it a perfect side hustle for those with solid writing skills.

Virtual Assistance

With the rise of remote work, virtual assistance has become a popular side hustle. Virtual assistants offer assistance to various businesses and individuals from anywhere in the world. Tasks may include scheduling appointments, managing email accounts, and social media management. Platforms like Zirtual and Fancy Hands provide opportunities for virtual assistants to connect with clients globally.

In conclusion, the gig economy has opened up numerous opportunities for side hustles in 2023. From online tutoring to virtual assistance, there are plenty of options for those seeking additional income streams. With the right skills and a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, a side hustle can turn into a lucrative career.

3 Surefire Tips On Empowerment and How To Engage Your Employees

With the different industries slowly opening up after being upended by the pandemic, business owners are now re-calibrating for immediate strategies to achieve their long-term organizational goals.

SKYBIZ, the business solutions arm of SKY Cable Corporation, rolls out some important tips and solutions that will help employers grow both their business and their employee’s morale in this post-lockdown era.

Encourage a favorable set-up

The remote set-up became the new standard in most businesses, employees are able to go on with their daily tasks while working in the comfort of their homes, connecting with their peers purely online. Now that a lot of industries have gone back to their pre-Covid set-up and with the hybrid work arrangement gaining popularity, business owners should allow for more flexibility for employees to get their work done either at home or in the office.

A comfortable working environment is crucial for employees’ productivity, performance, and job satisfaction. Whether you are working from home or back to the office, the physical space where work is done should be conducive for every employee to excel daily.

Engage professional and personal growth

A well-balanced life is something that both employers and employees should strive for. Businesses will continue to grow if their people also grow, hence, it’s important to make the workplace a safe place where employees can unleash their maximum potential professionally and personally.

Most companies have incorporated different activities and practices that can boost the morale of their employees. A shared activity outside the workplace like a Monday morning reflection over coffee or a Friday night sports fest will strengthen the working relationship within the company allowing employees to feel more at ease and closer with their peers.

Invest in tools that empower

With most of the work transactions and meet-ups done digitally, businesses should invest in a reliable service provider and solutions tools that will empower them to grow their business in this digital age.

SKYBIZ is extending its BizTastic BunDeals with its Biz Broadband Connect and BizFiber Connect plans that include reliable business-grade internet connection for SMEs suited for their day-to-day activities, bundled with a three-month Microsoft 365 and a voucher from ABS-CBN Dash or Grab.

4 Simple Ways to Wake Up Happier Tomorrow

Granted, some mornings are better than others! No matter what the mood or situation, you’ll be thanking yourself silly if you follow these four easy steps before leaving the house every morning. They will ensure you start your day off positively and with an air of complete determination and purpose.

1. I am just as good as the person next to me.

Always remember that the person you’re comparing yourself to will always be comparing themselves to someone too. You never know; it could even be you! Although a little bit of extra push and determination can come from comparisons, making daily comparisons to others can be very detrimental to a woman’s thought process. Constantly thinking ‘she’s much skinnier than me’ or, ‘she likes him more than she likes me’ is simply pure negativity. Remember that you are on the exact path in life you’re supposed to be on, and everyone has a different path. The time taken to stop and look around at everyone else’s paths will slow you down on your own.

2. Today, I will be brilliant.

I find this to be very important. Every morning I wake up, look in the mirror and say (out loud), ‘today, I will be brilliant!’ There are a few reasons for this – I promise there is a method to the madness. The first reason is that I like to use my voice before I have to speak to anyone else and embarrass myself with the husky cough we all know too well because the ole’ vocal cords aren’t warmed up. The second and more important reason is that positive self-talk is really important to a successful outlook on life.

3. I deserve the best

I think this is something women are constantly compromising on, and you know what? I’m sick of it, ladies! Everyone deserves the absolute best when it comes to important matters of life! Now I’m not talking about having the perfect espresso every morning from your local brew house; I’m talking much bigger picture! Things like relationships, jobs, and friends. Yes, finding a balance between the three is hard, but simply aiming for the best will push you in the right direction. Settling for ‘just ok’ or ‘average’ should be a thing of the past!

4. Say Cheese!

Smiling as you walk out of the front door can be one of the most rewarding things you can do all day. It can truly set the tone for the rest of your day. The mere act of smiling releases endorphins and initiates a chemical reaction in your brain that forces happiness to conquer any feeling of unease. I find this technique especially useful when I’ve had one of those terrible mornings where everything that can go wrong does go wrong! Even though you’re in a state wherein the SheWitch Banshee from Hell would be afraid of you, forcing a smile will help you leave negativity behind you.

5 Tips for a Safer Online Shopping Experience In 2023

For many shoppers, the online marketplace has been one of the best features of the technological age – you get what you want without travelling to the shops and negotiating the long queues and the arduous effort of getting there. For business owners, it’s a cost-cutting strategy to get their products out without costly overheads.

However, how sure are you that you are not paying more than you think you’ve bargained for? Horror stories of buying fakes and low-standard materials have been seen on posts and other online platforms. So how do we protect ourselves from these possible threats?

It would be very hard to figure out if what you’re buying is the real thing or a triple-A imitation. So we sought out brand maven Barbs Aguirre-Miravalles, the Division General Manager for Fragrances of LUXASIA – the leading omnichannel partner for luxury beauty and lifestyle brands to reach Asia Pacific consumers for some tips to help consumers figure out what they are buying.

Find a reliable source

Most e-commerce platforms have a marketplace where in it is open to all resellers. It is difficult to spot authentic resellers from counterfeit resellers as most would put 100% authentic on their product pages. When in doubt, I recommend shopping at the retailer.com sites or brand.com sites so you can be guaranteed that the products come from the original sources.

Compare and review

It would help to read reviews, but it would still help to compare prices and product details/ specifications from the original brand websites to know what you are buying. Check the source of the products.

Beware of cheap items

Counterfeit items are sold at cheaper prices precisely because the ingredients/materials used to create this is not comparable to the authentic item. We suggest watching Netflix’s ‘Broken’ to understand the danger of counterfeit items. This is dangerous to one’s health, especially for cosmetics and ingestible. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. You get what you pay for, so the lower money you spend equates to the quality you will receive in return.

To further help our readers, we dug deeper into precautions necessary for doing online purchases courtesy of the Australian Filipina:

Always make your purchases from a secure connection.

After clicking the link to the site, check out the prompt in the address field. It would usually read https://www, but if you read “Not Secure,” then it’s not worth your while.

Create a unique password.

If you keep on forgetting your password, get a secured password keeper like dashlane which keeps all your unique passwords that can be generated by the system or from a story of your life that no one knows about.

Be mindful of the information that you provide the sites

Identity theft is one of the most rampant crimes going around, and giving more information than you have to may just be the biggest mistake you can ever make. Standard information would be information on the payment method, shipping address, telephone number and/or email address. If the merchant asks for more, walk away.

Check the shipping details.

Some merchants charge exorbitant shipping fees that can turn a shopping bargain into an expensive mistake. Look to see if they provide tracking and insurance. Understand what carriers they use, and be particularly cautious if the item won’t be shipped within ten days.

Always remember, before you CLICK & SHOP, STOP & THINK.

Source: The Australian Filipina